http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/sexual_health/ Read articles on sexual health including information on genital herpes, birth control and the symptoms of HIV and other STDs. Learn about male impotence and contraception. en-us Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:05:01 EST Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/sexual_health/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123212540.htm The decreased risk of HIV infection in circumcised men cannot be explained by a reduction in sores from conditions such as herpes, according to new research. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123212540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116165635.htm The recent failure of an HIV vaccine was probably caused by the immune system reacting to the virus 'shell' used to transmit the therapy around the body, according to new research. The researchers behind the study say their findings mean scientists may have to rethink other vaccines they are developing for diseases like HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, which are delivered in the same way, using the same virus "shell." Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116165635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193938.htm New discoveries about anti-HIV antibodies may bring researchers a step closer to creating an effective HIV vaccine, according to a new paper. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119193938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117202906.htm Money available to treat HIV/AIDS is sufficient to end the epidemic globally, but only if we act immediately to control the spread of the disease, according to new research. This approach defies conventional thinking, which recommends gradual spending over 15-20 years. The study was based on a mathematical model developed by mathematicians and biologists, who recently earned acclaim for a study on how best to handle a planetary invasion by zombies. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117202906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204423.htm The sexual function of male rodents can be impaired by in utero and/or neonatal exposure to external molecules such as DES that disrupt normal hormone functioning, giving rise to concerns that low-level exposure to such molecules might cause similar effects in humans. New research, to be published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, has determined the molecular mechanism underlying many of the harmful effects of DES on the mouse testis. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117124007.htm A rapid and accurate diagnosis is the first step towards treatment in the fight against infectious disease. Researchers have highlighted the poor quality of published studies that evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic tests for three major killer infectious diseases. The new study suggests that diagnostic studies on TB, malaria and HIV commercial tests had low quality and were poorly reported. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117124007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112103413.htm The AIDS virus inserts its genetic material into the genome of the infected cell. Scientists have now shown for the first time that the virus almost entirely spares particular sites in the human genetic material in this process. This finding may be useful for developing new, specific AIDS drugs. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112103413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085043.htm Pooled results from three separate clinical trials of flibanserin, a drug originally created as an antidepressant, show it is effective in treating women with acquired hypoactive sexual desire disorder. These trials were the first ever to test a therapy that works at the level of the brain to enhance libido in women reporting low sexual desire. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116094459.htm When a woman becomes infected with chlamydia, the first white blood cells that arrive at the scene to fight the infection are not the most effective. This discovery could pave the way for the relatively rapid development of a vaccine against chlamydia. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116094459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085040.htm A study of 145 preschool children reports, for the first time, that when the concentrations of two common phthalates in mothers' prenatal urine are elevated their sons are less likely to play with male-typical toys and games, such as trucks and play fighting. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111083051.htm High levels of workplace exposure to Bisphenol-A may increase the risk of reduced sexual function in men. This is the first human study to look at the effect of BPA on the male reproductive system. Rodent studies have shown BPA's detrimental effect on male reproductive system. The five-year study of 634 workers in China found workers with BPA exposure had quadruple risk of erectile dysfunction, and seven times more risk of ejaculation difficulty. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111083051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173356.htm In an advance that could one day enable surgeons to reconstruct and restore function to damaged or diseased penile tissue in humans, researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have used tissue engineering techniques to completely replace penile erectile tissue in rabbits. This is the most complete replacement of penile erectile tissue to date and suggests the possibility of using the same approach for men with erectile dysfunction or conditions that require reconstruction, including penile cancer and congenital abnormalities. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028134635.htm A European study has defined the profile for the usage of long-acting contraceptive methods. The work shows, amongst other things, that 10 percent of women use these methods, the majority over 30 years old. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028134635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016141409.htm Alcohol and drug use are known contributors to adolescents engaging in dangerous sexual activity. Yet, research suggests that fewer than half of pediatricians report screening patients for such at-risk behaviors. A new diagnostic test allows clinicians to quickly and accurately screen teens for high risk drug and alcohol use. Now, researchers have established that the same test can also identify teens who more likely to be engaging in high risk sexual behaviors. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016141409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090431.htm Personal lubricants have long been recommended to women to improve the comfort of intercourse and to reduce the risk of vaginal tearing, which can increase risks for STIs and HIV. Public health professionals also recommend the addition of lubricant to condoms during sexual activity. Despite this routine advice, strikingly little is known about situations in which lubricants are used or whether there are any associated vaginal symptoms. These studies provide insight into lubricant use. