Sexual Health
Get the information you need to take control of your sexual health, whether that be reading inspiring patient stories or learning about symptoms and treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Which STI Tests Do You Need?
You may want to get tested for everything, but most of the time, that's not necessary. Here's what you should be tested for and when.
Sexual Health Topics
Latest
The Evolution of Birth Control Throughout History
From 3000 B.C. to present day, birth control has come a long way. Here's a health history lesson on how it developed into what it is today.
FDA Approves New Contraceptive Device for Women
The FDA approved a combined hormonal contraceptive for women called Annovera, the first vaginal ring that can be used to prevent pregnancy for a full year.
What You Need to Know About Genital Warts and HPV
HPV is so common that doctors predict almost everyone will someday contract it if not vaccinated. But what about genital warts?
Obesity and Birth Control: What You Should Know
Women who are overweight and obese may have additional considerations to make when it comes to protecting against pregnancy. Here is a breakdown of the different options.
Let’s Talk About Sex — And The Lack Thereof on RA Meds
Your RA medications can cause a loss of libido, and even affect your menstrual cycle and cause dryness. There is a very good chance that by modifying your treatment, you’ll be able to live your life to the fullest, including having a healthy sex life.
How to Deal With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Are your heavy periods interfering with your life? Here are steps you can take to tackle the problem, known as menorrhagia.
How to Navigate Oral Sex With HSV-1 and HSV-2
If someone with a cold sore performs oral sex on a partner, can the partner get genital herpes? Get the answer this and other oral herpes questions here.
Genital Herpes: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but it can be managed. Here’s what you need to know.
Birth Control Side Effects: A Guide
Some side effects have severe consequences; others are merely annoying. Be aware of all of them.
5 Myths About Endometriosis
Misinformation has surrounded endometriosis for years. Here are five facts you should know.
Meet the Experts
Robin Elise Weiss, Ph.D.
Health ProfessionalRobin Elise Weiss, Ph.D., LCCE, CLC, AdvCD(DONA) is a childbirth educator, doula, founder of Childbirth.org, and author.
Eileen Bailey
Health WriterEileen Bailey is an award-winner author of six books on health and parenting. She specializes in ADHD, Anxiety, Sexual Health, Skin Care, Psoriasis and Skin Cancer.
Lara DeSanto
EditorLara DeSanto is a digital editor and staff writer for HealthCentral. She acts as the editor for sexual health, digestive health, and several cancers.
Health News
Chlamydia May Double Ovarian Cancer Risk
New research to be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting in April suggests that women with chronic chlamydia infections are twice as likely as women without the sexually transmitted infection to develop ovarian cancer. Res...
Fewer U.S. Teens Engage in Certain Risky Behaviors, But Concerns Remain
Results of the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which includes self-reported information about drug use and sexual behaviors among high school students in the United States, are released by the CDC.
'Low T' Can Cause Serious Health Problems, Even in Men Under 40
A new study suggests low levels of the male hormone testosterone – hypogonadism, testosterone deficiency, or “low T” – may cause chronic health problems, sexual health issues, and reduced muscle mass in young men.