Sexuality is part of being human. Love, affection and intimacy all play a role in healthy relationships from childhood through old age.
You often hear about the importance of physical health, mental health and spiritual health, but feeling confident about your sexual health also is very important. Achieving sexual health allows for:
That's why it's essential to be well-informed about all aspects of sexual health and what it takes to have a fulfilling sex life. Similarly, it's important to be aware of factors that can complicate your sexual health. Don't let embarrassment keep you from bringing up concerns or asking questions of your doctor or other health care providers.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections generally acquired by sexual contact. You can get an STD by having unprotected sex with a partner who's infected. You can't always tell if someone is infected, however, because many STDs cause no symptoms, at least at first. In fact, a person might have an STD without knowing it.
That's why you have to be vigilant about STD prevention. If you're sexually active, your best bet for STD prevention is to have just one sex partner who doesn't have any STDs and who has sex only with you. If you're not in an exclusive relationship, you can still protect yourself by learning about and consistently practicing STD prevention, such as using condoms.
Women's sexual health is an important aspect of women's health, whether you're trying to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections or you're worried about low sex drive or other women's sexual health problems.
Learn how to achieve a fulfilling sexual relationship, and know how to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. As you get older, understand common changes in women's sexual health — and how to maintain a healthy and enjoyable sex life at any age.
Men's sexual health is an important aspect of men's health, whether you're trying to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections or you're worried about erectile dysfunction or other men's sexual health problems.
For some men, worries about penis size top the list of their sexual health concerns. However, you're probably more normal than you think — and penis-enlargement products and procedures aren't likely to be effective.
As you get older, understand common changes in men's sexual health — and how to maintain a healthy and enjoyable sex life at any age.
Are sex and aging like oil and water? No! Many older adults desire and enjoy an active sex life. And an active interest in sex, as well as satisfaction with the frequency and quality of sexual activity, is positively associated with health in later life. So don't let anyone tell you that sex is only for the young.
Of course, there are some challenges when it comes to sex and aging. Physical changes, illness, disabilities and some medicines can make sex challenging or difficult to enjoy. Yet, many resources are available to older adults to help them achieve a satisfying sex life. Don't be afraid to bring up concerns with your doctor or other health care provider.
And remember, whatever your age, take precautions to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections.
Kids and sexuality — those words strike fear into the hearts of many parents. But talking to kids about sex is an important part of parenting. Children and adolescents need your guidance to help them make healthy and appropriate decisions about their sexual behavior.
When it comes to talking to kids about sex, there's no set script. And sex education needn't be a single tell-all discussion. Instead, look for everyday opportunities and let your child set the pace with his or her questions. Provide just the information that your child is asking for and is able to understand. As your child matures and asks more-detailed questions, you can provide more-detailed responses.
It's normal to feel uncomfortable when talking to kids about sex. But remember that by providing accurate and open communication, you increase the odds that your child will understand your values and make appropriate choices about sex.
In-depth
Birth control options: Things to consider
Your birth control options may include oral contraceptives, barrier methods or natural family planning. Find out how to choose the method of contraception that's right for you.
If you're considering using birth control (contraception), you have various options. To help pick the right method of birth control for you and your partner, consider the following questions.
What birth control options are available?
Birth control options may include:
- Barrier methods. Examples include male and female condoms, as well as the diaphragm, cervical cap and contraceptive sponge.
- Hormonal methods. Examples include birth control pills, as well as the vaginal ring (NuvaRing), contraceptive implant (Implanon), contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera) and contraceptive patch (Ortho Evra).
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs). Examples include the copper IUD (ParaGard) and the hormonal IUD (Mirena).
- Sterilization. Examples include tubal ligation, Essure or Adiana for women, and vasectomy for men.
- Natural family planning. Examples include the rhythm, basal body temperature and cervical mucus methods.
It's also important to be aware of emergency contraception — such as the morning-after pill (Plan B One-Step, Next Choice or Ella) — which can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
How do the different birth control options work?
Various types of birth control work in different ways. Birth control methods may:
- Prevent sperm from reaching the egg
- Inactivate or damage sperm
- Prevent an egg from being released each month
- Alter the lining of the uterus so a fertilized egg doesn't attach to it
- Thicken cervical mucus so sperm can't easily pass through it
What is the method's effectiveness?
