Sexual Health

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.

Herpes and shingles are actually caused by two different viruses, from the same family. What we traditionally call "herpes" is caused by herpes simplex. Oral herpes, causing fever blisters and cold sores, is ca... continue reading  about  What is the relationship between herpes and shingles? I have been diagnosed with herpes, and am experiencing breakouts of pimples/blisters on my arms, legs and chest, made worse by stress and physical activity that makes me sweat. What can be done?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

It is not unusual for patients who take pain medication and are depressed due to chronic pain to have diminished interest in sex. It could be due to the medications, the depression, the chronic pain, diminished... continue reading  about  My husband had back surgery last year. He takes medication daily for chronic pain. The last few months he seems depressed and has very little interest in sex. Could the medication or the pain be causing this? Any suggestions on how I can help him?

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.