Drive? Is Low Libido Really The Problem?

By John Smith

I've been coming across a lot of articles lately that all talk about the huge need of Viagra for men. You see, the world and even the internet is stocked full with what is mostly just really good ad campaigns. Don't get me wrong. As a guy, I think the idea of Viagra 500mg pills is great, but is it really necessary? Advertising isn't just on the TV any more. It's all over the place, in your morning coffee, in your breakfast cereal, in your house cleaning items, on your facebook, on your phone calls-basically it's everywhere. When you are making a decision on what is good for your body and what is not, don't always go by what you read. Make a careful decision and council with the right people. I have the hardest time researching health issues on the internet because I know that most the time what folks have to say is basically just promoting a product and a lot of fluff to go with it.

Take the subject of Viagra for men, for example. Yes, there are times and situations when it's required, and under these circumstances it is no joke, but most the time you will hear people talking about viagra so casually, that I think we miss the purpose behind it all together. What started out as a pill to help those with ED, has now become crass joke or a quick-pop-solution for a date gone bad. You just can't expect to base your entire life on what you read because most of the information that we have has been pumped up to not only make you want to buy the product but to make a lifestyle out of it.

After some of the stuff that I read about Viagra 500mg pills, I decided to research the matter a bit. Some articles say that the pill should be used for men who have a low libido, and others say that it is only for ED. On the subject of low libido, some health experts write that 1 out of 4 men have it, other say that 1 out of 5 have it, and yet others say that 1 out of 7 have it. Who is right? We really can't say. What I would say, however, is be careful before you buy. Viagra should not be used as the pass time pill for a quick recreation that most people and internet articles put it out to be.

This is a pill popping world and we have a prescribed pill for just about every problem. Whether it's a common cold, a mild headache, and slight or severe depression everything comes with a prescription and is followed by a pill-sex is now in the same boat. There's a large number of young men who use Viagra more times than those over 40, just because they've heard it's a great rush. But they don't realise that there are adverse repercussions to such self-medication. What happened to the days of us working through our problems instead of looking for pills to do the work for us? A momentary infilling of Viagra might boost sexual performance for a hour or so, but is it really benefiting the body in the long run?

The use of Viagra for young men is not advised, because, let's face it-it's just not made for that. It's rare that young men have problems with genuine ED at all. If you have been examined by a doctor and have ED, then by all means, I give you the green on the blue pill. But if you're just experiencing a low in your sex life and the doc has said that it really has nothing to do with ED, then don't go rushing for the blue pill. There are other reasons for a lack of sexual drive, and the best part about these other reasons is that you can do something about it. You can feel strong enough to change your life with your own hands instead of relying a pill. Some of these other reasons are:

• Alcohol, smoking, or drug abuse
• Guilt of an extramarital relationship or pressure to perform with an extramarital partner
• Overwork
• Anxiety and tension
• Lack of exercise

Problems in your sex life could also be related to the side-effects of an illness or disorder. In these cases, it would definitely be best to not go the way of the crowd and depend on ED drugs, because doing so could make things worse. It's very common that people who complain of having problems with sex actually have underlying cardiac problems or diabetes. So while I'm not saying to throw Viagra and it's kin out the door all together, I will say this-don't go by everything you read. Play it safe and keep in control of your own life without having to rely on doctors and medications to do it for you.

Erectile Dysfunction Facts

Erectile Dysfunction is an issue that an estimated 18-30 million men have to face every day. With only 33% of men asking for help, this is an issue that a lot of men don’t seek help for. So here is some knowledge on Erectile Dysfunction, some of the side effects and why it’s extremely important to get help from an urologist. In this infograph you will learn a lot of Erectile Dysfunction and different aspects that could affect you. Something as simple as your career could cause a lot of damage to your sexual health because of your stress levels. Also, 70% of Amercians with ED had underlying kidney disease, so having ED could be a warning sign for the rest of your body. Read more about Erectile Dysfunction, these issues that come along with it and some of the treatments that could help your life get back on track.

Derek is currently blogging for Erectile Doctor, an online directory that helps direct men to Urologists in a discreet manner. Men could find treatment for ED, receive advice, and get help from a professional.

5 Tips for Promoting Women's Mental Health

Gabriela D. Acosta is the community manager for the University of Southern California online MSW programs, which offers a mental health social work concentration. She is also passionate about social justice, diversity workshops, and community development.

5 Tips for Promoting Women's Mental Health

Women face stressful situations every day, but how they handle them depends on the state of their mental health. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, emotionally healthy people have control of their thoughts, feelings and actions; they have positive self-esteem and good relationships, and can keep problems in perspective.

