Sexual problems common in women with breast cancer

Health

Surveys have found that anywhere from a quarter to two-thirds of healthy women experience sexual problems. Given that such problems are a known side effect of breast cancer treatments that block hormone activity, researchers wanted to know how often women with breast cancer experienced them.

Dr. Shari B. Goldfarb of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York and colleagues anonymously surveyed more than 500 women with breast cancer of any stage in outpatient clinic waiting areas at MSKCC's Breast Cancer Center and at two community centers.

Most of the women surveyed were being treated with chemotherapy, including hormone-based therapies such as tamoxifen. The disease had spread beyond the breasts in about a quarter of the women.

About three-quarters of the women - 76 percent -- had sexual problems, defined as a low score on a commonly used set of questions.

That rate is significantly higher than what is seen in healthy women, Goldfarb said.

Of women reporting sexual dysfunction, about four-fifths described their sexual symptoms as bothersome. About half of patients said that their symptoms were severely bothersome.

Typical symptoms were vaginal dryness or difficulty in becoming sexually aroused.

The study did not look at potential treatments for sexual problems such as lubricants, hormones, and counseling.

Tips on How to Talk to Your Internet-Savy Kids About Sex

While the majority of 18- to 29-year-olds say they know how to prevent pregnancy, a recent Harvard University study found that not many of them are putting their knowledge into practice.

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Dr. Richard Besser talks with young adults about contraception.

Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News senior health and medical editor, sat down with a group of young people to talk about their sexual habits and their views on contraception.

During the conversation some of the 20-something participants said it did not surprise them that most young adults believe pregnancy should be planned but not all of them are always using contraception, according to a recent study.

"Sex is glorified. Like in TV, movies and music videos. You watch 'Gossip Girl,' and you know they're not like 'Wait, let me put a condom on.' And they just have sex and it's so romantic and passionate," said one female participant.

Besser said research shows that parents are talking to their children about sex way too late.

The Harvard study found that more than 40 percent of adolescents had intercourse before talking to their parents about safe sex, birth control or STDs.

Nevada passes health regulation to allow for employment of male prostitutes

State officials in Nevada have recently approved a method to test men for sexually transmitted diseases. As a result, brothels will be able to hire the state's first legal male prostitutes. Until this latest development, men could not be prostitutes because the state required cervical testing for STDs for prostitutes.

The STD testing protocol is crucial in the prostitution business. It has been largely effective - no licensed female prostitute has contracted HIV in the last 25 years. Prostitution has been legal in a couple of Nevada counties since 1971. These counties must abide by strict state health board regulations. However, contrary to popular belief, prostitution is not legal in Las Vegas or Reno.

Shady Lady Ranch owner Bobbi Davis said she may hire on the first male prostitutes in the next month or so. Davis believes that in these modern times, it is becoming more acceptable for women to legally buy sex. She predicts that being the first to offer male prostitutes may be a boon to her business in this economy (see full story here).

Regardless of whether one believes prostitution is a moral or appropriate choice, it is indisputable that the criminalization of it has caused more harm than good. Criminalizing it has not eradicated it, but has merely made it a more dangerous enterprise.

People will always get prostitutes, but when prostitution is illegal, women who are robbed or raped do not go to the police for fear of incarceration. STDs spread far more quickly, since there are no industry standards or quality control initiatives.

For all the government's talk of "creating" jobs, it sure has done a great job of preventing consenting adults from engaging in all kinds of voluntary employment. People who want to grow and sell marijuana to paying customers cannot. People who want to work as licensed, clean prostitutes cannot (except in a few select counties). The FDA has recently put tons of small-time tobacco companies out of business with its new, unjustified and completely corrupt ban on flavored cigarettes, in favor of cementing the power and presence of large companies like Phillip Morris.

There are many professions that are not particularly well-regarded. Most people do not long for the day that their child takes up the profession of janitorial work or garbage collecting. Most people think lawyers are despicable. Yet, none of these professions are banned.

What Women Really Think About Your Body

Men, it may be tough abiding by the rules of the dating game, making initial contact and wooing women – but one thing to rejoice in is the fact that we are very forgiving when it comes to your physical characteristics! Plus -- most of you don't have to deal with cellulite!

Now, let us dispel myths about what is really important to us, as well as what the potential deal breakers could be when it comes to your appearance.

Myth: Women all want six-packs and bulging biceps
Reality: While most women can appreciate the Matthew McConaugheys and Brad Pitts of the world – when it comes to what they really want, they don't mind if their guys have little love handles or some extra thickness around the waistline. For some reason, our society is much more forgiving of spare tires than "muffin tops."

What is much more important to women is that their men are loving, complimentary and want to spend time with them. Most gals don't want a guy that is vainer than they are – or spends countless hours in the gym. Taking care of oneself is definitely a desirable trait – but keeping things in balance and knowing how to enjoy life is also very refreshing and a big plus.

Myth: Pedicures, waxing and tweezing are just for women!
Reality: Women aren't necessarily looking for a metrosexual, but basic physical maintenance and pride in ones appearance are very desirable. Guys -- don't be afraid to visit the nail salon and get a pedicure -- you might actually like it. Other common female gripes are, "He has a unibrow" or "I couldn't stop staring at the hair coming out of his nostrils!" There is definitely something to be said about basic physical upkeep – so invest in a hair trimmer and some nail clippers.

Myth: Long hair (like Fabio) is alluring and sexy
Reality: There are definitely exceptions out there – but for 85% of the male population over 25 – short hair is good hair! Men with ponytails and mullets should consider visiting the nearest barber shop, unless you are Willie Nelson, because it still works for him (like we said, there are exceptions). Another tip: the thinner your hair, the shorter it should be. Wearing your hair on the longish side when it is thinning only brings more attention to the fact that it is, in fact, thinning!

Another reality: On a societal level, men can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to their bodies. The scrutiny that women face for not having the perfect shape or living up to standards deemed beautiful by the media is relentless. On a personal front – all most women want is a guy who takes pride in his appearance, is aware of personal hygiene, and takes good care to maintain a healthy physique for his overall wellbeing.

Of course, there are exceptions to all of these rules. Everyone has different preferences. If you fall outside of someone's set of ideals than that is not an indictment of you – it just means that particular person is not the right one for you.

Ladies, we want to hear from you! What is most important physically when it comes to your partner? Is it great teeth? A full head of hair? Does any of that really matter to you?

General Rules For Kissing

1. Follow the leader. If your longtime client greets you with extended arms and leans in for a little peck, you do the same, unless you are uncomfortable. In this case, you should smile your most genuine smile, show your pearly white teeth and extend your hand for a friendly, yet professional shake. (Then start praying that you haven't offended the owner of your largest account.)

2. Don't kiss someone you have never met before. It's too much smooch, too fast.

3. If you're kissing someone that your spouse is uncomfortable with, cease and desist immediately.

4. Lip-to-lip contact is reserved for only you and your husband or wife.

5. Be a consistent kisser. If you greet someone with a kiss, don't forget to pucker up to say, "Good bye." Offering your hand for a handshake after a hello kiss sends a confusing message.

6. If you are a habitual air kisser, grazing the cheek of the other person with your own, refrain from making the "Moi, Moi" sound into the other person's ear.

7. If your kiss includes a hug, a few short taps on the back are appropriate, but avoid pounding the back of the other person as if you are burping a baby.

8. A quick sweep of cherry lip wax over dry and scaly lips is a gesture of goodwill.

9. Finally, the discreet use of toothpaste and a toothbrush or breath mints before a passionate kiss with your spouse is always welcome.

The Cultural Rules Of The Kiss

1. The fabulous French seem to enjoy a kiss, more specifically two-once on each cheek-starting on the left.

2. Most Italians are warm and demonstrative and particularly enjoy bestowing their kisses on close friends and family.

3. The Germans are more reserved and considered not as kiss-friendly as the Italians. While they do not object to kissing their family and close friends, a handshake is the best option when you are unsure of how to proceed.

4. Spunky Spaniards like the two-kiss rule, often starting with the right cheek and moving left.

5. When greeting someone from the United Kingdom, a nod and handshake are the safest bet.

6. African tribes show homage to their leader by kissing the ground on which he or she has recently walked. (Hey guys, try this on your wife sometime and see what happens!)

7. Americans love to kiss, especially in the South. It is not unusual to greet a friend or colleague with whom we are comfortable, with a warm smile, extended arms and a big smooch to the cheek. Although, the protocol in business is to shake hands, it is not uncommon to turn clients and colleagues into friends and family, so the clearly defined line often becomes murky.

Honeymoon Packages

Just choose on of the resorts or one safari boat and we will be organizing for you an unforgettable diving holiday. You wish to dive only once per day, or twice or 3 times? Do you want unlimited diving during your stay? Do not worry we will be looking after all the details to keep your trip as pleasant as possible and sure it will be in your memories forever.

Visit Maldives, wake up with your spouse and see the happiness and love pouring out due to the unexpected natural beauty.
Start your life in such a romantic calm beautiful place to make your life calm beautiful and romantic.

Its your choice to choose a resort, we'll make arrangements to provide you with free Fruit basket, Bottle of champagne or bottle of wine free of charge for Honey mooners.