Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) are common issues for many women, affecting their desire for sexual activity. HSDD is when a woman has little or no motivation for sexual activity, including a lack of sexual thoughts, difficulty responding to sexual cues, or avoiding sexual situations altogether. It often causes distress, frustration, or sadness. FSAD involves trouble becoming or staying aroused during sexual activity. These conditions can happen together, making things even more challenging.

Endometriosis affects about 10% of women and individuals with a uterus, causing tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow outside the uterus. This can lead to severe menstrual cramps, pain during sex, and chronic pelvic pain. The pain comes from both local inflammation and changes in nerves around the endometriosis tissue, as well as from an overly sensitive nervous system that amplifies pain, which is known as central sensitization. Central sensitization can also contribute to anxiety or depression.

Traditional gender-affirming surgeries, like phalloplasty and penile inversion vaginoplasty, are designed to create genitalia that match a person’s identified gender, often as male or female. However, some people, such as those who identify as nonbinary, bigender, or agender, may want a unique approach that doesn’t follow this traditional binary model.

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva, making everyday activities like sitting, putting in a tampon, or having sexual intercourse painful, and it impacts up to 8% of women by age 40. Women with this condition may have a weaker immune system compared to those without vulvar pain. Additionally, mental health issues like anxiety and depression are often linked to vulvodynia. Since mental health problems can trigger inflammation in the body, a recent study aimed to see if the connection between mental health and vulvodynia is influenced by other immune-related conditions.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver condition where fat builds up in the liver without the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other liver diseases. It ranges from mild to severe, potentially leading to liver cirrhosis or cancer. Major risk factors for NAFLD include obesity and type 2 diabetes, which also increase the chances of developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, losing weight can improve the condition.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men, causing problems with urination that can significantly impact quality of life. These urinary issues are often linked to sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction (ED). In fact, men with more severe urinary symptoms are more likely to experience ED. Treatment for BPH is complicated by the fact that standard medications can worsen sexual dysfunction, and while surgical options like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) address urinary problems effectively, they may also result in sexual side effects, including ED.

Squirting is when some women release a fluid during sexual activity, usually through the urethra. This happens naturally and involuntarily, before, during, or after orgasm. The amount of fluid can vary widely, from a small amount to over 100 milliliters. There’s some debate about what exactly squirting is. Some studies suggest the fluid comes from the bladder, mixed with secretions from the Skene’s glands, which are like the female version of the prostate.

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a condition where scar tissue forms in the penis, causing it to bend during erections, sometimes leading to pain and deformity. This can significantly affect a man’s physical and emotional well-being, as well as his relationships.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue among young men, with about 1 in 4 men under 40 seeking help for it. While many think that ED in younger men is mostly psychological, some young men experience severe cases. Treatment usually starts with lifestyle changes, followed by oral ED medications like tadalafil, which is preferred because it lasts longer in the body.

Sexuality is a complex and lifelong aspect of human adult life, influenced by a range of factors including family, culture, education, and personal beliefs. Understanding sexual health is vital for overall well-being, and for women, this includes knowing their bodies and how they experience orgasm. Despite its importance, female sexuality, including masturbation and orgasm, is often surrounded by myths and taboos, particularly in certain cultures.

Life expectancy has been increasing worldwide, with many people living into their 60s and beyond. Contrary to common belief, sexual desire continues into old age, and many older adults remain sexually active and positive about sex.

Female sexual dysfunction, which includes issues like low desire, arousal problems, orgasmic dysfunction, and pain during sex, affects up to 40% of women but often goes untreated. Factors like age and pelvic health significantly impact sexual function.