Libido and sexual performance Archive

Men's Health

New ways to think about sex

Published September 1, 2021

Older couples face many natural changes in their bodies that can interfere with their sex life. For men it’s falling testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction, while for women it’s often effects from menopause. Couples should see this new phase as an opportunity to explore different ways to stay intimate and satisfy each other’s needs without relying on traditional intercourse.

Men's Health

Who needs hormone therapy for prostate cancer?

Published September 1, 2021

Depending on the stage of localized prostate cancer, a man’s doctor might recommend radiation therapy or hormonal therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), or a combination of both. Hormone therapy decreases androgens, the male sex hormones that fuel prostate cancer cell growth. When used with radiation, hormone therapy helps to improve radiation’s effectiveness. The side effects are common, but can be managed with diet, exercise, supplements, and other lifestyle habits.

Women's Health

Early menopause linked to higher risk of stroke

Published September 1, 2021

Women who go through menopause before they turn 40 may be more likely to have a stroke than women who undergo the transition between 50 and 54, according to a study published in the August 2021 issue of the journal Stroke.

Women's Health

A different nonhormonal birth control option

Published August 30, 2021

Last year the FDA approved a hormone-free birth control option called Phexxi. It's a contraceptive gel that changes the pH of the vagina to help immobilize sperm, rather than a spermicide. How effective is it, what are the possible side effects, and which other available birth control options could you consider?

Men's Health

Level of health literacy affects treatment choice for slow-growing prostate cancer

Published August 24, 2021

A genetic test that provides an assessment of how aggressive a man's prostate cancer is and how likely it is to spread within his body. A new study has investigated for the first time how results of this test are impacting treatment decisions — with surprising results.

Cancer

Treating prostate cancer with combined hormonal-radiation therapy

Updated August 18, 2021

Women's Health

By the way, doctor: Is vaginal estrogen safe?

Updated August 17, 2021

My doctor prescribed a low-dose vaginal estrogen cream, applied twice a week, for atrophic vaginitis. I've heard this dose is so low that it carries no health risk. Do you agree?