To be effective, any method of contraception must be used consistently and correctly. Contraceptives that require little effort on your part, such as IUDs, contraceptive implants and sterilization, are associated with lower pregnancy rates. In contrast, methods that require monitoring fertility or periodic abstinence are associated with higher pregnancy rates. The bottom line is that the right method is the one that you are comfortable with and willing and able to use.
Is it reversible?
The method of contraception you choose depends on your reproductive goals. If you're planning pregnancy in the near future, you may want a method that's easily stopped or quickly reversible, such as an oral contraceptive or a barrier method. If you'd like to become pregnant — but not in the near future — you may want to consider an IUD. An IUD has a quick return to fertility, but it is expensive if you are going to use it only for a short time period. If you're certain that you don't ever want to have children, you may prefer a permanent method, such as sterilization. You may find that different contraceptive options work for you at different stages of your life.
Is it compatible with your religious beliefs or cultural practices?
Some forms of birth control are considered a violation of certain religious laws or cultural traditions. Weigh the risks and benefits of a birth control method against your personal convictions.
Is it convenient and affordable?
For some people, convenience suggests ease of use, no bothersome side effects or no disruption of the sexual experience. For others, convenience means no prescription is required. When choosing a method of contraception, consider how willing you are to plan ahead or, if necessary, adhere to a rigid schedule. It's important to choose a type of birth control that suits your lifestyle.
Some methods of contraception are inexpensive, while others are more costly. Ask your insurance provider about coverage, and then consider the expense as you make a decision.
What are the side effects?
Consider your tolerance for the possible side effects associated with a particular birth control method. Some methods, particularly those that contain estrogen or progesterone, pose more side effects — some potentially serious — than do others, such as barrier methods and natural family planning methods. Talk to your health care provider about your medical history and how it might affect your choice of birth control.
Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections?
Male and female condoms are the only methods of birth control that offer reliable protection from sexually transmitted infections. Unless you're in a mutually monogamous relationship and have been tested for sexually transmitted infections, use a new condom every time you have sex in addition to any other method of birth control you use.
Does it offer other benefits?
In addition to preventing pregnancy, some contraceptives provide benefits such as more predictable, lighter menstrual cycles, a decreased risk of sexually transmitted infections or a reduction in the risk of some cancers. If these benefits are important to you, they may influence your choice of birth control option.
Is it acceptable to your sexual partner?
Your partner may have birth control preferences that are similar to or different from your own. Discuss birth control options with your partner to help determine which method is acceptable to both of you.
What's the bottom line?
When you choose a birth control method, many factors come into play, including your age, health, emotional maturity, marital status and religious convictions. Knowing your options is part of the decision process — but an honest assessment of yourself, your partner and your relationship is just as important. Ideally, you and your partner will discuss the options and reach a mutually beneficial decision.
Birth control pill FAQ: Benefits, risks and choices
Get the facts about common concerns and questions about birth control pills.
If you use the birth control pill — that is, an oral contraceptive — you're probably happy with its convenience and reliability. Still, you may have many questions about the potential effects of the birth control pill on your overall health.
Can you use birth control pills to delay or eliminate your period?
Yes, birth control pills can be used to reduce or eliminate monthly bleeding. When birth control pills were first available, they were packaged as 21 days of active hormonal pills and seven days of placebo pills. During the week women took the placebo pills, they would have bleeding similar to a regular menstrual period.
Today women have many more options — from regimens with 24 days of active pills and four days of placebo pills to regimens that are all active pills. The first extended-cycle pill regimens introduced provide active hormone pills every day for three months, then one week of placebo pills or low-dose estrogen pills. Newer extended-cycle regimens are designed to be taken continuously for one year and suppress all menstrual bleeding.
Continuous or extended-cycle regimens have several potential benefits. They prevent hormonal fluctuations that are responsible for bleeding, cramping, headaches and other discomforts associated with getting your period. You also may find that you like the convenience of not having a period during important events or trips.
However, unscheduled bleeding and spotting often occur during the first few months on this type of regimen. It typically goes away with continued use, but some women continue to have unscheduled bleeding with continuous use of pills.
Do you need special pills or can you use ordinary birth control pills to prevent having a period?
