Latest news with #sexualhealth
Forbes
4 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Beyond The Bedroom: The Truth About Sexual Health, Intimacy, And Aging
conceptual abstract image of the female reproductive system. Female uterus with vagina and ovaries Sex and older adults remain taboo subjects in many societies—often ignored or stigmatized. But growing evidence shows that sexual health is a critical component of well-being, even in later life. A new study published in the Menopause journal this month reinforces this point: for many older women, sexual pleasure and orgasm remain important, and menopause does not always bring negative changes to sexuality, including the ability to orgasm during masturbation. These findings are vital for the lives of older women, whose healthcare needs—and costs—typically increase with age due to longer life expectancy. In the U.S., women live an average of 81 years, about five years longer than men. Challenging Ageist Myths About Intimacy And Sexual Health Intimacy and sexual health are essential components of healthy aging, despite persistent ageist stereotypes. The notion that older adults—especially women—cannot or should not enjoy a satisfying sex life is both misleading and harmful. Research increasingly shows that positive sexual relationships contribute significantly to overall health and quality of life. In contrast, poor sexual health, including dysfunction, can negatively affect both mental well-being and life satisfaction. One key factor is libido, which may decline with age, though it's not a universal experience. Medical conditions, hormonal changes, medications, lifestyle factors, and relationship dynamics all play a role. For example, it's common for women to experience a dip in libido after childbirth due to exhaustion, hormonal shifts, emotional stress, and body image concerns. I had heard about libido changes after childbirth, but I didn't realize how drastically it would shift. The hormonal changes and sleep deprivation really took a toll, said Ava Parker, 36 (name changed). 'And because I chose to breastfeed for a while, the experience lasted longer than I expected.' Parker represents the many women who come to realize that major life changes can impact their libido. Ultimately, libido fluctuations—whether postpartum or in later life—should not be ignored. Consulting a healthcare provider can help individuals better understand their sexual health and explore appropriate treatments. Rethinking Intimacy And Sexual Health In Midlife And Beyond As health strongly influences older adults' sexual activity, it's important to examine how intimacy evolves with age. The Menopause study looked at masturbation habits, orgasm experiences, and sex toy use among a nationally representative sample of 1,500 U.S. women aged 40 to 65 (median age: 52.5 years). Of the participants, 55.8% were postmenopausal, 22.7% perimenopausal, and 21.5% premenopausal. Key findings include: These data were part of a broader study on masturbation and menopausal symptoms in midlife and older women. The study aimed to explore whether women's reasons for masturbation differ by age and menopausal status, and whether these differences offer new insights into sexuality, menopause, and sexual satisfaction. One key finding suggested that perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with lower sexual desire may masturbate less frequently. Ultimately, to generate more robust findings, future prospective studies should follow women through the various stages of menopause and include participants from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds. Looking Ahead: Sexual Health, Aging, And Menopause In addition to shedding light on the menopause transition, this study highlights the need for open conversations and holistic approaches to sexual wellness. 'The two trends we're seeing are the integration of sexual and intimate wellness into broader definitions of health, and the normalization of supporting women at every age,' said Laura Beres, vice president and head of wellness at Ulta Beauty, during the Bare It All event on women's wellness. This October, leading researchers and experts will gather for another major event focused on sexual wellness. The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University will host its 2025 Sex and Aging Symposium, spotlighting the evolving landscape of sexuality in older adulthood. The symposium will cover topics including sex over 60, menopause and sex drive, racial disparities in menopause care, and sexual health across the lifespan. It will also address the needs of LGBTQ communities, vulvovaginal health, and the psychology of sex. These discussions are essential in reshaping public understanding of aging and sexuality, and in promoting the well-being of older adults through inclusive and evidence-based narratives. Sexual Health And A Lifelong Desire For Connection Older Adults Kissing in Garden. As people age, their need for connection remains strong. Many older adults still desire and engage in fulfilling sexual relationships. While some may face physical or health-related challenges, others continue—or even rediscover—intimacy and pleasure. Providers play a crucial role in this conversation. 'This survey shows that self-pleasure can be an effective, accessible tool for relieving menopausal symptoms—one that should be integrated into existing care strategies,' said Dr. Cynthia Graham, senior scientist at the Kinsey Institute and co-leader of the Menopause study. Still, there's a need for a broader conversation about how chronic health conditions—such as pain—and reduced sexual desire linked to emotional or physical health issues can impact sexual well-being. Healthcare professionals recognize that sexual dysfunction is not only detrimental to relationships and mental health but can also signal underlying physical conditions like heart disease. Preventive health screenings are essential for older adults to help reduce sexual health issues. Moreover, older women can enhance the quality of their sexual experiences by proactively managing their health conditions. It's also important to note that aging does not shield anyone from the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), older adults remain at risk for STIs such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and genital herpes. Reports also highlight a rise in HIV/AIDS cases among older adults—a trend that warrants greater attention from both researchers and society. Practicing safe sex and making informed choices are essential to protecting personal health and preventing the spread of infections. Conclusion: Shifting The Narrative On Sexual Health Everyone, regardless of age, has a fundamental need for love, intimacy, and emotional connection. Prioritizing the sexual health of older adults—and dismantling the myths that surround it—is long overdue. It's time we embrace the full spectrum of aging and sexuality, recognizing that a satisfying sex life can and should be part of healthy aging.
Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
NGO says Kelantan HIV infections slashed through joint outreach programmes
Persatuan Perantaraan Pesakit Kelantan said the event was aimed at providing a safe, stigma-free space to deliver vital health information, screening services, and counselling. PETALING JAYA : A health NGO says its collaboration with the health ministry, Kelantan health department, and Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) has resulted in a significant reduction of HIV infections in the state, following a police raid on an alleged 'gay party'. Persatuan Perantaraan Pesakit Kelantan (SAHABAT) said the reduction was especially among those who inject drugs, once the primary driver of local HIV transmission. However, it did not provide any statistics. With HIV transmission methods now shifting towards sexual contact, SAHABAT said different intervention strategies were needed. 'Efforts are now focused on reaching individuals engaged in high-risk sexual behaviour, a group often difficult to access through conventional health services,' it said in a statement. It added that these strategies were carried out 'with sensitivity to local cultural norms and values'. Last Saturday, Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat said more than 20 men were arrested at a bungalow in Kota Bharu, allegedly for attending a 'gay party'. However, several groups and doctors later clarified that it was a health event organised to provide sexual health and HIV-related information, condoms, and voluntary testing to promote safer sexual health practices. They said the event, which began at 8pm, included talks by healthcare providers, including doctors. It was to have ended by midnight, but about 20 attendees were still at the event awaiting their test results. None of the attendees at the event was there to provide sexual services, they said. Yusoff said on Wednesday that the raid, carried out to maintain public order and safeguard moral values, was conducted based on valid intelligence and evidence, with no intent of discrimination. SAHABAT said it had organised a community outreach programme at a homestay in Kota Bharu on June 17 as part of its targeted approach. It said the event was aimed at providing a safe, stigma-free space to deliver vital health information, screening services, and counselling, and included talks on HIV and sexually transmitted infections and screenings. 'This outreach reflects the shared commitment of SAHABAT, MAC, the Kelantan health department, and the health ministry to ensure that high-risk communities are not left behind in accessing essential health services,' it said.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Can You Lift Weights Instead of Taking Viagra? New Research Finds a Surprising Link Between Muscle and ED.
It can feel like you've tried everything to turn things around when you're dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED). But while the exact reason why you're having trouble getting and staying hard can be complicated, a new research review suggests there's a simple lifestyle move that can help fight ED: Building muscle. The scientific analysis, which was published in the journal Sexual Medicine Reviews, builds on previous research that has found that a gym routine that's good for your muscles and health is also good for lowering your ED risk and keeping your sexual function healthy. It also had some interesting findings on nutrition and erectile dysfunction, giving you more tools to add to your ED-fighting arsenal. You may know this, but it never hurts to repeat it: Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to sustain an erection that is firm enough for penetrative intercourse. It's estimated to affect 322 million men around the world and more than half of men over the age of 50. How does adding more muscle to your frame factor in? Doctors who treat ED break it down. What did the study find? For the study, researchers analyzed data from 32 studies on sexual dysfunction, muscle mass, and strength. After crunching the data, they saw that higher levels of skeletal muscle mass (the weight of the muscles in the body that are attached to your skeleton) and strength were linked to healthy sexual function, especially in men with risk factors for ED including diabetes and obesity and also in older men. The researchers also found a link between higher hand-grip strength—a common indicator of health and muscle strength—and a lower risk of erectile dysfunction. 'Maintaining skeletal muscle with nutrition and physical activity improves erectile and overall health outcomes,' the researchers wrote in the conclusion. 'Therapies that target sexual function and muscle health simultaneously—testosterone and L-carnitine—may further benefit sexual function.' There are a few things to take away. The link between ED and exercise isn't new. 'We published a paper about a year and a half ago, showing that exercise significantly reverses erectile dysfunction,' says study co-author Mohit Khera, MD, MPH, a urologist specializing in male and female sexual dysfunction at Baylor College of Medicine. And the latest findings add weight to the idea that increasing your muscle gains may help you below the belt, in addition to improving your overall health. There are a few things going on here:• Strength training can help with blood flow. 