Questions about sex and health

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

If sex hurts, but I'm afraid this will make me a "bad wife" in a religious marriage, how do I talk about this with my husband and doctor without feeling guilty?

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You are not alone: in a study of 629 Christian women, many had difficulty discussing pain due to a cultural context that teaches everything will be perfect after marriage. It's important to remember that pain is not a sign of being "broken," but a signal that requires attention. Start the conversation with your husband by focusing on your feelings, without guilt: for example, "I'm in pain, and I want us to solve this together." When seeing a doctor, ask if they consider psychological and relati...

My jaw hurts and I have sexual problems. Could they be connected?

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Researchers have indeed found a link between jaw pain (temporomandibular disorder) and male sexual problems. In the study, men with premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or erectile dysfunction were more likely to have facial pain, and those with erectile dysfunction also had reduced jaw mobility. However, this does not mean that one causes the other — there may be a common mechanism related to stress or muscle tension. If you are concerned about both symptoms, it is important to consult ...

Is it true that GLP-1 is a safe miracle cure that suits everyone, and can it be taken without a doctor's prescription?

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GLP-1 is not a panacea, and they are not suitable for everyone. They have side effects, so they should be prescribed by a doctor, not a blogger. Furthermore, WHO emphasizes the importance of addressing obesity at its root by changing the food environment, rather than just treating symptoms with pills. Before making a decision, be sure to consult a specialist and do not give in to the hype.

Я беременна, прошла тест на сексуальное здоровье, общий балл низкий. Мне реально стоит беспокоиться?

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Низкий общий балл этого теста для беременных женщин может вводить в заблуждение — исследования не подтвердили его надежность в этот период. Вместо того чтобы ориентироваться на общую сумму, попросите врача проанализировать отдельные подшкалы (такие как желание, боль). Также учтите, что вопросы о возбуждении и удовлетворении работают хуже, поэтому на них особенно не стоит полагаться. Если есть сомнения, лучше обсудить свои ощущения с гинекологом.

Можно ли быть одиноким, даже если вокруг много людей?

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Да, это нормально. Одиночество — это не про количество людей вокруг, а про разрыв между теми отношениями, которые у вас есть, и теми, которые вы хотите. Вы можете чувствовать себя изолированным даже в компании, если ваши настоящие потребности в близости не удовлетворены. Причины могут быть разными: переезд, ссора с друзьями или перемены в жизни, когда старые связи ослабли, а новые ещё не сформировались.

I feel like my body is not mine, but I'm afraid I'm just confused and making up a problem. How do I know if I'm really transgender and not mistaken?

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Doubt is a normal part of the journey, and it doesn't make you any less real. What matters is that the thought of living in the wrong body fills you with dread—that's a signal, not baseless worry. Nobody wakes up with absolute certainty; everyone has doubts, fears, and second-guessing. Try moving forward gradually: experiment with clothing, hairstyles, names—it doesn't have to be all or nothing. If possible, seek out a therapist who specializes in transgender issues to help you sort through you...

Мой дедушка старше 65 лет, у него проблемы с эрекцией. Я переживаю, что он может начать злоупотреблять лекарствами. Это правда? Что нам делать?

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Yes, the risk is indeed increased. A study involving over 320,000 men showed that in older men (over 65) diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, the risk of abusing sleeping pills and sedatives is 2.28 times higher, opioids 1.7 times higher, and cocaine 2.3 times higher. This does not mean it will necessarily happen, but healthcare providers should be more attentive to such patients. If this is your case, it is important not to keep silent about the problem, but together with your grandfather disc...

Can a vibrator actually improve sexual function after 50 if there are problems?

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The study you are asking about showed that in women with sexual dysfunction who used a vibrator three times a week for eight weeks, sexual function improved significantly more than in those who received only an informational brochure: the difference was about 4 points on the questionnaire, which is noticeable. Improvements were seen in arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and reduced pain, and 35% of women achieved normal levels of sexual function compared to 12% in the control group. Ho...

Can I go to a regular therapist with a low testosterone problem, or do I definitely need to see a urologist?

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Yes, in most cases, your primary care physician can perform basic diagnostics and initiate treatment. International experts have concluded that men with testosterone deficiency often have concomitant issues such as excess weight or diabetes, which are typically managed by primary care physicians. However, in complex situations—for example, when a pituitary tumor or serious diseases are suspected—the doctor will refer you to a specialist. Therefore, it is best to start with your primary care phy...

Свечи с гиалуроновой кислотой реально помогают от сухости или это просто увлажнение?

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Yes, a recent study showed that vaginal suppositories with hyaluronic acid do help with dryness and pain during sex. After five weeks of use, 89% of women had improved mucosal condition, and 79% reported reduced symptoms. Importantly, the effect was also at the level of sensations: women reported decreased pain and improved quality of sexual life. However, the study is small and without a control group, so it's more like preliminary data, not definitive proof. If you're considering this option,...