Sometimes, an uncircumcised man or boy may find that it is difficult to pull back the foreskin of their penis. This is due to a medical condition called phimosis.

Menopause is a transition that occurs for women in mid-life when their monthly menstruation cycle stops. When this happens, the body’s estrogen levels drop, which can cause hot flashes and night sweats (vasomotor symptoms), vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse, and changes in mood.

Oral cancer is a cancer that affects any part of the mouth including the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth, or back of the throat. While many of the risk factors for oral cancer are not related to sex, (e.g., tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, a weakened immune system, and excessive sun exposure to the lips,) the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) causes about 70% of oropharyngeal cancers (a specific type of oral cancer). HPV can be spread to the mouth and throat through oral sex.

Sexual dysfunction, mental health issues, and relationship dissatisfaction are often interrelated issues. Past studies have shown a relationship between relationship quality and sexual satisfaction that is bidirectional, meaning that it occurs in both directions. If a person is satisfied in their relationship, they are more likely to be satisfied with their sex life and vice versa. On the other hand, if a person is dissatisfied in their relationship, they are more likely to experience sexual dissatisfaction.

In episode 7 of the ISSM Podcast, Dr. Tami Rowen talks about the impact of female contraceptives (birth control) on one’s sexuality. Listen to this informative talk, hosted by Shelly Varod (Israel), certified sex therapist and member of the ISSM Podcast Team, supported by Sameena Rahman, Cobi Reisman, and Karl Pang.

Although multiple companies make several slightly different models of penile implants, there are two main types of penile implants: inflatable and semirigid. Each of these types of implants has their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, if you are considering getting a penile implant, it is important to discuss your options with a knowledgeable doctor or urologic surgeon who can help you decide which implant would be best for you.

The ISSM has the pleasure to provide scholarships in 2023 again for the ESSM School of Sexual Medicine or the Advance Course taking place from November 24 - December 3, 2023, in the Courtyard Hotel by Marriott, Budapest, Hungary. Registration is now open to apply for an ISSM Scholarship to attend the ESSM School of Sexual Medicine or the Advanced Course 2023.

The application deadline is June 20, 2023

APPLY NOW!

The clitoris is a historically understudied part of human anatomy. Despite its significant role in sexual pleasure and functioning in women, accurate descriptions of this organ are difficult to find. In fact, the lack of scientific information on the clitoris may be due in part to the persisting taboo around female sexuality and pleasure.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are spread through sexual activity. As STI/STD Awareness Month is observed every April, it is a good time to learn about or brush up on how one can limit the spread of STIs. 

A person’s gender identity refers to their deeply held sense of self with regard to their gender. This gender identity can match the sex a person is assigned at birth (i.e., cisgender individuals) or it may be the “opposite” of the sex a person is assigned at birth (i.e., transgender individuals). Furthermore, some individuals have a gender identity that lies between or beyond the binary view of gender and may identify as nonbinary, genderqueer, gender fluid, gender expansive, or another identity.

Uncircumcised men may notice a small V-shaped band of skin on the underside of the penis that attaches the foreskin to the head of the penis. This is called the frenulum. Even when a penis has been circumcised, part of the frenulum may remain and be visible to an individual. (To see an illustration of the frenulum, click here.)

Introduction

When women enter menopause (the period of life when menstruation stops for at least 12 consecutive months), they experience several changes to their bodies. Declines in the body’s estrogen levels can lead to hot flashes, night sweats, vulvovaginal atrophy, and an increased risk of depression, osteoporosis, and sexual dysfunction.