Many believe that yeast infections only occur in women, however this is untrue. Candida yeast is the organism that causes yeast infections and it is present in both men and women. The yeast stays present in the moist areas of the body and, under...
If you've been infected with the genital herpes virus, it's essential for you to learn how to anticipate outbreaks in order to reduce the chance that you'll pass the virus on. If you're newly diagnosed, you'll have to spend some time figuring out...
There are many types of birth control on the market ranging from pills to injections. One option that has been around for many decades is spermicides. Spermicides are often used in conjunction with other birth control barriers, including caps,...
Latex and polyurethane condoms are placed over the penis during sexual activity. They prevent fluids from intermingling and thus contain the spread of STDs and other forms of infection. They are also a reliable for birth control. Many condoms are...
A urinary tract infection, abbreviated as UTI, is caused by bacteria that colonize the urinary tract. UTIs can develop anywhere in the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder or urethra, which is the tube that urine passes through as it...
Urinary tract infections result from bacterial infections of the bladder, kidney or urethra, the tube connecting the bladder to the outside of the body. Women are more likely to develop urinary tract infections. Approximately 20 percent of all...
Cervical erosion, also called cervical ectropion or cervical ulceration, occurs when the squamous cells at the cervical opening become columnar cells. The cervix appears inflamed and red and irritated. This condition is often not distinguishable...
Three criteria commonly used in choosing condoms are sensitivity, comfort and reliability. A thin condom is more likely to transmit sensations and be pleasurable for both partners. A comfortable condom is more likely to be worn consistently and be...
Spermicide comes in a variety of forms including gels, vaginal suppositories and contraceptive film. The spermicide disables sperm from entering the uterus and causing fertilization of an egg, or pregnancy, to occur. The contraceptive has a...
Years ago it was thought that the spermicide Nonoxynol-9 that was added to condoms and sexual lubricants would help prevent both unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. After a decade of research, it...
According to the Women's Therapy Center, “the vulvar vestibule is that area of the female vulva (genitals) that is within the inner lips (labia minora), where the entrance to the urethra (the tube that leads to the bladder) and the vagina...
Many couples prefer to use condoms for birth control. Properly used, condoms prevent not only pregnancy, but sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms cost little, require no prescription and are easy to use. Some condoms can enhance the sexual...
Yeast infections commonly impact both women and men, taking the form of vaginal and throat infections, called thrush, as well as infections of the penis. Symptoms may include intense itching and burning, a yeasty smell and thick discharge....
Condoms are a form of birth control that uses the barrier method; male condoms are rolled over the penis to prevent semen form entering the vagina. Condoms are often made of latex, lambskin or polyurethane. Some condoms are coated with additional...
The female condom is a plastic pouch inserted into the vagina for purposes of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Female condoms first became available in the United States in 1988. This type of birth control is effective...
Vestibulitis causes swelling, redness and pain in the opening or lower part of the vagina. Although the precise cause remains unknown, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, UIHC, the condition has been linked with recurrent...
Up to one half of sexually active couples use some kind of vaginal lubricant during intercourse. It is a common misconception that lubricants not containing spermicide are okay to use in couples that are trying to conceive. Unfortunately, there...
Lubricants, lubricants, lubricants! Lubricants are available in a variety of product forms that contain various ingredients. Read the label of a vaginal lubricant and buy only water-based or silicone versions. Petroleum-based lubricants damage...
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human inmmunodefiiciency virus (HIV). AIDS severely damages the immune system, and the Mayo Clinic states it is ultimately a terminal illness. This disease strikes people of all...
