SEX-RELATED MYTH BUSTED

Do you know everything about sex? Think again for the more someone claims to know, the less they generally do know.

Alicia Stanton, a board-certified OB/GYN and the author of 'Hormone

Harmony,' who specializes in treating men and women suffering hormone

imbalances, has listed top nine sex-related myths and what the real

scoop is about sex, desire, and making it all work, reports the Fox

News.

Myth: Interest in sex decreases with menopause.

Reality: Many women maintain hormonal balance and interest in sex

through menopause. And, pregnancy and menstruation are no longer a

concern, spontaneity can reign. Also, they are typically more confident

and knowledgeable about what they want, so sex has the potential to be

better than ever.

Myth: The only hormone important for libido is testosterone.

Reality: Although testosterone is very important for libido and

sexual function in men and women, other hormones play a part as well.

Estrogen is actually very important for desire in both men and women.

Also, a high level of cortisol, our "fight or flight hormone," works

against libido. If your body thinks that you're running for your life,

literally or figuratively, it is not going to be very interested in sex.

Myth: If you're truly in love, desire for sex and high libido should come easily.

Reality: Relationships and making a real connection with someone

takes time and energy. Relationships require as much attention as

anything about which you are passionate. Focus on keeping your partner

and his or her interests high on your priority list and you will find

yourself discovering new ways to connect and keep the passion alive.

Myth: If you're healthy, you should want sex all of the time.

Reality: A wide variety in sexual appetite or level of libido exists.

The way you know if you're having the "right" amount of sex is if you

and your partner are both happy with your level of activity. There's no

need to compare yourself to others.

Myth: If you're connected with your partner, you shouldn't have to ask for what you need.

Reality: Even if you and your partner haven't previously spoken much

about your sexual relationship, it might be good to start talking. This

is especially true if you're entering a new phase of life, including

childbirth, menopause, or andropause, often called male menopause. If

you begin to notice changes in your body or sexual desire, be sure to

let your partner know what's going on. And, remember, communicating

about what feels good enhances the experience for both of you.

Myth: Your most important sex organs are "south of the border."

Reality: Although those places are lots of fun, remember that your

brain is the biggest sex organ in your body. You always have the ability

to choose how you feel and think about sex and your sexuality. The

desirability a man or woman feels about himself or herself is a very

potent aphrodisiac. If you feel irresistible, your partner will find you

irresistible. Passion is contagious!

Myth: If you don't have a partner, there is no sense in having a libido.

Reality: Having a loving relationship with yourself is essential.

Even if you don't currently have a partner, feeling sensual and

desirable will add passion to many aspects of your life. It takes

practice to learn what arouses you and what a potential partner finds

arousing. Learning to pleasure yourself is an important skill that you

can continue to enjoy on your own, or that you can teach to a partner

one day.

Myth: Women are the only ones who have problems with low libido.

Reality: Although the sexual desire disorder known as low libido is

more common in women, it occurs in men as well. Some physical causes

include alcohol, various medications, stress, hormone imbalances (such

as low testosterone), cocaine use, brain tumors that produce the hormone

prolactin, diabetes, and other major diseases such as cancer.

Myth: Hormonal issues are the only cause of low libido in women.

Reality: There are hormone imbalances such as low estrogen, low

testosterone, hypothyroidism, and high cortisol from stress, but there

are many other potential causes as well. Physical problems such as

vulvar or vaginal pain or dryness may cause an increase in frustration

and reduced libido. Surgery or other major health conditions like

cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure or arthritis can also reduce

libido.

Also, relationship issues, psychological issues (including

depression), alcohol, tobacco use, and weight issues may also contribute

to low libido. (ANI)