When the normal level of the production of estrogen in women or of testosterone in both men and women does not occur, this can lead to a reduction in sexual desire. Other factors that may contribute to a lack of sexual desire are fatigue, the aging process, and medications that are used to treat depression such as Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac. There are other psychological conditions such as anxiety that can also be the cause of a decrease in sexual desire.

Problems with sexual arousal are referred to as erectile dysfunction in men and female sexual dysfunction in women. These problems typically show themselves as trying to avoid or having an aversion with a sexual partner. In men, not being able to achieve or keep up an erection or not having an interest in sexual activity are some of the signs of erectile dysfunction. Lack of blood flow in men or lack of lubrication in women may be the medical causes of these problems. There may also be issues in the relationship that contribute to a lack of sexual arousal.

Both men and women can have problems with reaching an orgasm after normal sexual activity. The delay of an orgasm or not reaching one at all is usually attributed to those medications that deal with the treatment of depression.

Women almost exclusively suffer from sexual pain disorders that include intercourse which is painful and an involuntary spasm of the muscles of the walls of the vagina which interfere with intercourse. The former may result from the vaginal area being poorly lubricated while the latter may be a result of past sexual distress that may include abuse as a child or rape.

One individual in the relationship may be having emotional problems such as depression, sexual fears or guilt or having experienced sexual trauma in the past. There may be problems between the individuals in the relationship that may include marital problems, or a lack of open communication between the partners leading to lack of trust. In these cases, a mental health professional should be consulted to help the individual or the couple deal with these problems.

The physical factors that can lead to sexual problems are many. These can include drugs such as nicotine from smoking, narcotics, antihistamines, medications that lower blood pressure, and drugs that treat psychological problems such as depression. There may be issues with one’s body such as injuries to the back, an enlarged prostate gland, problems with the supply of blood, low levels of testosterone or estrogen, problems with the endocrine system or the existence of certain diseases. Any one of these conditions should also be checked out with a health care professional to be dealt with and hopefully resolved.

Most sexual problems occur in the early adult years, while people are in their twenties and thirties. The other part of the general population that may experience sexual dysfunction are the elderly who commonly have physical and medical conditions that interfere with a healthy sexual relationship. People with degenerative neurological disorders and those with diabetes may also be inclined to have sexual problems.

The medication Viagra and other similar medications are used to treat men with erectile dysfunction. These medications increase the flow of blood to the penis and most need to be taken about one to four hours prior to having sexual relations. When these medications have proven not to be effective, then penile implants and other mechanical aides are used. Men who have coronary disease and take nitrates for it should not be taking Viagra.

Lubricating gels and hormone creams are used to help women with vaginal dryness. Premenopausal and menopausal women are usually helped with hormone replacement therapy. Sometimes the use of testosterone or a testosterone crème can be effective with vaginal dryness.  Typically surgery is not an option.

Behavioral treatments tend to revolve around the use of the Master and Johnson treatment strategies. These strategies focus on the couple as a cooperative unit and involves discussing their current situation and their sexual education with male and female co-therapists. A medical examination is done to rule out any medical disorders. In on-going sessions, the couples receive guidance and instruction as well as activities of a sexual nature that can be practiced in the privacy of their bedroom.

Sometimes all that is required is some basic and supportive education about sexual behaviors with the addition of psychotherapy to deal with issues of anxiety, fears or poor body image.

For many teens and some young adults, the pressure to become sexually active can be a very difficult decision for them to make. Many times the pressure may stem from other people within their circle of influence who are already sexually active, or from the significant person in their lives who may be ready to take their relationship to “the next level.”

If a person is not ready to have sex, or if they’ve been sexually active for a while and want to stop, abstinence is what they will choose to do to help them avoid sex. Abstinence is a lifestyle that doesn’t practice sex in any kind of way, and requires that anybody who is in a relationship with that person understands and respects their position. Although for some who practice it, abstinence may not be easy, over time it can become easier for them to manage and handle on a long-term basis.

The best way to practice abstinence would of course be to say “no”, but often is easier said than done. With so many temptations and opportunities around the person who is abstaining, they can experience failure if they’re not mentally prepared to deal with the challenges.

The person should avoid placing themselves in compromising situations where there are opportunities, especially if they find that they are weak or mentally unprepared. Also, making it very clear through communications as to what their intentions are is also a good way to help avoid any problems.

