Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Sexual Conditions

Answered: How are vaginal strictures related to painful intercourse treated?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:37:35 +0000

Doctors commonly see vaginal strictures after pelvic surgery, radiation, or menopause. Estrogen, or special surgical techniques may be used to treat these strictures.

Answered: Can bacterial vaginosis (BV) come back?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:37:07 +0000

It’s common for this infection to come back within a year. If that happens, talk you your doctor about treatments.

Answered: What are symptoms of chlamydia in women?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:36:46 +0000

Often, chlamydia doesn’t have symptoms. When symptoms are present, common ones in women are:

Mild discomfort that you may mistake for menstrual cramps
Vaginal discharge that may have a bad smell
Bleeding between periods
Painful periods
Pain when having sex
Itching or burning in or around the vagina
Pain when peeing

Answered: How common is male sexual dysfunction?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:36:14 +0000

Many of these sexual conditions will occur at some point during the course of a man's life. In fact, some researchers consider a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction only if the problem occurs in 25% of all attempted sexual encounters.

Answered: How often should I get a pelvic exam?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:35:46 +0000

A Pap smear is recommended when women reach 21 years of age. Women ages 21 to 65 should have routine screening with Pap test every 3 years.

The U.S. Task Force (USPSTF) Preventive ServicesHPV ) test starting after age 30. also recommends the option of having a human papillomavirus ( test or combining it with a Pap

Women over age 65 can stop getting screened if they’ve had at least three consecutive negative Pap tests or at least two negative HPV tests within the previous 10 years, according to the guidelines. But women who have a history of a more advanced precancer diagnosis should continue to be screened for at least 20 years.

Answered: What is fetishism?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:35:18 +0000

People with fetishes have sexual urges related to non-living objects. The person becomes sexually aroused by wearing or touching the object. For example, the object of a fetish could be an article of clothing, such as underwear, women's shoes, or lingerie. The fetish may replace sexual activity with a partner or may be worked into sexual activity with a willing partner. A related disorder, called partialism, involves becoming sexually aroused by a body part, such as feet, breasts, or buttocks.

Answered: How do you treat hepatitis B?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:34:58 +0000

Five drugs have been approved -- adefovir, entecavir, interferon alpha, lamivudine, and pegylated interferon -- to stop liver damage by preventing the virus from spreading. If you get significant liver damage from hepatitis B, you may need a liver transplant.

Answered: How do you treat genital warts?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:34:38 +0000

Most genital warts will disappear without treatment, so your doctor may choose to do nothing. But you'll still have the virus that causes the warts and can pass it to sex partners.

The first choice to treat them are freezing the warts or applying medication directly to them. If that doesn't work, you may need surgery to remove them.

Answered: What are the symptoms of herpes?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:34:07 +0000

The main symptom of herpes is painful blisters around the penis, vagina, or anus. But you might get blisters inside your vagina or anus where you can't see or feel them. Not everyone who has herpes gets blisters.

Answered: How can I protect myself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:33:35 +0000

You can do some things to protect yourself from STDs, but keep in mind that not having sex or sexual relations (abstinence) is the only sure way to prevent STDs.

Use a latex condom every time you have sex.
Limit your number of sexual partners.
Have sex with only one person who's only having sex with you.
Choose your sex partners with care.
Get checked for STDs.
Don't use alcohol or drugs before you have sex. You may be less likely to use a condom if you're drunk or high.
Know the signs of STDs.

Answered: What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:33:12 +0000

Sexually transmitted diseases, commonly called STDs, are diseases that are spread by having sex with someone who has an STD. You can get a sexually transmitted disease from sexual activity that involves the mouth, anus, vagina, or penis. By age 25, half of all sexually active young adults will get an STD.

Answered: How can you tell if chlamydia is cured?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:32:49 +0000

After taking antibiotics, people should be re-tested after three months to be sure the infection is cured. This is particularly important if you are unsure that your partner(s) obtained treatment. But testing should still take place even if your partner has been treated. Do not have sex until you are sure both you and your partner no longer have the disease.

