Protect Yourself Against STDs
Learn honest communication and safer-sex strategies to help you avoid sexually transmitted infections.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex
Research shows that parental involvement reduces kids’ risky choices. Whether you have toddlers or teens, learn how to build open communication about sex.
Why Your Preteen Needs the HPV Vaccine
This safe, accessible treatment permanently protects your child from contracting a common STD that causes many cancers, including cervical cancer.
Featured Articles
Examine Your Partner During Intimacy
Use proximity and love to enhance early detection of common ailments.
Have Great Sex in Midlife
You can have a satisfying sex life in your 40s, 50s and beyond.
Men: Maintain a Healthy Sex Life
Learn how STD and body awareness can help you keep sex fun and safe.
Ask an Expert
Catherine A. Madison, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
For the first time in my life I experience vertigo after climaxing. Why is that?
Headaches after climax have been described over the years and are felt related to changes in the size of blood vessels after sex. Vertigo is more unusual and might suggest a problem with the inner ear system; a... continue reading about For the first time in my life I experience vertigo after climaxing. Why is that?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've heard urinary tract infections (UTIs) are getting harder to treat. Why is this and who's at risk of developing one?
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections doctors treat. More than half of women living in the United States will get a UTI at some point in their lives. Urinary tract infections are caused... continue reading about I've heard urinary tract infections (UTIs) are getting harder to treat. Why is this and who's at risk of developing one?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?
The clitoris never actually disappears, but it can become smaller over time after the loss of circulating female hormones with menopause. This is part of a normal condition with aging called urogenital atrophy.... continue reading about Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I'm 41 and have had my tubes tied/clamped. I'm in a committed relationship so we do not use condoms and are rather sexually active. Is there any need to douche? I never have, and have heard conflicting opinions from friends.
Douching is not recommended for several reasons.Douche cleansing fluids tend to alter the vaginal pH and this can negatively impact the vagina's normal healthy bacterial flora and mucus and make one more suscep... continue reading about I'm 41 and have had my tubes tied/clamped. I'm in a committed relationship so we do not use condoms and are rather sexually active. Is there any need to douche? I never have, and have heard conflicting opinions from friends.
Jane Varner, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I have recently been diagnosed with herpes simplex virus 1. Does that mean I will never be able to kiss?
Let's begin with a quick review of how our immune system works. When your body recognizes an invader, such as a virus, it quickly manufactures fighter cells — also known as antibodies — to that inva... continue reading about I have recently been diagnosed with herpes simplex virus 1. Does that mean I will never be able to kiss?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
When should you tell a potential sex partner about herpes?
Herpes simplex is a very common virus and can break out on any moist surface of the body. A person is contagious when there is an active herpetic lesion, and close contact must be avoided during these times. Th... continue reading about When should you tell a potential sex partner about herpes?
Rodman S. Rogers, M.D.
SPMF San Francisco HMO Network
What is the difference between erectile dysfunction and impotence?
Impotence is an old-fashioned, non-specific and medically improper term that is no longer used to describe male sexual problems. The current terminology describing difficulty achieving and/or maintaining an ere... continue reading about What is the difference between erectile dysfunction and impotence?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
My physician recently changed my brand of birth control pills. I read reviews that described bad side effects for the new brand. Do all birth control pills have the same ingredients? If so, why would some cause different side effects?
All birth control pills are formulated with a synthetic estrogen and progestin hormone (with the exception of one that has progestin only). Most common side effects of birth control pills occur when you first b... continue reading about My physician recently changed my brand of birth control pills. I read reviews that described bad side effects for the new brand. Do all birth control pills have the same ingredients? If so, why would some cause different side effects?
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Eden Medical Center
Can you participate in sex if you have an enlarged heart?
Great question, and one we get asked often. We also get asked about the use of Viagra. Sexual activity is generally categorized under "vigorous physical activity." Patients with known heart conditions need to c... continue reading about Can you participate in sex if you have an enlarged heart?
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