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What is phimosis?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health

In uncircumcised men and boys, a foreskin covers the head of the penis. Typically, the foreskin is flexible and stretches to allow exposure of the glans penis (head) when pulled back, offering no resistance. When the foreskin can’t be pulled back, this is called phimosis.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Sexual Health Topics: Women’s Sexual Health

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria.

What is the refractory period?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health

After orgasm, both men and women experience a resolution stage called the refractory period. At this time, their bodies “recover” from sexual excitement and return to their normal states. For men, the penis becomes flaccid again as he goes through a refractory period.

Why is vaginal lubrication important for women?

Sexual Health Topics: Women’s Sexual Health

For women, vaginal lubrication is an important part of sexual arousal. It readies the vagina for penetration, making it easier for the penis to enter and reducing any accompanying friction or irritation. Pain during intercourse is often caused by inadequate lubrication.

Can prescription medications affect testosterone levels?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health, Medications & Sexual Health

Yes, a decrease in testosterone levels can be a side effect of certain prescription medications, such as the following:

What are sex headaches?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health, Women’s Sexual Health

Sex headaches (also called orgasmic headaches, benign coital headache, or orgasmic cephalgia) are headaches associated with sexual activity. They can occur with intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex.

Can medication help men who have problems with ejaculation and orgasm?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health, Medications & Sexual Health

It’s possible, but more research on this question is needed.

Anorgasmia refers to a problem reaching orgasm. Men with anorgasmia may have delayed orgasm or no orgasm at all. Finding a treatment for anorgasmia has been a challenge.

What is a lubricant?

Sexual Health Topics: Women’s Sexual Health

During sexual arousal, a woman’s vagina typically becomes lubricated, making it wetter and ready for sex. Many women find that lubrication makes sex more comfortable or enjoyable because it reduces friction and irritation.

However, sometimes women experience vaginal dryness. The vagina does not lubricate enough, leading to pain or discomfort. This can happen when estrogen levels drop during menopause. Vaginal dryness can also occur when a woman is breastfeeding, undergoing chemotherapy, or when she has been treated for breast cancer.

What lifestyle changes can men make to improve their erectile function?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health, Sexual Health Management & Treatments

There are many things men can do to improve erectile function. Many of them provide other health benefits as well, so it makes sense to give them a try.

What side effects may occur when women take testosterone?

Sexual Health Topics: Women’s Sexual Health, Sexual Health Management & Treatments

Side effects of testosterone therapy for women can include acne, extra hair growth, weight gain, and fluid retention. Some women have mood swings and become angry or hostile. In rarer circumstances, women develop deeper voices and baldness. Clitoral enlargement is another rare side effect.

What is anorgasmia (a.k.a. orgasmic disorder)?

What is anorgasmia (a.k.a. orgasmic disorder)?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health, Women’s Sexual Health

Anorgasmia refers to an inability to reach orgasm within a desired amount of time. Some people with anorgasmia are unable to climax at all. Their bodies become aroused (a man has an erection, for example), but no orgasm occurs.

What is dyspareunia?

Sexual Health Topics: Women’s Sexual Health

The term “dyspareunia” means painful intercourse. A woman may feel pain at the start of penetration, with trusting, or when there is deep penetration.  Pain may happen only with specific partners or in certain positions, or with all partners and all positions.

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