All birth control pills are formulated with a synthetic estrogen and progestin hormone (with the exception of one that has progestin only). Most common side effects of birth control pills occur when you first b... continue reading  about  My physician recently changed my brand of birth control pills. I read reviews that described bad side effects for the new brand. Do all birth control pills have the same ingredients? If so, why would some cause different side effects?

It is quite common after having a complete hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries for women to feel a loss of libido. The ovaries produce hormones such as estrogens, progesterones and androgens which are parti... continue reading  about  Two years ago I was diagnosed with a rare uterine cancer. The doctors took everything including some lymph nodes. I've always had a healthy sexual appetite but since my surgery I feel numb - like a robot with no feelings. Is there anything I can do?

Women commonly believe that after a certain age they cannot conceive because they are too old. That is not entirely true. As a woman ages her fertility declines. A 45-year-old woman is less likely to conceive t... continue reading  about  I am 51 years old. What is my chance of still getting pregnant, and how should I handle birth control as I move through menopause?

Erectile dysfunction can be a side effect of prostate cancer treatment, but depending upon the treatment (surgery or radiation), the onset and quality of symptoms may be different. ED after surgery may stem mor... continue reading  about  I am a prostate cancer survivor, age 72, who remains interested in sexual activity. However I suffer from ED and have not found medications to be helpful. Are the penal constrictive devices an option? What other options are available?

The clitoris never actually disappears, but it can become smaller over time after the loss of circulating female hormones with menopause. This is part of a normal condition with aging called urogenital atrophy.... continue reading  about  Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?

High-risk HPV detection on a pap smear indicates you are at risk for developing cervical cancer at any point in the future. With a healthy immune system, many women clear this, but sometimes severe cases requir... continue reading  about  If HPV high risk is detected during my PAP smear result, should I get vaccinated? Or is it too late for any benefit of a vaccine? I have been monogamous for the last 10 years. Also, what's the likelihood of getting cancer once HPV is detected?

Douching is not recommended for several reasons.Douche cleansing fluids tend to alter the vaginal pH and this can negatively impact the vagina's normal healthy bacterial flora and mucus and make one more suscep... continue reading  about  I'm 41 and have had my tubes tied/clamped. I'm in a committed relationship so we do not use condoms and are rather sexually active. Is there any need to douche? I never have, and have heard conflicting opinions from friends.

Pregnancy is a normal part of life. During pregnancy a woman is not sick or fragile. It is true there are some restrictions in foods and activities, but for the most part women are encouraged to live a healthy,... continue reading  about  Is it okay to have sex during pregnancy?

Herpes and shingles are actually caused by two different viruses, from the same family. What we traditionally call "herpes" is caused by herpes simplex. Oral herpes, causing fever blisters and cold sores, is ca... continue reading  about  What is the relationship between herpes and shingles? I have been diagnosed with herpes, and am experiencing breakouts of pimples/blisters on my arms, legs and chest, made worse by stress and physical activity that makes me sweat. What can be done?