The impact of contraceptive devices on sexual life and an introduction to ancient Chinese sexual techniques.

211.

The impact of contraceptive devices on sexual life

To avoid pregnancy during sexual intercourse, couples use various contraceptive methods, such as condoms, contraceptive creams, vaginal diaphragms, and intrauterine devices.

However, if the wrong choice is made, it can interfere with or affect sexual interest and libido.

More and more people are using condoms for contraception. Their biggest advantages are safety and convenience. They can also prevent sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, have no toxic side effects, are disposable, convenient and hygienic. For husbands with mild premature ejaculation, using condoms during intercourse can help treat premature ejaculation, thus allowing them to enjoy a pleasant and comfortable sex life.

Some people experience a decrease in libido because of the latex layer separating their genitals. However, after getting used to using condoms or choosing ultra-thin or ribbed condoms, their libido may increase.

Some men have difficulty maintaining an erection after using condoms, which affects their normal sex life. For these men, it is better not to use condoms for contraception and instead use an IUD or birth control pills.

For wives who have already given birth or do not want to have children for a long time, inserting an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) that can prevent pregnancy for one or two decades is undoubtedly the best choice. Most couples who use IUDs experience a relaxed and harmonious sex life.

However, some women experience discomfort. When choosing a contraceptive device, it is important to ensure that the size is appropriate, neither too large nor too small.

If improperly placed, the tail or string of the IUD may protrude into the vagina, stimulating the penis and causing pain during intercourse, thus making sexual life unpleasant. In some individuals, IUD insertion may cause abdominal cramps, prolonged menstrual periods, or increased menstrual flow, which is undoubtedly detrimental to the satisfaction and happiness of a couple's sexual life. Other effective contraceptive methods should be chosen to avoid disharmony in sexual life.

212.

Contents of ancient sexual techniques

In ancient times, "bedroom arts" referred to the principles and rules of sexual intercourse.

Based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine, and combining the relationship between sexual activity and men's health and wellness, as well as the anatomical, physiological, pathological, and psychological characteristics of men, this theory advocates the principle of regulating sexual activity to maintain health, emphasizing the balance of Yin and Yang, prioritizing harmony, and discouraging excessive indulgence.

Ancient Chinese sexual techniques were developed two thousand years ago.

Centered on sexual intercourse, it is broadly divided into techniques of intercourse, techniques of intercourse without ejaculation, techniques of absorbing yin to replenish yang, and techniques of replenishing essence to nourish the brain, and also involves eugenics and good parenting.

(1) Sexual intercourse techniques include the preparation stage before intercourse, the actions and positions during intercourse, and the method of ending intercourse to reach orgasm.

(2) Engagement without ejaculation: a method of conserving essence by engaging in sexual activity without ejaculating or even not ejaculating at all.

(3) The Yin-Yang replenishment technique is a method by which men obtain vital energy from women during sexual intercourse to prolong life.

(4) Replenishing essence and nourishing the brain: Using the method of Qigong guidance, the true essence is drawn from below to the brain through the Du meridian, thereby replenishing the brain marrow.

(5) Promote eugenics and take certain measures to ensure eugenics and promote late marriage. Men and women should not marry early and must be mature before they can have sex. Sexual intercourse should be moderate.

Pregnancy is a taboo. After becoming pregnant, it is best for women to live alone in a room. If they have sex within the first three months of pregnancy, it may cause miscarriage. Frequent sexual activity during pregnancy may result in children being sickly and having a short lifespan.

In conclusion, ancient Chinese sexual techniques are rich in content, but they contain both valuable insights and outdated ideas, and some of these insights do not align with modern medicine.

213.

The impact of chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis on male sexual function

Cirrhosis is a common disease, often caused by chronic hepatitis, long-term heavy drinking, schistosomiasis, etc.

When cirrhosis occurs, it mainly affects the metabolism of sex hormones. As a result, the inactivation of estrogen in the liver is weakened, leading to a continuous increase in the ratio of estrogen (androgen) and an increase in the amount of estrogen in the peripheral blood, which can cause sexual dysfunction.

For men, cirrhosis often causes testicular atrophy (60%), breast development (40%), and can lead to testicular dysfunction and loss of male sexual characteristics, especially in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. It can cause erectile dysfunction in 50% to 70% of cases.

