Category Archives: Women Health

Sex And Intimacy After Breast Cancer

September 30, 2014

Sex And Intimacy After Breast Cancer- Getting the Facts Right

Although breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women, advances in research have led to the development of therapies that have proven to be quite effective in treating the disease. Use of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, among other alternative forms of cancer treatments, have been widely used to treat women suffering from breast cancer. However, after successfully undergoing cancer treatment, many women experience drastic changes in their sexual lives in general and intimacy in particular. In this article, the different ways in which breast cancer affects the sexual lives of women, after it has been successfully treated, are examined.

breast cancer

  • Feelings of being unattractive

Usually, many women feel completely unattractive after they have undergone treatment procedures for breast cancer. There are several things that contribute to this feeling among them. First, many of the procedures that are used to treat breast cancer successfully are invasive. For instance, all forms of mastectomy are invasive in that the breast is invaded and tissues removed. Although there are reconstructions procedures that are meant to restore the breast to its natural shape and size, the impact of the procedure affects the sense of being attractive in many women. Secondly, the scars that remain after the procedures make many women to feel completely unattractive.

Furthermore, the majority of women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer tend to feel that they have lost their sense of femininity. Related to feelings of no longer being attractive, a sense of one having lost her femininity is equally devastating and arises from the reality that part or the entire breast has been removed. Also, feelings of unattractiveness in women who have been treated of breast cancer may be influenced by their partners. In cases of women who have lacked support from their partners, the feelings of unattractiveness and loss of femininity are strengthened. On the other hand, availability of support from the partner works to reduce such feelings in the women.

  • Impact on intimacy

For the majority, diagnosis of breast cancer always results into changes to their sex lives. This happens for several reasons and in several ways. For instance, many women tend to experience a decline in their libido after being diagnosed with breast cancer. There are several factors that are responsible for this. The most important one of them is the direct impact of the diagnosis which sets a train of emotional and psychological responses in a patient leading that lead to a decline of sexual desire in them.

With the reduction in the desire for sex, many women feel that they are failing in their duties to their partners. Feelings of guilt, apparent failure and loss usually exacerbate the condition for such women instead of making things better. In all these, the reaction of the partner matters a lot. If the partner behaves in such a manner to suggest that he is not satisfied sexually by the woman, this definitely makes the situation worse because it validates the original feelings of guilt and failure within the woman. This definitely affects the intimacy patterns of the pair.

  • Painful sex

In some cases, women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have successfully undergone treatment tend to experience general sexual dysfunction. This is manifested in different ways. For example, some women, as a result of hormonal changes and other psychological factors, tend to experience a decline in the desire for sex. This may be detrimental considering that the feelings of the other partner are most likely to be hurt. Secondly, many women who have suffered from breast cancer may experience painful sex as a result of dryness of the vagina. This makes it practically difficult for them to engage in pleasurable sexual intercourse with their partners, thus putting a strain on their relationships.

Apart from this, breast cancer has been known to result into failure of women to reach orgasm during sex. What usually happens is that such women are worried about their bodies to such an extent that they fail to concentrate on the intercourse. Besides, some women have reported that their breasts become completely insensitive after treatment for breast cancer. The presence of this condition often means that women are not able to fully enjoy themselves during sexual intercourse since the breast is a highly erogenous part of the body of a woman.

breast cancer

Breast cancer has a number of unpleasant consequences on the sexual and intimate lives of women. From poor self image to overall lack of desire for sex, affected women tend to experience a myriad of problems that arise from the direct effects of the disease (or treatment) as well as their own perceptions about themselves. In all these cases, the perception and behavior of the partners play a major role in shaping how women respond to the challenges that they experience. The way a partner behaves may either strengthen the unpleasant effect of breast cancer on the sexual lives of women or diminish them.

Dr. Dalal Akoury has been working with women who have breast cancer for a long time. It is the desire to provide solutions to such women and other patients in general that led her to establish AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Centre in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Since its establishment, the facility has been a leading center for cancer patients across the world. Our approach to treating cancer seeks to combine conventional treatment methods with different alternative therapies. The result of this approach is your full recovery within the shortest time possible.

