Episode 31: Does Breast Implant Illness Decrease Libido?

Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms affect every system of the body, even gut health. In fact, many patients encounter chronic inflammation, a common symptom of BII, and can have a cascading effect on the gut. Inflammation in the body can disrupt the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal system and can disrupt the balance of hormones like estrogen and testosterone, potentially leading to reduced libido. While the impact of breast implants on aesthetics and confidence is well-known, the effects on overall health, including sexual health, are equally important and deserve our attention. That is why in today’s episode, we’ll be talking about breast implant illness in relation to libido. Evaluation of genetic function Even before any surgical operation for whatever purpose, we have to take into consideration the differences in genetics of every patient. In fact, evaluating the patient’s genetics is vital to ensure full healing or recovery after undergoing an explant or breast implant removal. Understanding a patient's genetic makeup allows for a more personalized approach to treatment and recovery. It enables healthcare providers to anticipate potential complications and tailor their strategies to ensure optimal healing and recovery. This is particularly essential for those with BII, as the condition's severity can vary widely among individuals due to their genetic predisposition. This even relates to one’s sexual health and ability to function, which is why it’s also important to boost the immune system. When it comes to our immune system and overall well-being, the metabolism of Vitamin D plays a crucial role. Both men and women experience improved sexual function when their Vitamin D metabolism is functioning optimally. However, there are factors that can impair this process on a genetic level. Many of us are aware that sunlight exposure is a natural way to boost Vitamin D levels since sunlight converts Vitamin D into Vitamin D3. While sun exposure has its benefits, excessive amounts can harm your skin and potentially lead to skin cancer. From a genetic perspective, however, it's important to determine if you have the genetic components necessary for effectively utilizing Vitamin D, particularly in its converted form, Vitamin D3. Genetic issues can arise in three key areas. Firstly, some individuals may struggle to convert Vitamin D to D3 due to genetic factors. Even if you're getting enough sunlight, poor genetic function in this area can hinder the process. Secondly, transportation of activated Vitamin D3 can be problematic for certain individuals, resulting in reduced amounts of the active form available to the body. Lastly, there can be issues with the binding of activated Vitamin D3 to its receptor, preventing it from effectively aiding your body's functions. Vitamin D, metabolism, and sexual function As stated, understanding personal genetics plays a key role not just pre and post-surgical operations but even in different aspects concerning one’s health. In fact, the lack of essential nutrients can have implications for various aspects of health, including libido, and shed light on the potential impact of breast implant illness on your overall well-being and sexual function. In my formulations, I've prioritized liquids over capsules or pills whenever possible because I understand that people often experience pill fatigue. A liquid supplement, such as a mouth spray, can offer a simple solution. With just a quick spray and holding it in your mouth for around 30 seconds, it gets absorbed efficiently, meeting your Vitamin D metabolism needs. Aside from Vitamin D, there are other essential vitamins that we should consider in our daily routines, and one of them is Vitamin B6, which plays a significant role in sexual function. Vitamin B6 helps regulate sex hormones and can boost libido. In both men and women, it aids in balancing estrogen and testosterone levels, as well as supporting essential neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. You can find Vitamin B6 in various foods, including bananas, avocados, potatoes, cottage cheese, and tomatoes. Incorporating these items into your diet can be a beneficial step toward improving your overall sexual health and well-being. Genetic testing for gut health As a breast implant illness specialist, I see many patients who have chronic inflammation, gut absorption issues, and other health problems. These conditions can make it difficult to absorb nutrients, including B vitamins. B vitamins are essential for many bodily functions, including sexual function. If you cannot methylate your B vitamins, you may experience impaired sexual function. I also worry about my patient’ abilities to detoxify their bodies. The liver is responsible for detoxifying most toxins. Still, it needs the help of glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant that can bind to toxins and help eliminate them from the body. If you have constipation or other digestive problems, your body may not be able to produce enough glutathione. This can lead to a build-up of toxins, which can further impair your health. If you are concerned about the impact of breast implant illness on your libido or overall health, I recommend talking to your doctor. They can help you determine if you have any underlying health conditions that are contributing to your symptoms. You may also want to consider working with a functional medicine practitioner who can help you address the root cause of your health problems. The importance of good energy levels I see many patients who are struggling with sexual dysfunction. There are many factors that can contribute to this problem, including vitamin absorption issues, genetics, stress, and inflammation. It is thus crucial to have optimal energy levels within our cells. When cellular waste accumulates due to inefficient clearance mechanisms, it can hinder various cellular processes, including energy production by mitochondria. This is where antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E come into play, as they help support these pathways. However, if you face issues with vitamin absorption or have a lower-functioning antioxidant pathway, your energy levels can drop, which can directly impact your sexual function. To address this, we provide vitamin C in a liquid formulation to enhance absorption and restore energy levels. Oral supplementation is often used to bypass any gut issues that might hinder absorption. Additionally, high levels of stress, which can lead to elevated cortisol levels and adrenal fatigue, can further disrupt hormone production and contribute to sexual dysfunction. I believe that the key to addressing sexual dysfunction is achieving balance and addressing the root causes of inflammation. This involves a comprehensive approach, including genetic analysis, food sensitivity testing, gut microbiome assessments, hormone testing, and toxicity assessments through urine tests. It's important to recognize that chronic inflammation, such as in the case of breast implant illness, can negatively impact libido. Links and Resources Dr. Robert Whitfield’s Website Follow Dr. Rob on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drrobertwhitfield/ For more information on Virtual and In Person Consultations, we always answer our messenger personally: https://www.drrobertwhitfield.com/contact/