Category Archives: sex and relationship

Senior Sex, sex and relationship, Sex Health

Health and Aging Concerns: Navigating Physical Changes, Energy Levels, and the Anxiety Around Mortality

Aging is an inevitable part of life, yet it often comes with concerns that extend beyond the physical changes it brings. As individuals progress through midlife, the reality of aging becomes more pronounced, often triggering anxiety about health, energy levels, and ultimately, mortality. These concerns can significantly impact one’s mental well-being, as the awareness of the body’s limitations and the future uncertainties loom larger. Understanding and managing health and aging concerns is essential for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life as we age.

Physical Changes and Their Impact

One of the most obvious aspects of aging is the physical changes that occur in the body. As people move through their 40s and 50s, they may begin to notice shifts in their appearance, strength, and overall physical capabilities. These changes, though natural, can still be jarring and lead to feelings of vulnerability or frustration.

Some common physical changes associated with aging include:

Decreased Muscle Mass and Strength: As we age, the body naturally loses muscle mass, a process known as sarcopenia. This can lead to reduced strength, making everyday activities more challenging and contributing to feelings of physical decline.

Joint Stiffness and Mobility Issues: Many individuals experience joint pain or stiffness, especially in areas such as the knees, hips, and back. Conditions like arthritis become more common with age, affecting mobility and comfort.

Changes in Skin and Hair: Skin elasticity decreases over time, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. Hair often thins and turns gray, which can impact self-image and confidence.

Weight Gain or Redistribution: Hormonal changes, slower metabolism, and decreased physical activity can contribute to weight gain, especially around the midsection.

Vision and Hearing Loss: It’s common for eyesight to deteriorate with age, with conditions like presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects) affecting many. Hearing loss can also become more pronounced, affecting communication and quality of life.

These physical changes, though common, can lead to anxiety about aging. For many, there is a fear of losing independence, becoming reliant on others, or experiencing chronic pain or disability. The physical decline can also evoke feelings of mortality, as it becomes a visible reminder that the body is aging and time is finite.

Changes in Energy Levels

One of the most significant health concerns during midlife is the noticeable shift in energy levels. Tasks that were once accomplished with ease may suddenly feel exhausting, and there is often a struggle to maintain the same level of physical and mental stamina that existed in earlier years.

Several factors contribute to changes in energy levels:

Hormonal Shifts: Both men and women experience hormonal changes as they age, which can affect energy and vitality. For women, menopause brings a decrease in estrogen and progesterone, often leading to fatigue, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Men experience a gradual decline in testosterone, which can also lead to lower energy and reduced motivation.

Sleep Disruptions: Aging can affect sleep quality, with many individuals experiencing insomnia or waking frequently during the night. Poor sleep significantly impacts energy levels and can contribute to feelings of sluggishness during the day.

Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease become more common with age and can drain energy levels. Managing these conditions often requires lifestyle changes, which can feel burdensome and lead to fatigue.

Mental and Emotional Stress: As people navigate midlife, they often face increased responsibilities, such as caring for aging parents or managing career changes. These stressors can take a toll on energy levels, both physically and emotionally.

Lower energy can impact one’s ability to engage in hobbies, socialize, or maintain physical fitness, which in turn can contribute to feelings of frustration and anxiety. People may begin to feel that their best years are behind them, leading to a sense of helplessness or resignation.

Anxiety Around Mortality

As physical aging becomes more apparent, many individuals experience heightened awareness of their own mortality. This recognition often triggers existential questions about life’s meaning and the inevitability of death. These concerns are particularly common in midlife, when people often face milestones such as children leaving home, the deaths of parents, or reaching the peak of their careers, which may prompt thoughts of what lies ahead.

Anxiety around mortality can manifest in several ways:

Health Anxiety: Individuals may become hyper-aware of bodily sensations and fear that minor ailments could signal serious health problems. This fear of illness can lead to frequent doctor visits, unnecessary medical tests, or obsessive health monitoring.

Fear of Decline: Many people worry about losing their independence, developing dementia, or becoming a burden on loved ones. This fear can be compounded by witnessing friends or family members go through such experiences.

Existential Anxiety: The reality of mortality often brings questions about the purpose of life, what one has accomplished, and how one will be remembered. These existential concerns can lead to feelings of regret, a desire to leave a legacy, or even a crisis of meaning.

While these concerns are normal, they can be overwhelming if left unaddressed. Many individuals struggle with the uncertainty of the future and may experience a sense of helplessness or dread. However, there are ways to manage and cope with these anxieties in a healthy and constructive manner.

