Even after the pandemic, difficulties in accessing condoms and contraception for teenagers remain high: before COVID-19, 29-30% experienced challenges, while after, it's 37-38%. This is not only due to clinic disruptions but also fear of judgment, not knowing where to turn, and closed school health offices. It's important to simply talk to teenagers, explain that seeing a doctor and buying protective measures is normal, and support programs that make these services more accessible. If there are...
Yes, according to a study involving more than 1,300 people, low physical activity in women is directly associated with an almost threefold increased risk of premature ejaculation in men. Specialists believe that the problem often lies in the general lifestyle and psychological climate of the couple, so it is important to consider it as a shared issue. It is recommended to discuss the situation and start moving more together — for example, by going on joint walks or jogs.
Yes, this is absolutely normal. When you have lived with a secret for a long time, you are used to tension, and telling does not lift the burden immediately, but gradually. At first, you become more vulnerable and dependent on others' opinions, and the conversation itself is emotional labor that wears you out. So even with perfect support, there's still a residue—you gave a lot of energy, and now you need time to recover. Listen to yourself: if after the conversation you feel warmth and safety,...
It is important to acknowledge that full control over the body is a myth, and that is normal. You can control the choice of partner, the decision to have sex, the pace and types of caresses, and the word 'stop.' Start by exploring yourself alone: unhurried masturbation, a safe environment with an anchor (music, scent) can help you understand your reactions. With a partner, move gradually—from hugging to more—having agreed in advance on a pause signal for dissociation. Your body is not broken; i...
Yes, grooming doesn't only happen to children but also in relationships where one person has power over another, for example, a boss over a subordinate. If he insists on keeping the relationship secret, gives expensive gifts for no reason, asks you not to tell anyone, and wants to spend time alone, these are warning signs. Grooming is a slow process of blurring boundaries and creating a false sense of care to make it easier for you to comply. So trust your intuition: if you feel uncomfortable, ...
This is indeed a common situation. Vulvovaginal pain is not a single disease but a group of conditions, and often a single symptom can have various underlying causes: inflammation, neuralgia, or muscle tension. Moreover, there may be no visible changes—tests are normal, but pain persists, so a doctor unfamiliar with such cases might mistakenly say it's all in your head. But it's not: it's important to find a specialist in pelvic pain and not give up, asking about treatment options, physical the...
Unofficial PrEP means obtaining HIV prevention drugs without a doctor, for example, via the internet. This is risky, as an incorrect dosing schedule can make the virus resistant to the medication. Research shows that for many, this is the only accessible way to protect themselves, but the best option is to try to find an official path: talk to a doctor or learn about support programs. If the system fails you, it is at least important to study information and be cautious. Only a doctor can provi...
In fact, many people over 50 feel great and full of energy, so their sex life can be active. Additionally, with age, mucous membranes become thinner and the immune system weaker, which facilitates the entry of infections. Even if it seems that 'this is not about me,' protection is needed at any age. If you have doubts, it is worth discussing this with a doctor — a general practitioner can also help and provide guidance.
It could be due to free testosterone — its inactive form that is bound to proteins, and it is the free fraction that affects erections and libido. In a study, men with low free testosterone were more likely to have problems, even when total testosterone was normal. Ask your doctor to check free testosterone using a direct method rather than a calculated one, as formulas may underestimate the real picture. However, note that this study showed an association but not causation, and only a speciali...
This is completely normal, as changes occur gradually rather than all at once. Each person has their own timeline, and comparing yourself to others' schedules found online is not advisable. If you are concerned about the pace, you can discuss with your doctor the possibility of adjusting the dose or switching to a different form of the medication, as the protagonist of the article did. It can also be helpful to shift your focus from anticipating results to what you can control, such as taking u...