Sex And Intimacy After Breast Cancer

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Facial Wrinkles, How Do They Develop?

September 30, 2014

Forehead and Facial Wrinkles – How to Revive Your Youthful Look

Facial wrinkles

Facial wrinkles and the general wrinkles on the skin will come at some point of time however they can be put in control to keep the youthful look using facelift and other methods.

It is true that nobody wants to look like they are frowning with deep forehead and facial wrinkles. Realizing that this is a great point of concern to many people of both gender and all ages we have purpose to bring this article to help you learn on how to keep a smooth forehead and generally the entire facial look. To start us off it is important to take note that facial wrinkles whether they appear on the forehead, face or any other part of the body are very common for a number of reasons which may including the following:

  • Sun exposure
  • Genetic Aging
  • Common facial movements

As indicated from the introduction this article will be discussing the causes of facial wrinkles and the best possible ways of eliminating them from the expert’s point of view. We will be looking primarily at the face and the forehead wrinkles they can be particularly challenging as you age. This is the most visible area of your face which automatically comes into immediate contact with the public and is particularly prone to facial wrinkle development and because of this many people often make attempts of hiding their wrinkled forehead either by wearing large hats or styling their hair to cover the forehead. The environment around us provides very many causes of facial wrinkles and the good news is that just as we have many causes there are also many ways to reduce and decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles on your face. Reaching out for the experts’ advice will be necessary and I will be advising you on who to consult if need arise however adopting the use of a good skin care regimen and implementing certain preventive procedures can help you maintain a smooth wrinkle free face for many years.

Processes Leading to Facial Wrinkles

Even small amounts of UV radiation trigger the processes that can cause facial wrinkles:

  • Sunlight damages collagen fibers (the major protein that gives structure to the skin). Sunlight also damages elastin, a protein in the skin that normally maintains the springiness and strength of tissue beneath the skin.
  • In response to this sun-induced elastin damage, the body produces large amounts of enzymes called metalloproteinase.
  • Some of these enzymes degrade (break down) collagen. The result is an uneven formation (matrix) of disorganized collagen fibers called solar scars. Repetition of this abnormal skin rebuilding causes wrinkles.
  • An important event in this process is the over-production of oxidants, also called free radicals. Excessive amounts of oxidants damage the body’s cells and even alter their genetic material. Oxidation may contribute to wrinkling by activating the specific metalloproteinase that degrade connective tissue.

In addition to sunlight, other factors may hasten the formation of facial wrinkles for example:

  • Cigarette Smoking – Smoking produces oxygen-free radicals, which accelerate wrinkles and aging skin disorders, and increase the risk for non-melanoma skin cancers. Studies also suggest that smoking and subsequent oxidation produce higher levels of metalloproteinase, the enzymes associated with wrinkles.
  • Air Pollution – Ozone, a common air pollutant, may be a particular problem for the skin, and deplete an important antioxidant, Vitamin E.

Repetitive Face Movements

Repetitive face movements can also cause facial wrinkles over time, and forehead wrinkles due to repetitive facial movements are incredibly common. Just think about how often you wrinkle your forehead–whether you’re frowning, feeling stressed out or expressing emotion. As the elastin in your skin weakens due to Genetic Aging, Hormonal Aging or Environmental Aging, your skin has a harder time “springing” back into place after you make these movements. As a result, your once temporary frown lines can become permanent wrinkles on your forehead.

Preventing Forehead & Facial Wrinkles

Of course, as with all anti-wrinkle advice, the best offense is a good defense. While you can’t fight the signs of aging forever, you can make wise skin care and lifestyle choices to keep your skin looking healthy, young and wrinkle–free for as long as possible.

