Images of modified vulvas can significantly influence women's perceptions of what is considered normal and desirable

Women's perceptions of what is considered normal and desirable female genitalia may be influenced by exposure to modified images, suggests a new study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

One-third of teens do not discuss sexual health with physicians

It is understandable that some teenagers may find it difficult to talk to their doctors about sexual health. But new research suggests that around one-third of adolescents who have annual visits with their physicians do not have conversations about sex or sexuality issues, and that physicians should provide more education and counseling in this area.

Multi-component therapy shown beneficial in treating PTSD in adolescent girls

Adolescents girls with sexual abuse-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced greater benefit from prolonged exposure therapy (a type of therapy that has been shown effectiveness for adults) than from supportive counseling, according to a study appearing in the December 25 issue of JAMA.

Proportion of opioid treatment programs offering on-site testing for HIV and STIs declines

A survey of opioid treatment programs finds that the proportion offering on-site testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) declined substantially between 2000 and 2011, despite guidelines recommending routine opt-out HIV testing in all health care settings, according to a study appearing in JAMA.

Most women on dialysis - even those who lack interest in sex - are satisfied with their sex lives

Among women on long-term hemodialysis, many are sexually inactive, but sexual dysfunction is considerably less common than previously reported, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN).

Full access, full choice for long-acting reversible contraception

At the International Conference on Family Planning 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Population Council convened the third meeting of international experts to discuss ways to expand contraceptive choice and accelerate progress toward the Millennium Development Goal of universal access to reproductive health services by increasing access to highly effective, long-acting, reversible contraceptives...

'No reduction' in deaths caused by aggressive prostate cancer

Death rates from metastatic prostate cancer have remained "mostly unchanged over the past 25 years," a study of 19,336 men with an advanced form of the urological disease has found.Publishing their findings online in the journal Cancer, the researchers from the University of California, Sacramento, had been expecting improvements in these mortality rates.

Incarceration has no effect on nonresident fathers' parenting

A prison sentence may not always have negative consequences for children of the incarcerated, says University of California, Irvine sociologist Kristin Turney. In a new study, she finds that when an uninvolved dad spends time behind bars, there are no negative effects on his parenting."To date, most research shows that incarceration has detrimental effects on family life," she says.

HIV treatment and prevention pill Truvada not found to increase sexual risk behavior

In 2012 the HIV antiretroviral drug Truvada became the first and only medication approved by the FDA for HIV prevention. Led by Gladstone Institutes' Investigator Robert Grant, MD, MPH, this research was hailed as an important step towards reducing the worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Freezing sperm Improves the chances of fatherhood after treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma

Men with Hodgkin lymphoma who want to become fathers after their cancer treatment have greatly increased chances of doing so if they have frozen and stored semen samples beforehand, according to research published online in Europe's leading reproductive medicine journal Human Reproduction [1].

In men with sleep apnea, CPAP therapy improves golf performance

A new study suggests that treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy improves golf performance in middle-aged men.Results show that up to six months of treatment with CPAP therapy was associated with significant improvements in self-reported excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep-related quality of life.

New diagnostic test can detect chlamydia trachomatis in less than 20 minutes

Researchers have developed a new assay for rapid and sensitive detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in humans. This procedure takes less than 20 minutes and can be easily performed at the point of care (POC) during the patient's visit, reports The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.C.

UF study: One quarter of female drug offenders report experiencing police sexual misconduct

A new University of Florida survey suggests that police misconduct against female drug offenders may be more pervasive than previously thought. The survey of more than 300 St. Louis-area women who had been charged with substance-abuse violations found that 25 percent of the respondents reported experiencing police sexual misconduct in the form of trading sex for favors.

Using novel method, study resolves 50-year 'chlamydial anomaly'

Researchers studying Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria, which cause the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia as well as infectious blindness, have confirmed that the bacteria contain - and, in fact, cannot function without - the common molecule peptidoglycan, a structural component found in the cell wall of many bacteria.

Exercise may increase libido among women taking antidepressants

Women who are taking antidepressants and experiencing sexual dysfunction may benefit from regular moderately intense workouts, say researchers from the University of Texas in Austin. Lack of sexual desire is fairly common among women taking antidepressants but is seldom talked about.

Hundreds of millions of Chinese men could die from tobacco related diseases

More than 50 per cent of Chinese men smoke cigarettes, placing hundreds of millions at serious risk for heart disease, cancer, other lung diseases, and many more serious illnesses, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and World Lung Foundation (WLF), co-publishers of The Tobacco Atlas - 4th Edition Representatives from China Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and...

