Protect Yourself Against STDs
Learn honest communication and safer-sex strategies to help you avoid sexually transmitted infections.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex
Research shows that parental involvement reduces kids’ risky choices. Whether you have toddlers or teens, learn how to build open communication about sex.
Why Your Preteen Needs the HPV Vaccine
This safe, accessible treatment permanently protects your child from contracting a common STD that causes many cancers, including cervical cancer.
Featured Articles
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Examine Your Partner During Intimacy
Use proximity and love to enhance early detection of common ailments.
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Have Great Sex in Midlife
You can have a satisfying sex life in your 40s, 50s and beyond.
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Men: Maintain a Healthy Sex Life
Learn how STD and body awareness can help you keep sex fun and safe.
Ask an Expert
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
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.
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.
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Eden Medical Center
Can you participate in sex if you have an enlarged heart?
Great question, and one we get asked often. We also get asked about the use of Viagra. Sexual activity is generally categorized under "vigorous physical activity." Patients with known heart conditions need to c... continue reading about Can you participate in sex if you have an enlarged heart?
Rodman S. Rogers, M.D.
SPMF San Francisco HMO Network
What is the difference between erectile dysfunction and impotence?
Impotence is an old-fashioned, non-specific and medically improper term that is no longer used to describe male sexual problems. The current terminology describing difficulty achieving and/or maintaining an ere... continue reading about What is the difference between erectile dysfunction and impotence?
Ravin Agah, M.D., Ph.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
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?
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?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?
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?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
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?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?
First of all, you are not alone. Millions of women experience pain during intercourse, but most are too shy or embarrassed to bring it up. I congratulate you for raising the question! Intercourse is a wonderful... continue reading about I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?
In general, tubal ligation is a very safe procedure associated with the small risks of laparoscopy and anesthesia in a healthy woman, regardless of her age. However, other permanent methods of tubal steril... continue reading about What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've heard urinary tract infections (UTIs) are getting harder to treat. Why is this and who's at risk of developing one?
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections doctors treat. More than half of women living in the United States will get a UTI at some point in their lives. Urinary tract infections are caused... continue reading about I've heard urinary tract infections (UTIs) are getting harder to treat. Why is this and who's at risk of developing one?
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