Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial infection in the vagina that occurs when there is an imbalance in the bacteria that are normally present.1 It occurs frequently in women of reproductive age, and is the most common vaginal infection in women aged 15 to 44. BV often recurs in women who get it, with 30%…

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…

An Overview of STIs

The Basics Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be spread through sexual contact such as intercourse, oral sex, kissing, or shared sex toys. Also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), these conditions are more often asymptomatic than not, which means an infected individual does not show signs of infection. To contract an STI,…

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Overview Cancer is a condition in which mutated cells in the body grow and multiply out of control. When these cells grow in the prostate gland, it is called prostate cancer. The most common non-skin cancer among American males is prostate cancer. Due to the fact that most prostate cancers grow slowly, there…

Chancroid

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi.1 It attacks the tissue and produces ulcers or open sores on or near the genitals (i.e., the penis/testes, labia).1 Although chancroid is highly contagious, it is curable.1  While once prevalent across the globe, recent efforts to improve diagnosis and treatment, along with…

Sexual Headaches

Overview  Sexual headaches are severe headaches that develop in the midst of sexual activity, including during masturbation and orgasm. Other names for this condition are benign sex headache, benign vascular sexual headache, coital cephalalgia, coital headache, orgasmic cephalalgia, and orgasmic headache.1 Although sexual headaches are usually benign, they may be an indicator of a more serious…

Painful Intercourse

Pain or discomfort during intercourse is quite common among females and some males.  About 60% of females experience painful intercourse at least once during their lifetime. Painful intercourse can also affect males; however, it is not as common. Dyspareunia it is defined as chronic pain in the genital area either during or shortly after intercourse.1…

Miscarriage

Disclaimer: Throughout this article we will be using the term “expectant mother” to refer to a pregnant female, although we acknowledge that not all pregnant females will become mothers. Some may choose to serve as surrogates, or to give their babies up for adoption by couples who wish to become parents. Further, we will be…