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
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm female (36) with a Mirena IUD. I have lower abdominal pains that feel like my uterus is being squeezed. It's worse after my period or intense orgasms. My IUD was checked and it's in the correct place.
Although the Mirena IUD is an excellent method for contraception, control of menstrual bleeding, and cramping with periods, in some women it is not well tolerated. Since you have quite clearly identified your p... continue reading about I'm female (36) with a Mirena IUD. I have lower abdominal pains that feel like my uterus is being squeezed. It's worse after my period or intense orgasms. My IUD was checked and it's in the correct place.
Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
My friends tell me their sex drive wasn't the same after they had a baby. Is that true?
Having a baby is an overwhelming experience. You will experience changes in your body as well as your emotional state. You will be caring for your baby 24 hours a day, with interrupted sleep for at least the fi... continue reading about My friends tell me their sex drive wasn't the same after they had a baby. Is that true?
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?
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?
Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I am 51 years old. What is my chance of still getting pregnant, and how should I handle birth control as I move through menopause?
Women commonly believe that after a certain age they cannot conceive because they are too old. That is not entirely true. As a woman ages her fertility declines. A 45-year-old woman is less likely to conceive t... continue reading about I am 51 years old. What is my chance of still getting pregnant, and how should I handle birth control as I move through menopause?
Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Is it okay to have sex during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a normal part of life. During pregnancy a woman is not sick or fragile. It is true there are some restrictions in foods and activities, but for the most part women are encouraged to live a healthy,... continue reading about Is it okay to have sex during pregnancy?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I have recently lost all desire to be intimate with my partner. I sometimes feel it to be repulsive. I do find him attractive, but the thought of sex or even just kissing him makes me freak out.
You say you have recently lost desire so I am assuming the sexual relationship was a good one previously. Any sudden loss of libido should be evaluated medically. Hormone imbalance, depression, weight changes o... continue reading about I have recently lost all desire to be intimate with my partner. I sometimes feel it to be repulsive. I do find him attractive, but the thought of sex or even just kissing him makes me freak out.
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
How do I know if my heart is healthy enough for sex?
This is a common question from anyone who has had a heart attack or has been diagnosed with a heart problem. The Scientific Journal, Circulation, reported on thousands of patients with coronary artery disease w... continue reading about How do I know if my heart is healthy enough for sex?
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