The main treatments for these patients' sexual dysfunction include addressing the underlying disease and improving their nutritional status.

If the patient reaches the functional compensation stage after treatment and has a good overall health condition, they can generally have a normal sex life, but should exercise appropriate restraint.

However, the frequency of sexual activity should be reduced, appropriate positions should be chosen, and the duration of sexual activity should be shortened to facilitate recovery.

214.

The impact of chronic lung disease on sexual function

Chronic lung diseases mainly include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and pulmonary heart disease. In these diseases, lung abnormalities such as increased airway resistance, inflammation, excessive secretions, and alveolar atrophy or destruction can often cause difficulty breathing and hypoxia.

Data shows that a single activity is equivalent to walking three blocks, which requires a certain amount of physical exertion.

Because these patients worry about lack of oxygen, fear suffocation, and experience low mood, it can lead to decreased libido or sexual dysfunction.

However, if chronic lung disease becomes severe enough to interfere with sexual function, it is often difficult to treat. Here are some measures for patients who want to resume sexual activity, which may be helpful.

(1) Controlled oxygen therapy can improve patients’ sexual responsiveness by reducing hypoxia and alleviating anxiety.

(2) Minimizing the amount of physical activity involved in sexual activity is beneficial for many patients. This can be achieved by adopting sexual positions that minimize physical activity and with the assistance of a partner.

(3) Some people abroad use water mattresses, which may promote sexual activity without significantly increasing exercise and reducing oxygen consumption.

215.

The dangers of abusing hormone drugs for sexual dysfunction

Androgens, such as testosterone, were once popular as "anti-aging" drugs, but now they have strict indications when used to treat male sexual dysfunction.

Testosterone is secreted by the interstitial cells in the testes. Its concentration in the blood is maintained at a certain level to perform the biological functions of androgens, and it has a complex self-regulatory mechanism.

With in-depth research into the mechanism of erection, it has been found that the vast majority of male sexual dysfunction is not caused by a lack of testosterone.

Therefore, very few people actually use testosterone for treatment.

There are many causes of male sexual dysfunction. Repeated, long-term or indiscriminate use of androgens, that is, exogenously increasing androgens in the blood, can suppress the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis through a complex regulatory mechanism, which can lead to testicular atrophy, decreased libido, and reduced sperm production, thus affecting male sexual function. As a result, contrary to expectations, it aggravates sexual dysfunction.

216.

The effects of tea on sexual function

Tea is the most popular beverage in China. It is the leaf of the tea tree, a plant in the Theaceae family. Its main components include caffeine and theophylline, which have a significant stimulating effect on the central nervous system. They can eliminate fatigue, invigorate the spirit, and enhance the body's ability to perceive external stimuli. Of course, they can also enhance the ability to perceive sexual stimulation.

Drinking a cup of strong tea or coffee can increase the body's ability to perceive and respond to sexual stimuli (including visual, olfactory, sensory, and auditory stimuli). At this time, not only does the tea excite the central nervous system, but it also strengthens heart activity. Sexual arousal may be the result of a combination of these effects.

217.

The relationship between adrenal glands and male sexual function

The adrenal glands are divided into the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. Normal adrenal function is essential for maintaining the body's metabolism of substances and water and salt, immune stress, and the stability of vital signs.

Of course, normal adrenal function is also very important for maintaining normal sexual function in both men and women.

Hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex include cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones.

Sex hormones include testosterone and estradiol.

Since adrenocortical hormones are all derived from cholesterol, they share a common pathway in their synthesis and can therefore influence the synthesis of sex hormones.

For example, in congenital adrenal hyperplasia, due to the lack of some enzymes that synthesize adrenal cortex hormones, there may be an increase or decrease in androgens and estrogens. If androgens increase, it can cause "precocious puberty" in males, which is manifested as excessive development of male genitalia, also known as "precocious genital giant malformation". Testicular development is generally poor.

If androgen levels are low, male patients may experience incomplete masculinization, manifesting as underdeveloped external genitalia, hypospadias, or cryptorchidism.

Further discussion of acquired factors: For example, increased cortisol caused by acquired factors can lead to decreased libido, penile shrinkage, and testicular softening in male patients; conversely, a lack of cortisol due to adrenal insufficiency can also cause decreased male sexual function.

However, the reasons for decreased sexual function in the two cases mentioned above are different.