There are birth control pill regimens designed to prevent bleeding for three months at a time or for as long as a year. But it's possible to prevent your period with continuous use of any birth control pill. This means skipping the placebo pills and starting right away on a new pack. Continuous use of your birth control pills works best if you're taking a monophasic pill — with the same hormone dose in the three weeks of active pills.
If you plan to have a baby, how soon after stopping the birth control pill can you conceive?
After you stop taking the pill, you may have only a two-week delay before you ovulate again. Your period would follow about four to six weeks after you take the last pill. Once ovulation resumes, you can become pregnant. If this happens during your first cycle off the pill, you may not have a period at all.
Is there an advantage to waiting a few months after stopping the pill before trying to conceive?
In the past, doctors had concerns that if you conceived immediately after stopping the pill, you had a higher risk of miscarriage. However, these concerns have proved to be largely unfounded. The hormones in birth control pills don't linger in your system.
Most women have no more than a four-week delay in menses after they stop using the pill. However, if your periods were infrequent before you started taking the pill, they will likely be that way again after you stop the pill. Some women find that it takes a couple of months before they return to regular ovulatory cycles. If you plan to wait a few months, you may want to use a backup form of birth control while your menstrual cycles get back to normal.
What happens if you stop taking the birth control pill but your period doesn't resume?
If you don't get a period for several months, you may have what's known as post-pill amenorrhea. The pill prevents your body from making hormones involved in ovulation and menstruation. When you stop taking the pill, it can take some time for your body to return to normal production of these hormones.
Typically, your period should start again within three months after you stop taking the pill. But some women, especially those who took the pill to regulate their menstrual cycles, may not have a period for many months.
If you don't have a period within three months, take a pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant and then see your doctor.
Will a pregnancy test be accurate if you're taking the birth control pill?
You can get accurate results from a pregnancy test while you're on the pill. Pregnancy tests work by measuring a specific pregnancy-related hormone — human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) — in your blood or urine. The active ingredients in birth control pills don't affect how a pregnancy test measures the level of HCG in your system.
What happens if you take birth control pills while you're pregnant?
If you continued taking your birth control pill because you didn't realize you were pregnant, don't be alarmed. Despite years of this accident happening, there's very little evidence that exposure to the hormones in birth control pills causes birth defects. Once you learn that you're pregnant, stop taking the birth control pill.
Can you use several birth control pills at once for emergency contraception?
It's possible to use standard estrogen-progestin birth control pills for emergency contraception, but check with your doctor for the proper dose and timing of the pills.
There are two types of pills specifically designed to keep you from becoming pregnant if you've had unprotected vaginal intercourse. These medications are sometimes referred to as the "morning-after pill." Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step, Next Choice) is available over-the-counter. It's available at drugstores, as well as health clinics and Planned Parenthood. Ulipristal acetate (Ella) also is approved for emergency contraception. It's available only by prescription.
If you've been taking birth control pills for many years and decide to stop, can you stop at any time or should you finish your current pill packet?
In terms of your overall health, it makes little difference when you stop taking the pill. When you finally do stop the pill, you can expect some bleeding, which may change the rhythm of your menstrual cycle. But you can stop at any time.
Can you get pregnant during the week that you take the nonactive (placebo) pills?
Taking the nonactive pills doesn't put you at higher risk of unintended pregnancy. If you're taking your birth control pills exactly as directed, they're 98 to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
If, however, you've missed a pill — or several pills — during a cycle, you might be at higher risk of unintended pregnancy during that cycle. To be safe, use a backup form of contraception, such as a condom.
Do birth control pills cause weight gain?
Many women think so. But studies have shown that the effect of the birth control pill on weight is small — if it exists at all. Instead, you may be retaining more fluid, which can make you feel as if you've put on weight, particularly in your breasts, hips and thighs. The estrogen in birth control pills does affect fat (adipose) cells, making them larger but not more numerous.
How do birth control pills affect your risk of cancer?
Scientific evidence suggests using birth control pills for longer periods of time increases your risk of some cancers, such as cervical cancer and liver cancer, but it also decreases your risk of other types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.
The effect of birth control pills on breast cancer risk isn't quite clear. While some studies have shown a link between pill use and breast cancer, more-recent studies do not show an increased risk of breast cancer with the pill. If you're concerned about your risk of breast cancer, talk with your health care provider about whether the pill is the right contraceptive for you.
Do birth control pills affect cholesterol levels?
