Testicular Cancer

In early 2021 the estimated number of new cases of testicular cancer was 9,740. It is a rare disease, yet the chance of someone losing their life to it is only 1 in 5,000.1  What is it? Testicular cancer begins in the germ cells located in the testicles. Germ cells are responsible for making sperm…

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the female reproductive system. It generally begins in one of the two ovaries on either sides of the uterus and can often remain undetected for most of the beginning stages. Ovarian cancer is usually identified once it has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the pelvic…

Modification of Pubic Hair

During puberty often one of the first signs of development is marked by growth of body hair, which occurs in both males and females. Specifically, pubic hair will begin to grow around the base of the penis in males and on the mons in females.6 Although this hair is perfectly natural as some people get older…

Your First Period (Menarche)(Teen Corner)

A female’s first period, known as menarche, occurs during a transitional part of her life. Menarche occurs during puberty, when a female’s body and emotions are continually changing. Of all the changes that take place during puberty, menarche is usually the most feared. Fortunately, most of that fear comes from the mystery of the menstrual…

Sex and Athletic Performance

What effect does sex have on athletic performance? Many athletes insist that having sex before an athletic event has a negative impact on their performance. Boxer Muhammad Ali, for instance, was notably famous for abstaining from sex for several weeks before a match. The rationale behind this is simple: sex oftentimes makes people feel physically…

Loving Your Breasts

Why Should You Love Your Breasts?  When it comes to body image, we are almost always our harshest critics. And for females, breast size is often a sensitive subject. However, normal, healthy breasts come in all different shapes and sizes. The media’s portrayal of the female body often makes people feel inadequate in comparison. It…

Interstitial Cystitis

Commonly referred to as painful bladder syndrome (PBS) or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), interstitial cystitis (IC) is a urological condition characterized by burning during urination, increased urinary frequency and urgency, blood in urine (hematuria), and discomfort or pain in the perineum, urethra, lower abdomen, and lower back.1 These symptoms are common among other urogenital conditions as…

Testicular Torsion

About Testicular Torsion For some males, a serious discussion about their private parts can be a little embarrassing. If you are a male, however, it is important that you know to tell a parent or a health care provider if you ever experience genital pain, especially in the scrotum or testes. Genital pain is usually…

Guide to Healthy Eating

Healthy eating involves knowing what foods your body needs to function optimally, what foods you enjoy consuming, and finding a balanced variety of the two that keeps your body and mind both strong and satisfied.1 The following sections aim to help you understand the various aspects of healthy eating so that you can both reflect…