Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), also known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, encompasses anatomical and functional changes in vaginal tissue affecting 60-80% of postmenopausal women. It involves symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation, and painful intercourse, negatively impacting sexual well-being and quality of life. Traditional treatments for VVA include topical agents and hormone therapy.

Sexual dysfunction, affecting 40%-45% of women, has significant negative impacts on physical and mental health, relationships, self-esteem, and quality of life. Despite its prevalence, it often goes untreated. Multiple factors contribute to sexual dysfunction, including pelvic floor muscle (PFM) issues.

The subjective orgasm experience (SOE) refers to the personal perception and assessment of sensations experienced during orgasm on a psychological level. It is important in sexual relationships, and it is linked to satisfaction and sexual health.

Sexual aversion disorder (SAD) is characterized by extreme fear, disgust, and avoidance of sexual contact and activities. Despite no longer being classified as a separate disorder in recent medical guidelines, SAD remains common and can have significant negative impacts on individuals’ well-being and relationships. Traditional methods of assessing SAD, like interviews and self-report measures, have limitations such as subjectivity and difficulty in exploring sensitive sexual experiences.

In 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were established in the U.S. to assist elderly and low-income citizens with healthcare costs. Medicare then expanded to cover more groups like disabled individuals and those needing hospice care.

As of June 2023, the prevalence of COVID-19 in the U.S. has varied, impacting health and psychosocial aspects, along with indirect effects like social distancing. While the effects of COVID-19 on sexual functioning in men are better known, its impact on women is less understood.

“Blue balls” is a term ingrained in our cultural lexicon, often referring to testicular discomfort experienced in the testicles due to prolonged sexual arousal without release. While widely recognized, its medical legitimacy remains dubious. Despite being referenced in popular culture and media, scientific literature on the subject is scarce.

Endometriosis is a common condition in people assigned female at birth of childbearing age where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This condition affects about 10% of individuals assigned female at birth.

Radical prostatectomy is a surgery to remove the entire prostate gland that is often performed to treat prostate cancer. One common side effect of radical prostatectomy is erectile dysfunction (ED), because the nerves that control erections may be affected. Therefore, most medical experts recommend that patients complete a penile rehabilitation program to regain erectile functioning after this procedure.

According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM), unconsummated marriage (UCM) is the inability of a heterosexual couple to engage in penovaginal sexual intercourse. It can result from factors affecting one or both partners and has implications for the couple’s well-being.

Sexual health issues are common, yet individuals often hesitate to seek help. In certain populations, especially those with medical conditions, sexual dysfunction is prevalent. Mental well-being is linked to sexual health, with depression and anxiety both impacting and being impacted by sexual issues.

People have different perceptions of their genitals, and the feelings and attitudes that a person has towards their genitals can be encompassed by the term “genital self-image” (GSI). Experts theorize that how a person feels about their genitals may have an impact on their sexual function and satisfaction, given that the genitals play a large role in sexuality.