Although most common after menopause, it can also affect peri-menopause women and those who are breast-feeding. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal ‘burning’ and dryness, urinary tract infection and incontinence, as well as discomfort and bleeding after intercourse.

If you do not experience discomfort, treatment may not be necessary. Alternatively, your doctor may suggest treatments eg, vaginal estrogen creams.

Experiencing lazy erection or one which is more rapid than would be expected (often before or during penetration), can be a sign of a failure of the mechanism which keeps blood held in the penis, and may signify an underlying clinical condition, often cardiovascular in origin.

Other factors leading to erectile dysfunction are decreased testosterone levels due to disease affecting the testicles or the pituitary gland.

Anxiety
As mentioned before, the male organ signifies masculinity and success in most cultures. Fear of not performing might cause one to feel emasculated. Due to this “perfectionist” mentality; one feel tremendous pressure, thus lacking concentration.

Perfectionists are likely to feel depressed because they expect a certain standard in themselves and if they are unable to cope, expect society to view him in a certain way.

Depression
We go through depression every now and then. Long term depression, though, make us feel inadequate and we slump into a comfort zone where it feels great to be depressed.

Lifestyle
Excessive smoking, drinking and drug abuse are also the major contributor to ED as well.

Physiology

• Hormonal disorders (low levels of testosterone or tumor in the pituitary gland.
• Neurological disorders (brain or spinal cord injury, nerve disorders such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis).
• Arterial disorders (reduced blood flow to the penis).
• Cavernosal disorders (Peyronie’s disease: penis disorder: local fibrous scarring causing the erect penis to be bent to such a degree that it interferes with sexual intercourse).
• Surgery (surgery in rectum, prostate, colon, and even radiation therapy may damage the nerves and blood vessels involved in erection.)

Dealing with Erectile Dysfunctions
To know what treatment is correct depends on the cause of ED. For example, ED caused by psychological causes may require:

• Counseling
• Psychotherapy
• Relationship counseling

There are also mechanical aids available for ED such as:

• Vacuum Pumps – A cylinder is put over your male organ and the air is then pumped out. That should “suck” your male organ into an erection. But the “erected” organ would be a bit cold and blue-looking.
• Rings – A specially designed ring fit at the vase of male organ which is often used with vacuum pumps. The rings is designed to help stop blood from flowing out of the male organ.

Then there are the conventional drugs for ED such as:

• Viagra – Widens the blood vessels which give an erection.
• Injection into the penis prior to sexual intercourse.
• Pellets inserted down the urinary pipe prior to sexual intercourse.

Under drastic circumstances, the following surgery procedures are practiced for ED:

• Curing venous leak – Some men lose their erections because blood leaks out of the male organ. Sometimes, this only happens only in certain sex positions. A urologist may be able to operate if the leak is clearly pin-pointed by special X-rays.
• Internal splints – A skilled urologist can insert artificial splints into the male organ. There is the simple splint which is a firm rod whereby the man can lift his organ into position when he needs to.

Related Topic: About Erectile Dysfunction

Since we are living in an ‘appearance-conscious’ society, it inevitably forces one to be self-conscious, thus threatening one’s self-esteem and ultimate happiness. ED is, however, not incurable as most people think because medical treatment and advancement in the medical field enable ED to be treated as long as one seeks help.

How does erection work?

There are two different mechanisms governing a penis to erect. The fist is the reflex system where your spine and peripheral nerves both react when touched directly in the penile shaft. The second is caused by emotional and erotic stimuli catalyzed by the limbic system of the brain.

During the stimulation of the penile shaft, your nervous system secretes nitric oxide which causes the relaxation of smooth muscles of the main erectile tissue of the penis known as corpora cavernosa. A healthy production of testosterone levels and pituitary gland also assist in a healthy erection. Impotence can be caused by hormonal deficiency, disorders of the neural system, lack of blood supply and psychological problems. Restriction of blood flow can arise from coronary artery disease.

What is a yeast infection?
Yeast infection is also called candidiasis, and is due to the fungus Candida albicans that infects the vagina.

You must be wondering why yeast would grow in the vagina. In fact, it is natural to find small amounts of yeast living in the vagina under normal conditions. However, the natural acidity of the vagina can be unbalanced, causing the yeast to overgrow and cause an infection.

The infection will then cause irritation of the vagina and the vulva. This may cause you to suffer extreme itchiness in and around the vagina. This may be accompanied by a thick, white, odourless vaginal discharge that has the texture of cottage cheese.

You may also notice other symptoms like burning, redness and swelling of the vagina and vulva, pain upon urinating, and pain or discomfort during sex.

What causes it?
Vaginal yeast infections are usually caused by a weakened immune system that can lead to changes in the acidity of the vagina. The various conditions that can lower a woman’s immune defences are stress, lack of sleep, sickness, poor diet, extreme intake of sugary foods, pregnancy, menstruation and disease such as poorly-controlled diabetes and HIV infection.

You may also find that taking certain medications can increase your risk of getting a yeast infection, such as birth control pills, antibiotics and steroid medicines.

What about sex? Some women believe that they can get yeast infections through sexual intercourse with their partners. However, this is actually very rare.

A woman could be at higher risk if she has unprotected intercourse with a partner who has a yeast infection, but this condition is rare in men. There is a slightly higher risk following oral sex given by men who carry yeast organisms in their mouth.

Nonetheless, yeast infections are not likely to be transmitted from partner to partner. Having said that, however, other infections can be contracted sexually, and women should always practise safe sex with their partners.

