Chronic pain, defined as pain lasting more than three months, affects one in five adults worldwide and often disrupts daily life and emotional well-being. It’s also linked to sexual well-being (SWB), a crucial part of quality of life. While past research has focused mostly on the effect of chronic pain on narrow aspects of sexual function (like arousal), a new study explored broader aspects of SWB, including sexual satisfaction, self-esteem, and motivation.

Intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) measures the time from penetration to ejaculation during sex and is often used to diagnose and treat premature ejaculation (PE). PE is typically defined by a short IELT (less than 1 minute for lifelong PE or under 3 minutes for acquired PE) accompanied by distress or difficulty delaying ejaculation. Although research often focuses on IELT improvements with treatment, little is known about how men with PE perceive a “normal” IELT or what they expect from treatment outcomes.

Some people engage in sex not because they want to but out of a sense of duty or obligation to their partner. This is known as “duty sex,” which can stem from feelings of pressure, fear of disappointing a partner, or a belief that it’s simply part of the relationship. Research specifically on women shows that those who have experienced nonconsensual sexual events (NSEs), such as sexual pressure or assault, are more likely to engage in duty sex. These experiences may shape how they view sex, making them feel less satisfied and more likely to prioritize a partner’s expectations over their own desires.

When people think about sexual health, they often focus on the idea of orgasm as the ultimate goal of intimacy. However, recent discussions in the field of sexual medicine, including insights from a publication in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, suggest that sexual pleasure is a broader and equally important concept. This distinction may help reshape how we think about healthy sexuality.

Diverse sexual practices, including BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism), are more common than many realize. Studies show that over 30% of people have engaged in kink-related activities, and many have fantasies involving elements like bondage or power exchange. Central to BDSM is consent, with participants agreeing on activities beforehand to ensure safety and mutual enjoyment. However, some BDSM activities may carry risks, such as bruises or cuts, similar to injuries that can occur during non-BDSM sexual activities.

Sexual health is essential to overall well-being, yet healthcare providers often do not discuss it with patients, even when it may be relevant. Patients may hesitate to bring up sexual concerns due to worries about privacy, fear of offending or overstepping, doubts about the provider’s ability to handle the topic, or hoping the provider will address it if necessary. For people with anxiety disorders, these issues can be even more pronounced. Anxiety disorders are common globally and often correlate with sexual issues like lower satisfaction and increased dysfunction, which can negatively impact relationships and quality of life.

Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery to alter the labia minora, or the inner folds of skin around the vaginal opening. It’s the most common type of female genital cosmetic surgery and is becoming more popular. Women might consider this procedure due to aesthetic concerns, physical discomfort (e.g., chafing or issues with tight clothing), psychological impacts (like low self-esteem or fear of judgment), and sexual concerns. Some reported sexual concerns related to labiaplasty include entry pain during sex (dyspareunia), reduced sexual satisfaction, and embarrassment about genital appearance, which can affect one’s sexual experiences and confidence.

Sexual distress describes negative feelings like frustration or dissatisfaction about one’s sexual experiences. This is a common issue for those seeking sex therapy, and it often impacts mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Pornography use has risen significantly in recent years, with the internet making it easily accessible, affordable, and anonymous. For some, pornography is a casual activity, but for others, it can become a compulsive habit known by some experts as problematic pornography use (PPU). PPU can lead to negative impacts like depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and financial problems.

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.

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.

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.