Sexual Health

Vulvovaginal atrophy, or atrophic vaginitis, is now being called "genitourinary syndrome of menopause," or GSM, according to experts.

A pseudo-tampon that delivers an antiretroviral drug is now being studied as a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis for women at high risk for HIV infection.

The optimal time to get the HPV vaccine is before a first sexual encounter. But getting the vaccine after still offers significant protection against cervical dysplasia.

A novel birth control option is in the works, and it’s in the form of a microchip that, when implanted, could work for up to 16 years. The future is now, folks.

New recommendations against routine pelvic exams in adult women with no symptoms have been issued by the American College of Physicians. What do you think?

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends against pelvic exams in asymptomatic, nonpregnant, adult women. Some say this is faulty logic. What say you?

The Supreme Court justices insist that their decision for Hobby Lobby is limited and narrow in scope. Find out why gynecologist Deborah Ottenheimer, MD, doesn't buy it.

Use of an intravaginal ring with a pod to drug tablets may provide protection against HIV-that’s the hope, at least. Read on to find out how monkeys responded.

Hobby Lobby doesn’t have to offer contraceptives to their employees. If you’re mad, you’re not alone. Read what Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had to say.

The rate of sexual assault among female veterans is high, and the criminal act has pronounced associations with infertility, abortion, and childlessness.

Vaginal dryness from vulvovaginal atrophy is a troublesome symptom of menopause. The good news: many treatments are available for this low-estrogen condition.

Sexual violence on college campuses may be more prevalent than you think. Are you asking patients the right questions about their sexual health?

Vaginal atrophy doesn’t have to be a life sentence of painful sex. New research describes a solution for dyspareunia that can take sex from “painful” to “comfortable.”

Don’t let time constraints and large patient loads prevent you from providing a thorough well-woman visit. Are you covering all the bases?

Marijuana and e-cigarettes can cause harm in more ways than you may think. Do you ask your patients about their marijuana or e-cigarette use? The numbers may surprise you.

New research expected this year will bring about significant changes to clinical practice. Here, society leaders share what’s on their radar for 2014.

The two widely used surgeries for apical prolapse work equally well for both apical prolapse and stress urinary incontinence two years postsurgery, research shows.

Three doses of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine was more effective in preventing high-grade cervical abnormalities than other types and more effective in younger women.

A striking number of sexually active women experience reproductive coercion by their male partners, and their ability to use contraception and plan pregnancies may be compromised.

In Denmark, researchers found that the risk of atypia, atypia+, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN2/3) were significantly reduced among women who received the vaccine.

Navigating the complexities of privacy in the adolescent gyn patient can be tricky. Here, Deborah Ottenheimer, MD, a specialist in adolescent gynecology, shares her protocol for providing confidential medical care to teen patients.

Two doses of quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against genital warts nearly as well as the standard 3-dose schedule, according to new study findings.

The sexual behaviors and beliefs about HPV infection were unchanged among a group of teens and young women who were vaccinated against the virus, research shows.

Conservative surgery for early-stage vulvar cancer had little to no long-term effect on a woman’s sexuality or body image, a small study found.

More Ob/Gyns are probably discussing sex with teenage patients than pediatricians, but a new study serves as a good reminder that physicians need to initiate these conversations.

A highly specific rapid test for Chlamydia trachomatis has been developed. The best part: the new test requires a direct urine sample only (no total DNA purification needed).

Compared with hysterectomy, GNRHa is an effective treatment of uterine fibroids and has an equivalent effect on sexual function.

Research shows that vaccinating all teens-both boys and girls--results in an enormous reduction in HPV-related infections. Why aren't we doing it in the United States?

Vulvovaginal disease is common, but often difficult to diagnose. Yeast infections, vulvodynia, and contact dermatitis may be easy to identify, but chronic or overlapping conditions can be difficult to spot. Can you accurately diagnose these patients?