Priapism is a long-lasting, unwanted, and often painful erection. Individuals who have an erection for more than four hours should seek emergency medical care to mitigate any potential damage to the penis. Even when priapism is addressed quickly and properly, it can lead to sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction (ED), Peyronie’s disease (PD), or recurrent priapism.
Many studies have shown there is a strong association between relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. Couples who communicate well and maintain a close connection with one another also tend to be more satisfied with their sex life, whereas couples who experience discord in their relationship may feel less satisfied with their sex life.
Prostate cancer treatments often have a negative impact on a man’s sexual function. However, to date, most of the research on prostate cancer and sexual dysfunction centers on erectile dysfunction, even though this cancer and its treatments may cause other sexual difficulties.
Pregnancy causes several physical and hormonal changes in a woman’s body. These changes can have an impact on the expectant mother’s sexuality and sexual function.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a sexual health condition that affects up to 13% of the adult men in the United States. In men with PD, plaques of scar tissue form under the skin of the penis, causing it to curve or take on a deformity when it is erect. This can lead to painful erections, erectile dysfunction (ED), low self-esteem, mental health issues, and relationship difficulties.
While many people are aware of the existence of vibrators for the use of sexual pleasure, they might not know that these devices may also provide significant sexual and overall health benefits.
Prostate cancer (cancer that occurs in the walnut-sized gland responsible for producing much of the fluid in semen) is commonly associated with sexual dysfunction. This is because prostate cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy (a surgery to remove the prostate) can result in temporary or permanent sexual dysfunction.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental health condition that affected an estimated 163 million people worldwide in 2017. People with MDD may experience chronic low mood, low self-esteem, and a loss of interest in things that they once found pleasurable or enjoyable.
