Sexual Health Q & A
Sexuality is an intrinsic part of overall health. Get answers to your questions on sexuality and keeping sexually healthy in your body, mind, and spirit.
My partner’s penis is too big
Tips on what to do if your partner’s penis is too big and making sex uncomfortable or painful.
Tips on what to do if your partner’s penis is too big and making sex uncomfortable or painful.
Should I Be Worried If…?
Answers to common sexual worries including watching too much porn, sex toy problems, over masturbation, fantasizing about someone other than your partner, and talking with your kids about sex.
Answers to common sexual worries including watching too much porn, sex toy problems, over masturbation, fantasizing about someone other than your partner, and talking with your kids about sex.
How Do I Find a Sexual Health Clinic?
Find a sexual health clinic in your area.
Find a sexual health clinic in your area.
What’s the best sex position when you’re trying to get pregnant?
Are some sex positions better than others when you’re trying to get pregnant?
Are some sex positions better than others when you’re trying to get pregnant?
Are sexual fantasies bad for your relationship?
Answers a reader’s question about having sexual fantasies while having sex with a partner and whether or not it’s a bad sign for the relationship.
Answers a reader’s question about having sexual fantasies while having sex with a partner and whether or not it’s a bad sign for the relationship.
When should we stop being naked in front of our kids?
Parental comfort with nudity in the home differs greatly from parent to parent and family to family. Those parents who are comfortable with nudity in the home can wonder if there is an age when it is inappropriate to allow their children to see them naked.
Parental comfort with nudity in the home differs greatly from parent to parent and family to family. Those parents who are comfortable with nudity in the home can wonder if there is an age when it is inappropriate to allow their children to see them naked.
How do I tell my parents I'm thinking about having sex?
Where do you start a conversation with your parents about sex? If you’re not sure how you feel about it or how they feel about it, how can you talk to your parents about sex without them freaking out?
Where do you start a conversation with your parents about sex? If you’re not sure how you feel about it or how they feel about it, how can you talk to your parents about sex without them freaking out?
Will latex condoms protect me from phthalates in sex toys?
Many sex shops recommend using latex condoms on sex toys that contain phthalates as a way of reducing your risk of phthalate exposure from sex toys. But do latex condoms really provide protection from this?
Many sex shops recommend using latex condoms on sex toys that contain phthalates as a way of reducing your risk of phthalate exposure from sex toys. But do latex condoms really provide protection from this?
Are orgasms good for your health?
Explaining the potential health benefits of regular orgasms.
Explaining the potential health benefits of regular orgasms.
How can I tell if I’ve had an orgasm?
Is there such a thing as a test to tell if you've had an orgasm? Why knowing if you've had an orgasm is complicated, and why you should worry less about the final result and focus more on what gets you there.
Is there such a thing as a test to tell if you've had an orgasm? Why knowing if you've had an orgasm is complicated, and why you should worry less about the final result and focus more on what gets you there.
Are male and female orgasms different?
Explains the possible differences and likely similarities between male orgasms and female orgasms.
Explains the possible differences and likely similarities between male orgasms and female orgasms.
Do penis pumps permanently enlarge your penis?
Explains that penis pumps do not work to permanently enlarge your penis.
Explains that penis pumps do not work to permanently enlarge your penis.
Can you tell when a man is going to ejaculate?
How can you tell if a guy is going to ejaculate? Explaining the signs that ejaculation is imminent and how you can tell when it’s going to happen.
How can you tell if a guy is going to ejaculate? Explaining the signs that ejaculation is imminent and how you can tell when it’s going to happen.
How much masturbation is too much masturbation?
How much masturbation is too much masturbation? Can masturbation be unhealthy? Answers to commonly asked sex questions.
How much masturbation is too much masturbation? Can masturbation be unhealthy? Answers to commonly asked sex questions.
What is an orgasm?
What is orgasm, and how is it defined by science and culture? Better than single definitions are multi-dimensional explanations of orgasm.
What is orgasm, and how is it defined by science and culture? Better than single definitions are multi-dimensional explanations of orgasm.
How common is heterosexual anal sex?
Is heterosexual anal sex really “the new black”? How can we tell if people are having more anal sex or simply reporting it more honestly?
Is heterosexual anal sex really “the new black”? How can we tell if people are having more anal sex or simply reporting it more honestly?
Anal Retentive and Wondering
What happens when you go to the ER with something stuck in your rectum? How do doctors remove unwanted objects? What are the dangers of getting toys or other objects stuck during anal play?
What happens when you go to the ER with something stuck in your rectum? How do doctors remove unwanted objects? What are the dangers of getting toys or other objects stuck during anal play?
Isn’t sexual arousal a good thing?
