Sexual Health News

[Big Sexy]

What is female sexual interest/arousal disorder?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/art...ousal-disorder

It is normal for females to experience fluctuations in sexual desire throughout life. However, a substantial or total loss of interest in sex, or difficulty responding to stimulation, may indicate female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD).

FSIAD is a type of sexual dysfunction. A person with the condition may experience a lack of sexual desire, a lack of physical arousal, or both.

As with other types of sexual dysfunction, FSIAD can be distressing. It can affect a person’s self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being.

In this article, we explore FSIAD and its symptoms, causes, and treatments.

What is female arousal disorder?

FSIAD describes a loss or significant reduction in sexual desire or physical arousal in females. It is a relatively new term that first appeared in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5).

Previously, FSIAD was split into two separate disorders:

hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which describes a lack of interest in sex
female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), which refers to reduced excitement, sensation, or pleasure during sexual activity

FSAD used to refer to a lack of lubrication and swelling in the female genitals, which researchers focused on as a cause for sexual dysfunction.

However, some experts argue that this is a flawed concept, as low levels of lubrication does not necessarily indicate female arousal, nor does it always prevent sex.

There is a close link between sexual desire and physical arousal. As a result, the DSM-5 combined the two conditions.

It is unclear how many people experience FSIAD specifically. However, sexual dysfunction is highly common in males and females.

A 2016 meta-analysis suggests that around 40.9% of premenopausal women worldwide experience at least one type of sexual dysfunction. Of those, 28% reported low sexual desire.

However, compared to some types of sexual dysfunction in males, such as erectile dysfunction, FSIAD is far less well-known.

Signs and symptoms

According to the DSM-5, a person must have three of the following symptoms to have FSIAD:

reduced or no interest in sex
few or no thoughts about sex
decreased sexual arousal or pleasure during sexual activity
reduced or no arousal in response to visual, written, or verbal cues
infrequent or no initiation of sexual activity within a relationship
reduced or no sensations in the genitals

They must also have:

symptoms lasting 6 months or more
significant distress about their symptoms
symptoms that are not more accurately explained by a nonsexual mental health disorder, domestic abuse, medication, substance abuse, or another medical condition

In addition to this, people with FSIAD can experience symptoms in different ways. The condition may be:

Generalized or situational: Generalized FSIAD involves symptoms that occur in any situation, with any partner, and during any type of sexual stimulation. Situational FSIAD is more specific and only occurs in certain scenarios.
Lifelong or acquired: If a person’s symptoms are lifelong, this means they first noticed them as soon as they became sexually active. Acquired FSIAD means a person previously had sexual function but currently does not.

Partners may notice that a person with FSIAD does not want to engage in sex most of the time and that they talk about it less, or not at all.

FSIAD vs. asexuality

It is important to note that FSIAD is different from asexuality.

Asexuality is an umbrella term for sexual orientations that involve varying degrees of sexual and romantic attraction towards others. It is not a medical condition.

Some asexual people have lifelong preferences for nonsexual relationships. While a lifelong lack of interest in sex can occur due to sexual dysfunction, this is not always the case.

According to the DSM-5, for an FSIAD diagnosis to apply, a person must show signs of “clinically significant distress” about their lack of desire.

A person who identifies as asexual, does not feel distressed by it, and has no problem developing close relationships, does not meet the criteria for FSIAD.

Causes and risk factors

Sexual desire and arousal are complex. Many factors influence the amount and type of sexual desire a person has and how their body responds to intimacy.

While a single cause is often difficult to identify, the DSM-5 notes that people with FSIAD often have other sexual or emotional difficulties, some of which are explored below.

Relationship dissatisfaction

A 2018 review found that relationship dissatisfaction was a risk factor for sexual dysfunction in females. This may be the result of communication problems, a lack of emotional intimacy, or unresolved conflict.

The mental and physical health of partners may also have an impact. If a person desires sex more often than their partner or partners, or they have sexual dysfunction themselves, this may influence the development of FSIAD.

Mental health conditions

A negative self-image, lack of confidence in one’s body or appearance, and mood disorders are also associated with FSIAD.

Negative body image, or body dysmorphic disorder, may make the prospect of removing clothes or sexual activity stressful. Stress, anxiety, and depression can also reduce a person’s desire to have sex.

However, it is important to note that low self-esteem, stress, and mental health conditions can occur as a result of FSIAD, and may not be the direct cause.