Answered: What happens if chlamydia is not treated in men?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:32:21 +0000

Untreated chlamydia in men can cause a condition called nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) -- an infection of the urethra (the tube by which men and women pass urine). It can also cause epididymitis -- an infection of the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm away from the testes), or proctitis -- an inflammation of the rectum.

Answered: How are sadomasochistic fantasies and activities done?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:31:56 +0000

Sadomasochistic fantasies and activities aren't uncommon among consenting adults. In most of these cases, the humiliation and abuse are acted out in fantasy. The participants are aware that the behavior is a "game" and actual pain and injury is avoided.

Answered: How are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) treated?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:31:29 +0000

Many STDs are treated with antibiotics. If you're given an antibiotic to treat an STD, it's important that you take all of the drug, even if the symptoms go away. Your doctor also may give you antibiotics to give to your partner so you can be treated at the same time.

Answered: What are most common sexual problems in men?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:31:10 +0000

The most common sexual problems in men are ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunction, and inhibited sexual desire.

Answered: When are pelvic exams done?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:30:47 +0000

Pelvic exams are done:

During a yearly physical exam
When a woman is pregnant
When a doctor is checking for an infection (such as chlamydia, vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and others)
When a woman is having pain in her pelvic area or low back

Answered: What are physical causes of male sexual dysfunction?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:30:27 +0000

The physical causes of male sexual dysfunction include:

Premature ejaculation (PE) is usually not due to physical causes, although the problem is sometimes linked to a neurological disorder, prostate infections, or urethritis.

Diabetes, especially if you have type 2
Hypogonadism, in which the testicles do not produce enough testosterone
Thyroid disorders
Adrenal lesions (Cushing's syndrome)
Noncancerous pituitary growths that increase levels of a hormone called prolactin
Diseases that affect the nervous system
Damage following pelvic surgery
Conditions or injuries that affect the penis directly
Any serious and debilitating disease that results in intense fatigue

Answered: What should you know about trying to get pregnant with a history of HPV?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:30:05 +0000

If you have a history of HPV, be sure to tell your doctor. You should tell her if you have a history of genital warts, tissue changes in your cervix (such as an abnormal Pap test), a history of surgical treatment for abnormal pap, or other problems. Your doctor will want to monitor you closely, because more rapid cell changes can occur during pregnancy.

Answered: Will syphilis treatment work if I'm pregnant?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:29:22 +0000

If you’re pregnant, it’s important to get treated for syphilis because you could pass the disease to your fetus or newborn. Again, your doctor will give you penicillin. If you’re allergic to it, your doctor will put you through a special process so you can take the antibiotic.

If you do spread the STD to your fetus or newborn, it can be very serious and lead to:

Stillbirth (the baby is born dead)
Birth defects
Infant death
Cataracts
Deafness
Seizures

Answered: What should I expect if my baby gets infected with chlamydia?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:28:30 +0000

The infection can be passed on to an unborn child and cause serious complications. Babies born to infected mothers may get pneumonia or conjunctivitis, an inflammation of membranes in the eye that may lead to blindness. Pregnant women are screened because it is so common to be without symptoms, and the consequences for the fetus/infant can be severe.

Answered: What is sexual masochism?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:27:59 +0000

Sexual masochism is the act -- real, not simulated -- of being humiliated, beaten, or otherwise made to suffer to achieve sexual excitement and climax. These acts may be limited to verbal humiliation, or they may involve being beaten, bound, or otherwise abused. Masochists may act out their fantasies on themselves by cutting or piercing their skin or burning themselves. Or they may seek out a partner who enjoys hurting or humiliating others.

Answered: What is exhibitionism?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:27:22 +0000

Exhibitionism involves someone showing their genitals to an unsuspecting stranger. The person with this problem feels a need to surprise, shock, or impress. No other harmf

Answered: What is transvestitism?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:27:00 +0000

Transvestitism, or transvestic fetishism, is when heterosexual males dress in female clothes to produce or enhance sexual arousal. This usually doesn't involve a real partner but includes the fantasy that the individual is the female partner as well. Some men wear only one special piece of female clothing, such as underwear, while others fully dress as female, including hair style and make-up.

