Sexual Health

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

In general, tubal ligation is a very safe procedure associated with the small risks of laparoscopy and anesthesia in a healthy woman, regardless of her age. However, other permanent methods of tubal steril... continue reading  about  What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?

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?

It is quite common after having a complete hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries for women to feel a loss of libido. The ovaries produce hormones such as estrogens, progesterones and androgens which are parti... continue reading  about  Two years ago I was diagnosed with a rare uterine cancer. The doctors took everything including some lymph nodes. I've always had a healthy sexual appetite but since my surgery I feel numb - like a robot with no feelings. Is there anything I can do?

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?