A Healthful Sex Life Just as Important for Women, Research Finds
Most adults have had difficult or confusing experiences with the opposite sex, giving credibility to the popular analogy of men and women coming from different planets. But now, a growing body of research is providing evidence that could lead to an alignment of the planets and a win-win resolution for men and women.

David Satcher, the US Surgeon General, recently released a two-year study citing the failure to address human sexuality as a major health issue. "Our nation is suffering in so many ways because of the failure to address human sexuality," says Dr. Satcher. "While sexuality may be difficult to discuss for some, and there are certainly many different views and beliefs regarding it, we cannot afford the consequences of continued or selective silence."

Satcher's report calls for "a mature, thoughtful and respectful discussion nationwide about sexuality that is wide ranging, begins early and continues throughout the lifespan."

The instant and substantial popularity of Viagra illustrates the importance of sexual function and satisfaction for men. But historically, women's sexuality has not been recognized or accepted as an important aspect of women's physical or emotional health.

"It's time that we pay attention to what women want in the bedroom," says Betty Kamen, Ph.D. and author of a new book, "She's Gotta Have It! Sexuality, Euphoria and Orgasm." "Our culture has been so focused on Viagra and erectile dysfunction that women are saying, 'Hey, what about me?'"

Kamen, who holds advanced degrees in psychology and nutrition education, says her book has its roots in her research on hormone replacement therapy. "Many of the women I interviewed talked about reduced sexual desire," she says. "Women of all ages and all social backgrounds wanted their libido back. I was upset that I had never taken an in-depth look at this topic and felt that these valuable disclosures needed to be examined further in a broader cultural context. There are so many myths about female sexuality, I knew I was embarking on a road less traveled."

Her research has uncovered some startling facts, some of which run counter to popular beliefs. For example:

-- Out of a U.S. population of roughly 284 million people, 15 million men experience erectile dysfunction, but 50 million women endure reduced sexual responsiveness.

-- The proportion of men experiencing sexual problems increases with age, but that's not the case with women. Older women often remain capable of enjoying orgasms.

-- Impotence is identified as the major sexual impediment for older men, whereas relationship problems are the major issue most reported by older women.

"Too often, women still do not have the knowledge they need to lead a healthful sexual life," Kamen says. "In my research, I found that too often, women simply don't understand their own anatomy and can't clearly define what happens to their own bodies during intercourse," she said. "There is also still a stigma attached to women who enjoy sex. But the fact is that when both the partners enjoy and contribute to the experience, it's more satisfying for both of them."

Kamen's book provides perspectives on the reasons female sexuality has been pushed to the background for generations, and explains why it's important that it be discussed openly now. She also provides information about social, psychological and environmental factors that increasingly are affecting not only female sexual function, but male function as well.

For example, she cites research on endocrine disrupters such as PCBs, dioxin and "xenoestrogens," artificially produced estrogens that have contaminated the environment and can cause problems for the reproductive health of both women and men. Kamen's research demonstrates how these pollutants interfere with hormone production and function, which in turn affects libido.

The book also provides information on what men and women can do to offset the effects of many of these substances. Chapters discussing hormone replacement therapy, vitamins and other nutritional supplements, as well as ways to re-claim a healthy sexuality, provide eye-opening information that women, as well as their partners, will find thought-provoking and empowering.