Strategies for Managing Health and Aging Concerns

Coping with the physical and emotional challenges of aging requires a proactive approach that focuses on both physical well-being and mental health. Here are several strategies that can help manage the anxieties associated with aging:

  1. Prioritize Physical Health: Engaging in regular physical activity can help counteract many of the physical effects of aging, such as muscle loss, joint stiffness, and decreased energy. Exercise improves cardiovascular health, enhances mood, and boosts energy levels. Strength training, yoga, and aerobic exercises are especially beneficial for maintaining flexibility, balance, and muscle mass.
  2. Adopt a Balanced Diet: Nutrition plays a crucial role in aging well. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes while supporting overall energy and vitality. Staying hydrated and reducing processed foods can also improve mood and cognitive function.
  3. Prioritize Sleep: Good sleep is essential for energy and mental clarity. Developing healthy sleep habits, such as sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, reducing screen time before bed, and creating a calming bedtime routine, can improve sleep quality.
  4. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can exacerbate the physical and emotional toll of aging. Mindfulness practices, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and hobbies can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
  5. Seek Social Support: Staying socially connected with family, friends, and community can help reduce feelings of isolation and improve emotional well-being. Maintaining close relationships is key to managing anxieties around aging and mortality.
  6. Embrace Mindfulness and Acceptance: Acknowledging the natural process of aging and practicing mindfulness can help individuals find peace with the changes their bodies and minds are undergoing. Instead of resisting the aging process, acceptance allows for a more positive approach to life’s transitions.

Conclusion

Health and aging concerns are inevitable as we grow older, but they don’t have to define our experience of midlife and beyond. While physical changes and anxiety around mortality can be challenging, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and addressing these concerns with a proactive mindset can lead to greater well-being and fulfillment. By focusing on what can be controlled—physical health, mental resilience, and social connections—individuals can navigate the complexities of aging with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Senior Sex, sex and relationship, Sex Health

Career Transitions and Burnout: Navigating Job Dissatisfaction and the Desire for Change

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, career transitions and burnout have become common experiences, particularly during midlife. As individuals progress through their careers, many reach a point where they reassess their professional paths, often finding themselves questioning whether their current job is fulfilling or sustainable. Burnout, which is increasingly recognized as a major issue in the workforce, can amplify these feelings, leaving individuals grappling with fatigue, disengagement, and a desire for a complete career change.

Understanding the dynamics of career transitions and burnout can help people navigate this challenging period and take proactive steps toward a more fulfilling and balanced professional life.

The Nature of Burnout

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to stress, particularly in the workplace. It often develops over time, beginning with feelings of overwork and progressing into a deeper sense of disillusionment and fatigue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is characterized by three key dimensions:

  1. Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained and depleted of energy.
  2. Depersonalization: A sense of cynicism and detachment from work.
  3. Reduced personal accomplishment: The feeling of ineffectiveness and lack of achievement.

Burnout tends to creep up on individuals over time. It often begins with high levels of enthusiasm and commitment to one’s job but gradually transitions into frustration and fatigue, as the demands of the workplace outweigh the resources or energy an individual can give. High expectations, long hours, and constant pressure can create an unsustainable work-life balance, leading to burnout.

The Midlife Reassessment

For many people, the realization of burnout often coincides with midlife, a time when they are already reassessing their personal and professional lives. This phase, often termed a “midlife crisis,” is not only about personal reflection but also involves a deep reexamination of career satisfaction.

Midlife is typically marked by a significant amount of experience and achievement in one’s career. By this point, individuals may have spent 15 to 25 years in the workforce, climbing the corporate ladder, building businesses, or establishing themselves as experts in their fields. However, after decades of focusing on career goals, it’s common to encounter a growing sense of dissatisfaction. Many people begin to question whether their work aligns with their values, passions, or aspirations.

Common triggers for midlife career reassessment include:

Job Stagnation: Feeling stuck in a role with little opportunity for growth or advancement.

Shifting Priorities: A change in personal values, such as placing more emphasis on work-life balance or personal fulfillment over financial success.

Loss of Passion: Realizing that the excitement or motivation that once fueled one’s career has faded over time.

External Pressure: Family responsibilities, health concerns, or the need to manage financial security as retirement approaches.

At this stage, many individuals start to feel a mismatch between the demands of their job and their own evolving personal goals, which can exacerbate burnout and increase the desire for a career change.