Some people with FSIAD have previously experienced emotional or sexual abuse. A 2020 study suggests that sexual trauma, such as childhood sexual abuse, can lead to shame surrounding sex, which may then contribute to sexual dysfunction.

Negative beliefs surrounding sex

Personal, cultural, and religious beliefs can play a role in FSIAD.

People who believe in traditional gender roles may feel they should not play an active role in sex or that they should not enjoy it. This may create feelings of shame surrounding sex.

Need for quality sex education

If a person does not have much experience or knowledge about sex, they may have unrealistic ideas about what is “normal” in terms of sexual desire. They may also struggle to explain what they like or dislike, or be unaware of different sexual techniques.

It is important that people have access to quality sex education that normalizes sexual desire, and teaches that sex has a positive role in a person’s well-being.

The 2018 review notes that sex education and feeling that sex is important in a relationship are both protective factors against sexual dysfunction.

Other sexual dysfunction

Many people with FSIAD may also experience other types of sexual difficulties, such as:

pain during sex, for example, as a result of vaginismus or vulvodynia
general pelvic pain, for example, due to endometriosis
difficulty reaching orgasm, or female orgasmic disorder
vaginal dryness

Treating these conditions may help with improving a person’s FSIAD symptoms.

Learn about the causes of pain during sex.

Other causes

Other factors that may cause changes to a person’s sexual desire and arousal include:

certain medications, such as antidepressants or hormonal birth control
health conditions that prevent normal blood flow, lubrication, or physical sensation in the genitals
hormone imbalances
menopause

Treatment

There are several ways to approach treatment for FSIAD. These include:

Psychotherapy or sex therapy

Talking with a sex therapist, psychotherapist, or counselor specializing in female sexual health can help someone identify factors contributing to their FSIAD.

A sex therapist or psychotherapist can help someone:

learn skills for coping with stress and anxiety
gradually change their self-image, and develop compassion towards themselves
challenge any beliefs that make them feel ashamed about sex
learn how to communicate more openly with their partner
resolve past traumas in a safe environment

If relationship difficulties contribute to FSIAD, a therapist may also recommend relationship counseling sessions, where the person’s partner also attends.

Medication

Medication options for FSIAD include Vyleesi (bremelanotide), which activates receptors in the brain that influence sexual behavior and desire.

Hormone therapy may help treat low sexual desire in people going through menopause or who have hormone imbalances.

These medications will not be appropriate for everyone. It is important to discuss the safety, interactions, and side effects of these treatments with a doctor before trying them.

Treating other conditions

If a person’s sexual desire or physical response to sexual stimulation has changed since they developed a mental or physical health condition, or since they began taking a certain medication, this may be a factor.

A person can discuss the following options with a doctor:

changing medications or dosages
trying nonhormonal contraception, such as an intrauterine device or condoms
trying treatments to address hormone imbalances or menopause symptoms

When to seek help

If a person notices they have lower sexual desire than usual, or do not seem to respond to sexual stimulation as they used to, they can seek help from a physician or healthcare professional specializing in sexual function.

It can be difficult to talk about sexual dysfunction, but there is no shame in doing so. It is a medical condition, which can get better with treatment.

Being specific about any concerns or changes in desire or arousal will help a doctor advise on the next steps.

Summary

FSIAD is a type of sexual dysfunction that occurs when a person’s sexual desire or arousal is much lower than usual. It can cause significant distress. However, sexual dysfunction is prevalent in females, and it is treatable.

Many factors may contribute to FSIAD, so a person may benefit from trying several treatment approaches. Options include individual therapy, trauma therapy, relationship counseling, or medication.

[kevin814]

Sexual dysfunction refers to any difficulty a person or couple are experiencing with the various aspects of sexual activity such as attraction, arousal, pleasure and orgasm. Sexual dysfunction can cause extreme distress and severely impact a person’s quality of life.

[Big Sexy]

Can sexually transmitted infections cause rectal itching?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/art...us-itching-std
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Veronica Zambon on November 27, 2020

Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as anal herpes or gonorrhea, can cause rectal itching. However, it is also possible that the itching results from other conditions, such as anal fissures or hemorrhoids.

In this article, we will discuss which STIs can cause rectal itching, and how to treat them. We also look at other conditions that can cause rectal itching.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is the result of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gonorrhea is a very common STI, affecting around 1.14 million people in the United States every year.

People can contract it via sexual contact with the genitals, mouth, or anus of a person who has gonorrhea.