"Good mental health isn't just the absence of mental health problems. It's about having a sense of balance in your life time alone and time with friends and family, work and play, rest and exercise. It's about taking care of yourself body and mind," advises Susan Kornstein, MD, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publication "Women's Mental Health: What it Means to You."

To improve your own mental health, try following these five tips:

1. Learn to cope with stress.

Everyday stress can take its toll on women's bodies as well as on their coping skills. Stress can come from many sources, both positive and negative: losing a job, death of a loved one, getting married and being promoted. Your body produces stress hormones, which can lead to headaches, high blood pressure, sleep problems, sexual difficulties and other problems.

One way to cope with stress is to not take on too many commitments. An overloaded schedule can lead to anxiety and depression. Also, try learning relaxation techniques such as meditation, massage, muscle relaxation, yoga and Tai Chi. Additionally, recognize the impact of negative thinking, and try to turn negative thoughts ("I can't do this") into more positive ones ("This may be difficult, but I'll tackle it one step at a time").

2. Connect with others.

Make sure that most of the people in your life are positive and supportive; pessimists, critics and complainers can deplete you. Seek out friends and family members who affirm your worth and who support and listen to you. Look for friends at the gym, book club, women's organizations and spiritual community who may be able to help you. Positive relationships can increase your self-esteem, reduce your stress and help you cope with crises.

3. Eat the right foods.

What you eat may also affect your mood. Have you ever felt sleepy after eating greasy take-out burgers and fries? Do you feel refreshed after eating a green salad or sauteed vegetables? The right foods keep the central nervous system functioning. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seafood (if not vegetarian), and minimize processed, refined foods to boost your mental health.

4. Keep moving.

Exercise can create beneficial brain chemicals call neurotransmitters and endorphins, and lessen immune system chemicals, which can cause depression. Exercise can also boost your confidence as you meet your goals and feel better about how you look. Working out can help you cope with depression and anxiety in a positive way. Exercise also doesn't have to be restricted to going to the gym or running; it can be as simple as yard work, walking around the neighborhood or doing housework.

5. Get enough sleep.

If you don't get enough sleep, your immune system may decrease and your judgment may err. If you're tired, you may get more irritated over little things and have a hard time coping with larger problems. Most people need seven or eight hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, you should train your body to stick to a consistent schedule, limit your caffeine, nicotine and alcohol consumption, and try not to go to bed too hungry or too full. Exercising and avoiding daytime naps will also help put you on a more regular sleep cycle.

Balance Your Hormones Before They Go Astray!

Women and hormonal changes are inseparable. You go through all the highs and lows every month according to changes in your hormones. When the equilibrium between the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone is disturbed, it is capable of inducing such extremes of emotions like bliss, aggression, helplessness or even complete despair. Some women are even prone to suicidal ideation when hormonal changes are combined with other life events.

Most hormonal changes occur during the 2nd half of the menstrual cycle, also termed as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), menopause and also during and after pregnancy. Hormonal changes affect women physically too. The physical changes are manifested in the form of weight changes, energy levels, hair loss, skin changes, alterations in libido and others.

There are other factors too which cause hormonal imbalance such as inadequate or improper nutrition, stress, extreme exercises, obesity or PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease).

How to tackle hormonal imbalances:

• Consuming more of whole grain products rather than refined helps maintain optimum insulin levels. This in turn regulates hormonal levels. Foods that cause a strain on the adrenal glands should be avoided. Excess activity of the adrenal glands causes stress due to release of the hormone adrenaline. Foods like refined carbohydrates, excess of sugary treats, artificial sweeteners and trans-fats are examples of such foods. As a woman ages, she should avoid having wheat and dairy products as the body does not easily process these foods, causing adrenal stress. Caffeinated drinks should be consumed in moderation as they cause stress hormones like cortisol to rise.
• Consume more of cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts. Phytoestrogen-containing compounds like soy products and Mexican yam are good hormone balancers.
• Products containing essential fatty acids like the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are good hormone stabilizers. Linseed oil, evening primrose oil and cod liver oil are good sources. These are very good in normalizing hormonal irregularities.
• Evening primrose oil contains gamma linolenic acid (omega-6-fatty acid) which is necessary by the body to produce prostaglandins, the hormone-like substances that help regulate body functions.
• Cod liver oil contains vitamins and omega-3-fatty acids which keep a check on the activity of omega-6-fatty acids, so as to avoid overproduction of hormones. A healthy ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is important for optimal hormonal balance. Apart from restoring hormonal balance, these oils help maintain a healthy metabolism and good skin.
• Alcohol consumption should be kept to a minimum as it causes major disruptions in the female hormonal cycles. More of organic foods should be consumed. Certain pesticides can mimic the action of estrogen, leading to weight gain and even cancer. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is commonly added in Chinese food for flavoring, should be completely eliminated from food as it is a potential carcinogen. It is capable of disturbing the hormonal balance.
• Diseases like PCOD should be given timely medical treatment and should not be ignored. PCOD can also lead to high blood pressure, infertility and breast cancer. Hormonal disorders are highly capable of causing impotency. Diabetes, PCOD, Thyroid problems are also linked to hormone problems and are capable of inducing impotency in women.
• Cutting down on excess fat helps a lot in regulating the hormones. Excess weight causes hormonal imbalance which can cause problems in embryo implantation and development among women with PCOD.
• Drink clean water regularly to flush out the excess hormones. Excess of hormones can disrupt the body functions. Keep your digestive system intact and smooth-functioning. An ill digestive system also wrecks your hormonal balance. Foods like gluten, dairy products and soy products are highly likely to causes digestive discomfort and allergies. So, see to it that they suit your system.
• Eat a balanced meal consisting of adequate carbs, proteins and fats. Eliminating either of these macronutrients can cause hormone disturbances. However, choose healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olives.