It’s also a good idea for the person to talk to other people who are also practicing abstinence to get tips and advice on handling situations. It also helps the person to form a new circle of friends who have the same goals and thoughts as they have. Over time, coping becomes easier and a new way of life!

Sex is a very natural act, performed between two (consenting) people who want to share intimacy and love. The act of sex itself is very pleasurable, but very often, young people get involved in sex for mainly the physical reasons and forget other aspects of it until they’re faced with difficult decisions.

Some of the dangers in teenagers or even young adults having sex too soon involve more of the emotional aspect of the act than it does the physical. Young people, whether it’s in age or their maturity level, may think that they have the emotional capabilities to deal with sex, but once they’ve become involved in a relationship, they may find that they are not ready for such an emotional ride.

Basically, having sex too soon means engaging in a sexual relationship that the person is neither physically or emotionally prepared to do. To be physically ready means that the person must at least be developing and maturing physically to accommodate being sexual. This doesn’t mean necessarily that their anatomy is prepared, but probably that the development of their hormones is in such a state that can be controlled. If the girl hasn’t started menstruating before she begins a sex life, she runs the risk of becoming pregnant at a very young age.

For the young man, he also runs a risk since his body is still growing and developing and his body’s sperm count may in full bloom. Also, both the developing young man and woman must caution against their underdeveloped emotions. Their bodies may be changing at a fast rate, but their emotional state may lag far behind. When this happens, they run the risk of tying physical pleasure with emotional satisfaction and many times, the two may not match up. Taking the time to allow both developments to mature will likely be better for them in the long run.

Many teens have bad information when it comes to sex. Talking to a teen about their knowledge of sex can sometimes be enlightening when they share with you their ideas on the subject. What’s even more surprising is how and where they got the information, which is sometimes from other teens who have gotten bad information.

The best way to address the issue of sex with teenagers is to be as completely honest and open as possible. Don’t go too fast with them as to overhwhelm them, but make the conversation very relaxed and low-key so that they feel comfortable discussing even the most embarrasing subjects with you.

Talk with them frequently and ‘off-the-cuff’ to see where their heads are. It’s important to know what they’re thinking since having bad information or incorrect information can lead them to make bad choices.

Although is best to take the journey slow and careful, it’s also good to be direct and honest with them about all aspects of sex. It won’t benefit them in any way to get a watered-down version of sex issues and subjects, but if they completely understand things, they have a better chance of approaching situations with full solid, good knowledge and education about the way situations work.

If you routinely ask your teen questions and leave the door open for them to be inquisitive, you are helping your child in a tremendous way by showing them the importance of having good information. As you are candid in your answers, they will learn too to be candid in their approach, and the mystery of sex will be lifted making it seem less awkward for the teen and the parent.

Although sexually transmitted diseases are difficult to deal with, they are not to be taken as a life sentence for the person who suffers from them. The diagnosis does not have to become a permanent part of their lives, but can be managed well enough so that they can lead a degree of normalcy everyday.

There are things that a person can do however to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted disease and altering their quality of life and their everyday routine. Some things include:

- Managing the number of sexual partners that they have. Be selective in the choices of sexual partners. Don’t have random sex with multiple partners. Know your partners.

- Always use protection of some kind during sex, preferably condoms. They are very effective in helping to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancies.

- Always visit the doctor for scheduled check-ups and routine bloodwork. Know your body and what’s going on with it by asking questions and staying abreast of any changes and developments.

- Inquire of your sexual partners about their past sexual history and any other partners that they may have been with. Inquire about any past illnesses or sexually-related infections or other diseases. Ask and expect honesty, but also keep yourself protected as well.

You can enjoy a sexually-fulfilling lifestyle void of diseases by being proactive and knowledgeable on the subject. By taking good care of yourself both physically and mentally, you will certainly appreciate it in the long run.

Ask any teenager and they will tell you that the most difficult time in their life is the beginning of their teenage years, also known as puberty. Also, ask the parent of any teenager the same question, and you’ll likely get the same answer. Puberty is a very emotionally-draining and physically-taxing time on both the teenager and the parent’s than most anything else.

Faced with puberty, many teens have questions, concerns and want to know more about their bodies and what’s going on. What they might NOT do is ask these questions out loud to an adult (specifically their parents), a counselor or any other adult. What they’re more likely to do is discuss it with their friends or muddle through it all alone. This may be a time where they will recieve bad or incorrect information, leading them to be ill-informed and make bad choices. It can be a very lonely, scary and upsetting time for many kids.

