Sexual Health + Original Articles

If you and your spouse are in a sexless union, you might need some relationship Rx. A sexless marriage. While it's not something you'd want necessarily participate in, experts estimate that nearly 15 to 20 percent of American couples aren't being inimate regularly. It's the very rare marriage in which both spouses are happy with a no-sex policy, says Israel Helfand, marriage counselor, sex therapist and member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

The health benefits outweigh the side effects, experts say. If you're the parent of a tween or teen girl, you probably know about the HPV vaccine, commonly known as Gardasil, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006.  The first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts due to human papillomavirus (HPV), the three-shot regimen is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for girls ages 11 and 12 and "catch-up" shots for girls 13 to 26.

Tips for enhancing the experience for both of you. Whether or not foreplay is important is controversial these days. Some people say it's overrated. In fact, a survey in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, says that women apparently think foreplay doesn't really add all that much to the experience and that they would rather just concentrate on intercourse.

Could contraception see a responsibility shift? In the past, responsibility for contraception has fallen primarily on women. Although women have many options, each form of birth control varies in how convenient and effective it is, and how it affects a woman's health. Today, many men also want to control their own fertility and take an active role in preventing unplanned pregnancies.

Throughout society there’s still a veil of mystery surrounding sperm donation. If you’re considering it, here are a few things you should know. Every year sperm donation (or gamete donation) is responsible for an increasing number of births, reports the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). The practice isn't without controversy, and you'll hear the occasional story about offspring searching for their sperm-donating dads.

All snickering aside...what's the truth to the size debate? Just as girls and women are bombarded with the message that thin is better, popular media also reinforces the notion that bigger is better when it comes to the size of a man's penis. In our culture, penis size is equated with sexual power and masculinity.

Emotions run high after recovering from breast cancer and rightfully so. Here, a guide to coping with changes in body image and treatment-related sexual problems. The National Cancer Institute reports that about half of women treated for breast cancer experience some form of long-term sexual dysfunction. Increasingly, younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer. These women are particularly vulnerable to, or distressed by, treatment-related sexual problems.

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn how easy it is. If you have trouble attaining orgasm, you're far from alone. Surveys show that about a quarter of American women report they have some sort of orgasm related problems. Some women say they can't have one at all, which is called anorgasmia, while others can only get close but can't seem to climax.

In some instances, refraining from sex may benefit your love life. Generally, the lack of sex in a relationship signals a problem. "People can rationalize it away, but when couples stop having sex it often means there is conflict," says Dr. Scott Wetzler, a psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. "Our sexuality is part of who we are and it's healthy to have sex.

An uncommon condition in some women causes itching and burning but it’s treatable. Not tonight, dear, I'm allergic. This excuse sounds even less plausible than a headache but it can actually be a valid one: a small number of women actually are allergic to their partner's seminal fluid. In fact, between 20,000 and 40,000 women in the United States may have this allergy, Dr.

General health problems that put your sexual health at risk — and what you can do about it. Consider this: Thirty to 50 percent of men with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction. Men in their 40s who have erectile dysfunction (ED) are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to men without ED. These are just a few examples of how your sexual health relates to overall health.

These natural aphrodisiacs for men may revive your sex life. For centuries every culture has experimented with natural herbs and potions to increase sexual fulfillment. The Athenians once touted rubbing arugula on the penis for more erections. For sexual stimulation, the Aztecs and Mayans used the herb damiana, which is still promoted today as a natural sex enhancer.

In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved Gardisall, a vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. We know for a fact that HPV—human papilloma virus—causes cervical cancer. Although less common, HPV can also cause other cancers as well. What is HPV? HPV is actually 100 related viruses. Each represents a different type of HPV. Some of them cause warts or papillomas, which are non-cancerous tumors. HPV viruses live in the moist cells (called squamous epithelial cells) that line the organs and cavities in our body that open to the outside, such as the mouth and anus.

Chronic pain and sex are not good bedfellows. Learn ways to reduce the impact that pain can have on your sex life and relationship. When you're living with chronic pain, it can put your sex life on pause. In some cases chronic pain is caused by a health problem such as arthritis, fibromyalgia or lupus, or, it may be caused by sex itself such as vaginal pain during intercourse. Also, pain medications can zap your sexual desire and make "not tonight honey" a standard refrain in your relationship.

The timing varies, but experts say it can be the best medicine of all. If you've had a heart attack or heart surgery, you've probably wondered when, if ever, it's okay to resume sexual activity. And if you're the partner of a heart attack victim, you may be scared to initiate anything for fear of causing another attack. Well, worry not.

