Two Day Magazine

We Have Your Secret Sex Questions Answered!

Too uncomfortable to ask your doctor? Afraid your question is “silly” or “stupid”? Fear not! We have some of your most random (and important!) sexual health questions answered!

1) Frequent bladder infections after sexual escapades: What can be done to reduce occurrences and why does it happen?

 
Often, when a woman exhibits symptoms of burning irritation after sexual activity, this may be due to irritation of the urethra, which is temporary and best treated by sexual rest and warm baths. If symptoms persist, a search for a urinary tract infection should follow, which can be caused by forceful pressure of bacteria. If this is the case, appropriate antibiotics are then prescribed.

Preventatively, women should empty their bladder prior to sexual activity and empty their bladder not long after intercourse to wash out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary canal. For those women with recurrences of infections, simple acidification of the urine with cranberry juice, crangel capsules or Vitamin C daily can help prevent some of the occurrences. Most importantly, if symptoms persist, consult your doctor for any further evaluation.

2) Are there any long term physical repercussions or issues with using a vibrator?

Usage of vibrators amongst men and women is widespread and growing in popularity. More than half of women surveyed have stated “yes” to vibrator usage privately or as a couple. There do appear to be more advantages than disadvantages to its usage, as women report more awareness of their sexual health, seek regular gynecologic check-ups and also perform more self examinations. Women using vibrators report a greater general libido, arousal, lubrication and greater ease to reach orgasm. Men reporting on the benefits of vibrator usage also describe a better awareness of their sexual health, enhanced desire, improvement in erectile function and more satisfactory orgasms. Any decreased sensitivity from frequent vibrator usage is only transient and returns to normal with decrease in usage.

3) I feel like sexual health has been boiled down to acronyms! ED, PE, ICP, PSA…what does this all mean and what am I to do about it!?

Education about each of their definitions is not only essential, but allows us to be more informed.

• Erectile dysfunction, ED, describes the inability to attain and/or maintain a satisfactory erection for mutually pleasurable sexual intercourse.
• Premature ejaculation, PE, is best described as any period of time that is less than sufficient before ejaculation for mutual satisfaction.
• ICP describes a very feasible and safe alternative to restoration of sexual health. A painless administration of medication through the skin of the penis will invoke a strong and durable erection without the side effects of many common oral ED medications.
• PSA, prostate specific antigen, refers to a blood test that screens for the presence of prostatic cancer. It is important to begin screening by age 50, or by age 45 if there is a family history of prostate cancer.

4) My husband’s had trouble getting “firm” recently…will we still be able to have intercourse?

The field of sexual medicine has brought men “out of the closet” and a once embarrassing topic has now yielded a wealth of information that allows men to seek diagnosis and be offered multiple treatment options. Gone are the days of few options to improve sexual function. The technological age has allowed greater ease of diagnosis, help to define whether the problem is neurologic, vascular (blood flow), inability to accumulate and retain blood flow, or a combination of these factors. Most importantly, the safety of some of these treatment options have improved so considerably that men are more willing to explore these remedies and restore sexual confidence and harmony in the relationship. That being said, it is important that you and your husband make an appointment with his doctor to discuss his sexual dysfunction issues and the options available to help.

Remember, there are no “dumb” questions to ask your doctor. Knowing your body puts you in greater charge of your health and well being. A healthy body and mind leads to a long and satisfying sex life with your partner. So, go on, ask those questions! Even though it may seem awkward to you, your doc has heard it all before, so be honest, communicate your worries and symptoms and put your fears to rest at last!

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A little about Dr. Barry Buffman:

Dr. Barry Buffman is a Board Certified urologist who joined the Los Angeles Boston Medical Group in 2002 as the physician of the Los Angeles office.  He graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Psychology, and later completed his medical degree at Rush Medical College in Chicago.  During his early academic career, Dr. Buffman studied the early markers of prostate cancer and compared their effectiveness as early screening tools.

After completing his surgical residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York, he went on to complete a residency in urology at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. In the course of his career, Dr. Buffman has enjoyed over 20 years of private surgical practice in sub-specialties in sexual dysfunction, oncology, laser and trauma.