Bio: Roger Jennings is a Female Health Expert and believes that Evening Primrose Oil and cod liver oil are the best for maintaining Hormonal balance, given the health-giving nutrient dense composition they have. Also he feels that it is very important that Women take care of themselves along with their family.

By Roger Jennings

10 Things of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually Transmitted Diseases, typically stated as STI's or Sexually Transmitted Infections, have taken center stage within the news recently due to a program known as arrange B, a free, over-the-counter emergency contraceptive method policy, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August twenty four, 2006.

This program, referred to as arrange B one step or the morning once pill, is Associate in Nursing contraceptive, Associate in Nursingd has no preventative qualities that might keep somebody from getting an STD, contrary to well-liked belief.

That being same let Maine gift you with the ten belongings you have to be compelled to realize STD's.

1. Young ladies beneath the age of twenty have double the danger of getting Associate in Nursing STD as ladies over the age of twenty.
2. STD's ar genuinely transmitted through gender of 1 type or another, but alittle portion of STD transmission happens throughout gestation, and breast-feeding, likewise as blood and tissue transfers.
3. Most STDs ar curable, however many sorts of STD's don't seem to be, as well as herpes capitalize herpes and therefore the virus that causes HIV/AIDS.
4. More typically than not, STD's gift while not symptoms, significantly in ladies. Risky sexual behavior and sleeping around ought to be avoided.
5. STD's ar a serious explanation for sterility in ladies, and up to four-hundredth of girls with untreated venereal disease infections can develop symptomatic girdle disease. Post infection harm to feminine|the feminine} fallopian tubes causes up to four-hundredth of female sterility cases worldwide.
6. 25% of all stillbirths globally, and Bastille Day of newborn deaths will be attributed to untreated STD's, like social disease in pregnant ladies.
7. The most deadly style of sexually transmitted unwellness is that the Human papillary tumor Virus (HPV). ninety fifth of all cervical cancer diagnoses ar connected to sexual transmission and venereal infection of the virus. Cervical cancer is that the second commonest cancer in ladies. Estimates of up to 0.5 1,000,000 new cases every year lead to 250,000 deaths annually.
8. Participating in risky sexual behavior likewise as depressed socioeconomic conditions has placed completely different cultures into the in danger class for exposure to STD's.
9. Being in an exceedingly monandrous relationship, likewise as self-denial from sex, looked as if it would be the 2 best ways that to avoid getting Associate in Nursing STD.
10. Next to self-denial, safe usage is that the only methodology of preventing the contraction of Associate in Nursing STD, as well as the HIV/AIDS virus.

There ar vaccines accessible for a restricted range of the various sorts of sexually transmitted diseases, and if you're beneath twenty five years elderly, you ought to talk to your native health department regarding the provision of those vaccines, as you're within the largest in danger cluster for getting STD's.

If you've got participated in any variety of risky sexual behavior, or suppose you'll be in danger, get tested.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one amongst the common malignant cancers among females. it's the sole cancer that with identified cause. that's human papillomavirus HPV which may unfold directly through dermal contact ANd has an incubation lasting for quite 10 years. Cervical cancer is preventable and detectable. Learning concerning cervical willcer symptoms and bear screening frequently can facilitate discover cervical cancer and take up treatment as early as attainable.

Signs of cervical cancer:

1. Cervical erosion

Cervical erosion: cervical cancer patients sometimes ar attended with cervical erosion, and severe cervical erosion is each main issue and symptom of cervical cancer.

2. Contact bleeding

Contact bleeding: contact bleeding is that the most distinguished sign of cervical cancer, which may be found within the style of colporrhagia in 70%~80% of cervical cancer patients. It typically seems with contemporary blood in vaginal secretion throughout sexual activities, medical specialty examinations, or creating nice effort once loosening stools.