Egg donation provides couples with infertility other options to have a child. Learn more about how egg donation works. In 2005 there were nearly 39,000 live births resulting from assisted reproductive technology in the United States. Egg donation plays an integral part of this process, helping many couples to finally realize their dream of having a child. Although egg donation increases yearly, many of us are probably more familiar with the process of sperm donation.

Younger men who are very active sexually seem more prone to prostate cancer. It may seem like a cruel joke, but various studies are finding that the amount of sex you have may influence your prostate cancer risk. Men in their 20s and 30s who have a very active sex life are more likely to get prostate cancer, while men in their 50s who keep up even small levels of sexual activity have lower rates of the cancer.

Having sex on a daily basis may be just what the doctor ordered. Frequent sexual activity improves the quality of a man's sperm and may even help couples conceive a baby, according to new research reported by Reuters. Genetic defects in men's sperm dropped significantly after they embarked on a regimen of daily sex, according to a study of men attending a fertility clinic.

Sky-high stilettos may be fashionable, but podiatrists advocate more down-to-earth footwear. For many women, high heels are the ultimate fashion statement. After all, Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw wore her Jimmy Choo stilettos with everything (even shorts!) while running down New York City's busy streets. What's more, high heels make our legs look longer and sleeker, so is it any surprise that most women own at least a pair or two? But as stylish as high heels may be, according to experts, they also come with a host of potential drawbacks.

An overview of the side effects of the birth control pill and the birth control patch. You may be relieved to learn that the risk of breast cancer from taking the birth control pill is very small, as revealed in research from the Mayo Clinic. However, there are many other side effects associated with the pill and the birth control patch.

An overview of the most common causes of penis pain and treatment. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes penis pain or penile pain as any pain or discomfort in the penis. Pain can range from mild to severe and may affect different areas of the penis and be accompanied by other symptoms such as burning or lesions.

Without a sexual performance drug for women many are turning to the number one sex enhancer on the market, Viagra. But is it safe for women? It's been over a decade since sildenafil (Viagra®) was approved to treat men's sexual dysfunction. Yet, there's been no such pharmaceutical breakthrough for women—30 percent of whom experience some form of sexual problems in their lifetime. As a result, women are increasingly turning to Viagra to increase arousal and pleasure.

Victoria Zdrok, Ph.D., answers a reader's question about whether his sex life with his wife is normal. Q: I'm a 45 year old male and have been happily married to my wife for over 20 years.  One of our few points of contention is the fact that we only have sex once or twice a month. This is fine for her, but I have a higher sex drive, and this sometimes isn't enough for me.

Is there sex after menopause? You bet, say doctors and sexual health educators. Reports that women's sexuality ends with menopause now fall into the category of urban myth or old wives' tale. While some women do experience sexual problems in menopause, many don't. Also, many women discover that sex after menopause is more pleasurable and gratifying than ever before.

Are you feeling too tired for sex? Survey after survey shows that busy couples are choosing sleep over sex. Try these tips to reawaken your love life. It's a broken refrain: Americans are just too tired for sex. In the Romance and Parenting poll conducted last month by AreYouRomantic.com, 63 percent of women and 49 percent of men admitted to being too tired for sex. In this year's National Sleep Foundation "Sleep in America" poll, sleep-deprived people were more likely to not have sex (18 percent) compared to better sleepers (6 percent).

If you suspect, or have been diagnosed with, testicular cancer, you’re probably concerned about how the disease may affect your sexual desire and performance. Fortunately, most of the news is encouraging. Cancer and Sex Cancer and cancer treatment, regardless of the type of cancer, can cause physical and psychological sexual dysfunction. Your hormone levels may change; therapy may make you tired or cause pain; and medications, depression, changes in body image and some types of surgery may directly affect your sex life.

Learn how to protect your fertility when you have cancer. If you have cancer, surviving the disease is naturally your first priority. But some patients also need to know how to preserve fertility from cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Unfortunately, research suggests that many oncologists are not properly advising cancer patients about their fertility options—even when those patients are just children or adolescents.

Research indicates that chemicals in sex toys can be dangerous. Sex toys, or sexual aids, are increasingly popular in the post-Sex and the City era. But, are sex toys dangerous? That's what a study commissioned by Greenpeace in the Netherlands set out to discover three years ago. The world-renowned organization recruited a research organization, TNO Built Environment and Geosciences, to investigate the presence of phthalates in sex toys, including vibrators and dildos.