Symptoms of rectal gonorrhea include:

anal discharge
anal itching
soreness and bleeding
painful bowel movements

However, not everyone with rectal gonorrhea will have symptoms. That is why it is important to have regular STI screenings.

Learn more about gonorrhea here.

Treatment

Treatment for gonorrhea involves a combination of ceftriaxone and azithromycin, which are antibiotics.

It is important that a person abstains from sexual activity for 1 week after treatment. This helps prevent passing the infection on to others.

Anal herpes

Anal herpes is the result of herpes simplex virus type 1 or herpes simplex virus type 2.

People can contract herpes if they come into contact with:

herpes lesions
mucosal surfaces, such as the vagina or rectum
genital and oral secretions

Symptoms of anal herpes include:

small blisters that burst, leaving inflamed and open sores
tingling, burning, or itching sensation
pain while urinating

The CDC note that most people who have herpes are asymptomatic, meaning that they do not have any symptoms. Others may only experience very mild symptoms.

If symptoms do appear, the first outbreak of herpes lasts for approximately 2–4 weeks, and a person may also experience flu-like symptoms.

Learn more about anal herpes here.

Treatment

To diagnose herpes, doctors will take a culture of a sore or perform a blood test.

There is currently no cure for herpes. However, doctors can prescribe antiviral medications.

These can shorten the amount of time an outbreak lasts and reduce the chance of passing this infection on to others.

Anal warts

Anal warts are the result of the human papillomavirus (HPV). One 2020 article notes that approximately 10% of people who have HPV will develop genital warts.

Symptoms of anal warts include:

individual or large masses of warts around the anal area
warts that may bleed
itching or discomfort

Learn more about anal warts here.

Treatment

There is no cure for anal warts. However, the article states that 80% of people will spontaneously clear the infection within 18–24 months.

A doctor can surgically remove the warts or prescribe topical agents.

What else can cause rectal itching?

Rectal itching may not be the result of an STI.

The following can also cause a person to experience an itchy anus. However, the list is not exhaustive, and therefore a person should contact a doctor if they are experiencing rectal itching.

Yeast infection

An anal yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of the Candida bacteria.

One 2016 article notes that Candida infections are present in approximately 10% of those experiencing an itchy anus.

Although an anal yeast infection is not an STI, a person can transmit or develop it via anal sex without the use of a condom or other barrier method.

Alongside itching, a person may experience:

burning
anal discharge
flushed or irritated skin
soreness

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins that appear inside and around the anus.

Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:

itching, bleeding, pain, or burning in the anus
mucous discharge from the anus
swelling

Anal fissure

Anal fissures are tears in the skin in the rectum and anus. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) note that the majority of cases typically occur due to constipation or large stools that tear the lining of the anal canal.

However, anal fissures may occasionally occur due to STIs, such as syphilis or herpes. This is because they can infect and damage the anal canal.

Some anal fissures can last for more than 6 weeks.

Symptoms of anal fissures include:

bleeding when passing a bowel movement
itching around the anus
intermittent pain while passing a bowel movement

Pinworms

Pinworms are small thin white roundworms called Enterobius vermicularis. The CDC state that pinworm infection is the most common worm infection in the U.S.

People can contract pinworms after ingesting pinworm eggs. This can happen after swallowing the eggs that may be present on fingers, clothing, food, and other contaminated objects.

While a person sleeps, the female pinworm travels to the anal area and lays its eggs around the anus.

Symptoms can be mild, and some people do not experience any. However, the most common symptom is rectal itching. Other symptoms may include:

redness and swelling
watery diarrhea
abdominal pain

A person may also be able to see the worms and their eggs on the skin near the anus approximately 2–3 hours after a person falls asleep.

Irritants

Certain irritants can lead to skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. This can lead to anal itching, inflammation, swelling, and pain.

The most common irritants that may cause anal itching include:

soaps
shampoos
recycled toilet paper
intimate hygiene wipes
certain foods, especially those that contain nickel

Home management

A person should always contact a doctor if they are concerned that they have contracted an STI.

However, according to the NHS, a person can try the following to provide relief from the itching:

gently washing and drying the anus after having a bowel movement, and before bed
wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear
bathing or showering in lukewarm water
eating plenty of fiber, such as fruit and vegetables and pasta
avoiding wiping after having a bowel movement, and instead washing with water or using moist toilet paper and patting dry
avoiding scratching on and around the anus
avoiding fragranced products, such as soaps
avoiding eating spicy food and drinking alcohol and caffeine

When to contact a doctor

It is important to contact a doctor if a person is concerned that they have contracted an STI or if a sexual partner informs them that they have an STI.

