Sexual Health

The increased availability of emergency contraception to women and girls irrespective of age is victory for all of us.

After treating vaginal atrophy with local estrogens, sexual satisfaction for postmenopausal women and their male partners improves, according to the results of a survey published online in the journal Menopause.

A recent discovery suggests that Trichomonas vaginalis may alter the vaginal microbiota in a manner that cultivates bacteria that is beneficial to its survival and transmissibility.

Osphena (ospemifene) has been approved by the FDA to treat dyspareunia. This is the first non-steroidal estrogen available for women with dyspareunia (painful intercourse), a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA) that is common during menopause.

Certain herbal and complementary medicines may be a valuable treatment option for women with postmenopausal symptoms, according to a new review outlining the advantages and limitations of the available treatments of postmenopausal symptoms.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination may be beneficial for women with HIV infection even after previous exposure to HPV, according to the findings of a new study.

A Phase II trial is underway for Tefina, a testosterone-based treatment for female sexual dysfunction.

IUDs are a safe and effective method of contraception. Why aren't we offering them to teens?

The number of cases of cephalosporin-resistant gonorrhea is increasing, according to a recent report issued by the World Health Organization. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes the infection, has already developed resistance to other common antibiotics, and cephalosporins have become the last line of defense against the infection.

Women over the age of 25 may still need to be screened for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) according to research released at the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) Annual Clinical Meeting.

Human papillomavirus vaccines provide still some benefit to women who have undergone treatment for HPV-related diseases, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal.

More than one third of women in the United States will experience some form of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. The consequences of IPV can be lifelong and include emotional trauma, long-term physical impairment, chronic health problems, and even death.

According to research published in the Annals of Family Medicine, midstream urine testing effectively detects Chlamydia trachomatis.

OBGYN.net Conference CoverageFrom the ESHRE 2001 Conference - Lausanne, Switzerland

Yeast infections are one of the most common infections occurring in women. Although they are rarely dangerous, they can be very bothersome and uncomfortable.

Genital warts, also called condylomata, is a common infection of the female reproductive tract.

With its implications of sexual transmission and potential cervical cancer, a diagnosis of genital warts can be emotionally distressing to patients. Because no single treatment serves every patient, the best approach to selecting a therapeutic option considers the extent of the disease, wart location, and the patient's individual needs.

Diagnosis, Transmission, and Management

One out of four Americans between 15 and 55 will catch at least one sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Anyone working with survivors of sexual assault, especially those who are college-aged or teenagers, should be aware of a new drug called Rohypnol. Rohypnol has been dubbed the "date rape drug" because of its use in sexual assaults.

Although genital herpes is common there are a lot of misperceptions about this sexually transmitted infection. Genital herpes is caused by a virus, called Herpes Simplex Virus, or "HSV" for short.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID, is an infectious disease that affects millions of U.S. women and girls each year. Although usually surprisingly easy to treat, it can be hard to diagnose, and can lead to many long-term and troublesome complications.

Who should have a Pap Smear?Any woman who is sexually active or is at least 18 years old should have a Pap smear. Cervical cancer is most commonly caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).

The PAP smear is a screening test for detecting cancerous or precancerous changes of the cervix. The test was developed by Dr. George Papanicolaou in the 1940’s.

This KIDS COUNT Special Report contains some hopeful news for the future of America's families. Since 1991, the percentages of American teenagers getting pregnant, giving birth, or having abortions have all fallen.

When will girls get their first period? The ages vary, but there are two signs of puberty that generally precede first menstruation.

Vulvodynia is a medical term that means "painful vulva". The term can cover a wide variety of vulvar pain syndromes, including various infections and skin disorders.

Painful sexual intercourse, called dyspareunia in medical terminology (pronounced "dis-pair-une-ee-ah"), is a common complaint among women seeking gynecologic care.

PCOS is a genetic hormone disorder which is related to diabetes. PCOS is something you are born with. Symptoms typically usually start appearing after puberty and in a few cases sometimes not until your 20's or early 30's.

By John C. Jarrett, M.D. and Deidra T. Rausch, Ph.D.