Symptoms of Career Burnout

Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial to making informed career decisions. Individuals who are experiencing burnout typically exhibit several key symptoms, which may include:

  1. Physical and Emotional Fatigue: Feeling exhausted even after a good night’s sleep or having difficulty getting out of bed to face another workday.
  2. Reduced Productivity: A noticeable decline in work performance, difficulty concentrating, or the inability to complete tasks on time.
  3. Cynicism Toward Work: Feeling disconnected from one’s work, becoming increasingly critical of colleagues or the organization, or losing the sense of purpose that once drove performance.
  4. Mental Health Struggles: Increased levels of anxiety, depression, or irritability related to job responsibilities.
  5. Detachment from Personal Life: Neglecting hobbies, relationships, or personal interests due to work-related stress, further eroding overall life satisfaction.

These symptoms not only impact professional performance but can also have far-reaching consequences on mental health and personal well-being. When burnout is left unaddressed, it can lead to severe physical and emotional issues, such as chronic stress, anxiety disorders, and even heart disease.

The Desire for Career Change

The realization of burnout and dissatisfaction often sparks a desire for a career change, as individuals seek to realign their professional lives with their personal needs and values. While making such a transition may seem daunting, it can also be an empowering opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Many people approaching midlife have a wealth of experience and skills, which they can leverage to transition into new fields or roles. Common reasons for seeking a career change include:

Pursuing Passion Projects: After years of working in a field for financial stability, some individuals choose to pursue careers that reflect their passions, such as turning a hobby into a business or working in a more creative field.

Seeking Meaningful Work: Many people find themselves gravitating toward careers that offer greater personal fulfillment or social impact, such as roles in healthcare, education, or non-profit organizations.

Prioritizing Work-Life Balance: After years of stressful work environments, individuals may seek careers with more flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, or reduced hours to focus on family and personal well-being.

Entrepreneurship: Some individuals use their midlife reassessment as a launching pad to start their own businesses, allowing for greater control over their work and life balance.

Navigating Career Transitions

While the desire for change may be strong, navigating a career transition requires thoughtful planning and self-reflection. Here are a few steps to help guide the process:

  1. Self-Assessment: Before making any drastic decisions, it’s essential to take stock of one’s skills, values, and long-term goals. Career transitions should be aligned with personal strengths and aspirations, so a thorough self-assessment is a critical first step.
  2. Explore New Options: Research potential career paths that align with personal interests and values. This may include speaking with people in different industries, attending workshops or seminars, or even trying out new roles on a part-time or freelance basis.
  3. Invest in New Skills: Transitioning into a new career may require additional education or training. Investing in relevant courses or certifications can help bridge the gap between current skills and the demands of a new field.
  4. Gradual Transition: For many, a career change may not happen overnight. Consider transitioning slowly by taking on part-time roles, freelance work, or side projects while maintaining a current job to ease the financial and emotional burden.
  5. Seek Support: Career transitions can be emotionally challenging. Seeking guidance from mentors, career coaches, or counselors can provide valuable perspective and support during this time of change.

Conclusion

Career transitions and burnout are common challenges, especially during midlife when individuals often reassess their professional lives. While burnout can be overwhelming, it also presents an opportunity to reevaluate career paths and pursue roles that are more aligned with personal values, passions, and long-term goals. With thoughtful reflection and planning, a midlife career transition can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced professional life, providing a renewed sense of purpose and satisfaction in the years ahead.

Senior Sex, sex and relationship

Vaccination and Treatment Strategies for Monkeypox: Current Advances and Future Directions

Introduction

Monkeypox, a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, has recently emerged as a significant public health concern, especially after outbreaks in non-endemic regions. With the increasing spread of monkeypox, there is a pressing need to explore effective vaccination and treatment strategies to manage and prevent the disease. This article examines the current advances in monkeypox vaccination and treatment, highlighting existing solutions and exploring future directions for improved prevention and therapeutic approaches.

Overview of Monkeypox and Its Spread

Monkeypox is an infectious disease that was first identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has since remained endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, where the virus circulates primarily through wildlife reservoirs, such as rodents and primates. Human-to-human transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids, skin lesions, or contaminated surfaces.

In recent years, global outbreaks have raised awareness of monkeypox’s pandemic potential, especially in non-endemic countries. The spread of monkeypox beyond its traditional boundaries emphasizes the need for effective vaccination and treatment strategies to control its impact on public health.

