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Regular testing can reduce the long-term consequences of a sexually transmitted infection.
Severe pain during your period or during s*x is usually a sign of a health problem.
Pap smears can detect early signs of cervical cancer.
s*xual health has multiple aspects, including protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), birth control and family planning, and s*x drive and fulfilling s*xual relationships. For women, s*xual health significantly impacts overall health.
Severe pain during your period or during s*x is usually a sign of a health problem.
Pap smears can detect early signs of cervical cancer.
s*xual health has multiple aspects, including protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), birth control and family planning, and s*x drive and fulfilling s*xual relationships. For women, s*xual health significantly impacts overall health.
Practicing safe s*x, using contraception properly, and getting screened regularly for STIs can keep your s*xual health in good shape.
STDS AND STIS
Understanding sexually transmitted diseases and infections
If you are a sexually active woman, you are at risk of contracting an STD, which are now more commonly known as STIs. Risk increases with the more s*xual partners you have. However, it’s possible to contract an STI the first time you have s*x. Vaginal, an*l, and oral s*x all put you at risk for sexually transmitted infections, so it’s important to know how to protect yourself.
If you are a sexually active woman, you are at risk of contracting an STD, which are now more commonly known as STIs. Risk increases with the more s*xual partners you have. However, it’s possible to contract an STI the first time you have s*x. Vaginal, an*l, and oral s*x all put you at risk for sexually transmitted infections, so it’s important to know how to protect yourself.
Practice safe s*x
Safe s*x, using a barrier method like a condom or dental dam, is very effective at preventing STIs that spread through secretions, such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis. It’s less effective at preventing STIs that are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, like syphilis, HPV (human papilloma virus), and HSV (herpes). But it can still reduce your risk.
Safe s*x, using a barrier method like a condom or dental dam, is very effective at preventing STIs that spread through secretions, such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis. It’s less effective at preventing STIs that are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, like syphilis, HPV (human papilloma virus), and HSV (herpes). But it can still reduce your risk.
Try to use latex or polyurethane condoms and dental dams every time you have any kind of s*xual contact or penetration. There is always an advantage to using protection. Consistent use of barriers can reduce the transmission of STIs during:
oral s*x
vaginal s*x
an*l s*x
A number of STIs can be transmitted during oral s*x. These include:
vaginal s*x
an*l s*x
A number of STIs can be transmitted during oral s*x. These include:
syphilis
HPV
herpes
gonorrhea
chlamydia
Most mouth and throat cancers are now known to be due to HPV, typically from unprotected oral s*x.
HPV
herpes
gonorrhea
chlamydia
Most mouth and throat cancers are now known to be due to HPV, typically from unprotected oral s*x.
Preventive vaccines
Currently there are vaccines for three STIs: human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, and hepatitis A.
Currently there are vaccines for three STIs: human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, and hepatitis A.
Three HPV vaccines are currently approved by the FDA:
Cervarix protects against the two strains of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer.
Gardasil protects against those two strains, as well as the two strains that cause the majority of private part warts.
Gardasil 9 covers the same four strains of HPV as Gardasil but includes an additional five “high-risk” strains (nine strains in all).
These vaccines are most effective when given before a person starts having s*x. It’s typically recommended to begin vaccinations for both young women and men, starting at age 11. You can still get vaccinated up through your late 20s.
Gardasil protects against those two strains, as well as the two strains that cause the majority of private part warts.
Gardasil 9 covers the same four strains of HPV as Gardasil but includes an additional five “high-risk” strains (nine strains in all).
These vaccines are most effective when given before a person starts having s*x. It’s typically recommended to begin vaccinations for both young women and men, starting at age 11. You can still get vaccinated up through your late 20s.
A vaccine is also available for hepatitis B. It’s normally given during infancy. Hepatitis B causes liver disease. It can be transmitted through s*xual activity as well as through infected blood or blood products.
