All articles tagged with #sexual health
A UK condom price surge driven by Middle East disruptions and a 30% hike from Karex could curb condom use—already low in 2023—and raise STI rates, despite free condoms at clinics; price increases are expected to reach shops over the coming months, with some ranges frozen until mid-2026.
Biohacker Bryan Johnson publicly praised his girlfriend Kate Tolo’s vaginal microbiome, claiming her sample is 98.7% Lactobacillus crispatus and in the top 1% of vaginas, linking it to lower infection risks and better IVF outcomes; Tolo acknowledged the post and warned that oral sex carries risks, while the public reveal drew mixed reactions and underscored Johnson’s habit of sharing intimate health details publicly.
ED is moving beyond pills toward a personalized, data-driven care model that uses at-home wearable devices to monitor erections, VR to study arousal and tailor therapy, regenerative approaches to address tissue health, and renewed options like vacuum devices and sex therapy to improve access and outcomes.
Therapists say size anxiety is real, fueled by cultural messages that equate penis size with masculinity and sexual prowess. The issue often masks deeper body-image wounds and can lead to anxiety, avoidance, and performance pressure. Experts recommend acknowledging the fear, communicating openly with partners, reframing sex beyond penetration, and focusing on presence and pleasure through varied positions and erogenous zones rather than fixating on size.
GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, used for obesity and type 2 diabetes, may impact sexual function by altering brain reward pathways and serotonin signaling, potentially affecting desire, arousal, and pelvic-floor function. While some users report reduced appetite and increased energy or confidence that can improve sex life, others experience lowered libido. Research is still limited, but experts suggest effects vary by individual and may be temporary; adjustments to dosage, lifestyle, and open conversations with a clinician can help manage changes and support sexual well-being.
A study of 263 U.S. college students finds non-medical pain during sex is common for both men and women across penile-vaginal, anal, and non-penetrative activities. Women are more likely to tell partners and stop when hurt; men report pain at comparable rates for vaginal sex but are far less likely to disclose or stop, a pattern linked to traditional gender-role beliefs. Qualitative responses cite embarrassment and the pressure to please. Limitations include a single-university sample; researchers aim to create a standardized questionnaire and expand sampling to improve sex education and partner communication.
An HIV-positive advocate, Daniel Garza, was diagnosed with stage II anal cancer in 2015—likely linked to HIV’s immune suppression and HPV infection. He experienced weight gain despite barely eating, then underwent extensive treatment (radiation, chemotherapy, HBOT) that left him with an ostomy after losing half of his anal sphincter, and he was declared cancer-free in 2017. Garza now channels his experience into advocacy for HIV awareness, anal cancer and HPV education, mental health, and sexuality, urging others with persistent symptoms to seek second opinions and not ignore signs below the belt.
A Hungarian study of 890 adults finds that why people use pornography—positive reasons like pleasure, exploration, or intimacy versus negative ones like stress relief or emotional escape—predicts sexual and emotional functioning better than how often they use it. Frequent use with positive motivations linked to adaptive regulation and less sexual withdrawal, while problematic use (not just frequency) correlates with poorer outcomes. The researchers note limitations such as self-report data and overlapping motivations, and advise evaluating distress or loss of control over use rather than frequency alone.
Therapists explain that a larger penis can bring physical challenges (like painful penetration or gag reflex during oral sex) and emotional strain (performance anxiety, shame, and trauma from past experiences). Rather than framing the issue as a mechanical problem, therapy emphasizes open, empathetic communication between partners, exploration of gentler, shallower penetration, and flexible positions, plus lubrication, to improve comfort and intimacy and reduce stigma.
Emergency departments regularly treat sex-related injuries—from penile fractures and foreign objects to vaginal tears and testicular torsion—often aggravated by embarrassment and delays in seeking care. Doctors say prompt evaluation is crucial for time-sensitive conditions, advise safer devices and lubrication, and remind patients that these issues are common and doctors aren’t judging.
A study published in the International Journal of Sexual Health found that women's understanding of their anatomy and feelings about their genitals significantly influence their masturbation habits, with early sexual experiences linked to greater sexual satisfaction later. The research highlights gaps in female sexual education and suggests that better knowledge and positive self-image can promote healthier sexual behaviors.
The article offers advice on overcoming fears of rejection and insecurity related to participating in group sex, emphasizing that rejection is normal and can be a character-building experience, and suggesting ways to safeguard one's comfort and boundaries. It also discusses addressing sexual issues like erectile dysfunction and exploring alternative ways to enjoy intimacy, highlighting the importance of communication and professional support.
The article discusses six types of male orgasms, including ejaculation, pelvic, prostate, dry, blended, and multiple orgasms, highlighting their unique features and potential health benefits, such as reducing prostate cancer risk through frequent ejaculation.
Certain foods like oysters, berries, and nuts are backed by science to support sexual health by increasing blood flow, regulating testosterone, and reducing erectile dysfunction, though they should complement a healthy lifestyle and not replace medical advice.
A man is struggling with his desire for sex after witnessing his wife douching, which he finds disturbing. Experts advise understanding that bodily functions are normal and encourage honest communication to address feelings and misconceptions, emphasizing acceptance of the human body as part of intimacy.