Vaccination Strategies for Monkeypox

1. Smallpox Vaccines and Cross-Protection

One of the most promising aspects of monkeypox prevention is the cross-protection offered by vaccines developed for smallpox. Due to the genetic similarity between the monkeypox and smallpox viruses (both belong to the Orthopoxvirus genus), smallpox vaccines have been shown to offer substantial protection against monkeypox.

ACAM2000: This live attenuated virus vaccine, originally developed for smallpox, provides cross-protection against monkeypox. ACAM2000 is a replication-competent vaccine, meaning the virus replicates in the body after administration. While effective, the vaccine comes with some risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals or those with skin conditions such as eczema, as it can lead to adverse reactions, including myocarditis and pericarditis.

JYNNEOS (Imvamune/Imvanex): JYNNEOS is a third-generation, non-replicating, modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine that is safer and better tolerated than ACAM2000. It was initially developed for smallpox but has since been approved for the prevention of both smallpox and monkeypox. JYNNEOS is particularly important in addressing the vaccination needs of vulnerable populations, including immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and people with skin conditions.

The cross-protection provided by these vaccines has been a cornerstone of outbreak management, especially during the 2022 global monkeypox outbreaks in non-endemic regions.

2. Current Vaccination Campaigns and Challenges

During recent outbreaks, vaccination campaigns have primarily targeted healthcare workers, close contacts of confirmed cases, and high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM). In non-endemic regions, such as the United States and Europe, vaccination efforts have been ramped up to curb the spread of the virus.

However, vaccination campaigns face several challenges:

Limited Supply: The sudden global demand for JYNNEOS and other vaccines has strained supply chains, leading to shortages in some regions.

Equity in Access: Vaccine distribution has been uneven, with high-income countries securing the majority of doses. This leaves low-income countries, including those in endemic regions, with limited access to vaccines, further exacerbating health disparities.

Vaccine Hesitancy: As with many public health interventions, vaccine hesitancy poses a barrier to widespread vaccination. Misinformation and stigma, particularly in marginalized communities, can hinder efforts to vaccinate at-risk populations.

3. Future Directions for Vaccines

To improve vaccine strategies for monkeypox, future directions may include:

Development of Specific Monkeypox Vaccines: While existing smallpox vaccines offer protection, the development of vaccines specifically targeting monkeypox could provide more effective and safer immunization. These vaccines would ideally have fewer side effects and better scalability for global distribution.

Improved Global Supply and Access: Addressing inequities in vaccine access is critical. International collaborations between governments, pharmaceutical companies, and health organizations could help ensure that endemic regions have sufficient vaccine supplies.

Exploring Intradermal Vaccination: Recent studies have explored intradermal (beneath the skin) administration of JYNNEOS to stretch vaccine supplies. This method requires lower doses per individual, potentially increasing the number of people who can be vaccinated during shortages.

Treatment Strategies for Monkeypox

1. Supportive Care

Currently, the primary treatment approach for monkeypox is supportive care, as there are no specific antiviral treatments approved solely for monkeypox. Supportive care includes managing symptoms such as fever, rash, and pain, and preventing secondary bacterial infections that can complicate the disease.

Fluid and Electrolyte Management: For patients with severe disease, especially those with dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea, intravenous fluids and electrolytes may be required.

Pain Management: Analgesics are used to manage pain associated with the rash, which can be severe in some cases.

Antibiotics: In cases where secondary bacterial infections develop, antibiotics may be prescribed.

2. Antiviral Therapies

Several antiviral drugs originally developed for other diseases have shown promise in treating monkeypox. These include:

Tecovirimat (TPOXX): Tecovirimat is an antiviral drug developed for the treatment of smallpox and has been approved for monkeypox in some regions, such as the United States. It inhibits viral replication by targeting a specific protein involved in virus egress, thereby reducing viral spread within the body. Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms in monkeypox patients.

Cidofovir and Brincidofovir: These antivirals are used to treat cytomegalovirus and smallpox infections, and they have shown activity against monkeypox in laboratory studies. However, they are associated with significant side effects, including kidney toxicity, which limits their use in some patients.

Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIG): VIG is an antibody therapy derived from individuals vaccinated against smallpox. It is used to treat complications arising from smallpox vaccination, but in certain cases, it has been used as a treatment for monkeypox. While its use is limited, it remains a potential therapeutic option for severe cases of monkeypox, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

3. Future Directions for Treatments

Looking ahead, the development of more targeted antiviral treatments for monkeypox is crucial. This includes:

Development of Novel Antivirals: Future research should focus on developing antiviral drugs specifically designed for monkeypox. These drugs could provide more effective treatment with fewer side effects compared to current options.