3. Irregular vaginal bleeding

Irregular vaginal bleeding: emission amount return to previous girls years when biological time. As there'll be no symptom like stomach ache or waist pain, and therefore the bleeding quantity is sometimes low, it's simply unheeded. However, irregular vaginal bleeding is early sign of cervical cancer, that has known as several elder patients' attention to travel to hospital and therefore helped them with early designation and treatment.

4. Pain

Pain: pain sometimes happens within the lower abdomen or lumbar-sacral space, generally within the higher abdomen, thigh and enarthrosis. It becomes severer in emission amount, shitting or sexual activities. particularly once the inflammation spreads backwards to the utero-sacral ligament or on rock bottom of broad ligament, chronic inflammation of animal tissue next to womb is made and cervical cardinal ligament thickens, the pain can become even severer. once touched within the cervix, patients can feel pain within the bone fossa and therefore the lumbar-sacral space, whereas another patients will even have symptoms like nausea.

5. Increasing vaginal secretion

Increasing of vaginal secretion: Clinically, concerning 75%~85% of patients have varied degrees of vaginal secretion increase. Most of them seem as increasing of leucorrhoea, that later is attended with smell and color changes. as a result of the stimulation of the lesion, cervical glands of the uterus becomes active in its secretion operate and manufacture mucoid leucorrhoea. The abnormalities of the leucorrhoea, as well as quantity increasing and characteristic ever-changing, ar early signs of cervical cancer.

Experts from trendy Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou inform that, if you have got on top of symptoms, visit the hospital timely for examination and treatment.

Pregnancy: Boy or girl? The list of errors

Public organization BabyCenter, helps families in family planning, the collections were misconceptions Americans about how to predict the sex of a child.

Misconception 1. The sex of the baby depends on what the parents eat.

For the birthday boy should eat more meat (preferably steak with blood), salty snacks (chips, nuts, drying, etc.), soda (preferably cola). For the birth of a girl is necessary for parents to eat more fish and vegetables, as many sweets (preferably chocolate).

Misconception 2. Sex of the child depends on his parents having sex.

For the birth of a boy to have sex at night, when the sky is a month, not a full moon, in the odd months. Girl "guaranteed" when love takes in the evening, a full moon, in even-numbered days of the month.

Misconception 3. The sex of the baby depends on how his parents having sex.

Boys better get in a cool place. The higher the temperature in the room, the greater the chance that the light will be a girl. Successful conception boy ensured if the husband loves his wife more than the wife of her husband, if a man wants a child, more than a woman, if a woman sleeps on the left of her husband, if they make love standing, if their head is directed due north, if the man before reaching orgasm, and if after sex spouses do not sleep long. Product born girls would be guaranteed if a woman loves her husband and wants more children. In addition, it is necessary that the wife initiated sex, making love in the traditional pose, and the woman must reach orgasm before partner. Naturally, the wife should lie head to the south.

Misconception 4. The sex of the child depends on the state of mind of the parents.

The more parents are concerned at the time of conception and during the first weeks of pregnancy - the more likely it is a boy. If they relax - a girl is born. In addition to these important conditions, some religious American during pregnancy read special prayers, which should help to form the desired sex of the child.

Misconception 5. Sex of the baby depends on a number of important signs.

Birth of a girl is guaranteed if the expectant mother under the pillow to put a pink ribbon, a piece of candy or a flower. For the birth of a boy under the pillow should be important amulets. The choice - can of beer or a gun (can be a toy.) If a man makes love to a T-shirt or a shirt - it's a sure sign that a boy. It is essential to conceive a girl, to the interior of the room was decorated in pink. The use of perfumes, fragrances or deodorants also increases the chances of having a girl, an open window or ventilator - a boy.

Reasons Of Testosterone Deficiency And Their Remedies

Testosterones are the sub type of human growth hormones often referred to as male or sex hormones. It is actually testosterones that impart male characteristics in men. Furthermore, they are also vital for immaculate performance of sexual system. Testosterones are also indispensible for overall well being of the body.

Disadvantages of Testosterones Scarcity:

The deficiency of testosterones in the body can create many problems for your health. For instance,

• Dearth of testosterones can result in reduced libido and erectile dysfunction
• Testosterones deficiency can cause obesity
• Testosterone deficient body will have lean muscles lacking any real strength
• Weak bones with low bones density
• A spree of diseases can attack your body like diabetes, all sorts of heart problems and cancers
• Insomnia may also drop in your body due to shortage of testosterones
• Testosterone deficiency can cause stress, anxiety, depression and curtailed performance of brain
• Total degeneration of body

Reasons of Testosterone Deficiency:

There are many reasons that can lead to dearth of testosterones.

