Get Healthy!

Results for search "Sex".

Health News Results - 84

Could a Meal With Refined Carbs Make You Less Attractive?

Put down that donut and lay off the pasta: New research finds you're less sexy after gorging on refined carbs.

French researchers presented heterosexual adults with photos of an opposite-sex person who two hours earlier had eaten a breakfast rich in refined carbohydrates.

Participants rated the folks in the photos as less attractive compared to people who'd eaten a healthier breakf...

Use It or Lose It? Mouse Study Reveals Key to Healthy Erections

Is 'practice makes perfect' true for the male erection, too?

That's the suggestion from a Swedish study involving amorous male mice. It found that getting erections regularly was important to the rodents' overall erectile function.

The key seemed to lie in connective tissue cells called fibroblasts.

These cells have long been known to populate penile tissue, but their role has...

  • Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • February 9, 2024
  • |
  • Full Page
U.S. Syphilis Cases Continue to Climb

U.S. cases of syphilis have soared past numbers seen just a decade ago, new government statistics show.

The grim numbers are for 2022, the latest year for which an accurate tally is available.

More than 202,000 cases were recorded among Americans that year -- a 17% rise over 2021 numbers and an 80% rise over numbers ...

'Morning After' Pill Sales Surge on Day After New Years' Eve

Even Valentine's Day apparently doesn't trump the start of a brand new year when it comes to getting frisky.

Sales of the morning-after pill surged across the U.S. after New Year 2022, new research shows. Nearly 41,000 extra pills were sold in the following week, a period linked to increased risks of unprotected sex.

Sales of emergency contraception also rose after other holidays su...

1 in 3 Men Open to Having More Than One Partner. Women, Not So Much

Being in a marriage or long-term relationship typically includes promises of monogamy, but new research shows a surprising number of folks, mostly men, are open to the idea of having another person in the mix.

Fully one-third of men in the United Kingdom are open to the idea of having more than one wife or long-term girlfriend, while only 11% of women would want someone else in their rela...

As Congo Outbreak Continues, Study Finds Low-Dose Mpox Vaccine Still Offers Protection

Mpox is making headlines again, as an outbreak of severe disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa has infected thousands of people and killed hundreds.

Amid this worrying scenario, researchers at New York University (NYU) offer a glimmer of good news: Smaller doses of the mpox vaccine Jynneos, given in a different way, still offer good protection against the infection.

...

In Michigan, 5 Women Contracted Syphilis Affecting the Eyes From the Same Asymptomatic Man

In a disease cluster last year, one infected but asymptomatic man spread a rare form of syphilis that affects the eyes to five Michigan women, a new report finds.

Since ocular syphilis remains very rare, researchers believe the strain of T. pallidum -- the syphilis bacterium -- that the man carried might have raised the risk for eye complications in his sex partners.

The ma...

Taking Antibiotic After Sex Could Slash Your Risk for an STI. Here's What to Know

Data showing that the antibiotic doxycycline might prevent a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if taken soon after sex made headlines earlier this year.

As surging numbers of cases of syphilis and gonorrhea affect more Americans, here's what you need to know about using the drug.

“If you're actively having sex and not using c...

U.S. Syphilis Cases in Newborns Rose 10-fold Over a Decade

An old scourge, syphilis, is returning with a vengeance in the United States, affecting not only adults but also the most vulnerable -- newborns.

Rates of congenital syphilis soared 10-fold between 2012 and 2022, according to new data released Tuesday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The congenital syphilis crisis in the United States has skyrocketed at a h...

PTSD Can Harm a Woman's Sex Life

Suffering from PTSD may take a toll on your sex life if you're a woman, new research reveals.

About 10% of women have PTSD symptoms because of combat exposure, childhood abuse and sexual violence. Little research has been done looking at how these symptoms might affect sexual functioning among midlife women.

"As women age, there are many reasons why sexual functioning may become an ...

Childhood Trauma Can Affect a Woman's Adult Sex Life, Study Finds

A stressful or traumatic childhood experience — anything from parents divorcing to a sibling's drug problem — may have long-term effects on a woman's sexual health.

These adverse childhood experiences may be linked to sexual inactivity and dysfunction in women later in life, a

Is Science Getting Closer to the Brain Center for Male Libido?

A single hardwired brain circuit might be responsible for male sexual drive, a new mouse study reports.

Researchers have singled out in lab mice a brain region that controls sexual interest, libido, mating behavior and pleasure, said senior researcher Dr. Nirao Shah, a professor of psychiatry and neurobiology at Stanfo...