'While higher testosterone levels from strength training may play a minor role, the primary benefits are derived from improved vascular health,' Khera says. Strength training is linked with lower inflammation in the body, better function of the endothelial cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels, and more availability of nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels throughout your body (including in your penis), he explains. All of these elements support better blood flow and blood vessel health, which Khera calls 'critical' for erectile dysfunction. • Having more muscle mass also increases insulin sensitivity, which is linked with better erectile function, too, points out John Sigalos, MD, a urologist at Urology Austin. That influences how well your body uses glucose for energy. "As seen in diabetes and other metabolic syndromes, we know that poor regulation of sugar leads to dysfunction of the small blood vessels that affect erections," Sigalos says. • More muscle strength may mean you're healthier in general. That means you're less likely to have issues associated with ED, including type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, says Philip Werthman, MD, urologist and director of the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Vasectomy Reversal in Los Angeles, CA. 'Doing more strength training may help you lose fat, build muscle mass, and change your overall hormonal dynamics,' he says. So will lifting more take down ED? Overall, Khera says it's not a bad idea to lift more to combat erectile dysfunction, although there's no specific prescription yet for how much and what kind of workouts you should do. 'Strength training can be an effective remedy for erectile dysfunction,' he says. Khera's past research has found that 160 minutes of exercise a week, including strength training, significantly improved erectile function in men. 'Notably, those with the most severe erectile dysfunction experienced the greatest improvements through regular exercise,' he says. Nutrients Might Matter, Too One more thing to consider: The study also found that L-carnitine, an amino acid found in red meat, poultry, and fish, may help work as a remedy for ED, too. 'L-carnitine plays a role in nitric oxide production, as it is a precursor to this crucial molecule,' Khera says. 'Nitric oxide is essential for vascular health, including penile blood flow." Werthman has also found that his patients have success with L-carnitine supplements. 'We've been using L-carnitine for male fertility for decades,' he says. 'It's an antioxidant that protects the sperm and it helps muscle recovery." Werthman points out that he's studied the impact of L-carnitine on sperm, and found that stronger erections happened, too. 'There were a number of men who came back after a couple of months on L-carnitine and said, 'Hey, my erections got better,'' he says. If you're experiencing erectile dysfunction, Werthman says it's important to see a healthcare provider for a full workup. Not only can a health professional help turn things around, they can also check in on what's going on behind the scenes that's contributing to or causing ED. 'Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of cardiac dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, or other conditions,' Werthman says. 'Make sure you're OK before just getting a prescription for Viagra.' You Might Also Like The Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Men to Buy Now 25 Vegetables That Are Surprising Sources of Protein
News24
18-07-2025
- Health
- News24
6 rules to maintain safe sex this winter
Safe sex education is often assumed to be reserved for teens and young adults. Young women already know everything they need to know about their bodies, sexual health and reproduction, right? The reality, however, is very different. 'You'd be surprised at how little knowledge women have about their sexual health,' says Pamela Makhetha, a health practitioner who works at a sexual health clinic in Johannesburg. 'I deal with women, daily, who don't fully understand that they have the right to make decisions that affect their sexual health. It is probably one of the last social taboos; nobody is talking about it but everybody who is sexually active is affected by it,' she says. Let's all agree on one thing: the person who is responsible for your sexual health, is you. READ MORE | From fake orgasms to anal - women and men share their sex dealbreakers Couples counsellor Sizakele Zondi says, 'Women often give up power when it comes to their sexuality and health. I want every woman to understand that you cannot trust anyone with your sexual health, even if he's your husband and a man of God. So you must always think of yourself and your well-being first, and make decisions based on that.' The rules To help you make the best decisions for your sexual health, we compiled basic safe sex rules to observe: 1. Insist on mandatory testing Mandatory means that it's not negotiable, even when you've been dating for a while, and he doesn't want to use condoms anymore. It's not enough for your partner, however lovely he or she is, to assure you their sexual health is in order. Get tested together, so your relationship is transparent and you both get information from a professional. Make sure the tests include screening for STIs. 'The operative word is 'before' you engage in unprotected sex. The moment you succumb to passion or pressure and have unprotected sex with someone you haven't tested with, you've definitely put your health at risk,' Makhetha says. 2. Take a stand on pregnancy Falling pregnant 'by mistake' is one of society's most common life mistakes. Young people, in particular, often believe 'it won't happen to me'. The good news is that it doesn't have to. 'Falling pregnant and keeping the baby is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your life. So, make sure it's a decision and not a fate that's thrust on you by poor decision-making,' Makhetha warns. 'If you don't want to be pregnant, make sure you've made a plan for that. Whether that means using condoms every single time or being on contraception and having sex with a partner you've tested with, you have to make a decision. 'I often deal with women that have unplanned pregnancies and surprise STIs at the same time. It is stressful and completely unnecessary, and you have the power to avoid that,' she adds. Keep in mind that the pull-out method is not a smart plan for staying on the right side of your goals; it's a roll of the dice and if it really worked, at least a third of the population wouldn't exist. 