When people think about sexual desire, they often think about spontaneous desire, which is internal arousal or desire to connect with a partner. However, the motivation for sexual activity is not always spontaneous. In fact, it often occurs in response to starting sexual activity or sexual stimulation. This is known as responsive desire.

Social media has become an extremely popular form of communication with an estimated 2 billion active users worldwide. As people increasingly turn to social media as a source for news and information, it becomes a logical vehicle of communication for public health promotion, including sexual health.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect people who have seen or experienced a traumatic event. Some symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, and/or uncontrollable thoughts about the event, as well as serious anxiety or significant changes in a person’s mood or temperament. Individuals with PTSD may have intense distress or extreme reactions to things that remind them of the traumatic event. These symptoms may develop soon after the event has taken place or years later.

A person’s sexual health can contribute to or take away from their overall happiness and quality of life. Fortunately, it is possible for a person to enjoy satisfying sex and intimacy throughout their lifetime. Nevertheless, sexual health issues can affect people of all ages. In recognition of June being Men’s Health Month, the following is a list of the most common sexual health issues that may impact men.

Whether you received sex education in school as an adolescent or you were never taught about sexuality and relationships, it is likely that you could still benefit from sex education as an adult.

An erogenous zone is any part of the body that elicits sexual arousal when touched. Although most people think of the genitals when it comes to sexual touch, other parts of the body are erogenous zones as well and can bring a person great sexual pleasure. In fact, a 2016 study that mapped the preferred erogenous zones of 704 participants found that the entire body can be sensitive to sexual touch, but erogenous zones vary from person to person.

For busy couples facing seemingly endless demands upon their time, it may feel like sex always takes a back seat to work, education, chores, parenting, and other important priorities. Certainly, the ebb and flow of sexual activity is normal in a long-term relationship, and putting off sex may even be necessary in times of major life changes such as soon after childbirth. Nevertheless, if it is consistently difficult for you and your partner to find time for sex in your day-to-day lives, the following are a few things you can try.

Discrimination against members of minority groups such as the LGBTQIA+ community can have serious ramifications when it comes to the overall health and well-being of these individuals. (LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and all other gender and sexual identities).

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an overarching term that describes disorders that cause chronic inflammation in a person’s digestive track. The two conditions that are categorized as IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Masturbation is a common and normal sexual activity, but many people still feel uncomfortable talking about it or even ashamed about doing it. Unfortunately, old stigmas and myths/misinformation continue to surround the practice of masturbation which, in reality, is a healthy, free way to experience sexual pleasure. Below are some of the most common myths about masturbation, as well as the facts and health benefits of this sexual activity.

Hepatitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is usually caused by a virus, but it can sometimes be caused by alcohol consumption, drug use, or certain medical conditions. The most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, and C.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common and impact people all around the world. Nevertheless, many people continue to feel ashamed about discussing their STI status with current or prospective sexual partners, being tested for STIs, or testing positive for an STI. It is important to remember that getting an STI is not a negative reflection on your character, and many STIs are curable. Still, being aware of your STI status and that of your sexual partner(s) is an important and necessary step for preventing the spread of STIs, making safe, informed decisions, and maintaining your sexual and overall health.