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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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, …
Read More »
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, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Side …
Read More »
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? …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