New study suggests that women with high emotional intelligence get more enjoyment from sex. Want to improve your sex life? Scientists believe they have once again discovered an important factor in a woman reaching her sexual peak. According to a study conducted by the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London, emotional intelligence in a woman (or the ability to monitor her own and others' feelings and emotions) appears to increase the number of orgasms she can have.

What you don’t know can hurt you. Here we clear up some contraception confusion. Your reproductive system is one of the most fragile systems in the body, according to the Office of Women's Health (OWH). Yet, every day women make birth control decisions without all the facts. Your gynecologist is one of your best allies when it comes to choosing contraception.

Get the truth about sex during pregnancy. The myths surrounding sex during pregnancy are endless. Sex can hurt the baby. The baby will know what's happening. Sex can cause a miscarriage. What's an expectant mom or dad to believe? Here, we separate the fact from the fiction. Q. Can you have sex during pregnancy? A.

A negative body image takes a toll on women’s sex lives as they get older. A negative body image may be to blame for a lackluster sex life. In a study conducted at Penn State, researchers investigated the connection between how women viewed their own attractiveness and changes they experienced in sexual satisfaction over the past decade and current sexual satisfaction.

You may not want to think about sex when PMS symptoms take over. But sex may be just what you need. Premenstrual syndrome isn't an aphrodisiac, to say the least. Symptoms like bloating, cramps, fatigue and depression hardly arouse sexual desire. So it seems like a cruel joke that when you're in a sexiness slump, sex is one of the PMS remedies you need.

Still in search of the big “O”? Learn about the surprising factors that affect female orgasms. For many women sexual satisfaction can be as elusive as post-coital cuddling. While the anatomy of male orgasms are better understood, many studies and popular literature still refer to the female orgasm as "a mystery" or "misunderstood." Scientists - from Freud to Kinsey - have attempted to shed light on women's sexuality.

Study finds that yoga and mindfulness meditation can improve the sex lives of women. Yoga isn't just for better flexibility, relaxation, pain relief and muscle toning. Those sessions of asanas can help to boost your sex life, according to a research review article printed in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. The researchers focused on three Eastern disciplines - acupuncture, mindfulness meditation and yoga - and looked at empirical evidence from previous studies, as well as historical literature on sexuality.

Nice girls do have sex on first dates. And few men would turn down an offer. But if you set aside issues of morality and values, then what could be wrong about having sex at the beginning of a relationship? Most of us want to feel chosen, connected and cared for. Unfortunately, it's easy to be fooled into thinking you are falling in love, and one of the sure ways to cloud your judgment about your new partner is having sex too soon.  Here are the top reasons how a hasty decision to have sex endangers your relationship health.

The word is out — sex can be great for your health in more ways than you can imagine. Looking for the secret to a better quality of life, or longer life? Some of us think the answer lies in a bottle of herbal pills, a better diet, or more aerobic exercise. Few of us would think sex could have the same benefits. But according to research, sex does much more than satisfy desire - it can have a significant impact on your health and increase your lifespan.

HIV drugs can help you to stay healthy longer. Here are 10 essential things you should know. The most common treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are medications. HIV drugs have the ability to slow the progress of your disease and delay the onset of acquired immune deficiency syndrome AIDS. These medications are called antiretroviral drugs (ARV).

Erectile dysfunction may raise the likelihood of developing heart disease for men with diabetes. Diabetic complications due to continued and unregulated blood sugar levels such as neuropathy (nerve damage) and circulation problems are most likely the culprits that make erectile dysfunction more prevalent in men with diabetes too. For men, a sequence of nerve impulses and muscular and vascular (veins and arteries) responses lead to an erection.

Get the basics on sex addiction, the consequences and the treatment. In the past few years sex addiction has garnered lots of attention, mostly because of celebrities such as David Duchovny and Eric Bénet (Halle Berry's ex). While sexual desire and sexual activity is a natural, healthy part of life, sex addiction isn't.

If you’re dating someone with HIV, or considering it, here are a few important things for you to know. Relationships where one person is HIV-positive and the other isn't are commonly referred to as serodiscordant relationships. If you're in a serodiscordant relationship, you want to enjoy the same intimacy and sexuality of couples not coping with HIV, but it's natural for you to have concerns about your partner's health - and about your risk of HIV infection.

Don’t cut corners when deciding on this permanent form of birth control. Here’s what you need to know about the vasectomy procedure. Approximately 500,000 to 600,000 vasectomy procedures are performed annually in the America. Now sources such as the Cleveland Clinic and The New York Times report that the recession has sparked an increase in the number of vasectomies. The decision to have a vasectomy procedure shouldn't be taken lightly, even though vasectomy reversals are possible.