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111915.htm A new study sheds new light on the relationship between race, body weight and sexual behavior among adolescent girls. The results suggest that a girl's ethnicity and her actual weight or perception of her weight may play a role in her participation in risky sexual behaviors. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021125137.htm Few internists who care for cancer survivors address issues of sexual dysfunction with their patients, according to a new study. More than half the internists responding to a survey indicated they rarely or never discussed sexual problems with their patients who had survived cancer. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021125137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093715.htm Sperm, and not just the fluid it bathes in, can transmit HIV to macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells (DCs), researchers report. By infecting DCs, which carry the virus and potently pass it to T cells, sperm may play a leading role in spreading HIV. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026093715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025200344.htm A new study reports that a vaccine-induced cellular immune response reduced simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) levels in the semen of rhesus monkeys during the period of primary infection, a discovery that may ultimately aid in the fight against HIV-1 transmission in humans. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025200344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022122334.htm Although syphilis is one of the oldest known diseases, most health professionals do not have access to the tests necessary to reliably diagnose it in its earliest and most infectious stage. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022122334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101534.htm After exposure to extreme life stresses, what distinguishes the individuals who do and do not develop post-traumatic stress disorder? A new study suggests that it has something to do with the way that we control the activity of the prefrontal cortex, a brain region thought to orchestrate our thoughts and actions. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021154914.htm New research suggests that a large number of HIV-positive individuals who reported feeling stigmatized also reported poor access to care or suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Individuals who experienced high levels of internalized stigma were four times as likely as those who didn't to report poor access to medical care; they were three times as likely to report suboptimal adherence to HIV medications. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021154914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161728.htm Randomized clinical trials conducted by researchers in Rakai, Uganda, have revealed a link between the size of foreskin surface area and the risk of male HIV acquisition. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161728.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022153641.htm The rates of non-familial sex crimes against children under the age of 12 are no higher during the Halloween season than at any other times of the year, according to a new study. The findings raise questions about the wisdom of law enforcement practices aimed at dealing with a problem that does not appear to exist. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022153641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022122330.htm Epidemiologists have published new research challenging conventional wisdom that concurrent, or overlapping, multiple sexual partners drives the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022122330.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015171457.htm An international research team has demonstrated that treating HIV-AIDS with interleukin-2 is ineffective. As a result, the researchers recommend that clinical trials on this compound be stopped. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015171457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020005539.htm Depression, anxiety disorders and sexual trauma have all been implicated as risk factors in lower urinary tract symptoms such as incontinence and overactive bladder. The exact nature of these associations is unknown. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020005539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016112632.htm Mothers receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy to treat HIV-1 infection are less likely than untreated mothers to transmit the virus to their newborns through breastfeeding, according to a new study. The findings suggest HAART regimens should be initiated as early as possible in eligible mothers in areas with limited resources, such as Africa, where most infant HIV-1 infections occur, and breastfeeding is common. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016112632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019172057.htm The American College of Physicians has issued recommendations for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). ACP strongly recommends that physicians initiate therapy with an oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor in men who seek treatment for ED unless they have a contraindication to PDE-5 inhibitors, such as nitrate therapy. As for which PDE-5 inhibitor to use, ACP recommends that physicians base the choice on the individual preferences of patients including ease of use, cost of medication, and adverse effects profile. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019172057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112519.htm Researchers have found compounds that show promise as novel drugs to treat HIV infection in the process of developing a method to assess the activity of a protein that plays an essential role in the progression to AIDS. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112519.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012135504.htm Teenage boys in Sweden take less responsibility than girls for preventing the spread of chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections, according to a new study. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012135504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005210334.htm HIV prevalence among African Americans is ten times greater than the prevalence among whites. This racial disparity in HIV prevalence has persisted in the face of both governmental and private actions, involving many billions of dollars, to combat HIV. In a new study, researchers examine factors responsible for the stark racial disparities in HIV infection in the U.S. and the now concentrated epidemic among African Americans. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005210334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009204027.htm The first clinical trials to test whether the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine can safely elicit a protective immune response in pregnant women has just been launched, and a trial to conduct the same test in HIV-infected children and youth will begin mid-October. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009204027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924231746.htm Among heterosexuals in the United Kingdom, HIV transmission can occur within networks of as many as 30 people, according to a new study. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924231746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001181041.htm The drugs used to treat individuals infected with HIV-1 keep the virus under control but do not eliminate it from the body, some remains hidden in immune cells known as resting CD4+ T cells. However, researchers have now developed an in vitro system that faithfully mimics the situation in people and used it to identify a compound that can get at this hidden HIV-1 and eliminate it from the cells. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001181041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930084600.htm Pre- and post-menopausal women who self-rated themselves as being sexually satisfied had a higher overall psychological well-being score and scores for "positive well-being" and "vitality," compared with sexually dissatisfied women in a study of 295 women sexually active more than twice a month. The study also uncovered a positive association between age and well-being, but a negative association for general health. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930084600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929133246.htm HIV/AIDS is up to five times more prevalent in American prisons than in the general population. Adherence to treatment programs can be strictly monitored in prison. However, once prisoners are released, medical monitoring becomes problematic. A new study suggests the majority (76 percent) of inmates take their antiretroviral treatment intermittently once they leave prison, representing a higher risk to the general population. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929133246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928172536.htm A new study reports that women who feel more positively about women's genitals find it easier to orgasm and are more likely to engage in sexual health promoting behaviors. The study created a scale for measuring attitudes toward women's genitals. Such a scale could be useful in therapeutic, medical and health education settings. The study also found that men had more positive attitudes about women's genitals than women. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928172536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916103426.htm In order to be able to ward off disease pathogens, immune cells must be mobile and be able to establish contact with each other. Scientists have discovered a mechanism in an animal model revealing how HIV, the AIDS pathogen, cripples immune cells: Cell mobility is inhibited by the HIV Nef protein. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916103426.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925101957.htm Researchers have found that non-AIDS-defining malignancies such as anal and lung cancer have become more prevalent among HIV-infected patients than non-HIV patients since the introduction of anti-retroviral therapies in the mid-1990s. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925101957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927130034.htm Researchers believe that androgen deficiency might be the underlying cause for a variety of common clinical conditions, including diabetes, erectile dysfunction, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927130034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924101627.htm In an encouraging development, an investigational vaccine regimen has been shown to be well-tolerated and to have a modest effect in preventing HIV infection in a clinical trial involving more than 16,000 adult participants in Thailand. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924101627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915100955.htm Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, researchers used a novel and complex study design to better understand the association between fathers' absence and children's sexuality. Contrary to previous research, this study shows that the association can be best explained by genetic influences. The researchers also suggest that, while there's no "father absence gene," there are genetic contributions to traits in both moms and dads that increase the likelihood of earlier sexual behavior in children. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915100955.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914131904.htm A once-daily medication option for treating the most common mouth infection in HIV/AIDS patients has shown to be just as effective and safe as taking an anti-fungal pill five times a day, according to a new study. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914131904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915154857.htm Researchers have discovered a gene involved with the production of sperm that may contribute to male infertility, and lead to new approaches to male contraception. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915154857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915113548.htm Prevention versus treatment? Cost versus efficacy? So go two of the dilemmas looming over researchers in the race to fight HIV and other infectious diseases in the developing world — especially among women and their young children. A randomized trial found that a cohort of 82 HIV-infected children ages 6 to 35 months responded better to treatment with the protease-inhibiting drug lopinavir (LPV/r) than did a cohort of 82 children in the same age group who received the anti-retroviral drug nevirapine (NVP). Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915113548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908193430.htm Fusion protein AoT5Cyp blocks HIV-1 infection in owl monkeys. The human genome encodes the equivalent of the 2 components of AoT5Cyp (TRIM5 and cyclophilin A), but humans unfortunately do not make the fusion protein. Researchers have now fused human cyclophilin A and TRIM5 and this protein inhibited HIV-1 replication in human macrophages, T cells and mice engrafted with human CD4+ T cells containing the protein. This protein may be an anti-HIV-1 gene therapy candidate. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908193430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901143319.htm For the first time, researchers have experimentally induced antibodies that neutralize HIV-1 and simultaneously recognize both HIV-1 envelope protein and lipids. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901143319.htm