sexual health – Dr. Sari Locker: Sex Educator and TV Personality

Thank you very much to the Cornell University Human Sexuality Collection for mentioning me in the list of Cornellians who have made a difference in the field of sexuality. I am incredibly honored to be included alongside exceptionally important people whose work revolutionized sexuality education and sexual health: Dr. Joyce Brothers, David Goodstein, Gregory Pincus, Georgios Papanicolaou.

Cornell University. David Goodstein, Dr. Sari Locker, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Gregory Pincus, Georgios Papanicolaou.

Dr. Sari Locker with Dr. Oz

Dr. Sari Locker — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:58:30 +0000

Dr. Sari Locker and Dr. Oz

Viagra Abuse in Teens

Dr. Sari Locker — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:25:57 +0000

By Dr. Sari Locker

Teen Death Related to Erectile Dysfunction Drug

Joe Loudon, a 16 year old from Orinda, CA, died at a party recently, and the autopsy results found that in addition to alcohol, he also had an erectile dysfunction medication, Papaverine, in his system. It is unknown whether he took the drug voluntarily, or someone slipped it into his drink, coerced him to take it, or gave it to him without revealing the type of drug. His parents said that they had no knowledge of how this drug could have been in their son’s possession. They are looking for leads about how he may have gotten the drug.

Teens and Viagra: What do we know?

While it’s not known why Joe Loudon had an erectile dysfunction drug in his system, his story raises the question of why some teens may seek out erectile dysfunction medication. While most teens would never be exposed to the infrequently used older medication Papaverine that was in Joe’s body, there are teens who may consider experimenting with a more common erectile medication, such as Viagra. There is a good deal of info about teens and Viagra…

Research has found that the use of erectile dysfunction medication is not very common among teens. College students and twentysomethings are more likely than teens to use it recreationally. Yet, stories of teens using Viagra certainly grab media attention, such as the story from Barnstable, MA in 2003 when a 14-year-old Hyannis Middle School student allegedly gave Viagra to three classmates and one of them took it. Another similar story occurred in Baltimore, MD. Also, there was a story in PA of a high school student who was caught putting Viagra in a classmate’s applesauce. Clearly, dangerous pranks and peer pressure are the issues in these cases.

It’s important to note that true erectile dysfunction is very rare among teens, with the actual percentage being unknown, but an estimate is about one percent to six percent reporting problems occasionally or regularly achieving erection. If erectile issues are present in teens, they may be due to anxiety related to a new experience or discomfort with condoms – or more serious clinical erectile dysfunction as a result of trauma to the penis, or a vascular issue. Therefore, teens generally are not taking erectile medications to actually treat a diagnosed sexual problem. Those who take it would be taking it without a doctor’s knowledge, recreationally. According to a small study of teens who have used Viagra, most stole it from a relative or acquaintance. Peer pressure or partner pressure presented as a factor in their use of the drug, with 84 percent reporting that they were with friends or a girlfriend the first time they took the medication.

There are several reasons why teenagers may experiment with erectile dysfunction medication. Of course, a common reason why teens may be tempted to take an erectile dysfunction medication is out of sexual curiosity. Teens may mistakenly think that these medications will increase sexual potency, make them somehow “better” sexually, or make them last longer. Premature ejaculation is common in this age group, and they may be hoping to find a pill to help. However, they do not realize that Viagra will not help them last longer. (While it may help men maintain an erection after ejaculation, usually teens have a short refractory period anyway and would naturally be able to have an erection quickly after ejaculating.)

Beyond sexual curiosity, another major reason why some teenagers may think they want Viagra or other erectile dysfunction drugs is that they may have heard a rumor that it can improve their athletic performance. Research has been discussed in The NY Times and NY Daily News about the use of Viagra to relieve constriction of blood vessels in the lungs, improving blood flow, breathing, and athletic endurance.

Another reason why teens may try Viagra or another erectile medication is to attempt to increase the effect of other drugs or alcohol; despite the fact that this is a very dangerous use of these medications. Sometimes this is also related to sports performance, as someone on steriods may think it will enhance the affect of the steriods, or resolve steriod-related erectile dysfuction. There have also been reports of teenagers and twentysomethings taking Viagra with alcohol or with Ecstasy (the combination called “Sextasy”), since Ecstasy or alcohol may heighten desire while lessening erectile ability. This dangerous combination could be deadly, and at the very least contributes to a reduction of safer sex practices.

Teenagers, (or anyone of any age who does not have clinically diagnosed erectile dysfunction and a prescription from a doctor), must stay away from Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or any other erectile dysfunction medication. They can certainly cause physical side effects like dizziness, headache, chest tightness, vision problems including loss of vision, irregular heartbeat, and more severe issues. Teachers and parents must teach teenagers about drugs — and sex.

