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Content

Sexual Health

Here’s what you need to know to keep your sex life healthy and safe.

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

    Young couple in bed

    Examine Your Partner During Intimacy

    Use proximity and love to enhance early detection of common ailments.

    Feet tangled in bed

    Have Great Sex in Midlife

    You can have a satisfying sex life in your 40s, 50s and beyond.

    Couple laughing in bed

    Men: Maintain a Healthy Sex Life

    Learn how STD and body awareness can help you keep sex fun and safe.

    View All Sexual Health and Relationship Articles

    Ask an Expert

    Deborah Quinn-Chen

    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?

    Rodman S. Rogers

    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?

    Jane Varner

    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

    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?

    Deborah Quinn-Chen

    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?

    Susan Maayah

    Susan Maayah, M.D.

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    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?

    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?

    Junaid H. Khan

    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?

    Ravin Agah

    Ravin Agah, M.D., Ph.D.

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    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?

    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?

    Ryszard J. Chetkowski

    Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.

    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus

    What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?

    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?

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