In uncircumcised men and boys, a foreskin covers the head of the penis. Typically, the foreskin is flexible and stretches to allow exposure of the glans penis (head) when pulled back, offering no resistance. When the foreskin can’t be pulled back, this is called phimosis.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria.

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, the walnut-sized gland located below a man’s bladder. The prostate gland secretes fluid that, along with sperm, forms semen.

After orgasm, both men and women experience a resolution stage called the refractory period. At this time, their bodies “recover” from sexual excitement and return to their normal states. For men, the penis becomes flaccid again as he goes through a refractory period.

The first of the two recent studies reporting risks with testosterone prescriptions, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by Vigen et al (1), was a retrospective analysis of a dataset of 8709 men in the VA health system who had undergone coronary angiography. Among men with testosterone concentrations less than 300ng/dl, the authors reported an increased rate of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths in men who received a testosterone prescription compared with men who did not.

For women, vaginal lubrication is an important part of sexual arousal. It readies the vagina for penetration, making it easier for the penis to enter and reducing any accompanying friction or irritation. Pain during intercourse is often caused by inadequate lubrication.

Yes, a decrease in testosterone levels can be a side effect of certain prescription medications, such as the following:

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.

It’s possible, but more research on this question is needed.

Anorgasmia refers to a problem reaching orgasm. Men with anorgasmia may have delayed orgasm or no orgasm at all. Finding a treatment for anorgasmia has been a challenge.

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.

However, sometimes women experience vaginal dryness. The vagina does not lubricate enough, leading to pain or discomfort. This can happen when estrogen levels drop during menopause. Vaginal dryness can also occur when a woman is breastfeeding, undergoing chemotherapy, or when she has been treated for breast cancer.

There are many things men can do to improve erectile function. Many of them provide other health benefits as well, so it makes sense to give them a try.

Side effects of testosterone therapy for women can include acne, extra hair growth, weight gain, and fluid retention. Some women have mood swings and become angry or hostile. In rarer circumstances, women develop deeper voices and baldness. Clitoral enlargement is another rare side effect.