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How Can People With Multiple Sclerosis Thrive Sexually?

How Can People With Multiple Sclerosis Thrive Sexually?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health, Women’s Sexual Health

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that impacts the body’s central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. For reasons currently unknown, when a person has MS, their immune system attacks the protective covering around their nerves (known as the myelin) and causes communication issues between the brain and the rest of the body. Depending on the severity of the condition, MS can cause a number of symptoms including vision problems, fatigue, dizziness, numbness, tingling, weakness in limbs, problems with bowel and bladder functions, and/or paralysis. These symptoms may be temporary or permanent.

What Should Women Know About HIV and Sexual Health?

What Should Women Know About HIV and Sexual Health?

Sexual Health Topics: Women’s Sexual Health, Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases (STIs/STDs)

Fortunately, HIV diagnoses for women have declined in recent years, but it is still important for women to be aware of the risks and prevention strategies for this sexually transmitted infection (STI) so that they can stay safe during sexual activity. Here are some things that women should know about HIV and their sexual health.

What is Endometriosis?

What is Endometriosis?

Sexual Health Topics: Women’s Sexual Health

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissues similar to the endometrium (the tissue that lines the uterus) begin to grow outside of the uterus. It is estimated to affect between 2 to 10 percent of U.S. women between the ages of 25 to 40, and it is most common in women in their 30s and 40s. An often painful condition, endometriosis can cause intense menstrual cramps, heavy menstrual bleeding, pain with sex, and infertility.

Could Eating Disorders and Female Sexual Dysfunction Be Related?

Could Eating Disorders and Female Sexual Dysfunction Be Related?

Sexual Health Topics: Women’s Sexual Health, Mental Health & Psychology

Growing evidence from multiple studies has indicated an association between eating disorders and female sexual dysfunction (FSD). This means that women who struggle with an eating disorder may also struggle with FSD, and vice versa. Certainly, not all women with an eating disorder also experience FSD, but the symptoms of these two conditions co-occur in individuals often enough to warrant closer investigation.

Why Might Spinal Cord Injuries Affect Sexual Health?

Why Might Spinal Cord Injuries Affect Sexual Health?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health, Women’s Sexual Health

Spinal cord injuries can cause changes in the body that impact a person’s sexual function. People with spinal cord injuries may experience a loss of motor function, sense of touch, and sexual reflexes, depending on the severity of their injury. These changes can affect orgasms, erections, ejaculation, and vaginal lubrication.

Is There a Connection Between Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Disease?

Is There a Connection Between Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Disease?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health

Yes, there is a strong link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and heart disease. The two conditions, while seemingly unrelated, have several overlapping risk factors, causes, and prevention strategies.

How Might Cancer Treatment Affect Sexual Function, and What Can One Do About It?

How Might Cancer Treatment Affect Sexual Function, and What Can One Do About It?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health, Women’s Sexual Health, Cancer & Sexual Health (Oncosexology)

Receiving a cancer diagnosis of any kind can be very difficult and distressing, both for the patient and their loved ones. Naturally, pursuing treatment for the cancer is usually an individual’s top priority at the time of diagnosis, often overshadowing other concerns and lifestyle considerations. As such, many patients are unaware that cancer and its treatment can affect their sexual function until they are in the midst of it.

Do Mental Health Problems Have an Effect on Sexual Function?

Do Mental Health Problems Have an Effect on Sexual Function?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health, Women’s Sexual Health, Mental Health & Psychology

In short, yes. When individuals are experiencing sexual difficulties or sexual dysfunction, they often assume the cause is physical. Certainly, many physical conditions can contribute to sexual dysfunction including diabetes, heart disease, vascular issues, pelvic floor disorders, hormonal imbalances, neurological issues, and other chronic conditions. However, the role that mental health plays in a person’s sexual function should not be underestimated.

What Impact Might Smoking Have on Your Sex Life?

What Impact Might Smoking Have on Your Sex Life?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health, Women’s Sexual Health

Cigarettes contain about 600 ingredients and create thousands of chemicals when they are burned, at least 69 of which are known to cause cancer (American Lung Association, 2020). By now, it’s no secret that smoking has adverse health effects. Many studies have demonstrated the link between smoking cigarettes and serious health conditions including cancer, heart disease, chronic lung diseases, stroke, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Perhaps lesser known is the impact that smoking can have on a person’s sexual function. The following are the ways in which smoking could impact your sexual health.

What Is Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)?

What Is Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health, Cancer & Sexual Health (Oncosexology), Sexual Health Management & Treatments

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a prostate cancer treatment that suppresses the production of testosterone (a type of androgen or male sex hormone) in a person’s body. Prostate cancer cells require testosterone to grow, so stopping testosterone production can shrink or slow the growth of the cancer. ADT can be achieved through certain medications or orchiectomy (a surgery to remove the testicles). On its own, ADT cannot cure prostate cancer.

How Can You Maintain Good Cervical Health?

How Can You Maintain Good Cervical Health?

Sexual Health Topics: Women’s Sexual Health, Cancer & Sexual Health (Oncosexology), Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases (STIs/STDs)

The cervix is the narrow, lower opening to the uterus, located at the top of the vagina. It acts as a pathway between the vagina and the uterus, thus playing an important role in the female reproductive system.

What Is Premature Ejaculation?

What Is Premature Ejaculation?

Sexual Health Topics: Men’s Sexual Health

Some men believe that they ejaculate too quickly during sexual activity or feel that they do not have much (if any) control over how quickly they ejaculate. This situation can lead to personal distress, partner distress, decreased sexual satisfaction, and/or relationship issues, but when is it technically considered premature ejaculation (PE)?

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