Re: CMT affects libido?

[Guest guest]

Look in our Files section on Sex and CMT. Pain, depression, money

worries, fears etc. and medications can also affect libido.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I can offer a few comments. Mostly it is the medications which cause

lack of libido, especially Prozac.

Also, fatigue can destroy your interest and ability.

So, yes, CMT has at least something to do with it.

I have found that examining the published side-effects of all the

substances used, and replacing or eliminating those with sexual side

effects, as well as devoting more time to rest/sleep/naps go a long

way toward tackling this problem.

Exercise I have found -always- pumps up my libido and increases

performance. Also, find out what time of day is best for him, then

arrange your day around that. This may be difficult, but then how much

is sex worth to you?

For me it's pretty important.

Hope this helps,

[Guest guest]

, the last part of this disturbs me. If the peripheral symptoms

are getting worse, it may be time to back off chemo or change chemo

strategies, or simply pause so he can get some rest.

I'm, not surprised he has no sex drive at this point.

[Guest guest]

Howdy, Ms. !

As a minister and counselor, as well as a CMT sufferer, I have a few

recommendations:

A. Find a counselor to talk to who is accepting, knowledgeable in sexual matters

and non-judgmental, and go talk to them, as a couple.

B. Be aware that, as his CMT becomes more severe, he may have erectile problems,

which can be treated with simple means, and without prescription drugs.

C. Be aware that his lack of libido can be a defensive reaction of his body, and

anxiety over this lack may worsen its effects. Relaxed touch and cuddling is

the best way to reassure him of your love and desire, and you may find that by

relaxing, he will get past the problem inducing effects of sexual anxiety, and

let nature take it's course.

D. Be assured in his love for you, and yours for him. Remember that, in the

scheme of the Universe, you have all the time you have, and your love can be

shown in many ways.

I know the challenges that a male CMT sufferer faces, and have solutions for

most of them that avoid the use of prescription drugs. In my own experience,

when I have a virus, my libido flags. My life partner used to think that it was

her " fault, " and it took years for her to understand, and most importantly,

believe that it was not a lack of loving desire on my part. Remember, there is

no fault here.

I am sure that he has done his best to reassure you of his love and need for

you, and that his physical lack is just that, a physical lack. Be patient, and

give him your true love, the love that gives without demanding. Project positive

intent in your life, and remember that, though important, sex is only part of

your loving lives, and a relatively small portion of the time you have for

loving.

Sincerely,

Kris Rowe

[Guest guest]

:

In my case, the libido exists but the ability to exercise it is lacking.

The wasting of lower body musculature and with breathing compromised

through diaphragm involvement the physical ability becomes almost

insurmountable.

With me -- I think my psyche is 'somewhat' normal for a 63 year old

male -- the physical side plays a tremendous role in masking libido.

Unlike women -- I feel virtual bricks flying my way for this statement

-- a man requires a continuous physical response, the erection,

throughout the entire sex act. Unfortunately, this physical response

is as dependent on the brain as well the bloodstream.

When doubts creep into my brain that I won't be able to physically

perform adequately for my partner's complete satisfaction, the doubt

becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I have no real answers to this except my usual mantra about situations

I have little or no control in:

It is what it is.

This missive doesn't have the answer for your question. It may reflect

a dim light on the situation.

--Larry

[Guest guest]

,

He's off the chemo and has been for a year--your other suggestions are valuable

and we'll take heed. Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I have a strong libido, but do have physical limitations, and breathing

problems. I have found, Tantra massage, and Tantric sex, to be an excellent way

to have sex. Both focus on breathing while also giving and receiving. You can

find information about it on the internet. I have also found that just touch

alone is healing, and very nice! Lovemaking is a great way to eliminate stress,

and without stress our bodies will do much better!

Here's to great sex!!! lol

Kay ~ Oregon Coast

[Guest guest]

I am going to opine that it isn't the CMT. It certainly has not been

the case for me (40/m). If I were to consider a correlation between

the two, I would think it would be an increase rather than decrease.

Shaun

[Guest guest]

Well, thank you gentlemen for your very thoughtful and insightful responses to

my question regarding male libido. I think I was hoping for some kind of magic

and you gently prodded me with reality. And a reduced and probably more

realistic hope. That's all I can say for now--I have a lot to think about.