When is sexual arousal a bad thing? Explains the disorder known as persistent sexual arousal syndrome and persistent genital arousal disorder.
When is sexual arousal a bad thing? Explains the disorder known as persistent sexual arousal syndrome and persistent genital arousal disorder.
Can I get a yeast infection from a personal lubricant?
Explains the relationship between personal lubricants and yeast infections.
Explains the relationship between personal lubricants and yeast infections.
What does sex positive mean?
Different definitions of sex positive, including the history of the term.
Different definitions of sex positive, including the history of the term.
Can I become addicted to my vibrator?
There is no evidence to suggest that people become addicted to vibrators. Offers an explanation as to why vibrator addiction doesn't exist.
There is no evidence to suggest that people become addicted to vibrators. Offers an explanation as to why vibrator addiction doesn't exist.
Can vibrators harm sexual sensitivity or orgasm?
Answers the question: Does long term vibrator use cause any sensitivity problems or orgasmic difficulties?
Answers the question: Does long term vibrator use cause any sensitivity problems or orgasmic difficulties?
How Do I Measure Up?
Answers to questions about penis size, and other common sexual health questions, with links to research and resources.
Answers to questions about penis size, and other common sexual health questions, with links to research and resources.
How long does sex last for?
How long does sex last for? Answers to this question and other common sexual health questions, with links to research and resources.
How long does sex last for? Answers to this question and other common sexual health questions, with links to research and resources.
Does being circumcised change my sex life?
What is the impact of circumcision on sexuality? Answers to this question and other common sexual health questions, with links to research and resources.
What is the impact of circumcision on sexuality? Answers to this question and other common sexual health questions, with links to research and resources.
Books about Pregnancy and Sex
Recommended books on pregnancy and sex.
Recommended books on pregnancy and sex.
Why does penis size matter?
Information about research on average penis size and whether penis size matters to men and women.
Information about research on average penis size and whether penis size matters to men and women.
Why Does Sex Hurt?
Why does sex hurt? Explains common reasons for painful sex and solutions to reduce pain during sex.
Why does sex hurt? Explains common reasons for painful sex and solutions to reduce pain during sex.
Does abstinence-only sex education work?
Does abstinence-only sex education work? The answer depends on what abstinence-only sex education is supposed to do.
Does abstinence-only sex education work? The answer depends on what abstinence-only sex education is supposed to do.
Will Lubricant Harm Sperm if I’m Trying to get Pregnant
Can personal lubricants interfere with trying to get pregnant?
Can personal lubricants interfere with trying to get pregnant?
Is Oral Sex Risky?
Answers the question, is oral sex safer sex? What are the risks of having unprotected oral sex?
Answers the question, is oral sex safer sex? What are the risks of having unprotected oral sex?
What is Great Sex - The Trouble with Describing Great Sex
What's so hard about describing great sex? Try it for an hour and you might discover describing what makes sex great is harder than it sounds.
What's so hard about describing great sex? Try it for an hour and you might discover describing what makes sex great is harder than it sounds.
What Causes Vaginal Dryness?
Explains the common causes of vaginal dryness, medications that can lead to vaginal dryness, and the various treatment options available for women experiencing vaginal dryness.
Explains the common causes of vaginal dryness, medications that can lead to vaginal dryness, and the various treatment options available for women experiencing vaginal dryness.
Are Sex Toys Safe? – Safety of Sex Toy Materials
Answers the question, are sex toys safe? Discusses the safety of sex toy material, and where to get more information about sex toy safety.
Answers the question, are sex toys safe? Discusses the safety of sex toy material, and where to get more information about sex toy safety.
Why Do Men Premature Ejaculate? - Understanding Premature Ejaculation
An explanation of the possible reasons for premature ejaculation, ways to control premature ejaculation, and myths about premature ejaculation.
An explanation of the possible reasons for premature ejaculation, ways to control premature ejaculation, and myths about premature ejaculation.
What are Kegels – What are Kegel Exercises
Explanation of what Kegel exercises are and how they strengthen the PC muscle. Links to step by step instructions on doing Kegel exercises.
Explanation of what Kegel exercises are and how they strengthen the PC muscle. Links to step by step instructions on doing Kegel exercises.
How do I find my PC Muscle - Tips on Finding your PC Muscle
Instructions for both men and women on how to find your pubococcygeus muscles (PC muscles). With links to information on how to do kegel exercises to strengthen the PC muscles.
Instructions for both men and women on how to find your pubococcygeus muscles (PC muscles). With links to information on how to do kegel exercises to strengthen the PC muscles.
How Do I Know if I’m Allergic to Latex Condoms - Latex Allergy Symptoms and Latex Condoms
Answers the question, how do I know if I’m having an allergic reaction to latex condoms? Links to the prevalence and causes of latex allergies and latex condoms, what latex allergies look and feel like, and offers non-latex alternatives for people who have allergic reactions to latex condoms.