  • Be Responsible About Sun Protection – Make sure that your daily moisturizer has an SPF of at least 15. And on days that you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, use an even higher SPF facial lotion and reapply often.
  • Reduce Stress – Reducing Cultural Stress™ is an important part of the race towards anti-aging treatment particularly when it comes to preventing facial wrinkles. Reducing stress can decrease repetitive facial movements like frowning that may cause permanent lines and wrinkles.
  • Diet and Hydration – this is a very key component in anti-aging and anti-wrinkle treatments, diet and hydration are the most and critically important elements for maintaining a youthful looking skin. Eat an antioxidant-rich anti-aging diet to help counteract the effects of free radicals and don’t forget to drink plenty of water and also having plenty of juicy fruits and vegetables to help boost skin hydration and suppleness.
  • It’s Never Too Early for Anti-Wrinkle Creams and Serums – It is important to know that wrinkles begin to form long before they become visible on the skin’s surface. Therefore it’s never too early to begin using an anti-wrinkle cream, serum or treatment to improve your skin health and help prevent the signs of aging.
  • Smile – Frowning creates the repetitive motion most responsible for furrowed brows and forehead wrinkles. Be happy and smile more to prevent them.
Anti-Wrinkle Treatments for Forehead & Facial Wrinkles

The process of treating forehead wrinkles is the same as the anti-wrinkle treatment process for any other area of your face. Use products that restore hydration and firmness together with products that lift away dry, dehydrated, dead skin cells, bringing newer, suppler skin to the surface. And like I promise to introduce to you an expert in this line, dear reader it will interest you to know that doctor Dalal Akoury primarily founded the home of beauty where all matters relating to wrinkles skin, sagging breast and deteriorating quality of skin whether due to aging or any other cause is professionally addressed. I am talking about AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care. For any worries and concerns about the quality of your skin, face or forehead call the expert (doctor Akoury) today for an appointment that will not only rejuvenate your whole facial look but also professionally address all your beauty concerns. With her vast experience of over twenty years you will be rest assured of nothing less but the best result. Call now.

Forehead and Facial Wrinkles – How to Revive Your Youthful Look

 

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Opiates And The Risks of Breast Cancer

September 29, 2014

The relationship between opiates and breast cancer has been focused on three important aspects. The first aspect has been what the use of opiates is with regard to cancer in general and breast cancer in particular. The second aspect of this relationship has been whether or not the use of opiates for specific functions with regard to cancer treatment endangers the lives of the patients by contributing to recurrence of cancer long after its successful treatment. The third aspect has been the exact mechanisms by which opiates produce the said effect in the body of patients and what should be done about it. All these aspects are addressed in this article in the sections that follow.

Breast Cancer And The Use Of Opiates

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women in the world. Two reasons for this have been advanced. The first one is that breast cancer is generally associated with estrogen, a special type of hormone responsible for femininity. Since this hormone is predominantly found in women (sometimes in high levels), this makes them completely exposed to possible development of breast cancer. The second one arises from the observed trend of an increasing risk of breast cancer and age among women. There are several underlying reasons for this but the fact remains that with people in general living longer they get exposed to certain health conditions. For women, breast cancer is the common health condition that comes with age.

Opiates have been extensively used in the treatment of cancer as part of modern therapies. The use of opiates is in the form of drugs that are derived from morphine, a common type of plant that represents what opiates are, which is used as an extremely powerful painkiller for cancer patients. The exact mechanism by which opiates (in the form of morphine-based pain killers) works to relieve patients of pain is a complex process. But it suffices to say that the active chemical compound in opiates activates special cells within the nervous system of the patient leading to massive decline in pain sensations. This presents great relief to patients, particularly when one considers the intensity of cancer-induced pain which patients do experience.

Breast Cancer

Opiates And Breast Cancer: The Danger Of Recurrence

There has been considerable concern about the relationship between opiates and cancer recurrence in patients. The concern has been based on the growing discovery that some patients who, in the course of their treatment for cancer used morphine-derived drugs as pain killers, showed signs of the disease recurring after some time. The argument has been that the opiates that are found in the drugs must be responsible for this observed phenomenon.

There are two important things that should be understood from this. The first one regards the exact use of opiates in cancer patients. In practice, opiates are used as pain killers on patients before other forms of therapy, such as surgery, are used. During such times, the drugs are usually administered in heavy doses as a way of dealing with the equally intense pain.

