Women’s Health USA – September 2019

Source: Tory Eisenlohr-Moul, PhD, assistant professor

of psychiatry and psychology, associate director of

translational research in women’s mental health at the

Univer sit y of Illinois at Chic a go

P 30

WOMEN’S HEALTH SEPTEMBER 2019

ST

EP

HA

NI

E^ R

AU

SS

ER

/T

RU

NK

A

RC

HI

VE

;^ R

AM

I^ N

IE

M

I^ (

IL

LU

ST

RA

TI

ON

S)

WOKE UP

LIKE...THIS?

The newly coined term “dead bedroom” describes a relationship that remains sexless for an

extended period of time—as in, months or, yikes, years. And it’s incredibly common. While

51 percent of respondents (18 to 65 years old) in a recent survey reported a dry spell that end-

ed within a year, 39 percent reported theirs lasting between one and five years. What’s even

more eye-opening? The causes. Stress at work topped the list, while weight gain came in

second. But both problems can be fixed by addressing the third culprit: a lack of communica-

tion. If you’re overwhelmed at the office or down on yourself, talking to a therapist can help

lift confidence and ease worries so you not only feel sexier but can better express your needs.
Sensing that you and your partner are out of touch? Consider seeing a professional together—

mutual support breeds emotional intimacy, which breeds, well, the physical kind.

RIP, Sex Rut

If you suddenly feel not-so-

pretty once a month, step

away from the mirror. You

could be dealing with PMS-

related dysmorphia, a mental

shift that occurs two weeks

before or during your period,

showing up as “random”

body (and face) bashing or in-

tensified self-consciousness.

While there’s not enough

research to know the cause,

experts think it’s an abnormal

sensitivity in the brain to

totally normal hormonal

changes. For sudden “ugh, I’m

gross” moments (P.S. You’re

so not!), book body image–

boosting activities (like yoga).

But if you feel hypercritical for

days every month, see a doc:

You could have premenstrual

dysphoric disorder (PMDD). If

so, you may want a psychia-

trist, who can prescribe a

mood-regulating treatment.

A: Most dermatologists don’t look below your underwear, so major kudos to your doc! A mole on

your vulva (the external parts of your vagina) should follow the same ABCDE screening rules as

other skin regions: If it is asymmetrical, has a misshapen border, is a dark and uneven color, has a

larger-than-a-pencil-eraser diameter, or has evolved over time, your doctor should remove it to be

safe. If the mole looks normal and you’re not self-conscious about it—which you have no reason to

be!—feel free to keep it...with a watchful eye, of course.

Wh

en^

in^ a

dro

ugh

t,^ t

alk

it^ o

ut.^

Co

mm

uni

cat

ion

is

the

ho

tte

st^ a

ph

rod

isia

c.

Sources: BodyLogicMD survey; Chloe Carmichael, PhD,

clinical psychologist and WH relationships advisor

Source: WH advisor Kate White, MD, MPH, associate professor of ob-gyn at Boston University

My g y no spotted a mole dow n there. Should I be f rea ked?

ASK DR. WHITE

WARM UP SEXUAL HEALTH