Dr. Linda Savage is a licensed sex therapist and the author of "Reclaiming Goddess Sexuality: The Power of the Feminine Way." We discussed why so many women are apparently disinterested in sex in their long-term relationships, being sexually unhappy, sexual dysfunction, inability to achieve orgasm, sexual side effects of antidepressant medications, abuse survivors and sex, satisfying sex, and more.

David is the HealthyPlace.com moderator.

The people in blue are audience members.

David: Good Evening. I'm David Roberts. I'm the moderator for tonight's conference. I want to welcome everyone to HealthyPlace.com. Our topic tonight is "Reclaiming Your Sexuality." Our guest is sex therapist, Linda Savage, Ph.D. Dr. Savage is a licensed sex therapist and author of the book, "Reclaiming Goddess Sexuality: The Power of the Feminine Way."

According to statistics, large numbers of women are reporting that they have little desire for sex in their long-term relationships. Our guest says a surprising number of women are plagued with varieties of sexual dysfunction and unhappiness.

Good evening, Dr. Savage and welcome to HealthyPlace.com. We appreciate you being our guest tonight. Why are so many women apparently disinterested in sex in their long-term relationships?

Dr. Savage: There are a variety of reasons that go from bad relationships to health issues and life problems. The most important thing women say is, they feel something is wrong with their sexuality.

David: And what, exactly, do they mean by that?

Dr. Savage: Most women have been raised to believe that sex equals intercourse and the goal is orgasm. That's a male model of sex. Since many women enjoy other types of stimulation besides intercourse and may take a long time to achieve orgasm, we have a situation ripe for dissention between partners.

David: One thing I'd like you to clarify. Sometimes we hear that in long-term relationships, the "magic" isn't there anymore or sex isn't that important in the relationship anymore. But when you say "women are unhappy," you're not referring to the relationship just "tiring," are you?

Dr. Savage: No, not necessarily. Many women feel that they love their partners but they do not respond well to the conditions under which sex occurs in their relationships.

David: Are you saying, that still in the year 2000, where men are supposedly more sensitive to their partner's needs, many women still are sexually unhappy? Or is it because women aren't speaking up enough and letting their partners know what they want?

Dr. Savage: Both. Most couples still do not know enough about what is truly satisfying and their sexual options, and they also do not talk about their needs. It's truly amazing that in the year 2000, most people do not talk frankly about sexual needs. They hint at it, and that's the worst think you can do because your partner guesses the worst.

David: But the other thing I noted on your website was that the statistics were also showing that women have "little desire" for sex? To me, that means they don't really want to have sex within, at least, their long-term relationship.

Dr. Savage: The women who report low desire would like to have satisfying sex within their long-term relationships. They are just as frustrated about it.

Men often think their partners will be looking for guys outside the relationship. Their jealousy just compounds the issue. What women want, is to feel the intimate connection before physical sex.

David: We have some audience questions, Dr. Savage, then we'll continue with our conversation:

Aporpoise: Can depression play a part in not wanting sex?

Dr. Savage: Depression is an important factor in low sexual desire. However, often the antidepressant medications given (which are important for recovery) make it more difficult to orgasm.

There are lots of options that will rebuild the intimacy in the relationship and, in fact, address some of the issues that lead to depression. I recommend that women never give up on their sexuality. There are always ways to reawaken the "coiled serpent."

David: We've had many medications chats here at HealthyPlace.com where the doctor states "sexual dysfunction" is a side-effect of certain psychiatric medications. Is it possible to achieve orgasm while taking antidepressants or other medications?

Dr. Savage: First, you can talk to your doctor about giving you a different medication that is less likely to have the sexual side effect.

There are also wonderful ways to experiment with your partner to achieve orgasm: vibrators, new oral sex techniques, finger play. All of it requires spending the time and communicating about it.

Keatherwood: I am an abuse survivor and taking several antidepressants. I've been happily married for 23 years, but have zero interest in any type of sex. I've tried changing medications with no luck. I find myself staying up until early morning to avoid sex. Is it normal to have no sex drive? I also had a total hysterectomy about 12 years ago and I am on estrogen.

Dr. Savage: You have several of the known sex drive depressors in your life. But I am a great believer in the miracle of sexuality, as a way to tap into your life force. Once you find the motivation for yourself to reawaken your sexuality, then the journey begins.

Do not assume that the ways you and your mate have approached sex are the ways you will continue using. It will take lots of communication and many of the techniques in my book are self-directed as well as couple directed. There is hope however. Please believe me.