People should also consult a doctor if any rectal itching does not resolve.

Summary

Several STIs can cause anal itching, such as herpes, anal warts, and gonorrhea. However, with medical treatment, people can manage the symptoms or cure the infection.

Rectal itching can also occur due to other conditions, such as anal fissures, irritants, or hemorrhoids.

Although a person may be able to manage the itching at home, it is important to contact a doctor if they are concerned or if the itching does not resolve.

[Big Sexy]

Sticky discharge: What causes it and what to do about it Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Helen Millar on December 21, 2020
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/art...icky-discharge

Most females experience sticky vaginal discharge at some point. It is not usually a cause for concern, but in some instances, sticky discharge can signal an underlying issue.

Sticky discharge is the body’s way of keeping germs and infection away from the vagina and vulva. The discharge usually contains bacteria and dead cells.

People sometimes believe they are the only ones who experience sticky discharge. In reality, most females of reproductive age experience it as a normal part of their menstrual cycle.

Normal discharge is typically clear or white in color, with no strong or foul smell. If the color, consistency, or smell is unusual, it may indicate an issue, such as infection.

Causes

Causes of sticky vaginal discharge may be noninfectious or infectious.

Noninfectious triggers include:

menstruation
a birth control implant
foreign bodies, such as a tampon
noninfectious conditions, such as vulvar dermatitis
allergic reaction

Infectious causes may be transmitted sexually or nonsexually.

Sexually transmitted infectious triggers for sticky discharge include:

chlamydia
gonorrhea
trichomoniasis

Nonsexually transmitted infectious causes include:

yeast infections
bacterial vaginosis

Menstrual cycle

The appearance of vaginal discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Features, such as color, may vary slightly depending on the individual and how long the discharge has been in a person’s underwear.

Discharge often does not appear during the week after a period ends. If discharge occurs, the normal consistency may be thicker than usual.

After the first week, as the middle of the menstrual cycle approaches, discharge appears more frequently, as a clear, thin mucus.

When a person enters menopause, discharge stops appearing as frequently. This is because the vagina stops producing as much antibacterial mucus.

Birth control implant

A birth control implant is a small rod that a healthcare professional places in the upper arm. It can help prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.

Getting the implant can cause side effects, one of which is brown discharge. The smell of the discharge varies between people, while the color is because it contains old blood. The brown discharge typically appears over the first 6–12 months as the body adjusts to the implant.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that passes between people via the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Sticky discharge is the main symptom, which has a yellow or green color and a frothy consistency. The smell may be unpleasant. Trichomoniasis can cause itchiness and irritation around the vagina, while it can make urinating painful.

A person can treat trichomoniasis with a single dose of an antibiotic such as metronidazole or tinidazole.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis, also called thrush, is a yeast infection that affects 75% of females of reproductive age.

This infection causes a thick white discharge that resembles curd or cottage cheese. A person may also experience an itchy rash and a burning feeling around the vagina and vulva.

Treatment options include creams that contain antifungal drugs, including:

clotrimazole
miconazole
butoconazole
terconazole

In more severe cases, a healthcare professional may recommend an oral antifungal medication.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common infectious trigger of vaginal discharge.

It occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. As acidic bacteria decrease, it causes a rise in problematic bacteria. The infection may come from sexual or nonsexual transmission.

Bacterial vaginosis causes vaginal discharge that appears white or clear, as with normal discharge, but has an unpleasant, fishy smell.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest treating bacterial vaginosis with the antibiotics metronidazole or clindamycin. A doctor may prescribe metronidazole in oral form or as a gel, or clindamycin as a cream.

When to speak with a doctor

A person should speak with a doctor if they have concerns about their discharge.

Some signs of unusual discharge include:

a fishy smell
a pink or brown color
appearing green color with an unpleasant smell
a particularly white, thick consistency
an excessive amount

If a person experiences other symptoms alongside unusual discharge, such as warts or ulcers, they should also consult with a healthcare professional. The underlying cause may require medical attention.

Summary

Sticky discharge is a substance that keeps the vagina moist and removes dead cells and bacteria. Normal discharge looks and smells differently between people. It also varies over across the menstrual cycle.

Normal discharge does not cause itchiness or irritation. It is odorless and may be clear or white in color, sometimes with a yellow tinge.

