sexual health

Valtrex (valacyclovir) vs. Zovirax (acyclovir): What’s the difference? Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Zovirax (acyclovir) are antiviral drugs used to treat infections with shingles (herpes zoster), genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis), and cold sores (herpes labialis). Zovirax is also used to treat Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis). Side effects of Valtrex and Zovirax that are similar include headache, nausea, …

What should you know about STDS in men? Sexually transmitted diseases often have specific symptoms in men.  What are the types of STDs? Common types of STDs in men include Chlamydia, gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, and genital herpes. Some of the most common STDs in men may not produce signs or symptoms. What are the early signs symptoms of STDs in men? …

What is oral levonorgestrel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Levonorgestrel (Plan B) is emergency contraception (commonly called the morning after pill) that is used as backup contraception to prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex or when birth control fails. Levonorgestrel is a progestin. Progestins are hormones used in many birth control pills. Although …

What is tadalafil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tadalafil is an oral drug that is used for treating impotence (the inability to attain or maintain a penile erection) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors that also includes sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra). Erection of the penis is …

Ketoconazole cream vs. miconazole: What’s the difference? Ketoconazole cream and miconazole are antifungal medications prescribed to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm. Ketoconazole cream is used to treat jock itch, dandruff, tinea versicolor, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and coccidiomycosis. Miconazole is also used to treat vaginal fungal infections. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, …

Birth control pills vs. condoms: What’s the difference? Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and condoms are methods of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills are taken orally and are used by women only. Condoms are worn externally and there are condoms for both males and females. Side effects of birth control pills that are different from condoms …

Birth control pills vs. Nuvaring: What’s the difference? Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and Nuvaring (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) are methods of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills are taken orally while Nuvaring is a vaginal ring inserted intravaginally. Side effects of birth control pills and Nuvaring that are similar include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight changes, vaginal bleeding …

What is vardenafil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Vardenafil is an oral drug that is used to treat impotence, the inability to attain or maintain a penile erection. It has a mechanism of action that is similar to sildenafil (Viagra), and tadalafil (Cialis). Penile erection is caused by the engorgement of the penis with blood. This engorgement …

What is sildenafil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Viagra (sildenafil) is an oral drug that is used for treating impotence (or erectile disfunction, ED, the inability to attain or maintain a penile erection). It is in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors) that also includes tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn ODT), and avanafil (Stendra). …

Trichomoniasis facts* *Trichomoniasis facts Medically Edited by: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted  infection (STI) caused by a parasite. Trichomonas infection can affect women or men and is spread via sexual contact. Many people who have the infection have no symptoms, but when symptoms occur, they include vaginal or urethral (in men) …