Your Sex Life Doesn't Have to Suffer During Menopause

Let's talk about menopause and its impact on your sex life. We all know that this phase of life can bring about some changes, like a lower sex drive and vaginal dryness. But here's the thing: you don't have to suffer through it. In this article, we will break down how menopause affects your sexual experiences, share some medications and self-care tips that can make a real difference, and give y...

Going Solo: Masturbation May Give Humans an Evolutionary Edge

Some might think masturbation is all about self-pleasure, but scientists now claim it's far more significant than that.

Their new findings suggest it could serve an important role in evolution.

An ancient trait in primates, masturbation — at least for the males of the species — increases their reproductive success while also helping them avoid catching sexually transmitted infe...

Peyronie's Disease: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Many men have likely never heard of Peyronie's disease, but they might want to brush up on this condition because it causes the penis to curve abnormally during an erection.

Peyronie's disease typically affects men over 30, and it appears to be caused by the build-up of plaque in the tunica albuginea. The tunica albuginea is the inner lining of the penis, and it helps the penis remain sti...

People in Open Relationships Face Stigma, Research Shows

Even though roughly 1 in 5 Americans has been involved in an “open” relationship at some point in their lives, new research cautions that many end up bearing the brunt of stigmatizing and stressful disapproval.

The finding stems from a pair of fresh investigations: The first found that roughly 40% of men and women who participate in “consensually non-monogamous” relations rep...

1 in 10 Teens Have Sexted, Many See Porn by 6th Grade: Study

A high number of preteens and teens in the United States have viewed pornography and many have also sent or received nude or seminude photos -- sexting -- over their smartphones, a new study reveals.

“The prevalence rates we found in this study suggest that school counselors must be prepared to talk about sexting and pornography use with students, and to change the narrative about the...

Science Helps Reveal Secrets of the Clitoris

More than 10,000 nerve fibers -- many more than expected -- power the human clitoris, according to Oregon researchers who were able to count them for the first time while performing gender-affirming genital surgery.

That's about 20% more than previous estimates, they said.

"It's startling to th...

  • Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • November 1, 2022
  • |
  • Full Page
First Sex Activates Boost in Vaginal Immune Response, Study Finds

A woman's body appears to go on high alert after she loses her virginity, a new study reports.

Specifically, her immune system ramps up activity in her vagina following her first sexual intercourse, researchers found.

However, researchers can't yet say whether these immune changes reduce or elevate a female's risk of acquiring a

  • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • October 28, 2022
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Who's Got the Strongest Sex Drive, Men or Women?

    Perhaps to no one's surprise, new research has determined that men do, in fact, have a much stronger sex drive than women.

    After reviewing more than 200 studies, investigators "found that men consistently report a higher sex drive," said study author Julius Frankenbach, a doctoral student of psychology at Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany.

    En masse, the

  • Alan Mozes HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • October 26, 2022
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Sexual Issues Can Plague Young Women Who've Survived Cancer

    Young women who have survived cancer are at risk of having sexual problems, such as loss of libido and discomfort, a new study finds.

    The quality of the survivor's sex life is also influenced by the type of cancer she experienced and the intensity of the treatment, researchers found.

    "This is one...

    Gay Men Are Cutting Back on Sex to Avoid Monkeypox

    A survey conducted among American gay and bisexual men in early August found about half saying they'd cut down on sexual activity -- including one-night stands and app-based hookups -- in response to the global monkeypox outbreak.

    The survey, conducted online Aug. 5-15, was led by Kevin Delaney...

    Vaginal or C-Section, Method of Childbirth Won't Affect a Couple's Sex Life Later

    Childbirth shouldn't put any dent in your future lovin', regardless of the way your baby was delivered, new research assures.

    Sexual enjoyment isn't affected at all by method of delivery in the years following childbirth, according to a study involving the mothers of more than 14,000 babies bor...

    B 8/11 -- Lung Cancer Can Diminish Sexual Health for Women

    Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect among women with lung cancer, a new study finds.

    "The SHAWL [Sexual Health Assessment in Women with Lung Cancer] study is about bringing women's sexuality to the forefront of scientific discussions because it has been significantly understudied," said researcher Dr. Narjust Florez (Duma), associate director for the Cancer Care Equity Program at D...

    Breast Cancer Treatment Effects on Sex Life a Hidden Burden

    Women with breast cancer commonly see their sexual health decline, yet their doctors aren't telling them what to expect -- or what to do about it.

    Those are among the findings of a new study that asked breast cancer patients about their sexual well-being. It showed that most women had sexu...

    Many Older Women Have Active Sex Lives, But Menopause Can Interfere

    Many women remain sexually active into their 70s, but for others, menopause symptoms and chronic health issues get in the way.