Answers the question, how do I know if I’m having an allergic reaction to latex condoms? Links to the prevalence and causes of latex allergies and latex condoms, what latex allergies look and feel like, and offers non-latex alternatives for people who have allergic reactions to latex condoms.
What Makes a Great Lover?
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes an answer to questions about what makes a great lover, and offers suggestions of ways of thinking about sexual technique and the qualities of a great lover.
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes an answer to questions about what makes a great lover, and offers suggestions of ways of thinking about sexual technique and the qualities of a great lover.
What are Vegan Condoms – Understanding Cruelty Free Condoms
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes an answer to questions about the manufacturing of condoms and concerns for vegans about using condoms.
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes an answer to questions about the manufacturing of condoms and concerns for vegans about using condoms.
When is the right time for sex therapy – choosing when to seek sexual therapy
Suggestions on when to choose to seek out a sex therapist, with links to more information on how to find a therapist, what training sex therapists receive, where to find a therapist in your area, and when to seek help from a sex therapist.
Suggestions on when to choose to seek out a sex therapist, with links to more information on how to find a therapist, what training sex therapists receive, where to find a therapist in your area, and when to seek help from a sex therapist.
Vaginal Smell and Taste - Can You Alter the Taste of Your Vagina
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes an answer to questions about the vaginal taste, and can you alter the taste of your vagina.
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes an answer to questions about the vaginal taste, and can you alter the taste of your vagina.
Does Penis Size Matter - Importance of Average Penis Size
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes an answer to questions about the importance of penis size, what is the average penis size, does penis size matter, does it matter more to women or men, and whether length or girth is more important.
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes an answer to questions about the importance of penis size, what is the average penis size, does penis size matter, does it matter more to women or men, and whether length or girth is more important.
Where is my G Spot - Tips on Finding the G Spot
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes an answer to questions about finding the g spot, a brief description of the debate about the female g spot, how to find it, and links to technique and resources on g-spot information.
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes an answer to questions about finding the g spot, a brief description of the debate about the female g spot, how to find it, and links to technique and resources on g-spot information.
Can Men Have Multiple Orgasms?
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes a description of male multiple orgasm, with links to technique and resources on men’s experience having multiple non-ejaculatory orgasms.
Answers to commonly asked sexual health questions. Includes a description of male multiple orgasm, with links to technique and resources on men’s experience having multiple non-ejaculatory orgasms.
Is Watching Porn Okay?
Answers to commonly asked sexual health quesitons. Includes a discussion of the health of watching adult videos in a relationship and ways to talk with your partner about your concerns.
Answers to commonly asked sexual health quesitons. Includes a discussion of the health of watching adult videos in a relationship and ways to talk with your partner about your concerns.
What is Coitus Interruptus?
Providing answers to commonly asked sexual health quesitons. Description and explination of coitus interruptus, also known as the withdrawal method.
Providing answers to commonly asked sexual health quesitons. Description and explination of coitus interruptus, also known as the withdrawal method.
How Do I Do Kegel Exercises - Kegel Exercise Instructions for Women
Step by step instructions on doing kegel exercises to strengthen your PC muscles for women.
Step by step instructions on doing kegel exercises to strengthen your PC muscles for women.
How do I do Kegel Exercises - Kegel Exercises for Men
Step by step instructions on doing kegel exercises to strengthen your PC muscles for men.
Step by step instructions on doing kegel exercises to strengthen your PC muscles for men.
Sexual Health Issues for Post-Combat Soldiers
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the sexual health of soldiers and service members and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in sexuality following combat.
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the sexual health of soldiers and service members and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in sexuality following combat.
Changes in Partners and Spouses of Post-Combat Soldiers
The experience of combat and combat injuries which affects the sex life of a soldier can also affect their partner or spouses sexuality, and make it difficult for service members and their partners to get back a healthy sex life.
The experience of combat and combat injuries which affects the sex life of a soldier can also affect their partner or spouses sexuality, and make it difficult for service members and their partners to get back a healthy sex life.
Changes in How to Have Sex for Post-Combat Soldiers
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the way soldiers and service members can physically have sex and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in the mechanics of sex following combat.
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the way soldiers and service members can physically have sex and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in the mechanics of sex following combat.
Changes in Sexual Feelings for Post-Combat Soldiers
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the sexual feelings of soldiers and service members and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in sexual feelings following combat.
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the sexual feelings of soldiers and service members and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in sexual feelings following combat.
Changes in Sexual Functioning & Response for Post-Combat Soldiers
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the sexual functioning and response of soldiers and service members and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in sexual functioning and response following combat.