• One of the most obvious reasons is the process of aging. Testosterone decline naturally as you age.
• Obesity due to any reason can also force testosterone reserves to decline
• Mental stress is another major factor for testosterones to shrink in number
• High cholesterol levels in the body adversely affect the production of testosterones
• Lack of physical activity also makes testosterone levels to deplete
• Imbalanced diet that is rich in fats is another apparent reason
• Smoking and alcoholism also have devastating consequences for testosterone secretion

Remedies:

There are many methods that can be brought into the use to restore testosterone levels in the body.

• Regular exercise can cause testosterone levels to shoot up
• Use of balanced diet can also help
• You should take ample sleep as production is maximum during sleep
• Avoid stress and mental depression
• Keep weigh in control

Testosterone Therapies:

As most people especially senior citizens cannot sustain all the above mentioned requirements, they can undergo testosterone treatment therapy to regain what they have lost. In these therapies, artificial testosterones are inserted to replace lost natural testosterones.

Conclusion:

Testosterones regulate almost every function and organ of human body and thus adequate levels should be present in the body all the times. You need to follow above mentioned tips to alleviate the symptoms of low testosterones where testosterone treatment therapy can especially help. Furthermore, avoid anything that can inflict some damage to your testosterone reserves.

By Ali Ahmed

Impotent at 24 years old?

Please read the following article to see if any of the items listed apply to you. If they do - then a lifestyle change for you is imminent. It shows how smoking, alcohol, drugs, prescription medicines, etc can affect a guy's penis and reproductive system. Stress, anxiety, depression, diet, lack of exercise all play an important role in your sexual health also.

Definite DON'Ts

Smoking - Nicotine reduces arterial pressure and as a result, prevents blood circulation to the penis. In addition, toxic substances from smoking are detrimental for sperm maturation.

Alcohol - Alcohol kills reproductive cells and decreases sperm viability. It also disrupts the link between the brain and the penis. Excessive use of alcohol inhibits the creation of the male sex hormone, androgen.

Marijuana - Sharply reduces the level of male sexual hormones, disrupts chromosomes and promotes undesired genetic changes.

Overweight - Being overweight can disrupt your hormone balance and, as a result, the production of hormones necessary for achieving erection can become insufficient.

Anabolic Steroids - Anabolic steroids bear a close resemblance to testosterone and as a result, the body stops its natural production causing impotence to occur.

High Cholesterol - Too much cholesterol blocks the vessels providing blood to the penis and thereby reduces the blood flow necessary to maintain an erection.

Chemical drugs - Studies show that out of two hundred most used medicines; as many as sixteen are likely to cause impotence. Among the most risky are drugs used for the treatment of high blood pressure, depression, insomnia, ulcers, tumors, plus a couple of medications used to combat allergy.

HPV vaccination Girls may not have riskier sex after HPV vaccine

Girls who had been vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) weren't more likely to get other sexually transmitted infections or to become pregnant, in a new study from Georgia.

That goes against worries on the part of some that getting the vaccine - which is supposed to ultimately help prevent cervical cancer - would encourage girls to become sexually active or engage in riskier sex than they otherwise would.

The vaccine, which has been recommended for 11- and 12-year-old girls in the U.S. since 2006, is still controversial, and only about half of girls start the series of shots.

One of the arguments against it has been that vaccination will make pre-teens feel a false sense of security when it comes to sex.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now calls for boys to get vaccinated as well.

For the new study, Omer and his colleagues analyzed databases from Kaiser Permanente Georgia, a managed care organization covering the Atlanta area. Out of 1,398 girls who were 11 or 12 when they saw their doctors in 2006 and 2007, 493 got at least one dose of the HPV vaccine.

Based on records of their primary care visits, 107 of the girls included in the study were given a pregnancy test through 2010, and 55 were tested for Chlamydia.

Girls who did or didn't get the HPV vaccine were equally likely to be tested for both.

Two girls in each group got pregnant during the study. One girl who'd been vaccinated was diagnosed with Chlamydia, compared to three unvaccinated girls, according to findings published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

Omer's team didn't have any data on how many of the girls were sexually active during the study period. The researchers also couldn't tell if the STI and pregnancy tests were part of standard clinical procedures or if girls were tested because they were sexually active or had symptoms.

Looking at pregnancy tests from primary care doctors' offices is also limiting, she said, because girls might be more likely to go to school health clinics, or buy a test off the shelves, in those situations.

She said future studies like this one, but in different locations and in older girls, will be needed to help piece together what's going on.

The researchers agreed that there are other issues limiting the popularity of the HPV vaccine besides concerns about a spike in sexual risk-taking.