A vaccine for hepatitis A is available as well. Hepatitis A is not usually spread during s*x, but it can be transmitted during oral-an*l contact. The vaccine is recommended for all children at age 1.
Get screened for STIs
Regular STI testing can reduce the long-term consequences of an infection. Left untreated, bacterial diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can have serious health consequences, including infertility. Screening can help to prevent such complications.
Regular STI testing can reduce the long-term consequences of an infection. Left untreated, bacterial diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can have serious health consequences, including infertility. Screening can help to prevent such complications.
Screening can also reduce your risk of contracting an STI. Make a date to get tested with a new partner before starting a s*xual relationship. That way, you will each know if you are putting the other at risk, and treatment can be given if appropriate.
STI screening is a good idea for anyone who is sexually active. STIs can affect individuals of any age or relationship status.
Get regular Pap smears
Pap smears are a routine part of women’s healthcare and start at age 21. This test detects early signs of cervical changes that could lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. Precancerous changes can be followed up and treated before they become serious.
Pap smears are a routine part of women’s healthcare and start at age 21. This test detects early signs of cervical changes that could lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. Precancerous changes can be followed up and treated before they become serious.
Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. Therefore, practicing safe s*x can reduce your risk of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination can reduce your risk as well. There are many strains of cancer-causing HPV. Vaccination, practicing safe s*x, and regular Pap smears are all necessary.
Invasive cervical cancer, and its treatment, can have negative effects on your s*x life and fertility. It’s better to catch cervical changes early than wait for them to cause damage.
Menstruation and reproductive health
Women often assume that pelvic pain, like cramping, is normal. They have been told that menstruation is supposed to hurt. Therefore, they may not discuss their discomfort with their doctor.
Women often assume that pelvic pain, like cramping, is normal. They have been told that menstruation is supposed to hurt. Therefore, they may not discuss their discomfort with their doctor.
Women should not have to live with serious pelvic pain or abdominal cramps. Often severe pain during your period is a sign of a health problem. It may be related to fertility or pain during s*x.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is growth of the lining of the uterus, outside of the uterus. This lining is called the endometrium. It’s the source of blood and tissue during menstruation. It’s also needed to nourish a growing fetus.
Endometriosis is growth of the lining of the uterus, outside of the uterus. This lining is called the endometrium. It’s the source of blood and tissue during menstruation. It’s also needed to nourish a growing fetus.
When a woman has endometriosis, the endometrium deposits onto organs and tissues throughout the abdomen and pelvis. This can be extremely painful. Symptoms of endometriosis include:
severe menstrual pain
pain during s*x
pain during bowel movements
heavy bleeding
bleeding between periods
Pain from endometriosis can often be treated. Treatment depends on whether you want to have children. Options include:
pain during s*x
pain during bowel movements
heavy bleeding
bleeding between periods
Pain from endometriosis can often be treated. Treatment depends on whether you want to have children. Options include:
anti-inflammatory medications
hormone therapy
surgery to remove the excess tissue
hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
Fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors of the uterus. Research shows that up to 77 percent of women have fibroids. However, most women will never need treatment. Fibroids are not necessarily painful or problematic. They do not increase your risk of cancer. Large fibroids may affect your ability to have children.
hormone therapy
surgery to remove the excess tissue
hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
Fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors of the uterus. Research shows that up to 77 percent of women have fibroids. However, most women will never need treatment. Fibroids are not necessarily painful or problematic. They do not increase your risk of cancer. Large fibroids may affect your ability to have children.
Fibroids can affect your s*x life if they cause:
pelvic pain
pain during s*x
problems with heavy or painful menstrual bleeding.
If treatment is necessary, several options are available. Your doctor can help you decide which method is best for you.
pain during s*x
problems with heavy or painful menstrual bleeding.
If treatment is necessary, several options are available. Your doctor can help you decide which method is best for you.