Don’t be shy to consult doctor!
It can be embarrassing to admit that you have symptoms of a vaginal infection. However, it is important that you overcome your shyness and see your GP or gynaecologist.

Sometimes, the signs of a yeast infection are similar to that of sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Getting a medical check-up could help you determine whether you have a yeast infection or something more serious.

A yeast infection is easily diagnosed. Your doctor will examine you to look for swelling and discharge. He or she may also take a sample from your vagina and examine that under the microscope to look for yeast organisms.

Treatment is often in the form of antifungal creams, tablets, ointments or suppositories (inserted into the vagina).

Do not attempt to treat the infection yourself – always get your doctor’s advice, even if you want to use over-the-counter medicines. Taking antifungal medications when you don’t have a yeast infection could make your condition worse and increase your risk of getting a resistant strain of infection in the future.

Avoiding repeat infections
It is very common for women to develop recurrent yeast infections, even several in one year. Here are some tips to prevent another yeast infection from occurring:

• Don’t use douches.
• Avoid scented hygiene products like bubble bath, sprays, pads and tampons.
• Change tampons and pads frequently when you are menstruating.
• Don’t wear clothing or underwear that are tight in the crotch.
• Wear cotton underwear or pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
• Change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible.
• Keep your vaginal area clean.
• After a shower or bath, dry the vaginal area completely before getting dressed.
• After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back.
• Avoid sharing towels with others.
• Don’t take antibiotics unless prescribed by your doctor.
• Eat a diet high in vegetables, protein and grains, and avoid processed foods, sugars and alcohol.
• Abstain from sex while undergoing treatment for a yeast infection.
• If you are experiencing chronic yeast infections and are using birth control pills, consider changing your birth control method.

Finally, see your doctor for more advice about avoiding repeat yeast infections. Ignoring it won’t make it go away.

The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice.

It is also one of the most affordable and accessible methods as you do not have to go clinic or get a prescription. However, certain myths and misconceptions about condoms prevail, causing some people to avoid using them or use them incorrectly.

For birth control
The condom is really nothing more than a very thin piece of latex or polyurethane that fits over the penis. It blocks semen from entering the vagina, as well as the exchange of bodily fluids that may carry infection.

Condoms – if used consistently and always correctly have a 98% efficacy in preventing pregnancies. However, the problems lies in the way people use condoms. If condoms are not correctly or not with every sexual intercourse, then ‘accidents’ are bound to occur. One way to increase the efficacy of condoms is to use contraceptive foams, creams, jellies, films, or suppositories that kill the sperm if condom breaks. Some condoms are even coated with a spermicide to provide this extra protection.

For protection agains STDs
Latex condoms protect against sexually transmitted diseases by bodily fluids that may contain infections. They are known to protect against HIv, chlamydia, syphilis, chancroid and vaginitis caused by trichomoniasis. Condoms also offer some protection – although not completely – against other sexually transmitted infections, like HPV, hepatitis B virus and herpes simplex virus (causing genital herpes).

Using condoms correctly
Firstly, heed this reminder: a man should always use a condom every time he has any form of sexual intercourse be it vagina, oral or anal. This is unless both partners have confirmed that they are free of any STDs, are monogamous and in a long term relationship together, and have agreed that unplanned pregnancies will not be a problem.

The condom should be put on before any genital contact, because pre-ejaculation can also cause pregnancy. When unwrapping the condom, be careful not to tear it. Pinch the air out of the tip with one hand. Then, unroll the condom over the penis and roll it all the way down to the base. Smooth out any air bubbles.

If necessary, apply a water-based lubricant, such as KY jelly, on the condom. Do not use oil-based lubricants because they can destroy the latex. One should withdraw immediately after ejaculation. To avoid semen from spilling, hold the condom against the base of the penis while pulling out. Then remove the condom, tie a knot at the top, wrap it in some tissue paper and throw it away in the bin.

If a condom breaks during sex, quickly pull out and replace it. Wash any semen that has leaked out with soap and water. If semen has leaked into the vagina, you must consider the strong possibility that pregnancy may occur. Here are some further tips on handling condoms:

• Handle condoms gently and store them in cool, dry place so they don’t break.
  
• Do not keep condoms for too long in your back pocket, wallet, or car.
  
• Do not use condom that is too small or too large for you.
  
• Do not flush condoms down the toilet.
  
• Do not use condoms that have passed the expiry date.
  
• Do not reuse condoms!

Some common ‘complaints’ about condoms

• I’m allergic to latex. While it is true that some people are allergic to latex, this should not be an excuse to ignore birth control completely. Try using another type of condom, one that is made from polyurethane (a type of plastic).
• Condoms dull the sensation during sex. Adding a drop of lubricant inside the tip of condom can help to enhance sensation
  
• Condoms interfere with spontaneity. Yes, it may be a little awkward to stop the ‘action’ midway and bring up the subject of birth control. Talk to your partner beforehand about practising safe sex – condoms should become a routine part of your sexual relationship, such that you do not notice any break go your rhythm.
• Condoms always break. This is untrue. Condoms only break 2% of the time, and even then, it is due to human error. When used carefully and correctly, condoms should not fail.
• It’s too troublesome/We always forget. What’s more troublesome than a painful and potentially life-threatening STD? Or an unplanned pregnancy? The best thing about condoms is that they are cheap and easily available. Use them with some other contraceptive method to ensure better birth control. Of course, the surest way to avoid transmission of STDs is to abstain from sex, or to stay in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who is free from STDs.