Many people believe that masturbation affects a man’s testosterone levels, but this is not necessarily true. Masturbation does not seem to have any long-lasting effects on testosterone levels. However, masturbation may have short-term effects on the levels of this hormone. It also affects other factors, such as sex drive. Masturbation does not typically pose a […]
Sexual Health / STDs
No taste for vanilla! When and why is pain pleasurable?
Many people think of pain and sex as deeply incompatible. After all, sex is all about pleasure, and pain has nothing to do with that, right? Well, for some individuals, pain and pleasure can sometimes overlap in a sexual context, but how come? Continue reading this Spotlight feature to find out. Some people find pain […]
What STDs can you get from oral sex?
Anyone who engages in oral sex with somebody who has a sexually transmitted disease can contract the disease themselves. Oral sex refers to when a person puts their mouth, tongue, or lips on the genitals or anus of another person. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that people can pass on through oral sex can infect multiple […]
What to know about female sex hormones
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 […]
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. […]