A urinary tract infection (also known as a bladder infection or acute cystitis) is the infection of a part or parts of the urinary tract, which is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is not technically a sexually transmitted infection, however, sexual activity is a common cause…
Tag: STI
Nongonococcal Urethritis
What Is It? Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is a broad term describing used to describe an inflammation of the urethra. NGU is caused by the introduction of bacteria, not including gonorrhea. While NGU can be caused by several different microorganisms including Mycoplasma genitalium and adenovirus, the most common NGU-inducing pathogen is chlamydia.1 Who Is at Risk?…
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…
Negotiating Safer Sex
Sexual activity can be a fun and connecting experience for partners. However, oral, vaginal, and anal sex are behaviors that do come with risks. The most effective away to avoid the risks of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or having an unplanned pregnancy is to use contraceptives. Despite their proven effectiveness, contraceptives are not always a priority for individuals engaging in sexual…
The Testes
Typically, males have two testes. The testes are contained within the scrotal sac, located beneath the penis and in front of the anus. They are round in shape and tend to be about the same size as golf balls. Testicles are attached to the body via the spermatic cords, which are cord-like tissue structures formed…
Penile – Vaginal Sex
Sexual intercourse refers to the penetrative sexual act in which a male’s penis enters a female’s vagina. Sexual intercourse can also be called coitus, copulation, penile/vaginal sex, or P/V sex. Sexual intercourse can only occur if both partners have clearly consented to the act. If penetration occurs with a non-consenting person, it is called rape….
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…
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg does not attach itself to the inner lining of the uterus where it normally would, and instead attaches to a different location. The embryo often attaches itself along the reproductive tract in the fallopian tubes, thus resulting in a tubal pregnancy. Fallopian tubes are far too narrow…