ScienceDaily: Sexual Health News

Finasteride, medication for male pattern hair loss, may also decrease drinking

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:18:18 EDT

Finasteride is a synthetic drug for the treatment of male pattern hair loss and an enlarged prostate. Rodent research has shown that finasteride can reduce alcohol intake. A preliminary study of men with finasteride-related sexual side effects indicates that finasteride may decrease drinking.

Voiding disorder therapy improved sexual dysfunction

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:18:18 EDT

A prospective study of 23 women aged 21 to 71 showed pelvic neuromodulation for bladder disorders also increased five of six sexual function scores in a validated questionnaire administered pre- and post-treatment.

Vaccinating children against HPV?

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:05:05 EDT

The Human papillomavirus, or HPV, and its link to certain cancers has been in the headlines recently, reigniting the debate whether it is appropriate to vaccinate children against the virus.

One in four patients with newly-diagnosed erectile dysfunction is a young man

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:05:05 EDT

In a recent analysis of one outpatient clinic, one in four men seeking medical help for newly-developed erectile dysfunction (ED) was younger than 40 years, and nearly half of young men with the condition had severe ED. While larger population-based studies are needed, the findings suggest that erectile dysfunction in young men may be more prevalent and more serious than previously thought.

Specific changes in brain structure after different forms of child abuse

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 13:37:37 EDT

Different forms of childhood abuse increase the risk for mental illness as well as sexual dysfunction in adulthood, but little has been known about how that happens. Scientists have now discovered a neural basis for this association. The study shows that sexually abused and emotionally mistreated children exhibit specific and differential changes in the architecture of their brain that reflect the nature of the mistreatment.

No increased risk of infection for long-term sex partners of people with HPV-related oral cancers, study suggests

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 13:36:36 EDT

Spouses and long-term partners of patients with mouth and throat cancers related to infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) appear to have no increased prevalence of oral HPV infections, according to new results.

Sleep deprived men over perceive women's sexual interest and intent

Fri, 31 May 2013 10:55:55 EDT

A new study suggests that one night of sleep deprivation leads to an increase in men's perceptions of both women's interest in and intent to have sex.

Living in poor area as teen could increase risk for chlamydia in young adulthood

Wed, 29 May 2013 19:07:07 EDT

Living in a poor neighborhood as an adolescent is linked to an increased risk of getting the sexually transmitted infection (STI) chlamydia in young adulthood, according to new research.

Childhood abuse linked with food addiction in adult women

Wed, 29 May 2013 10:15:15 EDT

Women who experienced severe physical or sexual abuse during childhood are much more likely to have a food addiction as adults than women who did not experience such abuse, according to a new study. The study's findings provide valuable new information regarding potential causes and treatments for food addiction and obesity.

Heart failure accelerates male 'menopause'

Sat, 25 May 2013 14:38:38 EDT

Heart failure accelerates the aging process and brings on early andropausal syndrome (AS), according to new research. AS, also referred to as male 'menopause', was four times more common in men with heart failure.

New microsphere-based methods for detecting HIV antibodies

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:40:40 EDT

Detection of HIV antibodies is used to diagnose HIV infection and monitor trials of experimental HIV/AIDS vaccines. New, more sensitive detection systems being developed use microspheres to capture HIV antibodies and can measure even small amounts of multiple antibodies at one time.

New study explores providers' perceptions of parental concerns about HPV vaccination

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:54:54 EDT

A new study has found that low-income and minority parents may be more receptive to vaccinating their daughters against Human Papillomavirus, while white, middle-class parents are more likely to defer the vaccination.

Women altering menstruation cycles in large numbers

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:21:21 EDT

A surprisingly large number of women 18 or older choose to delay or skip monthly menstruation by deviating from the instructions of birth-control pills and other hormonal contraceptives, scientists have found

Sexual harassment linked to 'purging' -- in men

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:43:43 EDT

Men who experience high levels of sexual harassment are much more likely than women to induce vomiting and take laxatives and diuretics in an attempt to control their weight, according to a surprising finding.

Immune cells that suppress genital herpes infections identified

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Scientists have identified a class of immune cells that reside long-term in the genital skin and mucosa and are believed to be responsible for suppressing recurring outbreaks of genital herpes. These immune cells also play a role in suppressing symptoms of genital herpes, which is why most sufferers of the disease are asymptomatic when viral reactivations occur. The discovery of this subtype of immune cells, called CD8αα+ T cells, opens a new avenue of research to develop a vaccine to prevent and treat herpes simplex virus type 2, or HSV-2. Identifying these T cells’ specific molecular targets, called epitopes, is the next step in developing a vaccine.

Focus on STD, not cancer prevention, to promote HPV vaccine use

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:04:04 EDT

The HPV vaccine can prevent both cervical cancer and a nasty sexually transmitted disease in women. But emphasizing the STD prevention will persuade more young women to get the vaccine.

Sexually explicit material affects behavior in young people less than thought

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:15:15 EDT

Viewing sexually explicit material through media such as the Internet, videos, and magazines may be directly linked with the sexual behavior of adolescents and young adults, but only to a very small extent. The findings suggest that the practice is just one of many factors that may influence the sexual behaviors of young people.

Pedophiles identified accurately with implicit association tasks

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:14:14 EDT

A combination of two tasks for implied sexual associations has distinguished -- with more than 90 per cent certainty -- a group of pedophilic men from a group of men with a sexual preference for adult women. In the long term this could lead to a diagnostic test, for example for men who have applied to work with children.