Birth control pills can affect cholesterol levels. How much of an effect depends on the type of pill you're taking and what concentration of estrogen or progestin it contains. Birth control pills with more estrogen can have a slightly beneficial overall effect on your blood lipid levels. In general, though, the changes aren't significant and don't affect your overall health.
Do birth control pills affect blood pressure?
Birth control pills may slightly increase blood pressure. If you take birth control pills, have your blood pressure checked regularly. If you already have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor about whether you should consider an alternative form of birth control.
Can women over age 35 continue taking birth control pills?
Although women older than age 35 used to be told to stop taking birth control pills, these limits no longer apply to healthy, nonsmoking women. However, birth control pills aren't recommended for women older than age 35 who smoke because of the risk of cardiovascular disease. If you're 35 or older and you smoke, you need to quit smoking before you can safely continue using birth control pills.
Can antibiotics decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills?
The effects of antibiotics on birth control pills may be overstated — except in the case of one antibiotic, rifampin. Studies clearly show that rifampin decreases the effectiveness of birth control pills in preventing ovulation. However, rifampin isn't used widely today.
Healthy Lifestyle
Infant and toddler health
Breast-feeding and medications: What's safe?
Wondering about breast-feeding and medications? Know how medications can affect your breast milk and which drugs are safe to take.
If you're breast-feeding, you know you're giving your baby a healthy start. However, if you need to take medication while you're breast-feeding, you might have questions about the possible impact on your breast milk.
Here's what you need to know about medications and breast-feeding.
Do all medications pass into breast milk?
Almost any drug that's present in your blood will transfer into your breast milk to some extent, although the level of medication in your breast milk is likely to be low. There are exceptions, though, in which drugs can become concentrated in breast milk. As a result, every medication must be considered separately.
Does my baby's health and age influence how he or she might be affected by exposure to medication in my breast milk?
Yes.
Exposure to medication in breast milk poses the greatest risk to premature babies, newborns, and babies who are medically unstable or have poorly functioning kidneys. The risk is lowest for healthy babies 6 months and older.
Should I stop breast-feeding while taking medication?
Most medications are safe to take while breast-feeding. Also, the benefit of continuing to take a medication for a chronic condition while breast-feeding often outweighs any potential risks.
Still, some medications aren't safe to take while breast-feeding.
If you currently take a medication that could be harmful to your baby, your health care provider might be able to recommend a safe alternative medication. If not, he or she might recommend that you stop breast-feeding temporarily or permanently — depending on how long you need to take the medication.
If you need to stop breast-feeding only temporarily, use a breast pump to keep up your milk supply until you're able to breast-feed again. Simply discard the milk you pump while you're taking the medication.
If you need to stop breast-feeding permanently — which is unusual — ask your health care provider to help you choose an infant formula that will meet your baby's needs.
What medications are safe to take while breast-feeding?
With your health care provider's input, consider this list of medications found to be safe during breast-feeding. Keep in mind that this isn't a comprehensive list of safe medications.
Pain relievers
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
- Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, others) — short-term use only
Antimicrobial medications
- Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- Miconazole (Monistat 3, Micaderm, others)
- Clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin, others)
- Penicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin, others)
- Cephalosporins (Keflex, Duricef, others)
Antihistamines
- Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert, others)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Decongestants
- Saline nasal drops
- Medications containing pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Zyrtec D, others) — use with caution because pseudoephedrine can decrease milk supply
Birth control pills
- Progestin-only contraceptives, such as the minipill
New research suggests that combination birth control pills, oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and a progestin, don't affect milk production. Still, consider waiting until breast-feeding is firmly established — about six to eight weeks — before using this type of birth control pill.
Gastrointestinal medications
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Antidepressants
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Constipation medications
Do I need my health care provider's OK ahead of time?
If you plan to take medication while breast-feeding, it's always best to check with your health care provider first.
Avoid taking medications that aren't necessary, such as herbal medications, high-dose vitamins and unusual supplements.
Also ask about the timing. For example, taking medication immediately after breast-feeding might help minimize your baby's exposure. However, different drugs peak in breast milk at different times.
What if my baby has a reaction?
When you're taking medication, be sure to watch your baby for any unusual signs or symptoms — such as a change in eating or sleeping habits, fussiness or a rash. If you notice any change in your baby's behavior, contact his or her doctor.
