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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?

    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?

    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?

    Susan Maayah

    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

    Jane Varner, M.D.

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?

    First of all, you are not alone. Millions of women experience pain during intercourse, but most are too shy or embarrassed to bring it up. I congratulate you for raising the question! Intercourse is a wonderful... continue reading  about  I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?

    Susan Maayah

    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?

    Frank dela Rama

    Frank dela Rama, R.N., MSN, CNS, AGN-BC, AOCNS

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    I am a prostate cancer survivor, age 72, who remains interested in sexual activity. However I suffer from ED and have not found medications to be helpful. Are the penal constrictive devices an option? What other options are available?

    Erectile dysfunction can be a side effect of prostate cancer treatment, but depending upon the treatment (surgery or radiation), the onset and quality of symptoms may be different. ED after surgery may stem mor... continue reading  about  I am a prostate cancer survivor, age 72, who remains interested in sexual activity. However I suffer from ED and have not found medications to be helpful. Are the penal constrictive devices an option? What other options are available?

    Susan Maayah

    Susan Maayah, M.D.

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    If HPV high risk is detected during my PAP smear result, should I get vaccinated? Or is it too late for any benefit of a vaccine? I have been monogamous for the last 10 years. Also, what's the likelihood of getting cancer once HPV is detected?

    High-risk HPV detection on a pap smear indicates you are at risk for developing cervical cancer at any point in the future. With a healthy immune system, many women clear this, but sometimes severe cases requir... continue reading  about  If HPV high risk is detected during my PAP smear result, should I get vaccinated? Or is it too late for any benefit of a vaccine? I have been monogamous for the last 10 years. Also, what's the likelihood of getting cancer once HPV is detected?

    Deborah Quinn-Chen

    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?

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