The second one regards the use of the drugs during times when the disease is still in its early stages of development. There have been a number of studies that have sought to demonstrate the exact effect of opiates on cancer cells. It has been shown, with mixed reactions, that opiates do show anti-cancer properties at times and that they can actually be used to inhibit the rate of growth of cancer cells. Although this is so, the efficacy, extent and possible mechanism by which this occurs remains a subject of research.

What has caught our attention is the increasing proof that indeed using opiates as pain killers in patients of breast cancer may contribute to the cancer occurring again in them later.

Ways of recurrence as a result of opiate use in breast cancer patients

Breast CancerThere are several ways in which use of opiates as pain killers leads to recurrence of breast cancer in patients. Basically, this ability is understood by the role that the compound plays in the processes of metastasis and angiogenesis. These two processes are critical for the growth and development of cancer. Through angiogenesis, cancer cells are able to derive their own supply of blood from the existing circulatory system, thus fueling their own growth. Similarly, through metastasis, cancer cells are able to spread to other parts of the body via the circulatory system.

Opiates have been found to enhance angiogenesis by their effect on the immune system. Naturally, the body produces special hormones that work to prevent possible development of cancer cells. Use of opiates has been found to suppress the production of the hormones, thus weakening the immune system and exposing a patient to possible recurrence of breast cancer long after treatment.

Further, it has been found that opiates encourage cancer cells to spread through the body long after treatment. What usually happens is that a few cancer cells may be circulating in the body after treatment of breast cancer. Opiates do have a direct effect on these cells in the body. It is this effect that may encourage the cells to spread and redevelop into new cancer growth over eth course of time.

Use of opiates as part of the standard therapies used to treat cancer is set to continue. On the other hand, fears about its association with recurrence of breast cancer will linger. What this calls for is careful and judicious use of the right therapies in treating cancer. AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center has been known as a leading centre for cancer treatment and management for a long time. We run a range of highly specialized services in cancer diagnosis, treatment and overall care of patients. Our focus is on using alternative therapies to boost the effectiveness of other methods used in standard therapies. The result of this is your overall recovery and wellness within the shortest time possible.

Breast Cancer And The Use Of Opiates

 

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Sex Hormones Depression: Restoring sex Hormones cures it.

September 29, 2014

Sex Hormones Depression; Neurotransmitters: Depression, Anxiety

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex hormones Depression is real. There is a clear relationship between sex hormones and mood disorders in human beings. But before we delve into the topic, it is important to highlight the definition of a few basic terms at this pointSex hormones Depression is real.

What are Hormones?

Basically, a hormone is a special biochemical compound in the body that is secreted by specialized glands and used to perform specific functions. Hormones can be produced either by specialized cells within the brain or by the cells of specialized glands which are located at specific points within the body.

For hormones to work efficiently, they depend on the activity of special cells that are able to respond to their signals. These cells are known as receptors. What happens is that many different organs and tissues of the body have specific types of receptors for specific hormones. Therefore, a particular hormone is able to affect an organ that has receptors that match it.

Therefore, when hormones are produced, they are able to travel throughout the body via the normal body circulatory systems. However, they only affect specific organs in the body, those that have the right receptors. Further, the activity of hormones in the body may be regulated by other hormones. This usually happens in the form of the presence of one hormone either signaling the production or inhibition of another.

What are Neurotransmitters? How do they relate to Sex Hormones Depression?

Neurotransmitters are special biochemical compounds that trigger activity between nerve cells. Seen as messengers, neurotransmitters function by linking activity between two nerve cells: the one that is producing it and a different nerve or brain cell.

Hormones have been known to act in a manner similar to that of neurotransmitters, thus affecting the mood of individuals. Although there are many different types of hormones, those ones that are related to sex have received a lot of attention in the role that they play in influencing moods, particularly when acting as neurotransmitters. There are different types of sex hormones which include the following: testosterone, estrogen, dopamine and progesterone. Of all these, testosterone and estrogen are the ones that have received a lot of attention with regard to the role that, when acting as neurotransmitters, they play in causing anxiety and depression in individuals. So when Sex Hormones Depression occurs by restoring sex hormones imbalances we may alleviate the symptoms of depression.