Answered: What is frotteurism?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:26:39 +0000

With frotteurism, the focus of a person's sexual urges is on touching or rubbing their genitals against the body of a non-consenting, unfamiliar person. In most cases of frotteurism, a male rubs his genital area against a female, often in a crowded public location. This kind of contact is illegal.

Answered: What are paraphilias?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:26:13 +0000

Paraphilias are abnormal sexual behaviors or impulses that involve intense sexual fantasies and urges that keep coming back. The urges and behaviors may center around unusual objects, activities, or situations that aren't usually considered sexually arousing by others.

Answered: What is pedophilia?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:25:49 +0000

People with pedophilia have fantasies, urges, or behaviors that involve illegal sexual activity with a child or children. The children involved are generally 13 or younger.

Answered: What's the risk of chlamydia for women?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:25:29 +0000

Only 5%-30% of women who have a lab test that confirms they have chlamydia develop symptoms of the disease. About 30% of these women develop serious complications such as damage to the fallopian tubes (the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus). This damage is caused by pelvic inflammatory disease and may result in infertility. Damage to the fallopian tubes can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus). Untreated chlamydia in pregnancy may result in premature birth.

Answered: How common is chlamydia?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:24:49 +0000

Chlamydia, which strikes over 4 million Americans a year, is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the U.S. Scientists believe it's twice as common as gonorrhea and 30 times as common as syphilis.

Answered: What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:24:23 +0000

Bacterial vaginosis doesn’t always cause symptoms. But if it does, they can include:

Pain, burning, or itching in the vagina
Itching around the outside of the vagina
A thin white or gray vaginal discharge
A strong, fish-like odor, especially after sex
A burning sensation when you’re peeing
Stomach pain

Answered: What are the types of ejaculation disorders in men?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:23:57 +0000

There are different types of ejaculation disorders, including:

Premature ejaculation -- This refers to ejaculation that occurs before or soon after penetration, usually 30-60 seconds after penetration. Three minutes or longer is considered normal.
Inhibited or retarded ejaculation -- This is when ejaculation is slow to occur.
Retrograde ejaculation -- This occurs when, at orgasm, the ejaculate is forced back into the bladder rather than through the urethra and out the end of the penis.

Answered: What is voyeurism?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:22:33 +0000

This disorder involves achieving sexual arousal by watching an unsuspecting and non-consenting person undress or engage in sexual activity. The voyeur doesn't seek sexual contact with the person they're observing.

Answered: What is sexual sadism?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:22:04 +0000

Sexual sadism involves fantasies in which sexual excitement results from inflicting psychological or physical suffering (including humiliation and terror) on a sexual partner. This disorder is different from minor acts of aggression in normal sexual activity -- for example, rough sex.

Answered: What causes paraphilia?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:21:43 +0000

It's not clear what causes paraphilia. Some experts believe it's caused by a childhood trauma, such as sexual abuse. Others suggest that objects or situations can become sexually arousing if they're often linked to a pleasurable sexual activity. In most cases, the person with a paraphilia has a hard time developing personal and sexual relationships with others.

Answered: How do you treat syphilis?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:21:19 +0000

Early treatment with penicillin is crucial to prevent the bacteria from spreading to and damaging other organs.

Answered: What are complications from mycoplasma genitalium (MG)?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:19:23 +0000

MG, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), can cause complications such as:

A problem that makes your urethra irritated, swollen, and itchy, called urethritis. It can happen to men and women.
An infection of a woman’s reproductive organs, called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can make it hard to get pregnant.

Answered: What are symptoms of syphilis in secondary stage?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:18:57 +0000

In the secondary stage of syphilis, you'll get a skin rash and mucous membrane sores. The rash can be on one or more areas of the body and usually does not itch. Sometimes the rash is so faint that you don't notice it. You may also have a fever, swollen lymph glands, a sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Answered: Can circumcision prevent hygiene problems with the penis?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:18:20 +0000

Circumcision can make it easier to keep the end of the penis clean. Good hygiene can help prevent certain problems with the penis, including infections and swelling. But you don’t need to be circumcised in order to keep the penis clean. Also, using a condom during sex will help prevent STDs and other infections.

