Questions about sex and health

Reader questions about sex, relationships, and health answered by experts: case analyses, anatomy, potency, contraception.

I'm afraid that hormone therapy after menopause will cause breast cancer. How justified is this fear?

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Answer

This fear is often based on old data, but modern therapy using natural hormones and proper selection is associated with a much lower risk of breast cancer than commonly thought. Exact numbers depend on the type of treatment and its duration, but for many women the benefits of therapy outweigh the risks. It's important to understand that the decision must be made individually with a doctor who will assess your medical history and risks, and that self-medication is not acceptable. If you are conc...

Как выбрать человека, которому можно рассказать об абьюзе, и как подготовиться к разговору, чтобы не стало хуже?

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Answer

Идеальный первый собеседник — тот, кто уже проявлял беспокойство о вас или ваших отношениях, например, друг, говоривший, что что-то не так, или человек, сам переживший подобное. Если такого нет, обратитесь к психологу или консультанту на горячей линии. Главное, чтобы человек не был тесно связан с обидчиком, иначе он может защищать его или сомневаться в ваших словах. Перед разговором установите правила: попросите не сомневаться в вашей правде, не оправдывать абьюзера и сохранять всё в секрете. Н...

I heard that microplastics were found in the penis. Could this be a cause of erectile dysfunction?

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Answer

Yes, in one study, microplastics were found in the penises of men with severe erectile dysfunction. Scientists suggest that microplastics may disrupt hormonal balance (lowering testosterone) and impair vascular function, which can affect erections. However, these are still preliminary findings, and most research has been conducted on animals. If you are concerned about erectile dysfunction, it is important to see a doctor rather than self-diagnose.

Правда, что сквирт — это просто моча?

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Answer

По составу сквирт отличается от мочи: в нем меньше мочевины, мочевой кислоты и креатинина, зато есть простатспецифический антиген и глюкоза. Поэтому это не моча, а отдельная жидкость. Однако из-за похожего запаха многие ошибочно думают иначе.

Is it true that men who watch porn more often suffer from erectile dysfunction, while women, on the contrary, do not?

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Answer

Yes, that's correct. Research shows that in men, frequent porn viewing is associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual satisfaction, whereas in women, no such association is found—in fact, they more often report better sexual functioning. Scientists explain this by noting that men tend to perceive porn as instructions, which can cause anxiety when reality does not match, while women more often use it to expand boundaries. If you notice that porn is negatively affecti...

Can pelvic floor exercises actually reduce pain from endometriosis or only improve other aspects of sex?

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Answer

Research has shown that regular exercise, including pelvic floor exercises, can improve overall sexual function in women with endometriosis: after four months of training, there were noticeable increases in lubrication and orgasm scores. However, for individual aspects—desire, arousal, and pain—no significant differences were found between groups, meaning exercise does not guarantee pain reduction. The authors also note that the effect disappeared after a year, so continued training is necessar...

How to properly support a friend after an abortion and not say too much?

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Answer

First of all, you need to listen and not impose your opinion. It's better to ask what specifically you can help with and offer real options, not invent them. If you promised help, be sure to fulfill it, as failure can be critical. Don't take on more than you can handle, and respect her privacy. If you're not ready to support, honestly step back without judging.

Мне кажется, что мои оргазмы стали менее яркими, и иногда подтекает моча при кашле. Это может быть связано со слабостью мышц тазового дна? Что мне делать?

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Answer

Да, по данным исследования, слабое тазовое дно связано с более низкой интенсивностью сокращений при оргазме и снижением чувствительности, а также может вызывать недержание мочи при кашле или смехе. Рекомендуется начать с упражнений Кегеля: сжимайте мышцы, как будто хотите остановить поток мочи, на 5–10 секунд, затем расслабляйте, повторяя 10–15 раз несколько раз в день. Однако, если проблемы уже есть, лучше проконсультироваться с гинекологом или физиотерапевтом, специализирующимся на тазовом дн...

What to do if I notice obsessive sexual thoughts and it's starting to affect my satisfaction?

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Answer

Research shows that sexual compulsivity affects men and women differently: in men, it is associated with deterioration of physical function, while in women, it is directly linked to dissatisfaction, bypassing physiology. If you recognize yourself in this description, it is worth consulting a sexologist or psychotherapist — a specialist will help you understand whether the problem lies in the body or in the emotional sphere. You can also take a pause and listen to yourself: what do you really wa...

After 45, sex has become a taboo topic for me, especially among doctors. Why is this happening and what can be done about it?

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Answer

You are not alone in your feelings: participants in studies over 45 have noted that shame and silence around sex hinder them more than physiology. Often doctors themselves avoid this topic, but it is conversation with a partner or doctor that helps you feel better and less anxious. If you need to discuss intimate issues, look for a specialist you trust and do not be afraid to raise this topic — talking about sex is not shameful at any age.