The link between sex drives and eating disorders
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- catchiecoo
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A really interesting study was picked up from Fox News (yes, Fox) about the links in reported decrease in sex organ functioning and loss of sex drive due to anorexia and bulimia.
(I know, this picture!)
Here's a quotation from Fox Sexpert, Yvonne Fulbright:
"Having an eating disorder is also linked to deficient sexual functioning in women when they become sexually active. When a female severely reduces her intake of food to the point she's consuming hardly anything, naturally, her reproductive system shuts down.
With low body fat, her body fails to produce sufficient amounts of sex hormones, namely estrogen. Thus, she'll quit menstruating, making pregnancy difficult for those hoping to reproduce. These endocrinal changes have a domino effect, starting with a lack of vaginal secretions.
This loss of vaginal lubrication makes intercourse painful and uncomfortable. As a result, many develop an aversive reaction to sex and further loss of interest. Lack of orgasm is also common in women with anorexia nervosa."
The commenter from Feministing.com made and interesting observation about Fullbright's analysis suggesting that the message implied is "Stop having an eating disorder. It's not sexy" which of course, plays into the whole narrative about how women's bodies as objects of sexual desire.
The connection between having a normal active sex life and an eating disorder is probably true and accurate. When your body goes into survival mode from lack of food, sex probably isn't a priority. However, the connection between sex and eating disorders is so complex... I mean, eating disorders are, in part, about control. If you've ever had one or been close to someone who has, you can see the control aspect pretty clearly. Sex involves control and I've heard of plenty of people who have been either molested or sexually assaulted developing eating disorder that related to their past traumas.
I dunno? What to you think? Munch on some Dorritos, have better sex?
(I know, this picture!)
Here's a quotation from Fox Sexpert, Yvonne Fulbright:
"Having an eating disorder is also linked to deficient sexual functioning in women when they become sexually active. When a female severely reduces her intake of food to the point she's consuming hardly anything, naturally, her reproductive system shuts down.
With low body fat, her body fails to produce sufficient amounts of sex hormones, namely estrogen. Thus, she'll quit menstruating, making pregnancy difficult for those hoping to reproduce. These endocrinal changes have a domino effect, starting with a lack of vaginal secretions.
This loss of vaginal lubrication makes intercourse painful and uncomfortable. As a result, many develop an aversive reaction to sex and further loss of interest. Lack of orgasm is also common in women with anorexia nervosa."
The commenter from Feministing.com made and interesting observation about Fullbright's analysis suggesting that the message implied is "Stop having an eating disorder. It's not sexy" which of course, plays into the whole narrative about how women's bodies as objects of sexual desire.
The connection between having a normal active sex life and an eating disorder is probably true and accurate. When your body goes into survival mode from lack of food, sex probably isn't a priority. However, the connection between sex and eating disorders is so complex... I mean, eating disorders are, in part, about control. If you've ever had one or been close to someone who has, you can see the control aspect pretty clearly. Sex involves control and I've heard of plenty of people who have been either molested or sexually assaulted developing eating disorder that related to their past traumas.
I dunno? What to you think? Munch on some Dorritos, have better sex?
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- Health, Sex and Love, LoveLife, Sex, 1 more
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- Health, Sex and Love, Sex, LoveLife, 3 more
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abbym0308
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I guess you have to specify which link you're referring to: physiological, biological, psychological, etc. I think how your body reacts to a starved state is much different to how your mind reacts to issues of control and self-image. They both might lead to loss of sexual appetite but in different degrees. Hell, the fact we call it sexual appetite probably has something to do with it. If you have a decreased appetite for food, something vital to life, chances are your appetite for something pleasurable, an accessory, is likely also deflated.
Did someone say Doritos? I'll take some. Cheese please.
- 2 years ago
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abbym0308