Clinical Trials for Existing Antivirals: Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of existing antiviral treatments, such as Tecovirimat, in larger populations and across different stages of monkeypox infection.

Immunotherapy and Monoclonal Antibodies: The use of monoclonal antibodies, which are lab-produced molecules that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight viruses, represents a promising area for future research.

Conclusion

The global response to monkeypox has underscored the importance of vaccination and treatment strategies in controlling outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations. Current vaccines, such as JYNNEOS and ACAM2000, offer cross-protection from smallpox, but there is a need for more targeted vaccines and improved global distribution to ensure equitable access. Antiviral treatments like Tecovirimat have shown promise, but further research is necessary to develop more effective and safer therapeutics. Moving forward, collaboration between governments, international health organizations, and pharmaceutical companies is critical to advancing monkeypox prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately reducing the global impact of this emerging disease.

Contraception, sex and relationship, Sex Health

Lifestyle And Male Infertility

Newton said several years ago “every action has a reaction”, and this could not be more accurate. In the actual world we live in, the lifestyle that we practice represent all that happens to our body, inside and out. What surrounds us has a direct or an indirect impact in our lives, affecting us for better or worst. Our jobs, relationships, routines, physical exercises, diets, genetics, etc. have something to do with our actual state. The appearance of male infertility can also be explained by these, but more important, these conditions can be prevented by just making some lifestyle changes.

Studies like the one developed by personnel from the Department of Urology of the Weill Cornell Medicine College in New York discussed the increasing attention to primary and secondary prevention of male infertility through modifiable lifestyle factors, evaluating diet, physical activity, body habitus, among other factors.

The study based its findings on the fact that diverse theories and investigations have emerged implicating consumption of saturated fats, extremes of body mass index, high-intensity exercise, and pesticide exposure as detrimental to male fertility. Researchers found that semen quality and birth outcomes were benefited by a balanced dietary fat intake, moderated physical activity, and the management of a healthy body habitus.

A systematic review was made and published in 2018 in the Arab Journal of Urology, gathering information of several studies that discussed the association of principally male infertility with lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake, smoking cigarettes, use of illicit drugs, dietary practices, obesity, psychological stress, advanced paternal age, among others like intense cycling training, testicular heat stress, lack of sleep, and radiation of electromagnetic from use of hand phone.

The review concluded that these lifestyle factors and its negative impact on male fertility could be mostly overcome by behavior modification and better lifestyle choices. An increase in couple education could also enhance awareness and recognition of the possible impact of these factors.

An important factor for mentioning is the fact that the actual human being is subject of tremendous psychological stress. We are used to live in a world where people become easily stressed. In fact, stress is so common nowadays that people usually think it is something normal. The reality is that stress is not a beneficial thing for our health, it doesn’t only affect our body, but also our mind. Of course, fertility does not escape from stress.

A theory explains that our body can prevent conception from happening during stressful events due to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and catecholamines. The increase in these hormones´ blood levels is capable of inhibiting the release of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the responsible for the release of sex hormones, reducing sperm count and libido. If this gets chronic, which is very common nowadays, it turns into a disorder called Stress-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction. Now you understand why there is a honeymoon after marriage, holiday may reduce stress and improve chances of conception.

sex and relationship, Sex Health

Gonorrhea Prevention and Treatment

Gonorrhea is a kind of sexually transmitted infections that can cause serious problems if left untreated for a prolonged period of time. It’s your responsibility as a sexually active person to protect yourself from it. This article will discuss some of the things that you can do in order to decrease the risk of catching and spreading gonorrhea – and treating it.

First of all, any person that has sexual intercourse can get this infection. The three main methods in which a person can get gonorrhea are vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex. Also, a pregnant woman that has the infection can transmit it to her unborn child. If this is the case – then it can cause severe health problems for the baby.

The most effective way in which you can protect yourself from contracting gonorrhea is by completely abstaining from having sex. If this is not possible, then you should always use latex condoms in the proper way when having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

The symptoms of being infected with gonorrhea are different for men and women. Some men and women report having no symptoms at all – even though they are infected with gonorrhea. The most frequent symptoms are a white, green, or yellow discharge from the penis or vagina, abdominal pain, and pain when urinating. These symptoms may seem innocuous but they may be the symptoms of a gonorrhea infection.