Recent reproductive coercion associated with unintended pregnancy, says Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC expert

Birth control sabotage and pressure to become pregnant by male partners, also called "reproductive coercion," in the past three months is associated with recent unintended pregnancy among adolescent and young adult females utilizing reproductive health services, according to a Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC study that will appear in the online version of Contraception.

Gene deficiency in males 'could cause diabetes and liver cancer'

Scientists have discovered a genetic deficiency in males that could prompt the development of the most common type of liver cancer - hepatocellular carcinoma - and type 2 diabetes. This is according to a study published in the journal Cancer Cell.

Epigenetic changes in sperm of older fathers may lead to autism and schizophrenia in offspring

Advanced paternal age has been associated with greater risk for psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism. With an increase in paternal age, there is a greater frequency of certain types of mutations that contribute to these disorders in offspring. Mutations are changes in the genetic code.

Low folate in male diet linked to risk of offspring birth defects

Previous research has shown that what mothers eat during pregnancy affects the health of their offspring. But now, a new study suggests that a father's diet prior to conception could also play an important role in their child's health, particularly when it comes to consumption of folate.

FDA approves first drug treatment for Peyronie's disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new use for Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) as the first FDA-approved medicine to treat men with bothersome curvature of the penis, a condition known as Peyronie's disease.

63 percent of violent crime convictions in Sweden perpetrated by just one percent of the population

The majority of all violent crime in Sweden is committed by a small number of people. They are almost all male (92%) who, early in life, develop violent criminality, substance abuse problems, often diagnosed with personality disorders and commit a large number non-violent crimes. These are the findings of researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy who have examined 2.

Lower-dose IUDs prove safe and effective

In a finding that could expand the use of one of the most effective forms of birth control, two intrauterine contraceptive systems that had lower doses of the contraceptive hormone, levonorgestrel, were found to be safe and effective in preventing pregnancies, according to an international study that included researchers at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical...

Protein in prostate tissue 'indicates increased cancer risk'

Researchers have discovered that men who have a specific protein present in prostate tissue biopsies may be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. This is according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.The American Cancer Society estimates that around 238,590 new cases of prostate cancer will have been diagnosed in the US throughout 2013.

New studies bring hope to older women wanting improvements in their libido

For women, passing midlife can deal a blow to their sex drive. But two new studies just published online in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society, offer hope to women who want to get their sexual mojo back.No testosterone treatment for women has yet passed muster with the FDA.

New understanding of chlamydial disease

Investigators at the Institute for Genome Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have developed a new technique that can track the activity of a disease-causing microbe and the host cell response to that pathogen simultaneously.

Social services must overcome multiple challenges to reach 'invisible' homeless women

The high prevalence of complex and gendered-related issues affecting the lives of homeless women makes it important for social workers to build meaningful and trusting relationships with this hard-to-reach group. Homeless women "are used to making themselves invisible in order to survive" and many barriers currently prevent them from accessing the services they need.

The obesity-cancer link: even with healthy BMI, greater visceral fat may put older men at risk for cancer

Researchers at the National Institute for Aging are working to improve understanding about obesity and cancer.

Study results have important implications for HIV vaccine development

Infectious disease researchers have identified a novel mechanism wherein HIV-1 may facilitate its own transmission by usurping the antibody response directed against itself. These results have important implications for HIV vaccine development and for understanding the earliest events in HIV transmission.In a study appearing in PLoS Pathogens, Dr.

Male contraceptive pill 'possible in next 10 years'

Scientists say a new male contraceptive could be available within the next 10 years, after they have discovered a way to block sperm transportation following ejaculation. This is according to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.The researchers, led by Dr. Sab Ventura and Dr.

Brain 'wired differently' in men and women

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found striking differences in how men's and women's brains are wired. In one brain region, women have more connections between left and right hemispheres, and men within hemispheres, while in another brain region, it is the other way around.

Male contraceptive pill 'possible in next 10 years'

Scientists say a new male contraceptive could be available within the next 10 years, after they have discovered a way to block sperm transportation following ejaculation. This is according to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.The researchers, led by Dr. Sab Ventura and Dr.

Male contraceptive pill may be available within ten years

A new male contraceptive could be on the horizon after scientists identified a novel way to block the transport of sperm during ejaculation. Published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, USA, scientists have found that complete male infertility could be achieved by blocking two proteins found on the smooth muscle cells that trigger the transport of sperm.