3. Own your reproductive health If you are having sex, a visit to a gynaecologist needs to be a priority. 'Sexual health isn't just about the actual act of sex, it's also about making sure you are in good health,' Makhetha says. Annual gynae visits can help detect cancer, inflammation and infection of your reproductive organs — some conditions and complications are not easy to detect. 'Your doctor will do a pap smear but also help you with any other complications or conditions you might have,' Makhetha adds. If anything feels 'off' down there, get an expert to check it out – the sooner, the better. 4. Don't add any extras It's not uncommon for women to swap sexual tips on pleasing their partners. That's not a bad thing, in itself, but sometimes some of the advice is just plain dodgy. 'Do not put things into your vagina in an effort to better please your partner,' Makhetha advises. 'Women put things like snuff, tree bark, herbs and other weird objects into their vaginas, all in an effort to be 'mnandi'. Your vagina already has everything it needs to make sex pleasurable. No amount of eating cinnamon and yoghurt is going to change how you feel to your partner. So stop trying so hard. 'If he complains, there is a big chance that he's the problem, and you need to move on to a partner who'll appreciate you,' she says. 5. Be mentally and emotionally ready As much as sex is seen as a physical act, there are many other aspects at play in our sexual relationships. 'When you have sex that you are not ready for, you make a decision against yourself, because you're trying to please someone else. I strongly advise against it. 'Your feelings around your sexual relationships are important and, again, the onus is on you to make sure you are taken care of. That can lead to uncomfortable conversations, but that's better than compromising yourself. Sex is meant to be pleasurable. And that state includes your mind, body and soul, so always ensure that you don't take that part of your health for granted,' Zondi says. 6. Screen your lovers No one has the right to tell you how to pick your lovers. The responsibility is yours alone and it is one you have to take seriously. 'The person you choose to have sexual interactions with has to be picked with a lot of consideration. These are people you are vulnerable with and should your contraception fail, that's someone who might be in your life for good,' Zondi says. She concludes: 'Lovers can also wreak havoc with your self-esteem, so make sure you choose partners that affirm who you are, and not those who cause harm. I often tell my clients that being fussy is good when it comes to this. 'If you are choosing decent partners, sex will be healthy for your mental health but when you choose the wrong ones, the damage to your mental and emotional state can be very harmful.'
Associated Press
16-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Silver Scott Health, Inc Announces the Launch of Peachhim.com - A Bold New Platform for Women's Sexual Health and Wellness
FRANKLIN, NEW JERSEY / ACCESS Newswire / July 16, 2025 / Silver Scott Health, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Silver Scott Mines, Inc. (OTC PINK:SILS), an innovative healthtech and blockchain development company, proudly announces the launch of - a comprehensive digital platform dedicated to supporting the sexual health, intimacy, and overall wellness of women. Accessible now, offers a science-backed, stigma-free space designed to empower women with the tools, education, and support they need to take control of their sexual health journeys. From personalized hormone testing to curated supplement plans, educational resources, and professional consultations, addresses the full spectrum of women's sexual health and intimacy concerns - topics long underserved in both traditional and digital healthcare markets. ' is more than a website - it's a movement,' said Stuart Fine, CEO of Silver Scott Mines and Silver Scott Health. 'We believe that women deserve a safe, informed, and shame-free space to talk about their bodies, their needs, and their desires. is a vital step toward closing the gender gap in sexual wellness. All the information and advice will come from female leaders and experts' will feature: Silver Scott Mines, through its strategic development arm, continues to identify and support digital wellness platforms with strong social and market relevance. Following the success of recent ventures, the company sees as a powerful extension of its health-forward portfolio. To learn more, visit About Silver Scott Health Silver Scott Health, Inc. Is a division of Silver Scott Mines, Inc. (OTC Pink:SILS). The Company's mission is to create affordable healthcare options across the spectrums of care for Americans. The Company looks to fill in the gaps that large companies deem unprofitable and unworthy of attention. The company is redeveloping and has plans for additional healthcare launches this year. About Silver Scott Mines, Inc. Silver Scott Mines, Inc. is a diversified development company focused on the growth and management of innovative ventures in digital health, wellness, technology, and sustainability. By identifying underserved markets and investing in solutions that matter, Silver Scott Mines is building a portfolio of forward-thinking, impact-driven companies. Forward Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and projected. Words such as expects, believes, anticipates, intends, estimates, seeks and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements with respect to revenues, earnings, performance, strategies, prospects and other aspects of the businesses of Silver Scott Mines are based on current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Contact: Stuart Fine 908-356-9852SOURCE: Silver Scott Mines Inc. press release