If you catch the infection early, then you have great odds for treating it successfully. Your doctor will prescribe you a course of medications that you need to take diligently. You shouldn’t have any sexual intercourse less than 7 days of the moment that you have finished taking your medication. Don’t share the same medication with your partner as this can cause problems.

If left untreated, though, gonorrhea may cause some serious problems down the line. Women can get a blockage of the fallopian tubes due to scarring, and they may get infertile. Chronic abdomen pain is also known to be one of the results of untreated gonorrhea infection. For men, the tubes that are attached to the testicles may become very painful. In some instances, men that have untreated gonorrhea may even become infertile. Having an untreated gonorrhea infection may also make it easier to contract or to spread the HIV virus.

It’s important to frequent check-ups for gonorrhea, especially if you have sex with multiple partners. This is a very frequent sexually transmitted infection – especially for younger people. A steady, monogamous relationship may be your best bet if you wish to protect yourself and your partner from gonorrhea infections.

If you follow the advice from above, then you will make progress to maintain and improve your sexual health. Gonorrhea is not a minor infection and it can cause severe problems if left untreated for longer periods of time. Always make sure that you’re protected with a latex condom when having sex – including vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex. Only in this way will you be able to protect yourself from any STIs.

sex and relationship, Sex Health

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD) that can be contracted by any sexually active person. A lot of individuals affected with the virus show no symptoms. Even without showing any symptoms or signs of illness, herpes can still be transmitted to sexual partners. Herpetic sores occur as a result of genital herpes and one of the features of herpetic sore is painful blisters (fluid-filled bumps) which can break and discharge fluid

Herpes viruses are of two types and they are responsible for the causes of genital herpes. The viruses are referred to as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

In some parts of the world such as the United States, genital herpes is common and it affects more than one in six people that lie between the ages of 14 and 49.

How is genital herpes transmitted?

You can contract genital herpes by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with a person suffering from it.

If you don’t suffer from herpes, you may become infected if you come into contact with the herpes virus in:

  • A herpes sore;
  • Saliva (if your partner has oral herpes infection) or genital secretion (if your partner has genital herpes infection);
  • Skin in your mouth if your partner has oral herpes infection or skin in the genital area if your partner has a genital herpes infection.

It is possible for you to get herpes from a sexual partner that does not have a visible sore or those that does not know they have been infected with the virus. It is also possible to contract genital herpes if you have oral sex with a sexual partner suffering from oral herpes.

Getting infected with herpes from places such as the toilet seats, bedding or swimming pools, or touching of objects surrounding you, such as silverware, soap or towels is not common. In the event that you have any additional questions on how herpes spreads, meeting and discussing your doctor should be put into consideration.

How to reduce your chance of getting infected with genital herpes?

One of the best ways to avoid been infected with STDs is to avoid vaginal, anal or oral sex.

In the event that you are sexually active, you can do the following to reduce your chances of getting genital herpes:

  • getting involved in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner that has not been infected with STD (for example, a partner who has been tested and has negative STD test results);
  • Make use of latex condom properly each time you are having sex.

How to diagnose genital herpes

Conducting a visual examination of the herpes sore by your doctor is the ways to diagnose herpes. Although not always necessary, your doctor can confirm the diagnosis by laboratory tests.

Performing a blood test in the laboratory can be used to diagnose herpes simplex virus before you encounter an epidemic. Check with your doctor if you think you have been exposed to genital herpes, even if you have no symptoms.

How to treat genital herpes?

Treatment can reduce the epidemic but cannot cure you of the herpes simplex virus.

Medications

Antiviral drugs can help you quickly cure wounds and reduce pain. You can take medications at the first sign of an epidemic (tingling, itching and other symptoms) in order to reduce the symptoms. People who experience epidemics may also be prescribed drugs to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks.

Home care

In order to treat herpes using homegrown methods, make use of a mild cleaning agent when bathing or showering in warm water. Keep the infected area clean and dry. Wear removed cotton clothing to make the area comfortable.

Herpes may not be dangerous like HIV, but it will still make you uncomfortable and it will affect your life seriously. You may not be able to avoid it 100% but you may try your best to lower the risk with just a little effort.

sex and relationship, Sex Health

Something About Female Sexuality – Female Orgasm

Men should take comfort from the facts of female sexuality. It is difficult for most women to orgasm from intercourse alone, and yet amazingly few women ask about lack of orgasm. In addition to the obvious personal embarrassment, likely explanations include:

Not every woman is even interested in sex, either by masturbation or from a sexual relationship. Relatively few women masturbate, and so many women never know what an orgasm is. Some women assume that they orgasm during sex when, in fact, they don’t. Others accept that sex involves pleasing their man rather than looking for their own sexual pleasure.