Increased anal cancer risk in men with both HIV and HPV

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can cause cervical cancer in women, is also known to cause anal cancer in both women and men. Now, a study led by researchers at the UCLA School of Nursing has found that older HIV-positive men who have sex with men are at higher risk of becoming infected with the HPVs that most often cause anal cancer.

Male contraceptive pill may be available within ten years

A new male contraceptive could be on the horizon after scientists identified a novel way to block the transport of sperm during ejaculation. Published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, USA, scientists have found that complete male infertility could be achieved by blocking two proteins found on the smooth muscle cells that trigger the transport of sperm.

Can sexual frustration be bad for your health?

Sex may in fact be one of the secrets to good health, youth and a longer life - at least for fruit flies - suggests a new University of Michigan study that appears in the journal Science.Male fruit flies that perceived sexual pheromones of their female counterparts - without the opportunity to mate - experienced rapid decreases in fat stores, resistance to starvation and more stress.

Can sexual frustration be bad for your health?

Sex may in fact be one of the secrets to good health, youth and a longer life - at least for fruit flies - suggests a new University of Michigan study that appears in the journal Science.Male fruit flies that perceived sexual pheromones of their female counterparts - without the opportunity to mate - experienced rapid decreases in fat stores, resistance to starvation and more stress.

Women benefit from testosterone administration after hysterectomy

Hysterectomy and oophorectomy (the removal of ovaries) are performed to treat various diseases in women, including cancer. These procedures are accompanied not only by a decline in estrogen but also testosterone levels in the blood. Many women who have undergone surgical removal of their uterus and/or ovaries can develop symptoms of sexual dysfunction, fatigue, low mood and decreased muscle mass.

Study reveals gender differences in sexual regret

In the largest, most in-depth study to date on regret surrounding sexual activity, a team of psychology researchers found a stark contrast in remorse between men and women, potentially shedding light on the evolutionary history of human nature.Researchers for the peer-reviewed study included University of Texas at Austin evolutionary psychologist David Buss.

1 in 10 high school students affected by dating violence

One in 10 high school youth in the U.S. reports having been hit or physically hurt by a dating partner in the past year, according to a new study led by a Boston University School of Public Health researcher.

Oxytocin: the monogamy hormone?

Oxytocin has long been deemed "the love hormone," after its important role in social bonding has been documented. But now, researchers have performed a new experiment that suggests oxytocin stimulates the reward center in the male brain, increasing partner attractiveness and strengthening monogamy.

Study examines barriers to human papillomavirus vaccination among teens

Barriers to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among adolescents in the U.S. range from financial concerns and parental attitudes to social influences and concerns about the vaccination's effect on sexual behavior, according to a review of the available medical literature published by JAMA Pediatrics, a JAMA Network publication.

HIV testing in young adolescents

Having high knowledge about HIV and engaging in risky sexual activity do not make high-school-aged teens more likely to get tested for HIV. Those are the findings of a new study by researchers at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

A hallmark for the development of testicular tumors found in the aberrant regulation of small non-coding RNA

Researchers from the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) in Barcelona, Spain, have studied the role of a peculiar class of small non-coding RNAs that are mainly expressed in the human male germline.

Why men's noses are bigger than women's

It has long been hypothesized that compared with women, men naturally have bigger noses. Now, a new study from researchers at the University of Iowa confirms that this is true - stating than on average, men's noses are 10% larger than women's noses.

Accelerated aging found in long-term unemployed men

Men who are unemployed for more than two years show signs of faster ageing in their DNA, a new study has found.Researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Oulu, Finland studied DNA samples from 5,620 men and women born in Finland in 1966.They measured structures called telomeres, which lie at the ends of chromosomes and protect the genetic code from being degraded.

Study pinpoints optimal testosterone range for longer male lifespan

Older men whose testosterone levels were neither low nor high tended to live longer, according to new research accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.Testosterone is a key male sex hormone involved in maintaining sex drive, sperm production and bone health.

Relationship between bedroom media access and sleep problems among boys with autism

Having bedroom access to television, computers or video games is linked to less sleep in boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a team of University of Missouri researchers found.

Insomnia linked to higher risk of death

A new study of men by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA, has found that some insomnia symptoms are linked to a higher risk of death.

Poor mental health and casual sex: cyclical pattern identified

A new study suggests that poor mental health and casual sex feed off each other in teens and young adults, with each one contributing to the other over time.Researchers found that teens who showed depressive symptoms were more likely than others to engage in casual sex as young adults. In addition, those who engaged in casual sex were more likely to later seriously consider suicide.