Sexual Health Q&A
Sexual Health Q & A
category: Female Sexual Health
How many women have sexual problems?
It’s estimated that about one third of young and middle-aged women and about half of older women have a sexual problem.
Read full answerWhat is sexual arousal disorder?
For women with sexual arousal disorder, there are problems with the physical or mental aspect of arousal. Sometimes, the problem is with both physical and mental aspects.
Read full answerWhat is dyspareunia?
The term “dyspareunia” means painful intercourse. A woman may feel pain at the start of penetration or with deep penetration. Or, pain may happen only with specific partners or in certain positions.
Read full answerWhat kinds of sexual problems are caused by endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when endometriotic tissue (which typically lines the uterus) is found outside the uterus.
Read full answerWhat can women with endometriosis do to improve their sexual relationships?
Depending on the severity, endometriosis might be treated with medications or surgery. However, there are things a woman can do to make sex more enjoyable…
Read full answerWhat can women do if urinary incontinence affects their sex lives?
Urinary incontinence can make women anxious about having sex, especially if they worry about leaking. However, there are some ways to make sex easier and less stressful…
Read full answerCan urinary incontinence affect a woman’s sexual function?
Yes. Urinary incontinence can cause a number of sexual difficulties for women.
Read full answerWhat are sex headaches?
Sex headaches (also called orgasmic headaches, benign coital headache, or orgasmic cephalgia) are headaches associated with sexual activity. They can occur with intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex.
Read full answerHow can sex headaches be prevented?
Some doctors prescribe medications to prevent sex headaches.
Read full answerHow do depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period affect a woman’s sex life?
It’s fairly common for women to experience depression and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy and/or after delivery. In fact, research has shown that approximately 13% of women experience depression during pregnancy or the postpartum period.
Read full answerWhen should sex during pregnancy be avoided?
While sex during pregnancy is safe for most women, there are times when it is more risky. A woman’s doctor can provide the best advice on her individual situation. However, women with the following conditions should probably avoid vaginal sex and discuss other forms of sexual activity with their doctor:
Read full answerWhat kinds of sexual problems might cancer patients face?
Much depends on the type of cancer a person has and the type of treatment he or she receives. In general, however, many cancer patients face some common sexual issues.
Read full answerIs there a relationship between partners’ sexual functioning?
Sometimes. For example, researchers from Taiwan recently found a connection between a woman’s sexual function and her partner’s ability to have erections.
Read full answerWhat is a lubricant?
During sexual arousal, a woman’s vagina typically becomes lubricated, making it wetter and ready for sex. Many women find that lubrication makes sex more comfortable or enjoyable because it reduces friction and irritation.
Read full answerIs removing pubic hair now the norm among women?
It’s difficult to know. Pubic hair removal has not been widely documented.
Read full answerWhy might a woman remove her pubic hair?
Some women consider pubic hair removal to be good hygiene. They feel cleaner without it.
Read full answerIs pubic hair removal related to sexual function or behaviors?
It’s possible. A 2010 study of women in the United States found that women who removed some or all of their pubic hair were more likely to have a sexual partner and more likely to have received oral sex in the past month.
Read full answerWhat are some common pubic hair removal methods for women?
The usual methods for removing pubic hair include…
Read full answerWhat are the benefits of removing women’s pubic hair?
Removing pubic hair has no direct health benefits, although some believe there are fewer cases of pubic lice among women without pubic hair
Read full answerWhat are the health risks of removing women’s pubic hair?
Removing pubic hair is a personal decision. Women can be sexually healthy whether they have pubic hair or not. However, the methods of removal can lead to some health problems.
Read full answerIs removing pubic hair now the norm among women?
It’s difficult to know. Pubic hair removal has not been widely documented.
Read full answerWhy might a woman remove her pubic hair?
Some women consider pubic hair removal to be good hygiene.
Read full answerIs pubic hair removal related to sexual function or behaviors?
It’s possible. A 2010 study of women in the United States found that women who removed some or all of their pubic hair were more likely to have a sexual partner and more likely to have received oral sex in the past month.
Read full answerWhat are some common sexual problems for women after childbirth?
Many women have sexual difficulties after childbirth, such as pain and diminished sex drive.
Read full answerCan sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) pass to a fetus?
Yes. Some infections, like syphilis, can cross the placenta and infect the fetus in the uterus.
Read full answerAre oral and anal sex safe for pregnant women?
Oral sex is usually safe as long as the woman’s partner does not blow air into her vagina.
Read full answerHow might fertility treatment affect a woman’s sexuality?