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the sexual functioning and response of soldiers and service members and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in sexual functioning and response following combat.
Changes in Sexual Thoughts for Post-Combat Soldiers
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the sexual thoughts of soldiers and service members and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in sexual thoughts following combat.
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the sexual thoughts of soldiers and service members and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in sexual thoughts following combat.
Changes in Access to Sex for Post-Combat Soldiers
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the kind of access to sex soldiers and service members have and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in access to sex following combat.
The experience of combat and combat injuries can affect the kind of access to sex soldiers and service members have and make it difficult to get back a healthy sex life. This article describes some of the common problems post-combat soldiers may experience and suggests ways of dealing with changes in access to sex following combat.
Sexual Health
Most of us think a lot more about sexual pleasure than sexual health. But the two are interconnected. Learning the basics of sexual anatomy and psychology, debunking sex myths and misconceptions, and understanding how to keep yourself safe and happy while having a great sex life is all part of developing and maintaining sexual health.
Most of us think a lot more about sexual pleasure than sexual health. But the two are interconnected. Learning the basics of sexual anatomy and psychology, debunking sex myths and misconceptions, and understanding how to keep yourself safe and happy while having a great sex life is all part of developing and maintaining sexual health.
Sleep Sex
Describes the proposed diagnosis of sleep sex or sexsomnia, which is the experience of initiating sex while asleep.
Describes the proposed diagnosis of sleep sex or sexsomnia, which is the experience of initiating sex while asleep.
Bad Education
I’ve been disappointed with my experience going to sex workshops at local sex shops. How can I tell if a sex workshop is going to be good?
I’ve been disappointed with my experience going to sex workshops at local sex shops. How can I tell if a sex workshop is going to be good?
Bad Sex Toy Shopping Experience
Answers questions about returning sex toys, and how to avoid a bad sex toy shopping experience.
Answers questions about returning sex toys, and how to avoid a bad sex toy shopping experience.
Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD)
Reviews what is known about this newly described condition of persistent genital arousal disorder, also known as persistent sexual arousal syndrome. Includes symptoms, causes, and treatments for PGAD and links to resources for more information
Reviews what is known about this newly described condition of persistent genital arousal disorder, also known as persistent sexual arousal syndrome. Includes symptoms, causes, and treatments for PGAD and links to resources for more information
Alcohol and Sex
Explains the sexual effects of alcohol including short term and long term effects of alcohol consumption on sexuality as well as “expectancy effects” of alcohol on the way we behave sexually.
Explains the sexual effects of alcohol including short term and long term effects of alcohol consumption on sexuality as well as “expectancy effects” of alcohol on the way we behave sexually.
Interstitial Cystitis and Sexuality: Carol’s story
An interview with a woman about her experience of living with interstitial cystitis and its impact on her sex life and sexuality.
An interview with a woman about her experience of living with interstitial cystitis and its impact on her sex life and sexuality.
Interstitial Cystitis and Sex
Suggestions and support for people living with interstitial cystitis (IC) around sexual expression and sexual behaviors. Links to additional resources on sex and IC.
Suggestions and support for people living with interstitial cystitis (IC) around sexual expression and sexual behaviors. Links to additional resources on sex and IC.
Managing the Impact of IC on your Sex Life and Sexuality
Ideas for reducing the impact of interstitial cystitis (IC) on your sex life.
Ideas for reducing the impact of interstitial cystitis (IC) on your sex life.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC)’s Impact on Sexuality
Describes the various ways interstitial cystitis (IC) can impact your sexuality. With links to more resources on sex and IC.
Describes the various ways interstitial cystitis (IC) can impact your sexuality. With links to more resources on sex and IC.
Interstitial cystitis (IC) and Sexual Pain
Describes several theories about why IC causes sexual pain. With links to more resources about sex and IC.
Describes several theories about why IC causes sexual pain. With links to more resources about sex and IC.
What is Vulvodynia - Understanding Vulvodynia and Vulvar Pain
Describes the condition known as vulvodynia or vulvar pain, and the different ways vulvodynia seems to be experienced.
Describes the condition known as vulvodynia or vulvar pain, and the different ways vulvodynia seems to be experienced.
Go Ask Alice!
Begun in 1993 as a health question and answer service for the Columbia University community, Go Ask Alice! is an amazing resource of health information, including lots of sexual health info, all in Q & A format.
Begun in 1993 as a health question and answer service for the Columbia University community, Go Ask Alice! is an amazing resource of health information, including lots of sexual health info, all in Q & A format.
Sex Education for Deaf Youth
About.com's Guide to Deafness/Hard of Hearing offers these sexual health education resources for Deaf youth.
About.com's Guide to Deafness/Hard of Hearing offers these sexual health education resources for Deaf youth.