Your Best Birth! New Book by Ricki Lake

Dr. Sari Locker — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:23:35 +0000

How can families have the birth that is best for them without a hospital dictating the process? Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein will enlighten you!

Your Best Birth: Know All Your Options, Discover the Natural Choices, and Take Back the Birth Experience, by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein will be published on May 1, this Friday.

In the 90s, I loved being a guest on Ricki’s daytime talk show. She was always a generous host, and it was fun to be a part of her show — especially when Ricki would ask a provocative question and the whole audience would chant, “Go Ricki. Go Ricki.” I’ve also long been a fan of her acting, and I’m looking forward to seeing her in her newest role as host of VH1’s Charm School (premiering May 11). Yet, it’s the work she does to support women’s choices about childbirth that is most extraordinary.

Ricki is truly dedicated to teaching women about childbirth and about how to be advocates for our health and wellbeing. Her new book Your Best Birth, and her phenomenal must-see documentary The Business of Being Born, are also an exploration of her own development as a woman and mother. In both the book and the documentary, Ricki and co-author Abby detail the births of their children, providing a personal, moving angle to their well researched and thoughtful work. Then they explain how a woman can decide to have a home birth, natural child birth in a hospital or birthing center, or if epidural, induction, medical intervention, or cesarean section could be necessary. Ricki and Abby give women an understanding of the natural birth process, as well as the medical system, including why our country has such a high rate of cesarean sections and infant mortality. Their new book gives women the necessary information to make an informed choice about their birth experience.

No matter what stage you are in the cycle of life — pregnant, soon-to-be, been-there-done-that, or who-knows-when-or-if — this book is a wonderful read. Ricki empowers us all to take responsibility for the choices we make about how we bring children into the world. Pick up Your Best Birth on amazon.com. Oh, and if you haven’t yet seen The Business of Being Born, you simply must! It’s available on amazon as a DVD or video-on-demand. You will be inspired by Ricki’s work. I know I am.

Say “Yes, yes, yes to safer sex!”

Dr. Sari Locker — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:59:00 +0000

I joined forces with Durex, The Body Shop, MTV Networks International, the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, singer Solange Knowles, and The Naked Cowboy to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to promote safer sex. Yesterday, we launched the new campaign, “Say yes, yes, yes to safe sex,” and introduced The Body Shop’s new Tantalizing Lip Butter. Five dollars of each sold goes to the MTV Staying Alive Foundation to support HIV/AIDS education for young people around the world. Durex donated 100,000 condoms which were distributed in Times Square.

The launch event began at a swanky loft in Soho. Solange Knowles spoke about HIV prevention and the need for more education for teens about safer sex. She also discussed how President Obama has inspired her to help others. Solange was poised, well spoken and lovely. I spoke about safer sex, including the fact that there are over 33 million people living with HIV and AIDS around the world. I also mentioned that according to the Durex survey, sixty percent of people say that even though they know about the risks of contracting HIV from sex, they still do not always use protection. There’s no reason to say “no” to condoms, because today new thinner condoms (such as Sensi-Thin and Extra Sensitive) feel better than condoms have ever felt. Also, there are many ways to integrate condoms into lovemaking, so that they can even spice up people’s sex lives, which, of course, I detail in my book.

We reassembled in Times Square where models wearing “yes, yes, yes” pajamas distributed Durex condoms. The Naked Cowboy, who played a “yes, yes, yes” labeled guitar, attracted tons of attention as he sang a little ditty about safer sex: “If you don’t want to mess with HIV, then join The Body Shop and MTV. Say yes, yes, yes to safe sex with me.” He sang this same song over and over for hours. (Although, I swear that once I heard him sing, “If you don’t want to masturbate, then say yes to safe sex with me.”)

It was a great day for HIV/AIDS education in NYC.

: With Solange Knolwes after our speeches.

: With The Body Shop poster and the MTV/Staying Alive/Body Shop branded hot red satin bed.

Circumcision Curbs Two STDs

Dr. Sari Locker — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:28:04 +0000

While an uncircumcised penis leaves more for a man (and his partner) to play with, a new study confirms that circumcision reduces the chance of infection from HIV, HPV and Herpes-2.

A study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine examined the occurrence of syphilis, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and human papilloma virus (HPV) in both circumcised and uncircumcised men in Africa. After two years, it found that circumcised men had a 25 percent reduced risk of infection of HSV-2 and a 35 percent reduced risk of infection of HPV. Syphilis showed no difference. Previous research found that circumcision may reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 60 percent. The results are said to be generalizable to American men, yet the study is not without its caveats. To read the details, check out the New York Times article about it. Also, here’s the abstract to the study.

Plan B for Teens on CNN Headline News

Dr. Sari Locker — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:23:59 +0000

There are too many misconceptions about Plan B, and I’d like to correct some of them.

