Sexual health is important and any concerns can be openly shared with a healthcare provider. Check out the newest #AskISSM video to hear experts in the field of sexual medicine explain some common misunderstandings regarding female sexual health that patients may have. 

Vaginismus is a sexual health condition under the umbrella of genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) that causes a vulva owner’s pelvic floor muscles to contract in response to attempted penetration, making penetration difficult, painful, or even impossible.

If you and your partner are interested in having anal sex, it is a good idea to be prepared. Although anal sex is mostly safe if you take the appropriate precautions, there are still some risks associated with the activity. The following are some risks associated with anal sex, as well as tips on how to limit these risks to have the most safe, enjoyable experience possible.

Anxiety or shame may cause men with erectile dysfunction to suffer in silence. Check out this new video from the ISSM where sexual health experts discuss what patients need to know about ED and how to feel empowered to discuss it with your provider. 

Sex may change over the course of a person’s life, but that doesn’t mean it has to go away. Many people in their senior years (70+) are continuing to enjoy satisfying sex with their sexual partners. The following are a few ways that older individuals can continue to have great sex.

Menstruation is the shedding of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus that occurs approximately once a month in people who have uteruses until they reach menopause. It is one phase of the menstrual cycle, which includes menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Sometimes, menstruation is called menses, a menstrual period, or simply a period.

Roughly 40% of men will have erectile dysfunction by the age of 40. By age 70, nearly 70% of men will have ED. Understanding that ED is a part of aging for some groups may help men seek treatment without feeling shame or anxiety. Learn more about treatments for erectile dysfunction in this video from the International Society for Sexual Medicine. 

Pelvic floor disorders are common in women, and they can put a damper on sex. Some examples of pelvic floor disorders include urinary incontinence (leaking urine), fecal incontinence (leaking stool), and pelvic organ prolapse (when a pelvic organ like the bladder, uterus, or rectum falls out of its normal position and drops down into the vagina).

Individuals with medical conditions that impact their mobility, affect their ability to get aroused or have an orgasm, and/or cause chronic pain can still have full and satisfying sex lives. Several sex enhancement devices are available to help make sex more comfortable and enjoyable for people with ongoing health conditions that can influence their sexual functioning.

Sexual dysfunctions often occur during coupled activity. When this is the case, having couples attend a sexual medicine visit together may be helpful. During a couple's visit, providers can hear both perspectives and help couples work as a team to maximize their sexual health. Learn more about the reasons that couples may benefit from attending a sexual medicine visit together in this video from the International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Yes. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for a woman to get pregnant if she has sexual intercourse during her period. While a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant are greatest during the fertile days of her menstrual cycle, women with shorter cycles may be able to conceive on the last day or so of their periods.

The internet is rife with products, devices, exercises, weights, pills, and surgeries that promise to increase the size of a man’s penis. In reality, there is no safe, reliable way for a man to make his penis larger.