Hey there. Is it just me, or does it feel like summer is flying by? I can’t believe we’re already approaching July. And since SAD can still happen this season, here are some things I’m going to do to help my mental health:
Break out two of my favorite warm-weather items: bike shorts and ice rollers
Drink my hot (yes, hot) coffee on my deck in the mornings
Swap my indoor Peloton workouts for outdoor movement
Make my famous guacamole, sans avocado hand
Eat my body weight in ice cream…because not even a recall can deter me
Stay cool.
— Maria McCallen / Editor / Manhasset, NY
well, well, well...
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Catch up on the latest health news, tips, and trends.
Despite some baby steps, here's what it would really take to move the needle on improving postpartum care. Action speaks louder than words.
The US surgeon general declared gun violence a public health crisis, but will it lead to real change?
Prescription meds are getting more expensive — and it’s not because of inflation.
The social anxiety questions we’re asking ourselves: Am I a “medium friend”? — and should I try “rejection therapy”?
Perfectionism is overrated: There’s an upside to making mistakes and it has a name.
PS: This week marks two years since Roe was overturned. Here’s where abortion care stands in the US.
we have to talk about…
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There's No Little Blue Pill for This Female Sexual Dysfunction
Bad sitcom jokes and endless commercials have probably taught you more about erectile dysfunction (ED) than you ever wanted to know. But when was the last time you saw one about female sexual dysfunction?
Meet vaginismus, a condition that causes involuntary contractions or spasms and makes sex, inserting tampons, or getting a Pap smear unbearable. It can be caused by childbirth injuries, sexual trauma, anxiety disorders, or prior surgeries, and is estimated to impact anywhere from 0.8% to 68% of women (not a typo). Yet, our little blue pill is nowhere to be found.
And why is that?
Many women are misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, or don’t even know they have it. That’s because a “web” of barriers makes it difficult to get diagnosed or treated, says Sonia Bahlani, MD, a pelvic pain specialist. This includes…
The complexity of vaginismus. ED is, at its core, a blood flow issue. But vaginismus can involve a trickier, less-understood mix of mental, muscular, hormonal, and nerve issues.
Lack of research. You might have heard there’s a gap between men's and women’s health research. That’s partly why many providers aren’t trained to recognize and diagnose vaginismus, putting a lot of the investigative work on you, says Bahlani. Meanwhile, “you can find telehealth doctors that will just prescribe [ED medication to men].”
Lack of insurance coverage. Many providers don’t specialize in it because insurance doesn’t cover treatment for it, adds Bahlani. ED, on the other hand? “Way more vastly covered.” If only we were surprised.
Your move
Your pain — especially pain that impacts your quality of life — deserves to be taken seriously. And vaginismus is treatable, says Bahlani. Your PCP, OB-GYN, or pelvic floor specialist can help make a treatment plan for your situation and medical history. That can include…
Physical therapy, which might involve learning strategies to relax your pelvic floor.
Vaginal dilator therapy to slowly stretch the vagina.
Prescription medications to help with pain.
Botox to relax the pelvic muscles.
Cognitive behavioral therapy to help navigate anxiety or trauma that contributes to vaginismus.
ask an expert
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Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:
What key questions should I ask during my annual physical?
FEATURED EXPERT:
![Tiffany Di Pietro, DO](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2F6g4gfm8wk7b6%2F3gP6NQNVbzgrCV9aONjolr%2F39c80924931e9b65995085636c54df48%2FDr_Di_Pietro.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Tiffany Di Pietro, DO
A cardiologist and concierge primary care physician
What screening exams am I due for? For example, that could be a mammogram or colonoscopy, depending on your age.
Based on my family history, are there any additional tests I should do outside of typical screenings? This helps further personalize your care and, ultimately, helps prevent disease. “If multiple family members had heart attacks, you might want to consider screening for heart disease,” says Di Pietro.
Can we review my lab results together? This allows you to talk through anything abnormal.
Speaking of, if you’re prone to peeking at your test results before talking to your doc, read this first.
thing to know
Mitochondria
The “powerhouses” of your cells (high school bio flashback, anyone? No, just us?), which convert nutrients and oxygen into energy. As we age, our mitochondria become less efficient, leading to an overall decrease in energy.
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well spent
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We're sharing our favorite products to help you live a healthier life.
When you want an eco-conscious alternative for something you replace every three months…
Try these toothbrush replacement heads from Plus Ultra. They’re made with biodegradable cornstarch (compatible with Philips Sonicare toothbrushes) and recycled plastic (compatible with Oral-B toothbrushes). No more choosing between the planet and what research generally says is best for our teeth. We love a win.
quote of the week
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"Summer penis"
The supposed growth in length and girth that happens this time of year. No, we still don't want a pic.
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