The irony is that women who ask about lack of orgasm have the confidence to question because they have explored their sexuality more than most women, both with or without a partner. Regardless of her sexual expectations, any woman will offer her partner sex when she feels good about the relationship and loving towards her partner. They are looking for feeling of intimacy instead of orgasm, the cuddling or caress part maybe the best part in whole process of sexual intercourse for her.

After spending a romantic (affectionate and companionable) evening together, sharing emotional intimacy, or even after an emotional movie, a woman can feel amenable to having sex. Women just take longer time to warm up; compare to men, they can heat up in just split second.

However, these stimuli are very different from those she needs to achieve orgasm (sexual fantasies involve explicit eroticism). Unfortunately, Mother Nature does not favour about female orgasm. As long as a woman is amenable to having sex, the job is done!

Emotional intimacy

The film ‘Overboard’ stars Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, her real-life partner. Goldie plays a spoilt rich young wife who loses her memory and, purely out of revenge, Kurt playing a lowly carpenter pretends that she is married to him, with his four children.

Sexual relationships favor male orgasm, and it is clear that he would have little problem having sex with this woman he hardly knows and even dislikes. It is equally clear that she would consider it out of the question to have sex with a man she cannot remember knowing.

“Men are most comfortable expressing love through sex, through shared activities, through being a good provider, and through just being together…”

Later in the story, they get to know each other and one evening, pretending that it is her birthday, they go out on a date. After dancing, they talk and gaze at the evening sky while romantic music plays. They kiss and, on returning home, ‘make love’ for the first time.

“98 percent of the women… said they would like more verbal closeness with the men they love; they want the men in their lives to talk more about their thoughts, emotions, plans, and to question them about theirs.”

The woman now feels affection for the man and finds him physically attractive. Of course, he always was attractive, but he suddenly appeals because she respects him and cares for him. Perhaps it is as self-evident to women that relationships are about companionship as it is to men that they are about physical intimacy. In fact, both are part of a long-term relationship.

sex and relationship, Sex Health

Sex Games

It is not far-fetched these days to hear couples complain of having a boring sexual life. Couples and those in relationships complain of their partner’s infidelity, while some will always use the sentence “it used to be interesting before but all of a sudden, it is now as boring as watching two old people quarrel”. It is never easy to keep the rush of sexual pleasure every night. You may be pondering upon the phrase “boring sexual life”, it definitely means no foreplay, and paying less attention to the mental and psychological state of your partner, all you just want to do is have sex with her and get done with without even thinking of making memory with it.

Sex is repetitive most times. In carrying out sexual activities, the brain is the biggest sex organ as it must be stimulated so as to get the best out of the intercourse. If the brain is stimulated, then your partner will become hornier, then you can enjoy and at the same time create wonderful experience together.

Sex games triggers the excitement that lies ahead in sex. If your sex partner is not your enemy which he or she will definitely never be, then playing games will definitely heighten the pleasure in sexuality. There are different games that must be considered if you want to take your sex life to another level. Role playing; In this type of game, both partners adopt different roles and acts as strangers. They act out unscripted roles and adopts the use of raunchy and kinky languages which is directly stimulating their psychology and getting them ready for intercourse.

Another game that can be played by couples or sexual partners is Reenacting Pornography. In reenacting pornography, both of them may be on the bed or couch or anywhere they feel they are comfortable in. They watch some pornography movies together and act or do as it is being done on set. This may be difficult because those actors are paid and trained to do just that, but when couples watch it, they carry out some of the styles and even laugh over it.

Another sex games that increases sensation in the body of your partner is the blindfold game. In this type of game, one of the partner is being blind folded and the other that is not on blindfold has the luxury of exploiting the partners body. This will send better sensation than when the eyes are being open because the partner cannot predict where will be touched which sends sensations all through the body.

Another game that may be considered by couples who want to enjoy sex once again is the truth or dare. Truth or dare is a game that involves spinning bottle in between the partners, and the partner the bottle will spin towards will be asked to do some things which should be romantic, from taking of clothes, panties and other romantic things that could be thought of.

