Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Dr. Didi Saint Louis spent her formative years traveling due to her father’s job as a Haitian diplomat. Now residing in Atlanta, Dr. Didi is the head mommy-in-charge of two and owner of Healthy Mommy, Happy Baby, Inc., the intelligent resource for moms of color seeking medically sound advice and tips to aid them in making important life decisions about health, nutrition, parenting, and sexuality.
She joined Morehouse School of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2012, after six years in private practice. She currently works as the medical director for a nonprofit women’s health organization serving Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.
Dr. Didi earned her medical degree from the University of Miami, then completed her surgical internship at the University of Missouri and her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at New York Medical College/St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center. After residency, Dr. Didi served as an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and earned a Master’s of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health. She is the current board member and vice chair of Pea Pod Nutrition and GirlTrek board member. You can check out her website HERE.
More Info on Flibanserin [sold under the name Addyi] to treat low desire:
Yesterday, by an overwhelming majority, the FDA Advisory Committee recommended that the FDA approve Flibanserin for the treatment of female hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Flibanserin also known as “The Little Pink Pill” is being lauded by some as a step in the right direction for the treatment of female sexual disorders.
What do you need to know:
- Flibanserin will probably not be on the market for another 6-8 months at best. It still needs to gain the full approval of the FDA before it is made available for commercial consumption.
- Flibanserin is specifically formulated for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or simply put: women with little to no libido. During the studies, women with HSDD who took Flibanserin, reported more satisfying sexual events, greater sexual desire and less distress
- Unlike Viagra, which specifically treats erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis, Flibanserin targets the neurotransmitters in the brain that act on libido, and is in the same class of drugs as anti-depressants. As such, it must be taken daily.
- As with any drugs, and one the concerns from opponents of the drug, its side-effect profile includes fainting, drowsiness, low blood pressure. But remember that all drugs have side effects and so it may not be fair to hold that against Flibanserin.
- Women sexuality and libido is complex. Flibanserin is not meant to be a cure all for women with libido issues. It will not help women for whom issues of libido and desire are tied to relationship problems, trauma, and other social variables, as well as chronic illness.
As we wait to see what will happen, perhaps the best quote I have heard thus far is that if nothing else, this drug is finally bringing the discussion about female sexual desire to the public’s attention. Too often women feel uncomfortable addressing issues of sexuality and libido with their providers and unfortunately with their partners as well.
It is time for women to be able to have a candid discussion about sexuality that is not linked to male desire and definition of sexuality, but to what women seek in a sexually satisfying relationship. This will require for a safe and respectful space for these conversations to occur.
Dr. Didi answers your questions about sexuality, the pink pill and more.
Would this pink pill help with hot flashes, too?
This pill does not help with hot flashes. If you are experiencing hot flashes, talk to your gynecologist about your treatment options and they will help you find one that works for you and your specific needs.
What are some of the side affects?
Side effects include dizziness, somnolence (sleepiness) nausea, fatigue, insomnia and dry mouth. It is contraindicated with alcohol consumption. [Don’t drink while taking it.]
Does that pill help vaginal dryness? If not, what do you recommend?
Addyi does not help with vaginal dryness. Estrogen cream and vaginal lubricants such as Astroglide and K-Y are your best tools for vaginal dryness. I recommend you talk to your provider about which one is the best option for you.
Is the pink pill appropriate for menopausal women?
Unfortunately, Addyi is not indicated for menopausal or postmenopausal women. Addyi is the first drug of its kind to address issues of libido for women but it only targets pre-menopausal women.
Dr. Didi Answers Questions About The New Pink Pill For Women was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