    That's among the findings from the latest University of Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging, which surveyed more than 1,200 U.S. women ages 50 to 80.

    Overall, 43% said they were sexually active, be tha...

    Orgasm's Key Role in Women's Sexual Satisfaction

    The more orgasms you have, the more you come to expect.

    And the reverse is also true, according to a new study of the so-called orgasm gap -- in which men climax far more often than their female partners.

    "Our expectations are shaped by our experiences, so when women orgasm less, they will desire and expect to orgasm less," said study author Grace Wetzel, a doctoral student in ...

    A New Male Birth Control Pill Works - in Mice

    Science is moving closer to a male contraceptive pill, and human clinical trials of a non-hormonal version could begin later this year, researchers say.

    The experimental contraceptive works in mice, according to a preliminary study scheduled for presentation Wednesday at an American Chemical Society (ACS) meeting in San Diego.

    "Scientists have been trying for decades to develop an ...

    Sex in the Senior Years: Why It's Key to Overall Health

    Lovemaking isn't just for the young - older people gain a lot of satisfaction from amorous relations as well.

    But things get complicated as people age, and many folks let this important part of life drift away rather than talk about sexual problems with either their partner or their doctor, experts told HealthDay Now.

    "Not many people talk about sex with their doctors, espe...

    Hints That Viagra-Like Drugs Might Help Prevent Dementia

    Viagra-like drugs might do more than rejuvenate sex lives: A new study suggests that medications for erectile dysfunction may also help treat vascular dementia.

    The medications are designed to increase blood flow to the penis in order to treat erectile dysfunction, so U.K. researchers decided to test whether one called

  • |
  • February 14, 2022
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Could Semen Hold Key to New Over-the-Counter Contraceptive?

    No contraceptive is perfect, and scientists continue searching for safer, more effective methods.

    Now, researchers have found a way to trap sperm in semen's natural gel state, and they believe their findings could point the way to a new type of birth control.

    Normally, semen liquefies after ejaculation, which enables sperm to swim through a woman's reproductive system to fertilize a...

    Fragile Male Egos Have Many Women 'Faking It' in the Bedroom

    A trio of new studies are confirming what millions of women already know: Reacting to your man's insecurities can have you pretending the sexual satisfaction you do not feel.

    The more a woman thinks her partner's ego is fragile, the more likely she is to protect those feelings and fake orgasms -- and then be less satisfied with the sex they do have, researchers discovered.

    "I...

    Death During Sex Very Rare Among Those Under 50

    It's a familiar trope of TV and movies -- a couple is engaged in passionate sex when the guy's heart suddenly gives out.

    "Usually it's a middle-aged man. Usually he's cheating with somebody else. It's funny, there's this myth in our mind that this can happen," said cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, who refers to the concept as the "Hollywood heart attack."

    But ardor simply isn't that ...

    Dolphins Have a Functioning Clitoris, Study Finds

    The sex lives of dolphins may seem to be an esoteric scientific subject, but there are researchers who wondered if a certain part of a female dolphin's anatomy might produce pleasure.

    "Every time we dissected a vagina, we would see this very large clitoris, and we were curious whether anyone had examined it in detail to see if it worked like a human clitoris," explained study first author...

    U.S. Adolescents Are Getting Less Sex Education Now Than 25 Years Ago

    Sex Ed -- it's been a staple of public education for decades, but new research shows that only half of American teens are getting instruction that meets minimum standards.

    "The findings show that most adolescents are not receiving sex education that will enable them to manage their sexual lives," said study author Leslie Kantor, chair of the Department of Urban-Global Public Health at Rut...

    Gender-Affirming Mastectomies Give Boost to Patients' Mental Health

    Gender-affirming breast removal (mastectomy) can greatly enhance a patients' mental well-being, a new study finds.

    Gender-affirming mastectomy is the most common type of gender-confirming surgery, but there's "not a lot of information out there about how exactly these types of surgeries help people," said study co-author Dr. Megan Lane. She is a plastic surgery resident at Michigan Medic...

    Testosterone Levels Matter for Men's, Women's Sex Lives

    What launches guys on serial sexual conquests and prompts solo activity among women?

    It's testosterone, of course.

    As the primary male sex hormone, it plays a leading role in the sexual development of guys. But folks often overlook the role it plays in female sexuality. Yes, women have testosterone, too, though much less of it -- and it exerts a far different pull,

  • Alan Mozes HealthDay Reporter
  • |
  • October 13, 2021
  • |
  • Full Page
  • Is It COVID? Early Signs May Differ by Age, Gender

    Exactly what symptoms of early COVID-19 infection you suffer may depend on both your age and gender, a new study finds.