If a person’s discharge has an unusual smell or appearance, it may signal a condition or infection. Speak with a doctor if this causes physical discomfort or accompanies other symptoms that cause concern.

[probillion52]

Anyone has ways to buy azithromyzin 500mg off the counter?
Looking to buy some as precaution.

[soonbeng]

The dangers of essential oils:

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/news/20...ware-the-risks

[soonbeng]

Essential oils might also be endocrine disruptors. But I think it's unlikely to affect us (men) because this needs prolonged exposure to them. We don't work for hours in spas or in essential oils factories.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321262

[soonbeng]

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/25/w...d-condoms.html

Don't buy or use any condoms from Vietnam.

[DoctorTan]

What if the person already has CIN and its CIN3?
she is already scheduled for operation. Does the vaccination help post- operation? does she still need it?

Yes she should still get the vaccine. There is evidence to show that the vaccine reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. Although CIN3 is technically not cancer.

HPV
Can she share food, drinks? Kiss? Hold hands?
Since the HPV is still in the system and the immune system did not purge it.

Yes she can. The HPV is in the Cervix and can only be spread via direct contact. Presumably this is a sexual contact.

Googled some stuff, seems its quite infectious via skin to skin and that means even holding hands, kissing, sharing food with others, family is a No-No. It gets into the skin? So technically her saliva on a cup can transmit? Is that what it means?

Not skin to skin. Infected skin to skin. Example - HPV is on the penis. So the skin on the penis is infected. The infected skin of the penis touches the skin of the labia. The labia gets infected. Also don't confuse cancer causing HPV with wart causing HPV

I was helping a friend who no language ability translate what the doctors were saying.

She saw "3" and heard "cancer" and told the whole world she had stage 3 cancer. Her whole family was sad for a entire week.

That is sad. Lost in translation. Hope she understands better now.

https://drtanmenshealthblog.com/2021...o-do-about-it/

[GoldenEagle]

Originally Posted by DoctorTan

What if the person already has CIN and its CIN3?
she is already scheduled for operation. Does the vaccination help post- operation? does she still need it?

Yes she should still get the vaccine. There is evidence to show that the vaccine reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. Although CIN3 is technically not cancer.

HPV
Can she share food, drinks? Kiss? Hold hands?
Since the HPV is still in the system and the immune system did not purge it.

Yes she can. The HPV is in the Cervix and can only be spread via direct contact. Presumably this is a sexual contact.

Googled some stuff, seems its quite infectious via skin to skin and that means even holding hands, kissing, sharing food with others, family is a No-No. It gets into the skin? So technically her saliva on a cup can transmit? Is that what it means?

Not skin to skin. Infected skin to skin. Example - HPV is on the penis. So the skin on the penis is infected. The infected skin of the penis touches the skin of the labia. The labia gets infected. Also don't confuse cancer causing HPV with wart causing HPV

I was helping a friend who no language ability translate what the doctors were saying.

She saw "3" and heard "cancer" and told the whole world she had stage 3 cancer. Her whole family was sad for a entire week.

That is sad. Lost in translation. Hope she understands better now.

https://drtanmenshealthblog.com/2021...o-do-about-it/

Thank you Doctor Tan

[soonbeng]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...ists-warn.html

The most important thing is the proper use of condoms.

[soonbeng]

How often should you really be masturbating? Doctors give verdict https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...tivemenubutton

[dodgekenji]

Bro, my partner is suffering from FSIAD and has been causing tensions in our relationship! Do you have any recommendation of a doctor or specialist that we can seek consultation with? Is there any affordable one? I tried to contact Sexual Health Center in KK hospital but they seem to be very busy and have not replied me. Thanks









[QUOTE=Big Sexy;20356632]What is female sexual interest/arousal disorder?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/art...ousal-disorder

I

[xavierwong888]

Originally Posted by soonbeng

How often should you really be masturbating? Doctors give verdict https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...tivemenubutton

now this one causes me more confusion. 21 times a month is almost everyday. so... what really is the good frequency rate ?

[dodgekenji]

I think 21 times per month age 50 like me is a bit taxing! I think once a week is good for me! I try to maintain! I do agreed with the article “ Research also shows that when people masturbate, it triggers the release of a flood of feel-good hormones, responsible for easing anxiety, stress and raising self-esteem ”

When your partner refused you for sex DIY can be a way to get some some self esteem




QUOTE=xavierwong888;22216728]now this one causes me more confusion. 21 times a month is almost everyday. so... what really is the good frequency rate ?[/QUOTE]