sexual health

What is contraception? Birth control pills regulate hormones to prevent pregnancy, but behavioral methods rely on timing and changes to sexual behavior. Contraception, commonly known as birth control, is the adoption of preventive measures to avoid pregnancy. Contraception techniques prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg (ovum) and forming a fetus in the uterus. So-called …

What is barrier contraception? Contraception refers to any measures you take to prevent sexual intercourse from resulting in pregnancy. The barrier method of contraception prevents the fertilization of the egg (ovum) by blocking the passage of the sperm into the cervix with a physical device, or by destroying the sperm cell membrane with spermicide. What is the best contraceptive? The definition of …

Which hepatitis is an STD? Hepatitis C: The Hepatitis C virus may be transmitted via sexual contact. However, studies have shown that such transmission is very rare. Hepatitis A, B, and C can be sexually transmitted. Hepatitis A: Although the fecal-oral route is common for hepatitis A, the virus can also be transmitted from any sexual activity. The use of …

How does HPV spread? HPV infections often resolve without treatment and do not cause any health problems. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection that is transmitted through sexual activity. Papillomaviruses are viruses that infect only humans. It is mainly a skin-borne disease. People can get an HPV infection by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone …

What are birth control pills? How do they work (mechanism of action)? Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are medications that prevent pregnancy. They are one method of birth control. Oral contraceptives are hormonal preparations that may contain combinations of the hormones estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. Combinations of estrogen and progestin prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the release of the …

What are STDs? Share Your Story Even men can get yeast infections from women. STDs, also termed sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that are mainly transmitted to others during direct sexual contact (genital, anal and/or oral); a few types may be contracted by nonsexual means like needle sticks (for example, hepatitis B, AIDS). What is a yeast infection? A yeast …

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) facts* Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story Picture of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) *Pelvic inflammatory facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection and inflammation of a woman's pelvic organs including the uterus (womb), Fallopian tubes (tubes), ovaries, and cervix. PID is very common and is estimated to affect around …

What are sexual problems in men? Sexual problems in men also affect their partners. Sexual health is an important part of a man's life, no matter his age, civil status, or sexual orientation. It is also an important part of a couple's foundation and contributes to the quality of life. Sexual problems in men are very common and impact sexual …

What is syphilis? Illustration of a syphilis bacterium. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by an infection with bacteria known as Treponema pallidum. Like other STDs, syphilis can be spread by any type of sexual contact. Syphilis can also be spread from an infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy or to the baby at the time of …

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women facts STDs may have different treatments in women. STDs are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual contact. Many STDs in women do not cause specific symptoms. Common STDs in women include Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, genital herpes, and the Zika virus. Antibiotic treatment can cure STDs caused by bacteria, including Chlamydia, syphilis, …