Protect Yourself Against STDs
Learn honest communication and safer-sex strategies to help you avoid sexually transmitted infections.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex
Research shows that parental involvement reduces kids’ risky choices. Whether you have toddlers or teens, learn how to build open communication about sex.
Why Your Preteen Needs the HPV Vaccine
This safe, accessible treatment permanently protects your child from contracting a common STD that causes many cancers, including cervical cancer.
Featured Articles
Examine Your Partner During Intimacy
Use proximity and love to enhance early detection of common ailments.
Have Great Sex in Midlife
You can have a satisfying sex life in your 40s, 50s and beyond.
Men: Maintain a Healthy Sex Life
Learn how STD and body awareness can help you keep sex fun and safe.
Ask an Expert
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Two years ago I was diagnosed with a rare uterine cancer. The doctors took everything including some lymph nodes. I've always had a healthy sexual appetite but since my surgery I feel numb - like a robot with no feelings. Is there anything I can do?
It is quite common after having a complete hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries for women to feel a loss of libido. The ovaries produce hormones such as estrogens, progesterones and androgens which are parti... continue reading about Two years ago I was diagnosed with a rare uterine cancer. The doctors took everything including some lymph nodes. I've always had a healthy sexual appetite but since my surgery I feel numb - like a robot with no feelings. Is there anything I can do?
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
Can you participate in sex if you have an enlarged heart?
Great question, and one we get asked often. We also get asked about the use of Viagra. Sexual activity is generally categorized under "vigorous physical activity." Patients with known heart conditions need to c... continue reading about Can you participate in sex if you have an enlarged heart?
Frank dela Rama, R.N., MSN, CNS, AGN-BC, AOCNS
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
I am a prostate cancer survivor, age 72, who remains interested in sexual activity. However I suffer from ED and have not found medications to be helpful. Are the penal constrictive devices an option? What other options are available?
Erectile dysfunction can be a side effect of prostate cancer treatment, but depending upon the treatment (surgery or radiation), the onset and quality of symptoms may be different. ED after surgery may stem mor... continue reading about I am a prostate cancer survivor, age 72, who remains interested in sexual activity. However I suffer from ED and have not found medications to be helpful. Are the penal constrictive devices an option? What other options are available?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter West Bay Medical Group
How do I know if my heart is healthy enough for sex?
This is a common question from anyone who has had a heart attack or has been diagnosed with a heart problem. The Scientific Journal, Circulation, reported on thousands of patients with coronary artery disease w... continue reading about How do I know if my heart is healthy enough for sex?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm female (36) with a Mirena IUD. I have lower abdominal pains that feel like my uterus is being squeezed. It's worse after my period or intense orgasms. My IUD was checked and it's in the correct place.
Although the Mirena IUD is an excellent method for contraception, control of menstrual bleeding, and cramping with periods, in some women it is not well tolerated. Since you have quite clearly identified your p... continue reading about I'm female (36) with a Mirena IUD. I have lower abdominal pains that feel like my uterus is being squeezed. It's worse after my period or intense orgasms. My IUD was checked and it's in the correct place.
Rodman S. Rogers, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
What is the difference between erectile dysfunction and impotence?
Impotence is an old-fashioned, non-specific and medically improper term that is no longer used to describe male sexual problems. The current terminology describing difficulty achieving and/or maintaining an ere... continue reading about What is the difference between erectile dysfunction and impotence?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter West Bay Medical Group
When should you tell a potential sex partner about herpes?
Herpes simplex is a very common virus and can break out on any moist surface of the body. A person is contagious when there is an active herpetic lesion, and close contact must be avoided during these times. Th... continue reading about When should you tell a potential sex partner about herpes?
Jane Varner, M.D.
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?
First of all, you are not alone. Millions of women experience pain during intercourse, but most are too shy or embarrassed to bring it up. I congratulate you for raising the question! Intercourse is a wonderful... continue reading about I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?
Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
My friends tell me their sex drive wasn't the same after they had a baby. Is that true?
Having a baby is an overwhelming experience. You will experience changes in your body as well as your emotional state. You will be caring for your baby 24 hours a day, with interrupted sleep for at least the fi... continue reading about My friends tell me their sex drive wasn't the same after they had a baby. Is that true?