Persistent noncancer pelvic pain (also called chronic pelvic pain) is a problem that affects an estimated 6% to 40% of women worldwide. In addition to causing pain that is in or perceived to be in the pelvic structures, this condition is often associated with sexual dysfunctions such as dyspareunia (pain during sex), orgasmic dysfunction, and lowered desire, arousal, and lubrication.

Infertility, or the failure to achieve a successful pregnancy after ≥12 months of regular unprotected intercourse, can have a huge impact on a couple’s relationship, sexual connection, and quality of life. It introduces several stressors that affect the couple in ways that they may not have previously considered.

A small battery-powered electrical device called a vPatch may be a future treatment option for premature ejaculation (PE), according to the results of a recent study.

Sexual boredom, or the feeling that sex has become too dull, mechanical, or routine, can occur for both men and women in long-term relationships. Previous research has suggested that there may be an association between sexual boredom and sexual desire, but little is known about this potential relationship.

Recently, an international panel of experts convened to develop a set of guidelines for sexual health care for patients with prostate cancer and their partners. The panelists used available evidence and their own expertise to develop these guidelines, accounting for patients’ unique cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds as well as their gender identities and sexual orientations.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of red blood cell disorders that cause the red blood cells to break down and morph into a “sickle” or “C” shape. Healthy red blood cells are round and contain a protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen. In this way, red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event or series of events such as an accident, a natural disaster, war/combat, assault, or abuse. It can involve nightmares or flashbacks related to the trauma, heightened reactions to external stimuli, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms that can negatively affect a person’s life.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic condition that affects the lungs and airways. It can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, fatigue, weakness, and energy loss. This condition can be associated with anxiety and depression, and since the majority of COPD patients are former or current smokers, sometimes they experience feelings of guilt about their smoking.

A radical prostatectomy is a treatment for prostate cancer. It is the surgical removal of the prostate and some of the tissues around it such as the seminal vesicles and sometimes nearby lymph nodes. Removing the prostate, which is the gland that is responsible for making some of the fluid in semen, can have a big impact on a man’s erectile function.

When individuals have cancer early in life (i.e., before the age of 18), it can affect their development throughout life. In particular, childhood cancer may impact one’s psychosexual development as a young adult. This could be the result of physical changes to the body caused by the cancer or its treatments, concerns about body image, insecurities, and/or missed opportunities to spend time with peers.

Lichen sclerosus is a medical condition that causes itchy white patches of skin, normally in the genital and anal areas of the body. An autoimmune disorder, lichen sclerosus generally affects girls who have not yet gotten their periods or postmenopausal women. It can, however, affect women of all ages.

The telemedicine industry has seen significant growth over the last several years, perhaps in part due to the social distancing measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the trend toward virtual health care visits and having medications and supplies shipped directly to the patient’s home has been evident since even before the pandemic.