    "As part of our study, we have been able to identify that the profile of symptoms due to COVID-19 differs from one group to another. This suggests that the criteria to encourage people to get tested should be personalized using individuals' information such as age. Alter...

    Who's Most Likely to Get Bullied at School?

    Bullying remains a threat to American teens, and a new study reveals which kids may be at highest risk.

    Race-based bullying takes a heavy toll on teens, the research found, but minority kids who are picked on for other reasons -- whether gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or immigration status -- suffer a double whammy.

    Victims' physical and mental health suffer a...

    Sales of ED Drugs Boomed During Pandemic

    Think the sex lives of Americans took a hit during the pandemic? Think again.

    New research finds there's been a jump in sales of erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs, especially Cialis (tadalafil), in the United States over the past year.

    "We saw a huge spike in sales of daily use erectile dysfunction drugs, which suggests that some people were having more spontaneous sex than ever -- ...

    It's a Myth That Promiscuous Women Have Low Self-Esteem

    The old double standard lives on.

    A new study finds that many people still believe -- incorrectly -- that women who engage in casual sex have low self-esteem. And they don't think the same is true of men.

    "We were surprised that this stereotype was so widely held," said study first author Jaimie Arona Krems, an assistant professor of psychology at Oklahoma State University. "This st...

    New Study Examines Sexuality of People With Autism

    Adults with autism report a broad range of sexuality -- being much more likely to identify as asexual, bisexual or homosexual than people without autism, a new study finds.

    In a survey of nearly 2,400 adults, researchers found that those with autism were three to nine times more likely to identify as homosexual, asexual or "other."

    Among men, those with autism were over three times ...

    Better Sleep May Mean Better Sex for Women

    Good sleep might be the best prescription for sexual satisfaction among older women, a new study suggests.

    Women who did not routinely get restful slumber were nearly twice as likely to report sexual problems, such as lack of desire or arousal, researchers found.

    "Sexual dysfunction…is defined as the presence of sexual problems associated with distress, and this relationship was s...

    Regret That One-Night Stand? It Probably Won't Stop Another, Study Shows

    You might think regret has an upside -- to help you avoid repeating a mistake -- but new research shows it's just not so, especially when it comes to casual sex.

    Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology asked volunteers to fill out a questionnaire about sexual regret -- twice, about 4½ months apart.

    "For the most part, people continue with the same sexual...

    Even Before Lockdowns, Young Americans Were Having Less Casual Sex

    Despite being the dating-app generation, young adults are largely saying no to casual sex, and less drinking and more video games are two reasons why, a new study suggests.

    Surveys in recent years have been finding that compared with past generations, today's young adults are not as interested in "hooking up."

    The new study is no exception: It found that between 2007 and 2017, the n...

    Estrogen Taken During Gender-Affirming Surgeries Won't Raise Blood Clot Risk: Study

    Most transgender women can safely continue their estrogen treatments during gender-affirming surgery, a new study finds.

    Estrogen therapy and surgery can increase the risk of blood clots, so experts have suggested that transgender women stop taking the hormone when having gender-affirming surgery.

    But the sudden loss of estrogen was sometimes very uncomfortable, causing symptoms sim...

    Study Outlines Role of Oral Sex in Rare Throat, Mouth Cancers

    People who began having oral sex at a young age or at greater "intensity" may face an increased risk of a type of throat cancer, a new study finds.

    The study, published online Jan. 11 in the journal Cancer, focused on oropharyngeal cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). The sexually transmitted infection can, in a small number of people, become persistent and lead to cancer...

    Viagra Doesn't Solve All Sexual Problems, Men Discover

    Viagra, the wonder drug for men suffering from impotence, is not a cure for all sexual health ills, a new study shows.

    Since it hit the scene, men aren't complaining about erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation as much as low sexual desire and curvature of the penis, a new Italian study finds.

    "Over a 10-year period we have seen a real change in what concerns men whe...

    Coronavirus Baby Boom? Survey Says Maybe Not

    Will the stay-at-home orders issued in March and April result in a "coronavirus baby boom," as some have predicted?

    Perhaps not, according to a new survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults, conducted by researchers from Indiana University.

    Around half of the people questioned reported no change in their sex lives during the early part of the coronavirus quarantine from mid-Mar...

    More Young Americans Are Going Without Sex

    Sex, and lots of it, has long been the primary preoccupation of young adults, but more of them are now going months and years without any intimate encounters.

    New research shows that one of three men between the ages of 18 to 24 have not had any sex during the past year, putting to rest all the talk of the "hookup culture."

    Men and women aged 25 to 34 in the United States al...