Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an overarching term that describes disorders that cause chronic inflammation in a person’s digestive track. The two conditions that are categorized as IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Masturbation is a common and normal sexual activity, but many people still feel uncomfortable talking about it or even ashamed about doing it. Unfortunately, old stigmas and myths/misinformation continue to surround the practice of masturbation which, in reality, is a healthy, free way to experience sexual pleasure. Below are some of the most common myths about masturbation, as well as the facts and health benefits of this sexual activity.

Hepatitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is usually caused by a virus, but it can sometimes be caused by alcohol consumption, drug use, or certain medical conditions. The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, and C.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common and impact people all around the world. Nevertheless, many people continue to feel ashamed about discussing their STI status with current or prospective sexual partners, being tested for STIs, or testing positive for an STI. It is important to remember that getting an STI is not a negative reflection on your character, and many STIs are curable. Still, being aware of your STI status and that of your sexual partner(s) is an important and necessary step for preventing the spread of STIs, making safe, informed decisions, and maintaining your sexual and overall health.

Female orgasmic disorder (FOD) is characterized by delayed, infrequent, or absent orgasm despite sufficient stimulation and adequate emotional and mental sexual arousal during at least 75% of sexual experiences for women. This term is also used to describe a marked decrease in orgasm intensity.

Racial and ethnic minority populations bear a disproportionate burden of overall health concerns due to factors such as persistent health disparities, discrimination, stigma, education, geographic location, and poverty or low-income levels. Unfortunately, sexual health concerns also impact these communities at a higher rate than other communities. Importantly, these health disparities are not in any way caused by a person’s ethnic background or heritage, but rather by the societal factors and barriers to care that make it more difficult for minority groups to access important health information and quality health care services.

Many people feel that drinking alcohol helps them to relax, lowers their inhibitions, and allows them to feel more confident during sex. Research confirms that, when used in moderation, alcohol is often associated with increased socialization, improved feelings of personal attractiveness and attraction toward others, and reduced inhibitions. While it may seem appealing, this dynamic may not always be beneficial for a person’s sexual health, and excessive alcohol consumption can be especially detrimental to a person’s sex life in a number of ways. (Keep in mind that moderate alcohol consumption is generally defined as no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men).

Yes, usually it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. The muscular walls of the uterus and the amniotic fluid surrounding the developing fetus protect it from outside forces, so engaging in sexual activity during a normal pregnancy does not harm the baby or the mother.

In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that cancer patients may experience changes in their sexual health due to cancer treatments. While most guidelines acknowledge the importance of addressing patients’ sexual health when they undergo cancer treatment, there continues to be a disconnect between the ideal standard of sexual health care and real-world practice. 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that impacts the body’s central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. For reasons currently unknown, when a person has MS, their immune system attacks the protective covering around their nerves (known as the myelin) and causes communication issues between the brain and the rest of the body. Depending on the severity of the condition, MS can cause a number of symptoms including vision problems, fatigue, dizziness, numbness, tingling, weakness in limbs, problems with bowel and bladder functions, and/or paralysis. These symptoms may be temporary or permanent.

Fortunately, HIV diagnoses for women have declined in recent years, but it is still important for women to be aware of the risks and prevention strategies for this sexually transmitted infection (STI) so that they can stay safe during sexual activity. Here are some things that women should know about HIV and their sexual health.

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissues similar to the endometrium (the tissue that lines the uterus) begin to grow outside of the uterus. It is estimated to affect between 2 to 10 percent of U.S. women between the ages of 25 to 40, and it is most common in women in their 30s and 40s. An often painful condition, endometriosis can cause intense menstrual cramps, heavy menstrual bleeding, pain with sex, and infertility.