Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) affects around one out of 8 women globally. PMOS often involves insulin resistance and excess fat around internal organs in the abdomen. This can happen even if a woman is not obese. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body process and store blood sugar. When the body does not respond well to insulin, levels can rise. This imbalance can disrupt the systems that control sex hormones and the ovaries.

Skin irritation on the penis or vulva may be a cause for concern for many individuals. Itching, burning, mysterious rashes or bumps, and abnormal discharge can ring alarm bells for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, this is not always the case. Certain fungal infections and other dermal (skin) conditions may be the cause.

BDSM has become more common in popular culture in recent years and may seem intimidating. However, bondage-discipline, dominance-submission, sadism, and masochism (BDSM) is a sexual practice that can involve sex toys and other devices. Often, this involves a “dominant” partner and a “submissive” partner. BDSM is less about pain and more about exploring power dynamics and sexuality in a mutually pleasurable and consensual way.

Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma are types of bacteria that are unique because they don’t have a cell wall. This lack of a cell wall makes them very transmissible and resistant to all but three types of antibiotics. They exist in any mucus-prone areas, like the throat, nose, or genitalia. In fact, this bacterium exists naturally in the genital tract, but four different strains could cause infection:

Popular culture tends to promote a specific body type,  including the genitalia; the clitoral hood, absence or presence of pubic hair, the size of the upper pubic area, and yes, the labia minora. Pornography and websites like OnlyFans tend to portray the labia minora in a specific manner, based on the most popular videos. While some may view this as a negative and stigmatizing concept, others view it more positively, inviting this virtual “labia library” to help inform people about their bodies.

Psychedelic drugs are recreational substances that cause an elevated state of mind, altering perception, enhancing mood, and changing consciousness by changing the way serotonin acts in the brain. Essentially, drugs like magic mushrooms, LSD, and MDMA (molly) can cause hallucinations; commonly known as “tripping” to those who use these substances.

Microplastics are plastic particles under 5mm in size and have been a popular area of concern amongst the general population and many health and wellness experts. Microplastics come from the breakdown of plastic waste that floats through the ocean or is not properly disposed of, leading to the pollution of waterways and breathable air. Most often, this conversation revolves around seafood (including salt), and fruits and vegetables.

Colorectal cancer is among the most prevalent cancers globally, affecting the rectum and colon (large intestine). Approximately 1 in 24 men and 1 in 26 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. While most of these cases consist of adults 50 years old and older, cases in younger people are rising by 1-2% every year.

Mondor’s disease happens when a blood clot in a chest, groin, or leg vein causes the vein to harden. This is most common in the outer breast area, and women are more likely than men to experience Mondor’s disease.

“Plan B,” also known as the morning after pill, is a brand name for a type of emergency contraception that comes in the form of a pill. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that emergency contraception can be effective at preventing pregnancy up to 95% of the time when taken within five days following sexual activity.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) causes chronic pain in the bladder, often leading to a frequent need to urinate, pain while urinating, and constant pain or tenderness in the bladder and pelvic region. IC/BPS is more common in women than men and can affect any person of any age.

A yeast infection is the overgrowth of the naturally occurring fungal species, candida, and can occur for a variety of reasons. Yeast infections often present in the mouth or vagina, and on occasion can grow under the foreskin of uncircumcised penises. These are quite common in women, with 3 out of 4 reporting at least one yeast infection in their lifetime, usually in women of reproductive age.