Fertility treatment can definitely take a toll on women’s sex lives.
Read full answerWill having sex during pregnancy hurt the fetus?
For most women, sex is safe during pregnancy. The fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid which acts as a cushion, so movement during sex shouldn’t cause injury. Also, a mucus plug covers the cervix, keeping bacteria out of the uterus
Read full answerHow does pregnancy affect sex?
During the first trimester, women are often exhausted and nauseated. They may be uncomfortable about their changing body and their breasts may be tender or sore. As a result, their sex drive may decrease.
Read full answerWhat sexual positions might be more comfortable for pregnant women?
Some pregnant women find that they’re more comfortable in the woman-on-top position or side-by-side.
Read full answerWhat are some of the physical changes that may affect sexual health as people age?
Good sex can be enjoyed well into later life, but aging brings about some physical changes that may call for some adjustments.
Read full answerWhat are some social sexual health concerns for people as they get older?
In addition to physical concerns, some older people are anxious about some of the social aspects of sexuality, especially if they are starting new sexual relationships after a divorce or a partner’s death.
Read full answerIs sexuality important to people at the end of life?
Yes. We may not think that sex is a large priority for people with terminal illness, but sexual expression can be an important mode of communication and connection, especially at this difficult time.
Read full answerWhat are some obstacles to sexual relations at the end of life? How can they be managed?
People reaching the end of their lives often still have sexual needs and desires. Sometimes it’s difficult to fulfill them, but adjustments can be made.
Read full answerCan testosterone therapy help women who have low desire?
The hormone testosterone affects sexual desire for both men and women.
Read full answerIs testosterone therapy safe for women?
This is a difficult question to answer because the long-term effects of testosterone therapy for women have not been widely studied.
Read full answerWhat side effects may occur when women take testosterone?
Side effects of testosterone therapy for women can include acne, extra hair growth, weight gain, and fluid retention.
Read full answerWhich women should not have testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy is not advised for women with breast cancer, uterine cancer, cardiovascular disease, or liver disease.
A woman’s doctor can help determine whether testosterone therapy is appropriate for her.
Read full answerHow might epilepsy affect sexual relationships?
Many people with epilepsy are able to enjoy sex without restrictions, but there can be some challenges.
Read full answerWhat can be done to help people with epilepsy who want to have sex?
While people with epilepsy may experience some sexual issues, most problems can be treated.
Read full answerWhat is sperm allergy?
Sperm allergy, sometimes called semen allergy or seminal plasma hypersensitivity, is a rare allergic reaction to proteins found in a man’s semen. It mostly affects women.
Read full answerHow is sperm allergy treated?
The easiest way to cope with sperm allergy is to make sure there is no contact with semen.
Read full answerCan a woman with sperm allergy still become pregnant?
Yes. Sperm allergy does not make a woman infertile.
Read full answerIf a woman experiences low sex drive because of oral contraceptives, what should she do?
First, she should see her doctor.
Read full answerWhat is Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)?
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) occurs when women have ongoing feelings of genital arousal that are not associated with sexual feelings or activity.
Read full answerWhat causes Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)?
The causes of PGAD are unclear.
Read full answerHow is Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) treated?
PGAD treatment usually focuses on symptom management.
Read full answerWhat is vaginismus?
Women with vaginismus experience pelvic muscle spasms at the start of penetration.
Read full answerWhat is female ejaculation?
Ejaculation is usually associated with male orgasm, but it can happen to women during orgasm, too.
Read full answerWhat is the G-spot?
Named for Ernst Grafenberg, the doctor who first wrote about it in 1950, the G-spot is said to be an especially sensitive area on the front vaginal wall that, for some women, swells when stimulated and leads to intense vaginal orgasm.
Read full answerWhat is female genital cutting?
Female genital cutting (FGC), sometimes called female genital mutilation, is a cultural practice that involves cutting – or sometimes entirely removing – female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
Read full answerWhy do some cultures practice female genital cutting?
In many cultures, female genital cutting (FGC) is considered a tradition, a rite of passage, and a way to keep a girl modest and pure.
Read full answerWhat are some complications of female genital cutting?
Female genital cutting (FGC) can have serious complications.
Read full answerCan female genital cutting be “repaired”?
It’s possible. French surgeon Pierre Foldès and his colleagues have developed a technique for clitoral reconstructive surgery that has shown some promise for reducing pain and restoring sexual pleasure.
Read full answerCan a woman with sperm allergy still become pregnant?
Yes. Sperm allergy does not make a woman infertile.
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