By Genevra Pittman

Sexting Risky For Teen Sexual Behavior

If your adolescent is sexting, they may be already sexually active and engaging in risky behavior, a new study suggests.

Researchers are trying to better understand if young people are at greater risk for HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases because they are sending sexually explicit photos or text messages via cell phones.

"Sexting" is not an alternative to "real world" sexual behavior among adolescents, according to a new study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

"The same teens who are engaging in digital sex risk taking through sexting are also the same teens that are engaging in sex risk with their bodies in terms of being sexually active and not using condoms," said lead study author Eric Rice, an assistant professor at the University of Southern California's School of Social Work in Los Angeles.

A 2009 report from the Pew Research Center found that some teens "view sexting as a safer alternative to real life sexual activity."

While the term "sexting" may also include messages also sent over the Internet, this particular study looked solely at cell phone text messages and images. It was conducted via questionnaire in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Researchers surveyed 1,839 students ages 12 to 18 at random. Most were Latino or African-American. Three-quarters of those surveyed had cell phones.

"Even though a minority of teens sext we only found 15% but that 15% are much riskier with their physical sexual behaviors as well as their digital sexual behaviors," says Rice.

He add that teens who reported sexting were seven times more likely to be sexually active than their peers who did not sext.

The data suggests there are norms about sexting, according to Rice, meaning teens are starting to think that sexting is a normal part of their behaviors. More than half of the teens surveyed reported that they had a friend who sexted.

"A lot of young people think that their friends are sexting, and if you think that your friends are sexting, you're much more likely to sext yourself," he said 17 times more likely, according to study.

"I think that the implications are that teens who are sexting may be at greater risk for sexually transmitted diseases because the teens who sext are about 1.5 times more likely to not use condoms when they're having sex," in addition to increasing the risk of teen pregnancy, Rice says.

This study was conducted in only one urban area; the authors realize that some of the results may not accurately represent rural areas. In addition, recent nationwide research found much lower rates of sexting.

However, Rice said this information can be valuable for parents.

"We [parents, clinicians, educators] should be talking about sexting and the fact that it's part of the risky sex behaviors and it's not just something that exists in a virtual space, so to speak," he said.

"Talking about sexting might be easier for [parents] than talking about sex and it could lead into a larger conversation about sex."

By Georgiann Caruso, CNN

Syphilis epidemic rising in the Canada and U.S.

The resurgence of syphilis has risen dramatically over the past 20 years in the United States and Canada --- from 177 cases in 1993 to 1,750 cases in 2010. It is temporarily shutting down the porn industry in Southern California.

Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS) sounded the alarm about "recent unsubstantiated rumors of syphilis among adult performers." The usual annual testing for syphilis is in September, but because of the alarm the agency opened up their semi-annual syphilis testing immediately.

Other sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, are also on the rise. According to Huffington Post, "Syphilis infection rates jumped by 18 percent from 2010 to 2011, and there was also a five percent increase in chlamydia and 1.5 percent increase in gonorrhea cases." And truthfully, the syphilis outbreak cluster among California porn performs is not surprising because of their business. But sexually transmitted diseases are spreading on a worldwide basis --- with Canada and the United States no exceptions.

APHSS has since called for a temporary moratorium on adult film production until all performers get tested for syphilis, and the non-profit AIDS Healthcare Foundation is also expected to hold a news conference Monday morning in response to the possible outbreak.

"I think it's just a general indicator of what's happening in terms of sexual activity," said Dr. Howard Njoo of the Public Health Agency of Canada, director general of PHAC's Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control. The majority of syphilis cases are among men, accounting for 90.5 percent of all reported cases in 2010. But according to Njoo, the dynamics of the disease are different from other STDs. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are attacking the younger people while syphilis is attacking the older ones. People who are age 30 and older are accounting for approximately 73 per cent of all the reported syphilis cases in 2010. Huffington Post reports that, "Syphilis is a bacterial STD that initially manifests itself in sores or sometimes presents no symptoms. If the infection isn't treated immediately, people who have syphilis can go on to suffer rashes and lesions, hair loss and flu-like symptoms like muscle aches, fevers, sore throats and fatigue. Without treatment, syphilis could last for years and go on to damage internal organs and cause stillbirths. If caught early, the infection is easily treated with antibiotics such as penicillin."

By Nancy Houser

Causes of Infertility

Contrary to what is commonly believed, infertility is not principally a woman's problem, and the causes of infertility in both men and women are highly complex. There are just as many cases of male infertility as there are of female infertility . However, due to the complexity of the reproductive process, there are many more causes of female infertility than there are causes of male infertility. This section offers you more information about the most common causes of female infertility and the most common causes of male infertility.