How sex hormones depression and anxiety occur?

There are several ways in which different types of sex hormones can be used to help patients with anxiety and depression. We shall look at the most important ones briefly.

Testosterone

First, when the level of testosterone in an individual falls, symptoms such as low energy, lack of vitality and low libido appear. Interestingly, the reverse of this process is also true. When a patient receives a testosterone therapy, there is a sudden increase in energy, vitality and libido. Importantly, depression and anxiety are characterized by low libido and lack of energy. Although these observations are influenced by so many other factors, it can be concluded that testosterone has a role to play in helping male patients who are showing signs of depression and anxiety.

Second, studies indicate that there is an association between low level of testosterone and depression. What this means is that some men who have abnormally low levels of testosterone are prone to depression. These observation leads to the conclusion that testosterone can be used to help male patients suffering from depression.

When used to treat depression in men who have low levels of sex hormones, testosterone has produced mixed results. However, the most important thing to note is that in some cases, the hormone has proven effective in treating depression. This means that it can actually be used to treat depression in men, when applied as a single therapy.

Estrogen

The possible use of estrogen in helping women overcome depression and anxiety can best be understood when one considers the normal cycles in women that characterize its production. Basically, changes in estrogen levels take place in three major phases: before menstruation, during the postpartum period and after the menopause period. In all these phases, hormonal changes in the body of a woman cause erratic changes in the mood. It is common for many women to experience depressive symptoms during all these stages. The severity, and extent of the occurrence, however varies a great deal. Since the mood changes that occur during these periods are usually as a result of hormonal changes, with estrogen being the biggest contributor, it then follows that estrogen and other sex hormones are directly linked to depression. Therefore, they can be used to ease depression symptoms in women.

For women who are past their menopause and are experiencing depression, estrogen has been successfully used to overcome the symptoms of depression. Although there are many other factors that may influence the process, the consensus is that hormone therapy has proven to be an effective method of treating depression in different kinds of patients.

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex Hormones Depression

Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we keep abreast of all recent developments in the use of hormone therapy to treat depression and anxiety in men and women. Our approach remains highly professional and tailored to your individual needs. Regardless of your specific health need, feel free to contact Dr. Dalal Akoury for a consultation session. You may as well visit us in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to experience our range of healthcare services.

Sex hormones Depression, neurotransmitters, depression and anxiety

 

 

 

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Sexual Addiction and Erectile Dysfunction

September 29, 2014

Sexual Addiction and Erectile Dysfunction – Facts Discussed

Sexual addiction

Is Sexual Addiction causing Erectile Dysfunction in your sex life? Be mindful of what you watch you could be causing more harm than good to your sex life.

We are today surrounded with a lot of conveniences which causes us to have real time information at the touch of a button and in the comforts of our living rooms and bed rooms. What we may not know is the negative effects of these conveniences in our societies and individual lives. This article is going to discuss the outcomes of certain sexual addiction as possible causes of certain sexual dysfunctions. However before that, let us look at some available statistics in relation to sexual addiction. It is believed that today in the US alone about 12 million people are suffering from sexual addiction. This has majorly been contributed by the conveniences around us enabling us easy accessibility of sexual materials on the Internet, cable television and videos.

Sexual addiction is a serious problem in which one participates in persistent and intensifying patterns of sexual behavior despite cumulative negative consequences to one’s self or others. Like other addictions, these behaviors continue despite genuine and tireless efforts to stop. Many may not think that sex can be addictive since there are no chemicals involved. However, the body produces many hormones and neurotransmitters during sex that produce the same chemical “high” as drugs or alcohol. Sex addicts, like any other addicts, often have a background of abuse (sexual, physical, emotional or neglect, and family histories sprinkled with numerous addictions. The complication and difficulties in solving this problem arises because of the denial and shame associated with sexual behaviors. Despite the variance in opinion about sexual addiction, the acknowledgment of compulsive sexuality is growing, and more help is available today than ever before.