Contrary to popular belief, sex therapy isn’t just for sex addicts. Learn about how sex therapy can help you in your relationship and life. Most of us became familiar with the term "sex therapist" when the frank, bubbly Dr. Ruth Westheimer appeared on the scene. Her debut book Dr. Ruth's Guide to Good Sex was an international bestseller; yet many of us still couldn't explain what sex therapy is or what a sex therapist does.

Thanks to TV ads erectile dysfunction is no longer under the covers. Still, misconceptions remain. Learn what causes impotence and ways to reduce your risk. Between 15 and 30 million men suffer from some form of impotence or erectile dysfunction. At first glance this range seems wide, but it's due to the fact that some health professionals use the term "impotence" to include a host of sexual problems in men--not just the total inability to have or maintain an erection.

When you’re going through menopause, sex may take a backseat to coping with hot flashes, mood swings and other menopause symptoms. Learn how to cope and keep your sex life alive. Few positive images come to mind when you think of menopause. Bouts of moodiness, hot flashes, increased weight, sleeplessness, menstrual changes, and vaginal changes seem to define the process. Then there are all the myths surrounding menopause and sex.

Some researchers believe the connection between human pheromones and attraction is nothing to scoff at. Can a perfume or cologne with pheromones turn you into a love magnet? The prevailing wisdom is that you should hold on tightly to your purse for now. Pheromones are defined as chemicals secreted by an individual that produces a change in the sexual or social behavior of another individual of the same species.

Researchers say, despite commonly held beliefs, romance can thrive in long-term relationships. Find out how. Most of us are in awe - or disbelief - when we hear that a couple has been married for 50 years or longer. These days few marriages, let alone relationships, last that long. For instance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 76 percent of men who married in 1955 to 1959 stayed married for at least 20 years, while only 58 percent of men who married in 1975 to 1979 stayed married as long.

It's a frustrating fact that the very medications people take to help lift their mood can also create distress by causing sexual difficulties. It's a frustrating fact that the very medications people take to help lift their mood and feel better often create distress by causing sexual difficulties. People who previously enjoyed a satisfying sex life may suddenly experience problems, or sexual problems that were considered minor before now are major ones.

Don't let your chronic illness ruin your love life. Is Crohn's affecting your love life? Chronic illness can affect numerous aspects of your life, including sexual relations. The good news is, however, that a satisfying love life is possible even if you have Crohn's disease. How does Crohn's affect your sex life? Research shows that most factors that may negatively affect your sex life are due to psychosocial factors, such as depression and self-image, rather than disease factors.

Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in America. Emerging research points to possible new treatments and better ways of controlling the STD epidemic. There are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year in the United States, reports the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Nearly 50 percent of sexually transmitted diseases occur among people between ages 15 and 24; however, women and minorities are also severely affected.

Thanks to Viagra, erectile dysfunction is out of the closet forever. However, medications aren’t the only way to treat this common health problem — interventions range from lifestyle changes to injections and sex therapy. Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects between 15 to 30 million men in the United States, preventing them from being able to get or keep an erection. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) explains that ED is sometimes called "impotence," but this term includes other sexual problems such as lack of sexual desire or premature ejaculation.

When you're not sexually in sync with your partner, it can cause a ripple effect in your relationship. Follow these 8 steps to sexual healing. The jokes around the phrase "not tonight honey, I have a headache" are endless. But, when this sentiment becomes a fixture in your relationship, it's no laughing matter. "Most sex therapists would agree that of all the problems presented in their offices, the largest category of concerns are those centering around levels of sexual desire," states Dr.

Here's what you need to know about medications that minimize your libido—and how to keep your sex drive alive. It's a given that most medications cause unpleasant side effects. But few of us suspect that a drug our doctor prescribes can kill our sex drives. This guide shows you which drugs can make you lose your libido-and what you can do to bring it back to life.

Dr. Jeff Aroesty answers a reader's question about snoring and discusses the innovative Pillar® Procedure. Q: My husband has always been a snorer, but over the past few years it seems to have gotten worse. It's to the point where I'm often forced to get up in the middle of the night to sleep in the guest room. We're both in our fifties and extremely health conscious.

Discover some of the most common reasons for a lagging libido. Remember when you were young and crazy in love, and the world revolved around your mate? Now think about your marriage or partnership today--notice any difference in your sex life? For many women, sex takes more of a back seat as time goes on. This can be due to family pressures, work stress, and physiological changes.