Women are responsible for:
The production of the egg
The migration of the egg in the Fallopian tubes
The production of cervical mucus
The proper implantation of the egg in the womb
The development of the embryo (baby)
Whether the egg is able to be penetrated by the sperm

Men are responsible for:
The production of semen
The deposition of the sperm
Couples require different types of treatment depending on the cause of infertility: for some couples, the treatment may be as simple as carefully monitoring their ovulation, while other couples might need to undergo infertility treatments such as clomid or procedures such as ovulation induction, IVF, ICSI, or IUI. You may have to take a number of fertility tests to determine the cause of infertility. Using DuoFertility can help you to accurately and reliably monitor your ovulation by continuously taking over 20,000 temperature measurements each day. It can also be used as a complement to assisted reproductive techniques (ART).

Erectile Dysfunction And Its Natural Remedies

BY: Nitin vaghela

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a person is having difficulty in getting or keeping an erection. ED is normally seen in persons as they grew older compared to the youngsters.

Certain people have difficulty in talking with their doctors about sex. However if you have ED, you should tell your doctor. Erectile Dysfunction can be a signal of health problems. It may denote your blood vessels are blocked. It may denote you contain nerve damage from diabetes. If you don't see your doctor, these problems will go untreated.

Home Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

• Take walnuts and honey in equal proportion and mix them well. This mixture is to be taken half an hour after your daily meals with a glass of milk.
• Generally, Vitamin A deficiency can be considered as the cause of erectile dysfunction in men. So you should intake foods rich in vitamin A which helps for enhanced erection.
• You should live a stress free and relaxed life. So the best ways to be relaxed are - stop smoking, eat food having lesser carbohydrates, do exercises everyday for atleast 30 minutes and avoid taking caffeine.
• Zinc is one of the valuable mineral which helps in boosting the sexual desire and strength. It is been noticed that when a person suffers from zinc deficit, there are more flat to sexual dysfunction. In such circumstances you should intake 15-30 mg of zinc everyday along with a copper supplement.
• You should also take rich filament diet like fruits and vegetables which flushes the toxin from the body. The sign of arteries may be the cause of poor circulation.Gingko is a successful herb for the people who experience sexual dysfunction due to side effects of anti drugs. It also makes the muscle smooth and enhances the blood flow in the penis.
• Salads along with onions and raw carrots also provide stamina which helps in curing the Erectile Dysfunction problems.
• You can also take one of the best herbal tonics of 'L Arginine' which will be very effective for persons suffering from ED.

There are many natural remedies for erectile dysfunction but I have listed only those home remedies which I think can be easily done to cure erectile dysfunction in men. If it is prevailing for a longer period; you should consult the doctor immediately and take useful treatments accordingly

Img credits: Sander van der Wel

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome can happen to anyone men, women, and children. Although it can be serious, it's a very rare illness. If you're concerned about toxic shock syndrome, the smartest thing you can do is to read and learn about it, then take some precautions.

What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
If you're a girl who's had her period, you may have heard frightening stories about toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a serious illness originally linked to the use of tampons. But TSS isn't strictly related to tampons. The contraceptive sponge and the diaphragm, two types of birth control methods, have been linked to TSS. And, sometimes, the infection has occurred as a result of wounds or surgery, where the skin has been broken, allowing bacteria to enter.

TSS is a systemic illness, which means that it affects the whole body. It can be caused by one of two different types of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes although toxic shock that is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria is rarer. These bacteria can produce toxins. In some people whose bodies can't fight these toxins, the immune system reacts. This reaction causes the symptoms associated with TSS.

When people think of TSS, they often think of tampon use. That's because the earliest cases of the illness, back in the late 1970s, were related to superabsorbent tampons. Research led to better tampons and better habits for using them such as changing tampons more often. The number of TSS cases dropped dramatically. Today about half of all TSS cases are linked to menstruation.

Aside from tampon use, TSS has been linked to skin infections that are typically minor and can be associated with the chickenpox rash. TSS has also been reported following surgical procedures, giving birth, and prolonged use of nasal packing for nosebleeds although all of these are rare.

By: Larissa Hirsch, MD

Virginity: Why Some Teens Wait

Some teens are waiting longer to have sex - they are thinking more carefully about what it means to lose their virginity and begin a sexual relationship.

For these teens, there are many reasons for abstinence (not having sex). Some don't want to worry about unplanned pregnancy and all its consequences. Others see abstinence as a way to protect themselves completely from STDs. Some STDs (like AIDS) can literally make sex a life-or-death situation, and many teens take this very seriously.

Some teens don't have sex because their religion prohibits it or because they simply have a very strong belief system of their own. Other teens may recognize that they aren't ready emotionally and they want to wait until they're absolutely sure they can handle it.

When it comes to sex, there are two very important things to remember:

1. that you are ultimately the person in charge of your own happiness and your own body
2. you have a lot of time to wait until you're totally sure about it.

