Questions about sex and health

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

Can gender role nonconformity affect sexual life, and what to do about it?

Editorial

Answer

Yes, it can. Research has shown that the more a person feels their nonconformity to gender stereotypes, the higher the risk of sexual dysfunctions, such as decreased desire or problems with arousal. However, this is not a direct sentence: the negative impact is largely explained by social support. If close ones accept you and do not judge, this reduces stress and anxiety that interfere with intimacy. Therefore, it is important to surround yourself with people who support you, and if difficultie...

I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst. Is it cancer?

Editorial

Answer

No, in the vast majority of cases, an ovarian cyst is not cancer. A cyst is just a fluid-filled sac, while cancer is a solid mass of uncontrolled dividing cells. Most cysts are benign, such as functional cysts, and often resolve on their own within a couple of months. Even the risk of a dermoid cyst turning into cancer is only 1–2%, and that is more common after age 45 or with large cysts. However, if the cyst is complex, it can be difficult to distinguish from cancer on ultrasound, so it is im...

Can a man consider himself bisexual if he is in a relationship with a girl and has never been with a man?

Editorial

Answer

Yes, he can. Your orientation is determined by feelings, not experience. Bisexuality is an identity, not a "track record." Being in a relationship with a woman does not make you "simply heterosexual," just as being in a relationship with a man does not make you "simply gay." Imposter syndrome is common among bi people, but remember: you don't have to prove anything to anyone. If doubts persist, consider support from a psychologist familiar with LGBTQ topics.

I feel like my partner is emotionally destroying me, but I'm afraid to tell anyone: what if they don't believe me, since there are no bruises. How to choose a person you can trust, and what to say so that I'm heard?

Editorial

Answer

Start with those who, in your opinion, are able to listen: a friend, a relative, a psychologist, or a doctor — it's important that the person is safe and doesn't idealize your partner. Prepare a phrase in advance, for example: 'I am experiencing abuse in my relationship, and I need support.' If they interrupt you or dismiss you, say: 'It's important to me that you hear me, not judge me.' If the reaction is bad, remember: it's not your fault, that listener just isn't suitable. Look for someone w...

Почему врачи до сих пор боятся гормональной терапии, если она может помочь?

Editorial

Answer

Страх врачей и пациенток уходит корнями в исследование 2002 года, где у женщин старше 60 лет с уже имеющимися проблемами сердца на фоне одного вида гормонов риск рака груди и сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний оказался чуть выше. Эти выводы ошибочно распространили на всех, хотя сейчас данные показывают: при начале терапии до 60 лет или в течение 10 лет после менопаузы польза обычно перевешивает риски. Если начать позже, риск тромбов и инсульта растет, поэтому так важен индивидуальный подход. Не ст...

What to do if your ex suggests staying friends, but you're not sure you want that? How to understand their true intentions?

Editorial

Answer

It's important not to guess but to directly ask the person how they see your communication going forward. This will save time and nerves. Discuss specific details: how you both will feel about new partners, whether hugs are acceptable, how often you want to communicate. If you feel uncomfortable, say so—your boundaries matter, and a good friend will respect them. If friendship doesn't work out, that's okay; maybe you need time to let go of the past. Don't blame yourself; the main thing is to ho...

Comparison of men, Europeans and Russians

ксения

Why is comparison between European and Russian men always not in favour of the latter?

Answer

" What Spanish men think about - how to treat a woman - is said by a friend who has lived in Spain for years. - For them, the kunilingus is joy, they can be offended or upset if you refuse it. " And here I am thinking about our Russian boys. It's not that bad. Of course, more and less decent lovers. But, to be honest, in general, the concept is, " I've done a great favor already in my pants. I'm a male, so everyone's fine just because I got up first, and secondly, I put it in. Thirdly, it is a ...

How vagina size influences

Виолета Ивановна Ермолаева

How do vagina size affect intimate life?

Answer

Is the size important? Too often, the size of the male sexual organ is linked to this issue, but this is not an issue exclusively for men, as the size of the vagina may have an impact on private life. And many women, like men, who are concerned about the length of their sexual penis, are burdened by their thoughts on the amount of their vagina. This problem is particularly relevant after birth - the vagina is stretched and adds several millimetres in diameter. Paragraph 1: Average dimensions. E...

Are girls with a cock?

Александр Григорьевич Любимов

Women's membership at birth

Answer

A woman has no male genitals in nature. It's the sex of a person. When a newborn has signs of both sexes, they say that a child is hermafrodite. These people operate as a child, depending on the medical evidence, either male or female sex workers are left and hormonotherapy is appointed. In rare cases, hermafrodite lives without surgery, and then its gender is determined by parents or by its own sense of peace. This membership will be social, not physiological. Women ' s genital mutilation is v...