Birth control
If you are a woman who has s*x with men, it’s important to know your options for birth control. Trying to get pregnant or worrying about an unwanted pregnancy takes a toll on many women’s s*x lives.
If you are a woman who has s*x with men, it’s important to know your options for birth control. Trying to get pregnant or worrying about an unwanted pregnancy takes a toll on many women’s s*x lives.
Birth control options range from the affordable, use-when-needed condom to an intrauterine device (IUD), which can last for up to 12 years. Some methods require a prescription or a minor procedure in the doctor’s office, and some do not.
Contraceptive options include:
male or female condom
IUD
birth control pills
contraceptive sponge
cervical cap
diaphragm
hormonal patches or rings
birth control shot
under the skin implant
sterilization
Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you. The effectiveness varies greatly. So does the ease of use. Sterilization for both women and men is considered the most effective, but it’s permanent.
IUD
birth control pills
contraceptive sponge
cervical cap
diaphragm
hormonal patches or rings
birth control shot
under the skin implant
sterilization
Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you. The effectiveness varies greatly. So does the ease of use. Sterilization for both women and men is considered the most effective, but it’s permanent.
s*xual relationships and libido
Some s*xual health issues affect s*xual activity and libido.
Some s*xual health issues affect s*xual activity and libido.
Lack of interest in s*x
There are many reasons why a woman may have a reduced interest in s*x. According to Mayo Clinic, possible causes for decreased libido in women include:
There are many reasons why a woman may have a reduced interest in s*x. According to Mayo Clinic, possible causes for decreased libido in women include:
new medication
chronic medical conditions
fatigue
menopause
pregnancy, after delivery period, and chest-feeding
anxiety or depression
stress
If you have experienced a sudden lack of interest in s*x, talk to your doctor. There may be an identifiable cause. Your doctor can treat many conditions, as well as refer you to a s*x therapist or other therapist for counseling. Couples therapy may be beneficial, too. If you are bothered by a decreased s*x drive, there are a variety of methods and treatments that can help.
chronic medical conditions
fatigue
menopause
pregnancy, after delivery period, and chest-feeding
anxiety or depression
stress
If you have experienced a sudden lack of interest in s*x, talk to your doctor. There may be an identifiable cause. Your doctor can treat many conditions, as well as refer you to a s*x therapist or other therapist for counseling. Couples therapy may be beneficial, too. If you are bothered by a decreased s*x drive, there are a variety of methods and treatments that can help.
Painful s*x
s*xual intercourse shouldn’t be painful. If you are having pain during s*x, talk to your doctor. There are several potential causes of s*xual pain. These include:
s*xual intercourse shouldn’t be painful. If you are having pain during s*x, talk to your doctor. There are several potential causes of s*xual pain. These include:
infection
endometriosis
fibroids
vaginismus
vulvodynia
vaginal dryness
Painful s*x can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the cause. When you talk to your doctor about your problem, be prepared to discuss if you have pain:
endometriosis
fibroids
vaginismus
vulvodynia
vaginal dryness
Painful s*x can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the cause. When you talk to your doctor about your problem, be prepared to discuss if you have pain:
and any discharge or vaginal symptoms
during penetration
when touched on the outside of your vulva
after s*x
during deep penetration
The details are important. They can help your doctor diagnose underlying problems that may be causing your pain.
during penetration
when touched on the outside of your vulva
after s*x
during deep penetration
The details are important. They can help your doctor diagnose underlying problems that may be causing your pain.
Problems with climax
There is a common misconception that all women should be able to climax from vaginal intercourse. However, many women need direct clitoral stimulation to climax.
There is a common misconception that all women should be able to climax from vaginal intercourse. However, many women need direct clitoral stimulation to climax.
If you have difficulty reaching climax, practice on your own to see what feels good for you. During a shower or bath is a good time for self-exploration. It’s also important to keep communication open between you and your s*xual partner(s). For a better understanding of your s*xual health, a s*x therapist can be a useful resource.
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