The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, weakening its defenses against other diseases and infections. It can be passed from person to person through contact with blood and other bodily fluids. Most often, it is spread through unprotected sex, but it can also be passed by sharing needles for drug injection or from an HIV-positive mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Sexual performance anxiety is fear, worry, or anxiety related to sexual activity. Although it is one of the most common sexual issues among both men and women, sexual performance anxiety is not recognized as a diagnosis. Nevertheless, it often accompanies and/or precedes other sexual dysfunctions. Severe sexual performance anxiety can perpetuate a detrimental cycle in which a person worries about their performance and is afraid of failure, experiences sexual difficulties, and then worries more about future performance.

Persistent genital arousal disorder/genito-pelvic dysesthesia (PGAD/GPD) is a distressing condition that can impact both men and women but is more common in women. The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) defines PGAD/GPD in women as a condition “characterized by persistent or recurrent, unwanted or intrusive, distressing sensations of genital arousal (e.g., feelings of being on the verge of orgasm and of lubrication and swelling, tingling, throbbing, contractions) that persist for ≥3 months and may include other types of genito-pelvic dysesthesia (e.g., buzzing, burning, twitching, itch, pain).”

Transgender people have a gender identity that is different from the sex they were assigned at birth, whereas cisgender people have a gender identity that is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth.

Bladder health is an important component of one’s overall well-being, and one that may have ramifications for a person’s sexual health. There are several ailments that can affect the bladder, ranging from acute (short-term) infections to chronic (long-term) conditions. Though these conditions can occur in both men and women, they are more common in women because of the anatomy of their urethra: it is shorter compared to the male urethra and it is located closer to the anus. Other risk factors include pregnancy, childbirth, and hormonal changes due to menopause.

A condom is a thin tube that is worn around the penis (external condom) or a pouch that is inserted into the vagina or anus (internal condom) before engaging in penetrative sexual activity to help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and as a means of birth control. Some people also use condoms for oral sex.

A personal lubricant (or “lube”) is a liquid or gel that individuals can apply to the vulva, vagina, penis, and/or anus before or during sexual activity to make the area more slippery and facilitate easier penetration.

Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by hyperactivity, restlessness, impulsive actions, and trouble paying attention. It is a disorder that can interfere with a person’s day-to-day life, affecting relationships, work, self-esteem, and other important life components.

Priapism is a prolonged, often painful, erection that lasts for four hours or more and is not related to sexual stimulation. It occurs when the blood that flows to the penis to create an erection cannot flow back out of the penis, causing it to remain fully or semi-erect for an extended period of time.

Perhaps you have heard the term “health literacy” and wondered what it means. In August 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the definition of health literacy to include both “personal” and “organizational” health literacy, which are defined as follows:

Research suggests that very few transgender people who undergo gender-affirmation surgery regret their decision. 

When a heterosexual couple is unable to have penetrative vaginal intercourse, their relationship may be called unconsummated.