Yesterday when I appeared on CNN Headline News, I heard many misconceptions about Plan B — also called EC, Emergency Contraception, and The Morning After Pill — and about what it means for our government to allow 17 year olds to buy it without a prescription. Here are the top misconceptions, and then the realities.

Misconception #1: It causes an abortion.

Reality Check: Plan B does not cause an abortion. Plan B is not “the abortion pill.” The “abortion pill,” called RU486, causes an abortion in pregnant women when they take it within 60 days from the first day of their last period. RU486 contains medications that will end a pregnancy: Mifepristone (steroid) and Misoprostol (prostaglandin). Those medications block progesterone, a hormone needed to continue a pregnancy. RU486 is only administered by a doctor, and costs about $500. RU486 is not Plan B, and Plan B does not cause an abortion.

Plan B is taken by women who are not pregnant. Plan B is progesterone.Plan B consists of two pills taken 12 hours apart (within the first 3 days after unprotected intercourse, preferably within the first 24 hours, possibly within the first 5 days). Plan B’s 2 pills are made of progesterone only (a total of 1.5 mg of Levonorgestrel), which prevents ovulation – it does not end a pregnancy. If you don’t know what that means, then here’s the brief explanation. Sperm and egg need to both be present in a woman’s reproductive system in order for her to get pregnant (for the sperm to fertilize the egg). Once sperm is ejaculated into a woman’s reproductive system, sperm lives for a few days and can fertilize an egg if it arrives during that time. When sperm is present, the woman’s egg may not be there yet, because she may not have ovulated yet. So if hormones prevent her ovulation for just a couple of days, then that will prevent the egg from being there to be fertilized by the sperm, and therefore, prevent pregnancy. That is how Plan B works. Sperm never meets egg. No conception occurs. Sometimes Plan B can make it so that if the egg has already been released then the egg and sperm will not have an environment in which they would unite. But that still is preventing pregnancy before sperm meets egg, not ending a pregnancy. Some researchers think that if fertilization had just occurred then there is a possibility that Plan B could end the potential pregnancy by making it so that the fertilized egg does not implant in the wall of the uterus; however, others say that there is no definitive medical evidence that Plan B prevents implantation. Most importantly, Plan B will not work once implantation has begun, which is about 5 days after fertilization. If a woman has a positive pregnancy test, then Plan B will NOT end her pregnancy. Plan B will not affect an existing pregnancy, will not cause a miscarriage or abortion, and will not harm a developing fetus at all, according to the FDA.

Misconception #2: It causes major side effects and creates lasting problems.

Reality Check: Plan B may have short term side effect, but it is usually well tolerated, and has no lasting side effects. When taking Plan B, some women may experience nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. However, not all women would feel these, and they may feel them only slightly. Research found that 23% of women taking Plan B experienced nausea and 5.6% vomiting. Also, the side effects would go away in a couple of days. Most women (87%) have their period on time after taking Plan B, but some may be late or early. By the next cycle their ovulation and period should be normal. There are no lasting effects on fertility from taking Plan B, according to the FDA.

Misconception #3: It is new and may be dangerous.

Reality Check: Plan B is not really new. Post-sex birth control was researched in the 1960s and began to be used in the 1970s in Europe. Other brands with other combinations of hormones have been used all these years. The progesterone pills in Plan B have been used as a component of regular birth control pills for 35 years. Plan B is just a newer way of administering the pills. Plan B, with its use of progesterone-only, was first approved by the United States FDA in July 1999, and became available with a prescription. In 2006, Plan B was approved to be use without a prescription by people 18 years and older. Plan B is FDA approved, and also by many other medical sources, including the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization. It is currently used in at least 50 countries.

Misconception #4:Allowing 17 year olds to purchase it without a prescription changes the need for parental consent that had previously been in place.

Reality Check: There has never been the need for parental consent to get Plan B. Since approved by the FDA in 1999, Plan B has always been available in the US without parental consent for people of any age. Even people under age 18 who would need a prescription for it, can still get a prescription without parental consent. Any person of any age, including a teen, can get a prescription from a doctor or health clinic with no consent. Parental consent was never needed for Plan B. Why? Because it prevents conception, similar to birth control pills, and no parental consent is ever needed for teens to buy any type of contraception.

Misconception #5: It is easy for teens to get it over the counter.

Reality Check: Plan B is a “behind the counter” medication. In order to buy it, someone has to go to a pharmacy and show a government issued ID for proof of age 18 (which will soon change to proof of 17). School ID is not a government ID. At most pharmacies, it costs about $50. So, while parental consent is not — and never has been – needed for Plan B, there are challenges for teens to buying it. If parents are concerned about their teens being able to purchase Plan B, then why are they not concerned about their teens buying true “over the counter” medications without parental consent? Over the counter diet pills, cough medicines, pain pills, are extremely widely available, easy to buy, under $5 in many cases, require no ID, have a high risk of abuse or misuse, and greater side effects.