Delaying your period with birth control pills
If you take birth control pills, you may not need to have a monthly period. Find out how to use the pill to have more control over your cycle.By Kaya Kalp Clinic Patna
Are you interested in having fewer periods? It's possible with birth control pills. Find out how and get answers to common questions about using birth control pills to delay or prevent periods.
How does it work?
Traditional birth control pills are designed to mimic a natural menstrual cycle. A traditional pill pack contains 28 pills, but only 21 are active — containing hormones to suppress your fertility. The other seven pills are inactive. The bleeding that occurs during the week you take the inactive pills is withdrawal bleeding, which looks like a period. This is your body's response to stopping the hormones. If you skip the inactive pills and start a new pack of active pills right away, you won't have this withdrawal bleeding.
The bleeding that occurs while you take the inactive pills isn't the same as a regular period. Nor is the bleeding necessary for health. This is good news if you take birth control pills and want more control over your menstrual cycle, either for personal or medical reasons.
What are the benefits of delaying your period?
Delaying your period can treat or prevent various menstrual symptoms. It might be worth considering if you have:
- A physical or mental disability that makes it difficult to use sanitary napkins or tampons
- A condition worsened by menstruation, such as endometriosis, anemia, asthma, migraines or epilepsy
- Breast tenderness, bloating or mood swings in the seven to 10 days before your period
- Headaches or other menstrual symptoms during the week you take inactive birth control pills
- Heavy, prolonged, frequent or painful periods
In addition, menstrual bleeding is sometimes simply inconvenient. You may want to postpone your period until after an important exam, athletic event, vacation or special occasion, such as your wedding or honeymoon. Delaying your period may also help you save money, since you may use fewer hygiene products or pain relievers.
Is it safe for all women to delay menstruation?
If your doctor says it's OK for you to take birth control pills, it's probably safe to use them to delay your period. Not all doctors think it's a good idea to delay menstruation, however. Even those who support the option may not mention it unless you bring up the topic. If you want to try delaying your period, you may have to take the lead. Ask your doctor which option might work for you.
What are the drawbacks to delaying your period?
Breakthrough bleeding — bleeding or spotting between periods — is common when you use birth control pills to delay or prevent periods, especially during the first few months. Breakthrough bleeding typically decreases over time, however, as your body adjusts to the new regimen.
Another drawback of routinely delaying your period is that it may be more difficult to tell if you're pregnant. If you have morning sickness, breast tenderness or unusual fatigue, take a home pregnancy test or consult your doctor.
Is there a home sperm test that can tell me whether I'm fertile or not?
Answers from Doctor Kaya Kalp Clinic Patna.
A new home sperm test is now available that measures your sperm count — the number of sperm in the fluid (semen) ejaculated during an orgasm. The test requires a man to ejaculate into a collection cup. The semen is transferred into a bottle of solution and mixed. Then six drops are placed onto a testing device. Results are read after seven minutes. The test detects a protein found only in sperm. A positive result indicates that your sperm count is above 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen, near the low threshold of "normal."
Fertility experts express caution about using a home sperm test to assess your fertility. A semen analysis is an important tool in assessing male fertility. But it is by no means a direct measure of a man's fertility. The typical semen analysis performed by an infertility specialist assesses the following characteristics:
- Semen volume
- Total sperm number (sperm count)
- Sperm concentration
- Vitality (percent alive)
- Movement (motility)
- Shape (morphology)
No one of these characteristics alone can predict the fertility potential of a man. In fact, only half the infertile men have recognizable causes of infertility detectable by semen analysis. Many men with low sperm counts have fathered children, and many men with high sperm counts have been unsuccessful in fathering children. The only true measure of fertility is the ability to cause a pregnancy.
Instructions with the home sperm test say that if your sperm count is below 20 million sperm per milliliter (negative), you should consult a doctor about a complete fertility evaluation. However, a positive result does not mean you don't have fertility issues. Male fertility is complicated, with many contributing factors.
One situation where the test might have some value: If a woman is late in the fertility life span (older than age 38), her partner might do a quick home sperm test at the outset of trying to get pregnant, to see if there's cause for further testing. Better to identify an issue early when the fertility clock is ticking.
Dr.Mrs.Jully Pandey / Dr. Manoj Pandey, Dr.S.Kumar