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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

    Toni J. Brayer

    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.

    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?

    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.

    Ask the Expert Team

    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.

    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?

    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?

    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?

    Catherine A. Madison

    Catherine A. Madison, M.D.

    California Pacific Medical Center

    For the first time in my life I experience vertigo after climaxing. Why is that?

    Headaches after climax have been described over the years and are felt related to changes in the size of blood vessels after sex. Vertigo is more unusual and might suggest a problem with the inner ear system; a... continue reading  about  For the first time in my life I experience vertigo after climaxing. Why is that?

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