Adults who are around teens experiencing puberty can help them out tremendously by offering their own words of motivation, sharing their own experiences and giving them a listening ear to talk to and to vent to. This is important for them because the onset of puberty can be different for each teen at different stages of their development.

After the teen has reached a comfortable point in their maturtiy and development where they feel that they can safely discuss their feelings with an adult, they will find that things will become easier for them to manage. The stress level somewhat diminishes, the emotional outbursts may decrease and they may begin to feel more at ease with their bodies and themselves. Their confidence level may also begin to take a turn, showing good signs of a well-adjusted, stable and emotionally-developing teenager on the path towards adult development.

Unfortunately, sexually transmitted diseases are often misunderstood in the ways that they’re transmitted, which can cause them to be further spread. Some erroneous information about STD’s include:

- Transmission only occurs through genital sex. This is incorrect since sexual diseases and infections can be transferred through oral and anal sex as well. This also includes tranmission through bodily fluids like saliva (kissing).

- Condoms help prevent STD’s. This is true but only if the condoms are used correctly to prevent breakage or slippage. Since condoms are also used as a method of birth control, they are also thought to help prevent sexual diseases as well. In both instances however, they must be properly used to avoid any mishaps from occuring.

- STD’s are not painful and no symptoms will occur. This is untrue because there are multiple symptoms that can occur with sexual diseases. If a person has had exposure to any sexual diseases through their partners, they should be examined by a physician immediately.

Reportedly, there are approximately 15 million cases of diseases that are transmitted sexually, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirm that these statistical cases occur in the United States. HIV is the most commonly transmitted sexual disease that is reported with others that also occur but less frequently including syphillis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes and bacterial vaginosis.

Individuals who are at a high risk for acquiring a sexually transmitted disease include adolescents and young adults, which are often those who are sexually inexperienced.

There are many sexually transmitted diseases in the world, and many individuals are simply not aware of just how prevalent they are. In fact, many older people in the United States are contracting these diseases because they just don’t know of their existence and how easy it is to get one. All it takes is one instance of unprotected sex to be at risk. The most common STDs are chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and human papilloma virus (HPV).

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can affect genitals, eyes, or throats. It often has no symptoms, but can cause serious damage to the body if not treated immediately. Around 3 million new cases in the U.S. are diagnosed each year. Gonorrhea is also a bacterial infection, but it is less common; around 600,000 individuals are infected per year. Genital herpes can be spread even when the affected partner is not having an outbreak; it consists of small and painful sores on the genitals. Another type of herpes virus can be spread to the mouth, eyes, and nose. Once a person has herpes, it will be in the body for life. There are treatments for symptoms and outbreaks, but no cure. HPV is rapidly becoming more common for several reasons: it can be transmitted via skin contact, it is virtually impossible to test for, and there are almost no symptoms. However, it can lead to cervical cancer in women so it can be very dangerous. The only way to know if a woman is infected is if she has an abnormal pap smear. HIV is less common, but if a person is infected they have virtually no immune system and must be on treatment for symptoms for their lifetime. All sexually transmitted diseases can be dangerous and painful, and safe sex should always be practiced to avoid becoming infected.

Two friends were talking about birth control. One friend was trying to discuss the various options like condoms and birth control pills, when the other announced, “I use a fail-safe birth control.” “What do you use?” the first friend asked. The other’s reply was simple. “It’s called a pair of pants!”
That’s a simple solution, but for most teens it is not that simple. There is so much pressure and influence on teens to be sexually active—and it is not all from their peers. Movies and television have normalized the idea of teens having sex. Sex is sung about and talked about openly. Advertisements for the HPV vaccination make it sound like it is just assumed that teens will have sex.
In great-grandmother’s day, the most common form of pre-marital birth control was a chaperone. It was difficult to do more than hold hands with Aunt Harriet looking on. Queen Victoria’s mother slept with her every night until she was married. Unless she was a heavy sleeper, this would definitely have prevented the little princess from sneaking out at night.
Boys and girls today have more freedom, more choices, and more danger. Sex education should include information on how to use those choices responsibly. Any program we endorse, whether as educators, church leaders, or parents, should have the welfare of teens as the first consideration.
Teens need to be empowered to say no to sex if they want to, and to respect the boy or girl who says no. They need to be taught safety measures to prevent rape or sexual abuse—and what to do if it happens.  They should be taught the emotional consequences of sexual activity and pregnancy. They should also be taught about birth control and disease prevention and treatment, not in a scare tactic way, but as facts.
Let’s not play “Truth or Consequences” with sex ed. Let’s teach the truth, the facts, in hopes of avoiding dangerous consequences of uninformed sexual activity among teens.

