Sexual Health Archive

Although doctors and patients rarely talk about it, cardiovascular disease and its treatment can affect sexual function. Atherosclerosis can affect arteries that supply blood to the genitals, and high blood pressure medication can cause sexual side effects. Certain medications used to treat common sexual issues (namely, erectile dysfunction drugs and some types of estrogen) may be unsafe for some people with heart disease.

Erectile dysfunction pills have helped millions of men continue to enjoy an active sex life. However, they may not work for all men, and others may not like being dependent on the medication or are bothered by side effects, such as headaches, flushing, upset stomach, or dizziness. In these cases, men may benefit from nondrug options, such as increasing aerobic exercise, adopting a plant-based diet, performing Kegel exercises, and using sexual aids that help them get and keep erections.

Vaginal moisturizer and lubricant both combat vaginal dryness, but they're not the same. Vaginal moisturizers are absorbed into vaginal tissue, while lubricants remain on the surface. Women should speak to their doctor if vaginal dryness persists.

Scrotum pain should be checked out, as it's a common symptom of certain conditions. These include infections, like sexually transmitted infections and urinary tract infections; twisting (torsion) of a testicle; varicocele (swollen veins in the scrotum); inguinal hernia; hydrocele (a collection of fluid in the scrotum); and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.