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Category Archives: Medicalisation
A little bit more on the medicalisation of sex
TweetIt’s been a while since I’ve written about medicalisation. Which seems as good an excuse as any to revisit this issue and reflect on some of the developments in this area in healthcare, therapy and media. A few months ago I took part in the 41st Maudsley Debate entitled ‘Love is a Drug’. Ben Goldacre [...]
Also posted in Activism and Open Access, Bad science, Commercialisation, Erectile Dysfunction, Evidence based, Female Sexual Dysfunction, Flibanserin, Gender, Intrinsa, Journalism, Orgasm, Premature Ejaculation Comments closed
Provisional DSM-V available for comment – add your views now!
TweetYou may remember my previous post on the revisions being made to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Over the past few years the existing DSM (IV) has been revised and the public invited to consult on its content. The DSM covers a range of mental health issues, which other bloggers and [...]
Also posted in Activism and Open Access, Critical appraisal, Female Sexual Dysfunction Comments closed
“The Joy of Teen Sex”
TweetLast summer myself and several other sex educators, therapists and reproductive healthcare staff were approached by researchers from Betty TV working on a new programme commissioned by Channel 4 called ‘The Joy of Teen Sex’. The show was described as a cross between the established (and popular) Embarrassing Teenage Bodies and The Sex Education Show. [...]
Also posted in Commercialisation, Intercourse, Parents, Sex education, Sex positive, Teenager(s), Television Comments closed
Christmas Good Causes: for your consideration
TweetIt’s nearly Christmas and you may have already got gifts for friends and family. But if you’re still wondering what last minute goodies to buy, or can stretch to one more present, then here’s a few suggestions for charities and organisations who could do with your support. These are all programmes I feel are often [...]
Also posted in Abortion/TOP, Activism and Open Access, Contraception, Female Sexual Dysfunction, Health/care, International, Sex education, Sex positive, Uncategorised Comments closed
80% of women have enlarged labia? That would be a ‘sex panther’ statistic
TweetFans of the movie Anchorman will no doubt be familiar with the men’s fragrance ‘Sex Panther’. If you hadn’t heard of it before, here’s your introduction… The fantastic line ‘they’ve done studies you know. 60% of the time it works every time’ has become a well known catchphrase. But I think it deserves far wider [...]
Also posted in Health/care, Journalism, Television, Vulva Comments closed
FDA Committee hearing on Flibanserin tomorrow (18 June) – how you can keep up with the meeting
TweetTomorrow sees the FDA Committee Hearing on Flibanserin, the drug created by Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) to address ‘hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women’. In advance of the meeting you can see the hearing’s list of materials here, BI’s submission of their research on Flibanserin to the FDA here, and my summary of the story/science of [...]
Also posted in Activism and Open Access, Research, Sexual dysfunction Comments closed
Is low sexual desire in women a disease? No it’s not. But drug company are seeking FDA approval for a drug to ‘cure’ women nonetheless
TweetOn June 18th pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim will be seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their drug Flibanserin (which may be traded under the names of Ectris and/or Girosa). This is an antidepressant style drug which Boehringer Ingelheim claim is a treatment for low/lack of sexual desire in women (aka Hypoactive [...]
Also posted in Activism and Open Access, Female Sexual Dysfunction, Flibanserin, Intrinsa Comments closed
American Psychiatric Association launches draft guidelines for DSM5 – consultation open til April, have your say
The DSM is the classification system used by psychiatrists and medics in the US and elsewhere to define, research and treat mental disorders. It's not without its critics and with the latest draft open for consultation you have a chance to share your views on how they aim to classify mental health.
Also posted in Critical appraisal, Female Sexual Dysfunction, Mental Health, Sexual dysfunction Comments closed
BBC2 Horizon, ‘Pill Poppers’ (and the medicalisation of sex)
Most of us take pills fairly regularly - maybe a paracetemol for a headache, the contraceptive pill to manage your fertility, or an anti depressant. Pill use is common and this week BBC2's Horizon investigates the drugs we take and how much we need them.
Posted in Medicalisation Comments closed
A tragic case of medical misconduct