Knowing the history of your family’s health problems can help you stay healthy and maybe even save your life…that’s according to health experts and the US Surgeon General. The federal government has created a program called the “My Family Health Portrait.”  That’s a way for Americans to research and document the illnesses, diseases, longevities and physical ailments of their ancestors and relatives.  Doing so can lead to a healthier you.
That’s because once a health care provider knows what’s in a patient’s history, he or she can better assess what risks the current patient has for those, and other health issues.  It also helps the provider look out for early warning signs of disease.
There’s even a website that helps people create their own family health portrait, kind of like a family tree, except it includes Great-grandfather Oscar’s cause of death and Aunt Mildred’s diabetes instead of their places of birth and death. The website is completely private, and allows users to print out their family health trees to keep for their own records, or to share with a doctor.
Even if someone doesn’t know much about his or her family health history, from a doctor’s perspective, every bit helps.  Imagine the difference in a doctor’s care or instructions if he knows his female patient’s mother died of breast cancer when she was in her late 30s.
For those who prefer not to use the internet, a couple of phone calls or visits to siblings, parents or relatives should allow you to compile a family health history of your own to take to every doctor’s visit. It is recommended to keep this compilation of records in an organized, safe place with other documents related to health, like insurance.
It obviously won’t act as a crystal ball for your future health problems, but talking to your relatives might identify trends you and your family didn’t realize existed.

Sexual intimacy is a fundamental part of being human. Affection, love, and sex can contribute to personal well-being and a healthy relationship with a partner. While there are many positive aspects of sexual intimacy, there are also many sexual illnesses and negative consequences that can affect a person’s health.   Learning about the factors that impact reproduction and sexual function is extremely important in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STD’s. The unwillingness of people who choose not to educate themselves about sexual health, nor discuss their personal sexual concerns can face serious sexual health disorders.  Sexual health disorders can include:  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, such as: HIV/AIDS, Chlamydia, Herpes, Genital warts, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Trichomoniasis  • Infertility problems • Cancer • Pelvic inflammatory disease • Endometriosis • Urinary tract infections • Incontinence • Painful intercourse • Erectile dysfunction • Diminished sexual drive  Sexually transmitted diseases are the most common communicable diseases in the U.S.A today. There are 13 million men and women who are affected by STD’s in America each year; two-thirds of those who are affected are teenagers and young adults under the age of 25. Almost every STD can effectively be treated if diagnosed and treated in the early stages.   Safe and effective birth control options include:  • Abstinence • Birth Control Pill • Birth Control Patch • Birth Control Sponge • NuvaRing • Depo-Provera shot • Diaphragm • Cervical Cap • Male Condom • Female Condom • IUD • Spermicide • Morning After Pill   Sexual disorders can impact not only the physical health of an individual, but also their mental and emotional health. Poor self-image and relationship problems may arise as well. Being responsible by arming yourself with proper knowledge on birth control options and STD prevention is the best defense for unwanted pregnancies and sexual disorders.

With so much incorrect information on sexually transmitted diseases going around, it’s no wonder many teenagers are confused and contracting STD’s at an alarming rate. In fact, teenagers account for the largest group of people with STD’s.
Here are some common misconceptions about sexually transmitted diseases:
Myth: You cannot get STD’s by having oral or anal sex – FALSE!With ANY type of sex, or simply even sexual contact, there is the possibility of contracting an STD. STD’s are spread by viruses or bacteria that enter the body through tiny tears or cuts in the genitals, anus, or mouth. Certain STD’s, such as genital warts or herpes, can be spread through skin-to-skin contact with infected sores or areas.
The best way to protect yourself is by using a condom or dental dam when engaging in oral or anal sex.
Myth: If you or your partner has an STD, it will be visible – FALSE!The truth is that you can never tell if a person has an STD just by looking at them. Since STD’s rarely cause symptoms, those who don’t regularly get checked out by a doctor will never know that they have an STD. It’s possible that a person carrying the virus can spread it to their partner without ever having a visible outbreak.
It’s extremely important to see a doctor before you have sex, even if you and your partner think you’re clean. Get tested for STD’s thereafter on a regular basis and always use protection.
Myth:  Having sex in a hot tub or pool is ideal because the chlorine will kill any bacteria or viruses – FALSE!Nice try. Chlorine will not kill STD-causing viruses or bacteria, nor will it kill sperm. It makes no difference how hot the water is or how much chlorine is in it; you can still get an STD or become pregnant.
There is no substitution for a condom. In order to prevent contracting an STD or pregnancy, always use a condom. Just remember, latex condoms can break down in hot tubs.
Practicing sexual health is the best way to prevent pregnancy and STD’s.

