Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. However, the transition to menopause begins years earlier during a phase called perimenopause. This article will explore the symptoms associated with both perimenopause and menopause, helping to clarify this important life stage.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual disorder affecting 14% to 30% of men. It can be categorized into four types: Lifelong PE (LPE), where ejaculation happens within 1 minute; Acquired PE (APE), where ejaculation time decreases to 3 minutes or less; Variable PE (VPE), where timing is inconsistent; and Subjective PE (SPE), where men feel they ejaculate quickly, but timing is normal.

Your sex drive, or libido, is influenced by many factors, including physical health, hormones, and emotional well-being. One aspect that people may not always consider is the role of diet. Can what you eat really impact your sex drive? The answer is yes. Certain foods can either support or harm your sexual health. Here’s how diet can play a part in enhancing or reducing libido.

During adolescence, people go through important physical and emotional changes as they discover their sexual identities and learn to navigate social relationships. This period is marked by curiosity and a desire for new experiences, but it also comes with the need for caution to avoid risky behaviors.

Gender-affirming therapy can be life-changing for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, offering physical and emotional benefits by helping people align their bodies with their gender identity. But how does this care impact general health? Understanding the effects of gender-affirming therapy, both the positive effects and potential challenges, can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) are common issues for many women, affecting their desire for sexual activity. HSDD is when a woman has little or no motivation for sexual activity, including a lack of sexual thoughts, difficulty responding to sexual cues, or avoiding sexual situations altogether. It often causes distress, frustration, or sadness. FSAD involves trouble becoming or staying aroused during sexual activity. These conditions can happen together, making things even more challenging.

Anorgasmia is a condition where an individual has difficulty reaching orgasm, even with adequate sexual stimulation. For those experiencing this issue, it can feel frustrating and emotionally distressing. To address the condition effectively, it’s essential to recognize its signs and know how to collaborate with healthcare providers for proper support and treatment.

Introduction

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to evaluate treatments for low sexual interest and arousal in women. PROs are questionnaires that measure symptoms and treatment effects based on what participants report. The FDA suggests recording these frequently to avoid inaccuracies due to memory issues. Shorter recall periods, like 24-hour diaries, may capture more accurate details but can become tiring for participants, reducing their willingness to complete the study. Longer recall periods, such as monthly reports, are easier to complete but one’s memory of their experience may be influenced by unrelated events or recent experiences.

Endometriosis affects about 10% of women and individuals with a uterus, causing tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow outside the uterus. This can lead to severe menstrual cramps, pain during sex, and chronic pelvic pain. The pain comes from both local inflammation and changes in nerves around the endometriosis tissue, as well as from an overly sensitive nervous system that amplifies pain, which is known as central sensitization. Central sensitization can also contribute to anxiety or depression.

Mismatched libidos are a common issue in relationships and can cause significant stress if not addressed with understanding and open communication. It’s normal for couples to have varying sexual desires at different times, and this discrepancy can happen for many reasons. However, there are effective strategies couples can use to navigate this issue and improve their relationship satisfaction. Here are some practical, evidence-based approaches to help couples manage mismatched libidos.

Traditional gender-affirming surgeries, like phalloplasty and penile inversion vaginoplasty, are designed to create genitalia that match a person’s identified gender, often as male or female. However, some people, such as those who identify as nonbinary, bigender, or agender, may want a unique approach that doesn’t follow this traditional binary model.

In this episode with host Shelly Varod, we dive deep into the impact of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on sexual health and functioning with expert insights from Dr. Naomi Sutton, a sexual health consultant in the UK. Dr. Sutton shares her experiences treating various STIs, including HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea, and emphasizes the importance of regular testing, especially since many STIs can be asymptomatic. We explore the potential complications of untreated STIs, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility, and how they can affect sexual function. Rising STI rates, driven by factors like changing sexual behaviors, reduced condom use, and cuts to sexual health services, are also discussed. Dr. Sutton tackles the stigma and shame surrounding STIs and how it prevents people from seeking help. While effective medical treatments are available, addressing the psychological and social challenges of living with an STI is just as crucial. Tune in to hear valuable advice on staying informed, getting tested, and navigating the emotional aspects of sexual health!