Contraception, also known as birth control, is the use of medications, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. Some examples of contraception are condoms, birth control pills, diaphragms, hormonal vaginal rings, intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, birth control patches, spermicide products, contraceptive injections, and surgical sterilization (i.e., vasectomies for people with penises or tubal ligations for people with vulvas).

Vasectomy is considered the most effective form of male birth control. Men may wonder if a vasectomy surgery will affect the low volume of ejaculation. In this video from the International Society for Sexual Medicine, experts in the field of sexual health answer this question.

If you occasionally worry about the look and size of your penis, you are not alone. Nevertheless, the fact is that penises, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. While there is truly no “normal” when it comes to the penis, there are a few things people may want more information on with regards to this specific organ.

The longest phase of the menstrual cycle is known as the follicular phase, and it can last between 14 to 21 days. During this phase, your ovaries support the growth and development of an egg that will be released later during ovulation. As the follicular phase draws to a close, a woman is at her most fertile and is more likely to become pregnant during sex.

Sexual health is important and any concerns can be openly shared with a healthcare provider. Check out the newest #AskISSM video to hear experts in the field of sexual medicine explain some common misunderstandings regarding female sexual health that patients may have. 

Vaginismus is a sexual health condition under the umbrella of genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) that causes a vulva owner’s pelvic floor muscles to contract in response to attempted penetration, making penetration difficult, painful, or even impossible.

If you and your partner are interested in having anal sex, it is a good idea to be prepared. Although anal sex is mostly safe if you take the appropriate precautions, there are still some risks associated with the activity. The following are some risks associated with anal sex, as well as tips on how to limit these risks to have the most safe, enjoyable experience possible.

Anxiety or shame may cause men with erectile dysfunction to suffer in silence. Check out this new video from the ISSM where sexual health experts discuss what patients need to know about ED and how to feel empowered to discuss it with your provider. 

Sex may change over the course of a person’s life, but that doesn’t mean it has to go away. Many people in their senior years (70+) are continuing to enjoy satisfying sex with their sexual partners. The following are a few ways that older individuals can continue to have great sex.

Menstruation is the shedding of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus that occurs approximately once a month in people who have uteruses until they reach menopause. It is one phase of the menstrual cycle, which includes menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Sometimes, menstruation is called menses, a menstrual period, or simply a period.

Roughly 40% of men will have erectile dysfunction by the age of 40. By age 70, nearly 70% of men will have ED. Understanding that ED is a part of aging for some groups may help men seek treatment without feeling shame or anxiety. Learn more about treatments for erectile dysfunction in this video from the International Society for Sexual Medicine. 

Pelvic floor disorders are common in women, and they can put a damper on sex. Some examples of pelvic floor disorders include urinary incontinence (leaking urine), fecal incontinence (leaking stool), and pelvic organ prolapse (when a pelvic organ like the bladder, uterus, or rectum falls out of its normal position and drops down into the vagina).