Female orgasmic disorder: Nature and causes

Female orgasmic disorder (FOD) is the inability to achieve orgasm by some women despite adequate sexual arousal. With FOD, a woman either does not have an orgasm or has extreme difficulty regularly reaching climax.

Women have individual differences in the amount of stimulation needed for them to achieve an orgasm. However, when the doctor feels that the woman's orgasmic capacity is less than what would be expected of a woman of her age and sexual experience, the disorder is diagnosed.

The disorder can be life-long or situational. In the former, the woman has never had an orgasm, either through masturbation or with a partner. In the latter, the disorder is temporary and may be caused due to non-conducive situations.

The causes of FOD are known to be both physical and psychological. FOD is most often a lifelong disorder, which means that a woman has never ever achieved orgasm under any type of stimulation, including self-stimulation (masturbation), direct stimulation of the clitoris by a partner, or vaginal intercourse.

Some women experience secondary, or acquired FOD. These women have had orgasms, but lose the ability to achieve one after illness, emotional trauma, or as a side effect of a surgery or certain medications. Acquired FOD is often temporary and women get back on track once they recover.

FOD may be due either to psychological factors or a combination of physiological and psychological factors, but not due to physiological factors alone.

Damage to the blood vessels of the pelvic region can lead to the disorder.

Spinal cord lesions or damage to the nerves in the pelvic area is also one of the physiological causes.

Side effects of certain medications like antipsychotics, antidepressants, narcotics or illicit substance abuse can also lead to FOD.

FOD is also caused by the removal of the clitoris, also known as female genital mutilation, a cultural practice in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Past sexual abuse, rape, incest, or other traumatic sexual experience not only kills libido but also leads to the loss of a woman's ability to achieve orgasm.

Inadequate foreplay and arousal, lack of sexual stimulation, poor sexual communication with a partner and failure to continue with stimulation for an adequate length of time may also cause failure to climax.

Mental health disorders such as major depression, stresses and tensions, such as financial worries, job loss, or divorce are also known to be among the causes of FOD.

Some religious or cultural beliefs about sex and feeling guilt about sex or sexual pleasure also prevent women from enjoying sex and reaching the climax.

Negative self-image and relationship issues like rejection by the partner also lead to FOD.

Arthritis and exercise

Arthritis and exercise

Arthritis is a general term used to refer many diseases related to pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints and connective tissue. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. It also helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being.

Exercise is one part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan. Treatment plans may also include rest / relaxation, proper diet and medication.

Range-of-motion exercises help maintain normal joint movement and relieve stiffness. This type of exercise helps maintain or increase flexibility. Range of motion exercises can be done daily and should be done at least every other day.

Strengthening exercises help keep or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect affected joints. Strengthening exercises also can be done daily and should be done at least every other day unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joints.

Aerobic or endurance exercises improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall function. Weight control can be important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on many joints. Endurance exercises should be done for 20 to 30 minutes three times a week unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joints.

Before you start, you should discuss exercise options with your doctor. Many people with arthritis begin with easy, range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics.

It is best to find a physical therapist who has experience working with people who have arthritis. The therapist will design an appropriate home exercise program and teach you about pain-relief methods, proper body mechanics (placement of the body for a given task, such as lifting a heavy box), joint protection, and conserving energy.

Apply heat to sore joints (optional; many people with arthritis start their exercise program this way).

Stretch and warm up with range-of-motion exercises.

Use cold packs after exercising (optional; many people with arthritis complete their exercise routine this way).

Add aerobic exercise and also include appropriate recreational exercise (after doing range-of-motion, strengthening, and aerobic exercise).

Ease off if joints become painful, inflamed, or red and consult with your doctor to find the cause and eliminate it.

Choose the exercise program you enjoy most and make it a habit.

Raising a healthy child

Raising a healthy child is not only about making sure that child eats sufficient food. It is more important to make sure that your child is eating healthy and eating right.

Pay attention to your child's nutrition needs from the very beginning and make it a habit that your child eats different types of foods. Do not make him a fussy eater.

Give at least 3-4 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to your child. Avoid giving junk food to him. An occasional burger or pizza won't harm but make sure they don't become your child's favourites.

Just keep a watch that your child has complete nutrition throughout the day so that his needs for growing are met. You may also consult a pediatrician to know how much nutrition your child needs and from what sources as per his age, height, weight, health status etc.

Make sure your child eats the lunch you give him in school. If he doesn't, give him healthy food in attractive manner. For example, make a vegetable sandwich or chapatti role filled with vegetables.

Make sure your child engages in some kind of physical activity like dance, sport, etc. Nowadays there are yoga classes for children as well. The best way, however, would be to engage your child in any kind of sport in which he is interested in. This will help him workout properly, feel fit and energetic.

Proper rest is important for the healthy growth of your child. Make him go early to bed so that he can get up early in the morning.

If your child gets too tired after returning from school, make him take a short nap, which will make him feel fresh and relaxed.

To ensure that your child sleeps on time, stop watching television late in the night. Make sure he sleeps well and for at least 8 hours at night.

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Make your child understand the importance of nutrition and exercise in life. Introduce healthy and snacks, support activities with friends and add variety to the life of your child so that he does not feel monotonous.

Tips on taking insulin shot

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Mix the insulin in the ampoule gently by rotating the bottle between your palms or by inverting it slowly from end to end.

Take off the cap and clean the top with sterilised cotton/gauze swab soaked in spirit.

Remove the cover from the needle and pull the plunger back till the marking corresponding to your insulin dose. The syringe should be filled with air and NOT the insulin at this time.

Take off the cap and clean the top with sterilised cotton/gauze swab soaked in spirit.

Remove the cover from the needle and pull the plunger back till the marking corresponding to your insulin dose. The syringe should be filled with air and NOT the insulin at this time.

Push the needle into the insulin bottle and release the air inside without taking in any of the insulin.

If any extra amount of insulin is sucked in, carefully discard the extra amount outside the bottle. Do NOT inject the insulin back into the bottle.

Choose the site for the shot carefully. The sites can be discussed with the doctor beforehand.

Clean the skin at the site of injection with an alcohol swab. Pinch up an area of the skin and insert the needle at a right angle fully into the skin.

Release the plunger and push it all the way down to inject the insulin into your body. Release the pinched skin.

Pull the needle out and pat the area with the swab. Do not rub the site of injection. Dispose off the needle after use.