Answered: How can metronidazole (Flagyl) help with treating trichomoniasis?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:14:59 +0000

It's the drug most commonly used to fight trichomoniasis. It comes in tablet form taken by mouth and gel form for vaginal use. Your partner should also be treated to lower the risk of reinfection. Get retested after 3 months to ensure you are clear of the infection.

Answered: What are symptoms of chlamydia in men?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:13:29 +0000

Men with chlamydia may or may not have symptoms. If they do, their most common symptoms are pain with urination and a mucousy or watery discharge. They also may develop epididymitis or orchitis, an inflammation of the testicles that can cause iinfertility. Men can develop a chlamydia urethritis (and infection of the tube that drains urine from the bladder) and symptoms of discharge from their penis or burning when urinating.

Answered: What are the symptoms of mycoplasma genitalium (MG) in women?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:10:28 +0000

The symptoms for women of MG, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), are:

Discharge from the vagina
Pain during sex
Bleeding after sex
Bleeding between periods
Pain in pelvic area below the belly button

Answered: Do condoms help reduce the chances of getting mycoplasma genitalium (MG)?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:09:32 +0000

Condoms can reduce your chance of getting MG, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but they can’t guarantee you won’t get it. If you have the disease, avoid having sex for 7 days after you start treatment so you don’t infect others.

Answered: When does my risk of getting gonorrhea rise?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:08:42 +0000

Your risk for gonorrhea is higher if you:

Are young
Are having sex with a new partner
Are having sex with someone who is having sex with other people
Have multiple sex partners
Have had gonorrhea before
Have had other STDs

Answered: What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:06:10 +0000

STDs don't always cause symptoms. If they do, they can include:

Bumps, sores, or warts near the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina
Swelling or redness near the penis or vagina
Skin rash
Pain when peeing
Weight loss, loose stools, night sweats
Aches, pains, fever, and chills
Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
Discharge from the penis or vagina. Vaginal discharge may have an odor.
Bleeding from the vagina other than during a monthly period
Painful sex
Severe itching near the penis or vagina

Answered: How can you manage HPV after childbirth?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:05:02 +0000

If a Pap test was abnormal during pregnancy, the doctor will likely do another Pap test a few weeks after childbirth. Sometimes, the cervical cell changes go away after childbirth and no treatment is needed for HPV.

Sometimes, genital warts also go away. If not, the doctor may recommend treatment after childbirth.

What are the symptoms of an STD?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:03:30 +0000

Answered: How is trichomoniasis treated?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:02:35 +0000

Nine out of 10 people with trichomoniasis are cured with a single course of antibiotics. Stubborn cases may require larger doses administered over longer periods of time. It is important that sex partners also be treated because infection can be passed back. Partners should also avoid intercourse until one week after the last dose of antibiotic.

Answered: What are the benefits of circumcision?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:01:30 +0000

There is some evidence that circumcision has health benefits, including:

Circumcision also makes it easier to keep the end of the penis clean.

Less chance of urinary tract infections.
Lower risk of some sexually transmitted diseases in men.
Protection against penile cancer and a reduced risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners.
Prevention of balanitis (inflammation of the glans) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans and foreskin).
Prevention of phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) and paraphimosis (the inability to return the foreskin to its original location).

Answered: What are symptoms of syphilis in late stage?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:00:18 +0000

In the late stages of syphilis, the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints may be damaged. This damage may show up many years later. You may also have trouble coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia. This damage may be serious enough to cause death.

Answered: What are exclusive pedophiles?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 11:59:34 +0000

Some pedophiles, known as exclusive pedophiles, are sexually attracted only to children and are not attracted to adults. Pedophile activity constitutes rape and is a felony offense punishable by imprisonment.