Sure, sex is enjoyable, but could it turn deadly? Find out here. It’s not something most of us want to think about. After all society — from alcohol commercials to Dr. Ruth—promotes sex as a pleasurable activity that’s a natural part of life. For the most part, they’re right. Unfortunately, in some cases sex can lead to conditions that will kill you.

When it comes to intimacy, misinformation abounds. Here, we put the 10 biggest sexual myths to bed. When it comes to sex, most of us think we know it all--or at least enough that we don't need further education. But no matter what your background or relationship status, you've probably heard (and believed) a sexual falsehood somewhere along the line.

About one in every four people has a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and many don't even know it. Find out how to protect yourself. Passed between individuals during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can have serious-and even fatal-consequences if left untreated. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for contracting STDs, but fortunately, there are steps that you can take to minimize your chance of infection.

Consider these factors to help determine which contraceptive method is right for you. With the invention of birth control pills in the 1960s, women suddenly had unprecedented control over their reproductive schedules. Today, many couples are opting to delay starting a family, and some are ruling out parenthood completely. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the type of birth control you choose depends on your lifestyle and needs.

Find out what the statistics about teen pregnancy means for you and your teenager. It may seem as though stories about teen pregnancy--both fictional and real--are everywhere. First, there was the news about a Massachusetts high school where 17 girls under the age of 18 had become pregnant on purpose. Then, it was news that Bristol Palin, the teenage daughter of Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin, was expecting a baby with her boyfriend.

It's not just good looks that make some people appear more attractive than others. Wouldn't it be great if there really was such a thing as a love potion? Take a few sips, and magically, potential dates appear everywhere. Without a true love potion, we're resigned to attracting future mates with nothing but our own charming personalities—and perhaps a few pointers from self-help books, late-night infomercials, and reality TV shows.

Understanding erectile dysfunction is the first step in treating it. Get the facts about this common condition. If you think erectile dysfunction (ED) strictly affects the aging population, think again. As it turns out, ED affects up to 30 million males of all ages in the United States each year, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Although it was once a taboo subject, men are more willing to discuss and seek treatment for the condition today.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 30 million American men. From causes and diagnosis to treatment and recovery, we have the facts on this common condition. For years, it was believed that erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse, was the result of a psychological problem or simply an unfortunate part of the aging process. Men were reluctant to discuss the problem, despite the fact that it affects up to 30 million of them in the United States each year, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Sexually transmitted diseases can be hard to spot; in fact, some may have no symptoms at all. Here, how to pinpoint and prevent the three most common offenders. You've been in a monogamous relationship for years. You and your partner have discussed your sexual histories. And you go to the doctor for regular checkups. There's no way you could be carrying or spreading a sexually transmitted disease, right? Well, not so fast.

It's America's most popular cosmetic surgery, but how much do you really know about breast enlargement? Learn more now. Throughout history, breasts have always been associated with femininity and sex appeal. And over the years, women have tried various techniques to enhance their curves. Back in 1885, Austrian-German surgeon Vincenz Czerny made the first recorded attempt at breast augmentation using a patient's own adipose (or fatty) tissue.

These ordinary foods might have extraordinary effects on your love life. Most likely because they're rich in the right vitamins and minerals, these foods have been known to help spice things up in the bedroom. Incorporate them into your daily diet or a romantic dinner, and watch the sparks fly. Oysters. Considered to be a powerful aphrodisiac since ancient times, these mollusks contain high amounts of zinc, which is essential for testosterone production and the maintenance of healthy sperm.

From matters of size to sex addiction, we answer your most blushworthy questions. How often do most people make love? Do certain foods boost your libido? Can men really have multiple orgasms? When it comes to copulation, there are probably lots of things you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask. That's why we've grilled the experts with your most intimate questions.

As it turns out, some U.S. locations are more lustful than others. Read on to see how your city stacks up. How often do you have sex? The answer may depend partly on where you live. As it turns out, some U.S. cities are hotbeds for love-making, while others are less than lustful. And where people are making the most whoopee might surprise you ("sin cities" like Las Vegas, Miami, and New York didn't even make our list).

Today's high-tech reproductive options help couples achieve their dreams of having a baby. For many couples, having a baby is the ultimate act of emotional fulfillment. Their little bundle of joy is an affirmation of life, and their new role as parents is the beginning of a uniquely rewarding journey. Even the physical pain associated with childbirth is usually viewed as a labor of love.

The relationship between human papillomavirus and cervical cancer is a complex one. Get the facts now. Human papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, has gotten a great deal of attention lately, especially with regard to the HPV vaccine. But what exactly is HPV, and how is it related to cervical cancer? What is HPV? HPV is a large family of more than 100 viruses that infect the skin.