Sexual and Women’s Health Issues

Posted by admin on April 16th, 2008 — Posted in Gender Issues Information

Women’s health is not only monitored and maintained by the foods that she eats, or the exercise she completes throughout the week, but also by the status of her sexual health.

Women’s sexual health is quite important because there are so many complications that can occur within a women’s body that could result in life-threatening consequences.

What makes some of these sexual health issues differ from a man is not only the fact that two different genitals are involved, but also the fact that women give birth, thus increasing the complications that could arise and affect a woman’s health.

Vaginal Bleeding

One of the things that affect both the sexual and overall women’s health is the presence of vaginal bleeding after sex, also referred to as post-coital bleeding. If a woman is not on her period at the time, this could be a warning sign of something that needs the attention of a doctor.

Many possible culprits could cause such an act to occur. Understanding sexual and women’s health is important because some causes of vaginal bleeding are common and can be easily treated with no future affects to women’s sexual health, while other causes can turn into life-altering complications.

Cervical dysplasia can cause Vaginal bleeding, which means that there is the presence of precancerous cells within the lining of the cervix that could affect women’s health. The risk of developing these cells is increased when a women compromises her sexual health by having sex before the age of 18; having sex with multiple partners; having a child before they turn 16 or have had a STD in the past. Cryosurgery can treat this condition, as well as other procedures before the cells turn into cervical cancer.

Cervical Polyps

Another women’s health issue deals with cervical polyps, which are growths that extend, pass the cervix or cervical canal. These fragile, red, or purple pests can be easily removed without pain.

Bacterial Infections

Two well-known bacterial infections are transmitted during sex or other contact with semen, vaginal secretions or blood. They are called chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea offers several treatments that can be prescribed by a doctor.

Vaginitis, also called cervicitis, is the inflammation or swelling of the cervix or vagina, which is caused by an infection. Depending on what caused the vaginitis, a treatment is available.

Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by a protozoan, can compromise a women’s sexual health, as well as the health of their newborn. It is possible for a mother to pass this disease onto her newborn during a vaginal birth.

One of the most common infections to affect women’s sexual health is the vaginal yeast infection, which is an overgrowth of harmless fungi that found in the vagina. The result is an odorless, cheese-like discharge accompanied by itching and burning. Three out of four women will have at least one yeast infection throughout their lifetime.

When a woman wishes to prevent this sort of infection from affecting her sexual health, a few preventive measures are available - women’s sexual health tips concerning a yeast infection include:

Wear white cotton panties

Use only water-based lubricants for the vagina

Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement

Eat one cup of yogurt per day when on antibiotics

Avoid bath products containing perfume in the vaginal area

Do not douche because it creates an attractive breeding ground for yeast to flourish.

Other sexual and women’s health concerns include endometritis, uterine polyps, fibroid tumors, as well as adenomysis, which can affect the uterus and ovaries. Never ignore vaginal bleeding.

Calling a doctor immediately is the best way to solve the sexual and women’s health issues.

More health and wellness information and FREE exclusive diet and health magazines, are available on our web site: http://www.net-planet.org

Erectile Dysfuction Is No Joke: Viagra Can Help

Posted by admin on April 11th, 2008 — Posted in Gender Issues Information

You can do a Google search for “Viagra jokes” and turn up over 30,000 webpages. But as most men (and women) know, erectile dysfunction (sometimes called ED or impotence) is no joke. Every guy has had a time where he cannot have or sustain an erection. The flu, exhaustion, a long bout of sex with no breaks, even other worries (work, finances, even sexual performance anxieties) can affect erectile abilities.

For some men, though, ED can become a recurring problem. Diabetes, high blood pressure, or clogged arteries can reduce blood flow to the penis. ED can also be caused by physical blockages (like prostate enlargement), hormonal imbalance, or medications (like antidepressants). For about 20% of men with ED, psychological issues may be contributing to the problem.

It’s important to realize that many of these causes have nothing to do with age! If you are experiencing problems with ED, it doesn’t mean you’re getting “old” - think of it as your body signaling for a change!

Fitting Viagra Into the Picture

For many of the causes of ED, managing the underlying illness or problem will be enough to improve sexual function. In some cases, however, Viagra can help with sexual activity.

Viagra works on some of the muscles in your penis that help control the blood flow (when we’re teens, the control over these muscles isn’t always perfect which is why erections would sometimes pop up at inconvenient moments). Viagra encourages these muscles to let more blood flow into the penis when the time is right. The effect can last up to four hours, so taking Viagra the day that you would like to have sex will ensure that it can work effectively for you. Don’t worry that it will cause you to have an erection before you are ready for one - it works in conjunction with sexual stimulation.

Viagra Does Not Increase Sex Drive

While Viagra assists with developing with erections, it is not an aphrodisiac. In other words, it helps with the mechanics but not sex drive. If you don’t feel like having sex, the drug isn’t going to change your mind! Many men, however, do find that as they feel more confident about their ability to gain and maintain an erection they feel happier about being physically intimate.
Viagra can also have side effects; many are mild (indigestion and flushing) but a few are serious, so make sure your doctor gives you a list of things to look out for!

Mix and Match Safely

Because Viagra is a very potent drug, your physician will ask you lots of questions before pulling out his prescription pad. Because Viagra affects your blood flow, if you have significant heart problems, history of stroke, or untreated diabetes or high blood pressure, Viagra may not be the best match for your other health needs.

Many drugs that affect your heart and circulation can interact in very harmful ways with Viagra, so make sure to take a list of all the drugs you’re taking with you when you visit the doctor. Lastly, if you use recreational drugs, do yourself a favor and speak frankly with your doctor - he’ll keep it confidential - because some of these drugs (including “poppers” or amyl nitrate) can be a fatal mix with Viagra.

Are you ready?

If you’ve been experiencing ED you’re ready to take the next step -see your doctor to find out if Viagra is right for you!

Ian Mason - EzineArticles Expert Author

Copyright (C) Shoppe.MD and Ian Mason, 2004-2005

Ian Mason, owner of Shoppe.MD, your source for viagra, drug information and erectile dysfunction support forums.

Ian is a fat-to-fit student of health, weight loss, exercise, and several martial arts; maintaining several websites in an effort to help provide up-to-date and helpful information for other who share his interests in health of body and mind.