The major reason sex game is important in relationship is because it builds up sexual pressure which leads to the act itself.

erectile dysfunction, sex and relationship, Sex Health

Taking care of your sexual health

Sex is not all about having a mind-blowing, orgasm filled, and satisfying sex. It is a little more than that. There are so many things involved with having sex which includes the sexual organs, reproduction, infections, STDs and so on. If you have decided to live a sexually active life, then you would need to take responsibility for your actions. Here are some aspects of sexual health you should know about:

What sex entails

This talks about the whole essence of sex, beginning from the desire to have it, how to get stimulated and your response or reaction to it. Knowing the basics will enable you to have a clear understanding of what you are getting into so you don’t become confused or frustrated at some events that may occur during sex.

The reproductive cycle

One of the reasons for having sex is for reproduction. But is this the reason most people have sex? No. people just want to feel good and have orgasms. Identify what you want out of sex. Do you want babies? Learn how to track your cycle and what things that are required of you to do in order to have a healthy pregnancy. You don’t want to make babies? Get information about ways to prevent conception during sex. Birth controls, condoms, vasectomy and so on are tools you can use to be on a safe side.

Erectile dysfunction

This is one issue that disturbs men of all ages. Knowing about the causes of erectile dysfunction and prevention will help you have a better sex life. No one wants to be with a guy that can’t get or sustain an erection. It would end up making you and your partner frustrated. So help everyone and get yourself informed.

Higher Libido

Sexual desire varies which could cause one partner to desire sex more often than the other. This is often mistaken as sex addiction but they are quite different. Know how to reduce your libido to match that of your partner could reduce the conflict most couples have because of this issue. You could also get someone with a libido as high as yours.

Vaginal dryness

One of the struggles of women who are either pregnant or are in their menopause. This could cause friction between partners as one party might not have a desire for sex and the other might not even feel satisfied because of the dryness of the vagina. Knowing what to do in such situations like getting a lubricant in form of a tube or condom might fix the problem. Consulting your doctor at this time will also be appropriate.

Guarding against infection

This entails learning about the different types as well as consequences of infection should be first on the list. This is followed by prevention which deals with taking necessary steps to prevent sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Prevention is important to limit the spread of these diseases thereby protecting your health and that of others. You should also know about getting a test for STDs. How often should you get a test and why it is important to be tested? Then, you need to know how to live with STDs if you have contracted one.

dating, sex and relationship, Sex Health

Morning Sex- Better Sexual Health

Before you jump out of your bed and start preparing to leave the house in order to meet up with resumption hours, don’t you think you should take a dose of happiness first? The outside world can be very stressful you know.

Now, morning sex isn’t the time to reflect on how hectic the day would be. It is to help you have a good start which will make you be on your best behavior throughout the day. Why is it important to have morning sex? Let’s find out!

It wakes you up

So your eyes are open, but you can’t really see even when your sex partner is giving you a blow job or an intense head. That is because in the morning when the alarm sounds or you wake up by yourself, you are still feeling all dizzy and fuzzy. The brain is still relaxed and so your mental alertness is still on the low till your partner slides into you, then after a few strokes, you become aware of your environment. Now going back to the moment before the few strokes, those are the moments you will want to live in for the rest of your life. When you feel like you are in a dream getting laid with zero things on your mind. That is what morning sex does for you. It gives you a good waking up.

It makes sex fun

Everything about morning sex is fun! From the tousled hair to the scattered bed, smelly breathe (which you should be used to by now), you are in a relaxed state with just your partner and the quiet room. The most appropriate thing to do at this point is a quickie, a way of saying, “Let me get a taste of you before we get too busy”. And a wonderful taste it would be as it would keep her/him lingering in your thoughts all day long. Sexual fantasies sexy hot secretary or 6 packs guy at the office has got nothing on you when you empty your tank before leaving home. Having fun in sex equals better sexual health and sexual relationship.

Everything looks bright and beautiful

This would be your mood after you’ve had a romantic morning sex. That cuddle hormone you released during the sex is not for nothing you know. Morning sex makes you start your day on a positive note and keep you happy all day. Just make sure you hid that smile that will play on your lips when you think about how you woke up. You sure don’t want your boss to ask you what‘s the smile for.

Keeps you in shape

Morning sex could make up for that exercise routine you didn’t do yesterday evening because you were tired. Sex burns calories and what better way to start your morning than with a lightweight. It is easier to burn five calories every minute during sex than walking from block to block.

If you feel like you don’t have enough time in the morning to get a quick one from your partner, why don’t you plan for it by setting your alarm 25 minutes earlier than the normal time? It’s really worth it for your body shape and better sexual health. Also, you can use mints to combat that morning breath!