Effects of porn and masturbation

  • Different researches and studies have established that masturbation is perfectly normal and can even be a physically healthy activity especially in the middle-aged men it cuts the risk of prostate cancer.
  • It can also reduce anxiety, and thereby help restore stress-racked immune systems.

Nonetheless according to experts, there is emerging evidence suggesting that over indulgence in masturbation aroused by the vast cornucopia of freely available porn we are accessible today is leading to serious cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) as we will be finding out as we progress with the discussion.

Stress Is Bad for Your Sex Life

This may sound like anti-onanistic propaganda however medical professionals say that masturbating too much is actually a pretty standard form of addiction, which is worsened by pornography. Watching porn creates a huge flood of dopamine in the brain. Over time, the receptors that were once very sensitive become less sensitive, and normal physical intimacy does not produce enough dopamine to stimulate the dopamine receptors. In other words, the more porn you watch, the harder and more graphic porn you’ll need in order to get firmer erection. If the trend continues, men can find themselves physically unable to maintain an erection, much less enjoy sexual contact with their sexual partners.

Besides this, porn-induced ED can create further performance-anxiety concerns, compounding into a problem that is both biological and psychological. This may necessitate individuals to start developing real self-confidence issues like they may:

  • Feel irritable
  • Sleepless
  • Frustrated
  • Anxious

This can occasioned one to lose a relationship quite easily because there is no specific number that indicates you are masturbating too frequently and remember that even masturbating every day isn’t necessarily a problem; nonetheless it’s conditional only if it’s interfering with your work, your social life, or your sex life (i.e. erectile dysfunction) should you be concerned. However in the event that you do have an issue, then the cure is simple: Stop watching porn and resist the urge to masturbate as much as possible and in a period of say 6 to 12 weeks your brain will get back to more typical dopamine sensitivity (though recovery time varies). Remember that some people’s brains may reach homeostasis (or, physiological equilibrium) much faster and so time should be your best friend when it comes to reestablishing homeostasis in the brain.

It is important to note that masturbation as an element that can cause erectile dysfunction is treatable at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care, and during recovery doctor Akoury will tell you that most men will often experience flat line libido a condition that can last for several weeks depending on the sensitivity of addiction. However the effect should not raise any alarm since it is temporal and will eventually soon go away. Remember that treatment will only be helpful to you when you’re properly evaluated by the experts. It is therefore very important that you seek the professional treatment from the experts and so calling doctor Akoury will be very ideal for you or better still pay her a visit at her office at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center and you will be attended to in total confidentiality.

What are the signs?

When one becomes addicted to sex then there is a problem because sex is supposed to be enjoyable and pleasurable to all participating parties. Addicts do not actually enjoy sex and therefore if you are seeing any or all of the following behaviors in your life or in your friends life, then you may make a resolve to seek for help from the experts like doctor Akoury who besides being a sexual dysfunction expert, is also an addiction expert of several years and she will be able to help you overcome your twin problems of sexual dysfunction and addiction respectively. The following are some of the behaviors that may be associated with sexual addiction which should concern you;

  • Compulsive masturbation
  • Simultaneous or repeated sequential affairs
  • Pornography
  • Cybersex, phone sex
  • Multiple anonymous partners
  • Unsafe sexual activity
  • Partner objectification/demand for sex
  • Strip clubs and adult bookstores
  • Use of prostitution/escorts
  • Sexual aversion/anorexia
  • Frequenting massage parlors
  • Sexual paraphilia’s (a need for unusual sexual stimulation) and/or any sexually offensive behavior

Finally having gone through this article, you may be able by now to tell whether you’re addicted to sex or you have a problem with masturbation which is causing you erection problems and distorting your sex life. If this article has pointed out this condition in your life, I would make an appeal to you that your condition is treatable and the treatment process will begin with you calling doctor Akoury to book for an appointment today. Doctor Akoury values your life and only wants to help you live life to the fullest.

Sexual Addiction and Erectile Dysfunction – Facts Discussed

 

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