While many people are aware of the existence of vibrators for the use of sexual pleasure, they might not know that these devices may also provide significant sexual and overall health benefits.

Prostate cancer (cancer that occurs in the walnut-sized gland responsible for producing much of the fluid in semen) is commonly associated with sexual dysfunction. This is because prostate cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy (a surgery to remove the prostate) can result in temporary or permanent sexual dysfunction.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental health condition that affected an estimated 163 million people worldwide in 2017. People with MDD may experience chronic low mood, low self-esteem, and a loss of interest in things that they once found pleasurable or enjoyable.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare disorder that causes a woman’s vagina and uterus to be underdeveloped since birth. The uterus may be very small or even absent, and the vagina is shortened.

Persistent noncancer pelvic pain (also called chronic pelvic pain) is a problem that affects an estimated 6% to 40% of women worldwide. In addition to causing pain that is in or perceived to be in the pelvic structures, this condition is often associated with sexual dysfunctions such as dyspareunia (pain during sex), orgasmic dysfunction, and lowered desire, arousal, and lubrication.

Infertility, or the failure to achieve a successful pregnancy after ≥12 months of regular unprotected intercourse, can have a huge impact on a couple’s relationship, sexual connection, and quality of life. It introduces several stressors that affect the couple in ways that they may not have previously considered.

A small battery-powered electrical device called a vPatch may be a future treatment option for premature ejaculation (PE), according to the results of a recent study.

Sexual boredom, or the feeling that sex has become too dull, mechanical, or routine, can occur for both men and women in long-term relationships. Previous research has suggested that there may be an association between sexual boredom and sexual desire, but little is known about this potential relationship.

Recently, an international panel of experts convened to develop a set of guidelines for sexual health care for patients with prostate cancer and their partners. The panelists used available evidence and their own expertise to develop these guidelines, accounting for patients’ unique cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds as well as their gender identities and sexual orientations.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of red blood cell disorders that cause the red blood cells to break down and morph into a “sickle” or “C” shape. Healthy red blood cells are round and contain a protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen. In this way, red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event or series of events such as an accident, a natural disaster, war/combat, assault, or abuse. It can involve nightmares or flashbacks related to the trauma, heightened reactions to external stimuli, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms that can negatively affect a person’s life.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic condition that affects the lungs and airways. It can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, fatigue, weakness, and energy loss. This condition can be associated with anxiety and depression, and since the majority of COPD patients are former or current smokers, sometimes they experience feelings of guilt about their smoking.