Female sex hormones, or sex steroids, play vital roles in sexual development, reproduction, and general health. Sex hormone levels change over time, but some of the most significant changes happen during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. In this article, we discuss the different types of female sex hormones, their roles in the body, and how they […]
Sexual Health / STDs
Is blue balls a real condition?
Blue balls is the slang term for epididymal hypertension. It refers to aching or painful testicles, which some people may experience after sexual arousal that does not result in orgasm. This symptom occurs because blood builds up in the testicles during arousal, causing them to ache if the person remains aroused for too long. Although […]
What causes a low libido?
Low libido, or reduced sexual desire, can affect both men and women. It is not unusual for a person’s interest in sex to fluctuate over different periods of their life due to hormonal changes, age, and stress. However, low libido can be a problem if it causes stress, affects a person’s overall well-being, or leads […]
What does herpes look like?
Herpes sores can affect many areas of the body, including the mouth, genitals, and eyes. Knowing what herpes looks like across the body can help people diagnose the condition. Herpes is a skin condition caused by the herpes simplex virus. The symptoms include sores that come and go over time. Different types of herpes affect […]
What is an orgasm headache?
An orgasm headache is intense and it starts suddenly, just before or during an orgasm. These headaches are usually harmless, and a person can often treat them with over-the-counter pain medications. However, headaches during sex can sometimes signal a more serious condition. In this article, we describe what orgasm headaches are, what they feel like, […]
What to know about genital warts in women
Genital warts are a very common sexually transmitted infection. They can develop on or around the genitals and may appear as small bumps or fleshy growths. These warts result from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). People who have the virus can pass it on through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Genital warts can cause […]
What does scabies on the penis look like?
Scabies is an infestation of tiny parasitic mites and can affect any part of a person’s skin, including on the penis. The mites spread by close, prolonged skin-to-skin touching, such as sexual contact. Scabies mites, known scientifically as Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, are microscopic parasites that burrow into the top layer of a person’s skin. […]
What are the risks of anal sex?
Anal sex is the practice of inserting the penis, fingers, or a foreign object such as a vibrator into the anus for sexual pleasure. With the appropriate precautions, anal sex is mostly safe. However, there are different potential risks that may not be present in vaginal or oral sex. For example, the anus cannot naturally […]
What causes cramps after sex?
Both men and women can experience cramps after sex. The medical term for pain before, during, or after sex is dyspareunia. Cramps may occur after sex for many reasons, ranging from mild muscle strain to underlying conditions that may require treatment. Read on for more information about the potential causes of cramping or pain after […]
What causes cloudy urine?
Cloudy urine can be unsettling, especially when a person does not know the cause. Sometimes it can signal an issue with the urinary tract, such as dehydration or a urinary tract infection, or it may point to kidney problems. Each underlying cause of cloudy urine has additional symptoms, which can help a doctor make a […]