If you decide to put off having sex, it's OK - no matter what anyone says. Being a virgin is one of the things that proves you are in charge, and it shows that you are powerful enough to make your own decisions about your mind and body.

If you find yourself feeling confused about decisions related to sex, you may be able to talk to an adult (like a parent, doctor, older sibling, aunt, or uncle) for advice. Keep in mind, though, that everyone's opinion about sex is different. Even though another person may have useful advice to share, in the end, the decision is up to you.

By: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD

Virginity: Feeling Curious

You might have a lot of new sexual feelings or thoughts. These feelings and thoughts are totally normal - it means that all of your hormones are working properly. But sometimes your curiosity or sexual feelings can make you feel like it's the right time to have sex, even though it may not be.

Though your body may have the ability to have sex and you may really want to satisfy your curiosity, it doesn't mean your mind is ready. Although some teens understand how sex can affect them emotionally, many don't - and this can lead to confusion and deeply hurt feelings later.

But at the same time, don't beat yourself up or be too hard on yourself if you do have sex and then wish you hadn't. Having sexual feelings is normal and handling them can sometimes seem difficult, even if you planned otherwise.

Just because you had sex once doesn't mean you have to continue or say yes later on, no matter what anyone tells you. Making mistakes is not only human, it's a major part of being a teen - and you can learn from mistakes.

By: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD

Virginity: Boyfriend or Girlfriend

Although some teens who are going out don't pressure each other about sex, the truth is that in many relationships, one person wants to have sex although the other one doesn't.

Again, what matters most differs from person to person. Maybe one person in a relationship is more curious and has stronger sexual feelings than the other. Or another person has religious reasons why he or she doesn't want to have sex and the other person doesn't share those beliefs.

Whatever the situation, it can place stress and strain on a relationship - you want to keep your boyfriend or girlfriend happy, but you don't want to compromise what you think is right.

As with almost every other major decision in life, you need to do what is right for you and not anyone else. If you think sex is a good idea because a boyfriend or girlfriend wants to begin a sexual relationship, think again.

Anyone who tries to pressure you into having sex by saying, "if you truly cared, you wouldn't say no," or "if you loved me, you'd show it by having sex" isn't really looking out for you and what matters most to you. They're looking to satisfy their own feelings and urges about sex.

If someone says that not having sex after doing other kinds of fooling around will cause him or her physical pain, that's also a sign that that person is thinking only of himself or herself. If you feel that you should have sex because you're afraid of losing that person, it may be a good time to end the relationship.

Sex should be an expression of love - not something a person feels that he or she must do. If a boyfriend or girlfriend truly loves you, he or she won't push or pressure you to do something you don't believe in or aren't ready for yet.

By: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD

Virginity: Peer Pressure Problems and Movie Madness

Nobody wants to feel left out of things - it's natural to want to be liked and feel as if you're part of a group of friends. Unfortunately, some teens feel that they have to lose their virginity to keep up with their friends or to be accepted.

It doesn't sound like it's all that complicated; maybe most of your friends have already had sex with their boyfriends or girlfriends and act like it isn't a big deal. But sex isn't something that's only physical; it's emotional, too. And because everyone's emotions are different, it's hard to rely on your friends' opinions to decide if it's the right time for you to have sex.

What matters to you is the most important thing, and your values may not match those of your friends. That's OK - it's what makes people unique. Having sex to impress someone or to make your friends happy or feel like you have something in common with them won't make you feel very good about yourself in the long run. True friends don't really care whether a person is a virgin - they will respect your decisions, no matter what.

Even if your friends are cool with your decision, it's easy to be misled by TV shows and movies into thinking that every teen in America is having sex. Writers and producers may make a show or movie plot exciting by showing teens being sexually active, but these teens are actors, not real people with real concerns. They don't have to worry about being ready for sex, how they will feel later on, or what might happen as a result. In other words, these TV and movie plots are stories, not real life. In real life, every teen can, and should, make his or her own decision.

By: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD

Virginity: A Very Personal Decision

Sometimes it might seem like everyone in school is talking about who's a virgin, who isn't, and who might be. For both girls and guys, the pressure sometimes can be intense.

But deciding whether it's right for you to have sex is one of the most important decisions you'll ever have to make. Each person must use his or her own judgment and decide if it's the right time - and the right person.

This means considering some very important factors - both physical ones, like the possibility of becoming pregnant or getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) - and emotional factors, too. Though a person's body may feel ready for sex, sex also has very serious emotional consequences.

For many teens, moral factors are very important as well. Family attitudes, personal values, or religious beliefs provide them with an inner voice that guides them in resisting pressures to get sexually involved before the time is right.

By: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD