Question:
Is it typical for females to have a low libido post-op?
I am now 10 months post-op Lap RNY, and have lost 90 ponds only 23 more to go. I thought for sure once the weight started coming off I would have had an increase in my sex drive. But the opposite is true. I love the new me, but when it's time for bed sex is the LAST thing I want to think about. My husband is becominmg frustrated. Should I see my Dr.? Is this noraml I am only 33 years old. HELP! — Antoinette B. (posted on March 26, 2004)
March 25, 2004
I don't know if it's normal or typical, but you're certainly not alone.
This has been a big problem for me, and I've seen plenty of others post
about the same thing. Many attribute this to hormonal changes due to rapid
weight loss. Some have said their libidos returned to normal after a time,
and others say they have not. If this problem continues too much longer
for me, I will talk to my ob-gyn about it to see if anything might help. I
have seen some people post about using Avlimil, which is an herbal
supplement, but others say it is a waste of money. There are also some
creams available which are I believe are testosterone based, but I haven't
tried any of those yet either. Please keep us posted if you find any good
answers. Best wishes.
— Carlita
March 26, 2004
I know what you mean! I am only 22 years old!! I have been with my
boyfriend for 1.5 yrs and we met about 4months after my surgery and i had
lost a majority of my weight. Prior to surgery i felt the urge about 3
times a week with my former boyfriend. And me and my new boyfriend, of
course, in the beginning of the relationship was very active in the
bedroom. But here lately.. i don't even get that urgency or desire. I
pretty much have to force myself. It sux! i went to my OB/GYN for my yearly
exam and brought the issue up to her. She said there was really nothing to
be done except to try to use other methods of arousal, such as toys and
videos. But thats not all the problem, i pretty much push my boyfriend away
when he starts messing around... and I feel really bad! I asked about
Avilimil, but the Dr said its not FDA approved, nothing is yet. And she has
no statistics of its usage. She said I could try it, but its expensive
& says you need to have at least 4weeks of it in your system before you
may start to see results.. I dunno what to do either! I am only 22!!!!
Anyone else with more info, let us know! :)
— Sunny4x4chick
March 26, 2004
I've heard libido can go either way. Some say it increases while others say
it decreases for a time. <p>I read recently that studies have shown
Viagra works for women as well as men in the same way by increasing blood
flow to the sex organ. Perhaps you should ask your doctor about it.
— artistmama
March 26, 2004
Sorry, no good answers here either. I am 24 and feel the same way. Went
to the OB/GYN where they practically interigated me, and still gave me no
answers. I asked them if it could be a hormonal imbalance from dramtic
weight loss, they said no. Then they basically claimed I was having
relationship problems, without knowing anything about my relationship with
my hubby! (I was offended personally.)
There has to be some answers out there somewhere. It might take an obese
ob/gyn, to have WLS them experiance a lack of libido, before some cares
enough to help us out.
The funny thing is, if I was still 262 pounds, they would have said its
becuase I was fat, and to lose weight. Now they don't have that excuse.
Let is know if you find anything out.
262/164/149
— candylnd24
March 26, 2004
dido. went to dr. they took more blood and then called and said that it
was fine. Nothing more and no more options it really made me mad. But
this is the second time that they said something neg. about wls. So I will
be going to a diff. doctor if it doesn't change fast. I am 31 and down
55lbs. good luck if you get an answer let me know.
— stacy A.
March 26, 2004
I had WLS on 2-10-04. I have noticed a decrease in my sex drive as well and
I am an OB/GYN nurse practitioner. I can see both sides of this. I can tell
you that some of my patients have used Avelamil (sp?) and swear by it. The
doctor I work with is on it and she states it helps her hot flashes and sex
drive. One of my co-workers took it, who had zero sex drive and now she is
pregnant. So, it's up to you. I believe it's about $30-40.mo and they give
you a month for free.
Viagra does NOT increase sex drive, only blood flow. It will not make you
have a sex drive. Some patients are being treated with testosterone, but it
has side effects (ie facial/body hair growth, weight gain and
violent/depressed mood changes ect..)
I can say that plenty of companies are doing research on this, the rush
is on! There is a clinic I know of in CA, where research is being done.
DRs. Berman and Berman out of UCLA have a clinic. For $2000, you too can
have a work up. They do perscribe liquid testosterone and have had some
success with it. Since it is their bread and butter, they will not share
the dosing. Right now, there is nothing FDA approved for this treatmant.
The hesitation you notice on behalf of you OB/GYN's is that we're afraid of
being sued.I don't know if this helps but, I can feel your pain.
— Kerijohnson
March 27, 2004
In the beginning I had an increase in my libido - now the opposite is
happening. For me it turns out to be mental - the fear of pregancy, the
fear of getting too much attention, and some old issues. Perhaps you needs
to re-examine what is really going on and you might be ignoring it.
— Anna M.
March 27, 2004
I was experiencing the same problem and thought it would improve when the
weight came off but turns out it didnt. I talked to my gyn. and he said
it was depression and gave me 50mg. zoloft to take daily. It took about a
month to see a change but it really helps.I didnt believe him at first but
guess it was depression. Talk to your dr. this surgery does have an effect
on us emotionally.
— loisph
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