Asexuality describes a lack of sexual attraction. Asexual people may experience romantic attraction, but they do not feel the urge to act on these feelings sexually. Asexuality is a sexual orientation, like being gay or straight. It is different from celibacy or abstinence. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, with much diversity in people’s experiences and […]
Sexual Health / STDs
STDs: How do you get one?
People can contract and transmit sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) through several types of sexual contact. Doctors more commonly use the term sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although vaginal-penile sex is one of the most common means of STI transmission, people can contract them through anal sex, oral sex, and, in rare cases, heavy petting. STIs are […]
Herpes symptoms: How long do they take to show up?
Herpes is a viral skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Symptoms may not appear immediately after a person contracts the virus. When herpes symptoms do appear, they can affect the genital or oral area. There are two types of HSV: type 1, which mainly causes oral herpes, and type 2, which tends […]
What to know about anal yeast infection
If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. A yeast infection develops when Candida fungi, which is a type of yeast, grow uncontrollably on the surface of the skin or in mucous membranes inside the body. People can develop yeast infections anywhere inside or […]
Does having sex on our minds make us more likely to lie?
Research from the University of Rochester and the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya has made an intriguing find: With sex on our minds, our honesty barometer becomes skewed, and we tend to “adapt” truth in ways that might make potential partners think of us more favorably. Share on PinterestNew research suggests that we tend to be less […]
Vestibular papillomatosis: Everything you need to know
Some people have small bumps on their vulva and around the labia. These bumps are called vestibular papillomatosis, and they are not harmful. Vestibular papillomatosis is not a disease. It requires no medical treatment and is not contagious. In this article, learn more about vestibular papillomatosis, including its appearance and how doctors diagnose it. Share […]
What does a healthy open relationship look like?
In a culture that favors monogamy, is it possible for couples to have open relationships that work? Recent research that used a novel framework to explore types of monogamy and nonmonogamy suggests that open, consensual nonmonogamous relationships can be healthy and satisfying. Share on PinterestNew research delves into the conditions that make open relationships happy […]
What to know about Ben Wa balls
Ben Wa balls, or Kegel balls, are small, weighted balls that a person can insert into their vagina. Some believe that these balls can help a person perform pelvic floor or vagina strengthening exercises. Others say that they can improve sexual pleasure. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Ben Wa balls […]
What to know about sex after a vasectomy
A vasectomy should not affect sexual functioning although, it is important to let the body heal for a couple of weeks before having sex. Also, it can take another 3 months before the sperm count drops to zero. A vasectomy is an operation that stops sperm from reaching the penis. Without sperm, the semen that […]
Douching linked to dangerous chemicals in blood
Doctors generally advise women against vaginal douching, warning that this practice can upset the delicate balance of vaginal flora and increase the risk of infection. Now, a new study also shows that douching has associations with a higher blood concentration of harmful chemicals. Share on PinterestA new study adds to the evidence that vaginal douches […]