The birth control pill, commonly referred to as “The Pill”, is an oral contraceptive pill used by females as a birth control method. The combination pill contains man-made female hormones- estrogen and progestin, which are naturally produced in the ovaries. The hormones in the pill suppress the pituitary gland, which stops ovulation. Ovulation is the development and release of an egg in the ovary. If ovulation stops and there is no egg to be fertilized, then a woman cannot get pregnant.
Progestin also aids in preventing sperm from reaching the egg. The mucus in the cervix is thickened, making it hard for sperm to reach an egg that may have been released. Also, the lining of the womb is made thinner in order to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching.
The pill is intended to be taken for 21 days straight. The last remaining 7 pills are placebo pills, meaning that they don’t contain any hormones. A woman will have her period when she stops taking the pills that contain the hormones and begin taking the last 7 pills. If this is the first time a woman is taking the pill, then it’s important to use an additional form of protection, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy. After the first 7 days the pill will begin working alone to prevent pregnancy.
If a woman forgets to take the pill or accidentally skips a dose, then she is at risk for pregnancy. A backup form of birth control should be used, or she should avoid having sex for a little while. The pill is a very safe and effective form of birth control if taken everyday. Even missing 1 day can increase the chances of pregnancy.
There are positive side effects that most women are delighted with. The pill usually makes periods lighter, improves acne, reduces cramps, and also protects against certain forms of diseases and cancers.
Unfortunately, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Continuing to use condoms while on the pill is a good idea because condoms protect against STD’s.

There are numerous sexual health issues that affect men only. One of the most common sexual health problems that men suffer from is impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction. Impotence is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. There are a lot of misconceptions that impotence only occurs when a man is stressed, smokes too much, or is over a certain age. While these things may have some truth to them, they are not the only factors.
Here are just a few possible causes of impotence:• Irregular blood pressure or blood sugar levels• Hormonal imbalances• Certain medications• Heavy alcohol consumption• Heavy smoking• Diseases: Liver disease, Kidney disease, Pituitary disease• Testicle disorder• Physical damage: Pelvic injury, Bladder injury, Spinal cord injury, Penile injury Testicle injury, Prostate surgery• Nerve disorders• Brain disorders• Psychological distress: Anxiety, Stress, Guilt, Fatigue, Depression, Performance anxiety, Fear of STD’s, Sadness, Emotional disorder
This list only encompasses a few possible causes of impotence; there are many, many more. Interestingly enough, nearly 70% of impotence cases are caused by kidney disease, diabetes, or an underlying disease. While psychological aspects such as fear and anxiety are linked to impotence, they are rarely the cause of it- they are typically the reaction to impotence.
Treatment for Impotence:Impotence can usually always be diagnosed and treated for men of all ages. First, a doctor has to check if you have any medical problems or are taking certain medications that may cause erectile dysfunction. The treatment will then depend on what issues are actually causing impotence. The doctor may prescribe an oral medication, such as Viagra, inject medication directly in the penis, prescribe a hormone medication, hormone treatments, or suggest therapy or counseling to help address psychological issues.
Couples should discuss any sexual health concerns they have, including impotency, in order to treat the dysfunction and strengthen their relationship.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America helped to develop a more realistic approach to sex education, performing surveys in schools across the country and compiling documents designed to inform and educate high school students about how to protect themselves when engaging in sexual activity. In the surveys, it was determined that teaching abstinence-only sex education does not decrease the number of people who are having sex; instead it just allows uninformed individuals to engage in sexual activity that can lead to sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancy. Neither program actually decreases the number of students who are engaging in sexual activity. Instead, when students are taught the risks involved in having sex, they are more likely to use protection and take precautions against unwanted risks, such as disease or pregnancy, since they are more aware and understand what could happen if they have unprotected sex. Planned Parenthood clinics also offer comprehensive sex education to individuals, since they may not be getting the necessary information anywhere else. Teaching sex education in schools is crucial to prevent the continued spread of sexually transmitted disease, and is an issue that Planned Parenthood will continue to fight until comprehensive sex education is taught in schools throughout America.