Genital wart rate in young women plummets thanks to HPV vaccine, claim researchers

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:40:40 EDT

The proportion of young women diagnosed with genital warts in Australia has seen a significant decline thanks to the HPV vaccine, suggests a new article.

Dramatic changes in bacteria following male circumcision

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:23:23 EDT

Male circumcision reduces the abundance of bacteria living on the penis and might help explain why circumcision offers men some protection against HIV, according to a new study.

Twelve principles for effective contraceptive counseling

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:48:48 EDT

New research has led experts to suggest 12 evidence-based principles that can be used to improve contraceptive counseling of adolescents in US health care clinics, doctor's offices, and health service organizations.

Mathematics provides a shortcut to timely, cost-effective interventions for HIV

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:59:59 EDT

Mathematical estimates of treatment outcomes can cut costs and provide faster delivery of preventative measures. South Africa is home to the largest HIV epidemic in the world with a total of 5.6 million people living with HIV. Large-scale clinical trials evaluating combination methods of prevention and treatment are often prohibitively expensive and take years to complete. In the absence of such trials, mathematical models can help assess the effectiveness of different HIV intervention combinations, as demonstrated in a new study.

Genetic alteration predicts pain recovery after sexual assault

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:13:13 EDT

One in five U.S. women are sexually assaulted in their lifetimes and more than half experience severe pain during the week following an attack. A study showed that presence of a genetic variant could significantly reduce pain severity associated with assault.

Current HPV vaccine may not help some women with immune problems

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:32:32 EDT

Women with HIV acquire cancer-causing forms of the human papillomavirus that are not included in the current HPV vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix, according to new research.

New approach for stopping herpes infections

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:02:02 EDT

Researchers have discovered a novel strategy for preventing infections due to the highly common herpes simplex viruses, the microbes responsible for causing genital herpes (herpes simplex virus 2) and cold sores (herpes simplex virus 1). The finding could lead to new drugs for treating or suppressing herpes virus infections.

Harnessing immune cells' adaptability to design an effective HIV vaccine

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:31:31 EDT

In infected individuals, HIV mutates rapidly to escape recognition by immune cells. This process of evolution is the main obstacle to natural immunity and the development of an effective vaccine. A new study reveals that the immune system has the capacity to adapt such that it can recognize mutations in HIV.

Sex between monogamous heterosexuals rarely source of hepatitis C infection, study suggests

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:41:41 EDT

Individuals infected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have nothing to fear from sex in a monogamous, heterosexual relationship. Transmission of HCV from an infected partner during sex is rare according to new research.

Sexual function improves significantly after hip or knee replacement surgery, research finds

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:14:14 EDT

Osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, affecting millions of Americans each year, is known to limit sexual activity. New research has found that total hip or total knee replacement surgery improves sexual function in 90 percent of patients.

'Brazilians' and other types of pubic hair removal may boost viral infection risk

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:34:34 EDT

"Brazilians" and other types of fashionable pubic hair removal may boost the risk of a viral infection called Molluscum contagiousum, suggests a small study.

More parents say they won't vaccinate daughters against HPV

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:47:47 EDT

Parents are increasingly concerned about potential side effects, a new study shows.

Implementing HPV vaccinations at a young age is significant for vaccine effectiveness

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:21:21 EDT

Initial vaccinations for human papillomavirus (HPV) at a young age is important for maximizing quadrivalent HPV vaccine effectiveness according to a Swedish study.

Current HIV screening guidelines are too conservative

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:04:04 EDT

Researchers report that the CDC's current HIV screening guidelines are too conservative and that more frequent testing would be cost-effective in the long run for both high- and low-risk groups. The researchers performed a mathematical modeling study to assess "optimal testing frequencies" for HIV screening in different risk groups. They concluded screening should be done up to every three months for the highest-risk individuals and low-risk groups should be tested every three years.

Nanoparticles loaded with bee venom kill HIV

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:03:03 EST

Nanoparticles carrying a toxin found in bee venom can destroy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while leaving surrounding cells unharmed, researchers have shown. The finding is an important step toward developing a vaginal gel that may prevent the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Use of certain therapies for inflammatory diseases does not appear to increase risk of shingles

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:40:40 EST

Although patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a disproportionately higher incidence of herpes zoster (shingles), an analysis that included nearly 60,000 patients with RA and other inflammatory diseases found that those who initiated anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies were not at higher risk of herpes zoster compared with patients who initiated nonbiologic treatment regimens, according to a new study.

AIDS journal publishes findings of two important studies in March 2013 issue

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:32:32 EST

The results of two important studies have been published in the March issue of AIDS, the official journal of the International AIDS Society. One study notes that screening for HIV should be performed more frequently—up to every three months for the highest-risk patients, while low-risk groups to be tested every three years. A second study demonstrates a link between heavy drinking and risky behaviors for men who have sex with men (MSM).

First documented case of child cured of HIV

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 17:26:26 EST

Researchers have described the first documented case of a child being cured of HIV. The case involves a two-year-old child in Mississippi diagnosed with HIV at birth and immediately put on antiretroviral therapy. At 18 months, the child ceased taking antiretrovirals and was lost to follow-up. When brought back into care at 23 months, despite being off treatment for five months, the child was found to have an undetectable viral load. A battery of subsequent highly sensitive tests confirmed the absence of HIV.

Sexually transmitted infections: Researchers find a protein link to STI susceptibility

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:56:56 EST

Scientists have found a protein in the female reproductive tract that protects against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and herpes simplex virus.

Rapid, point-of-care tests for syphilis: The future of diagnosis

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:35:35 EST

Scientists have demonstrated that rapid and point-of-care tests (POC) for syphilis are as accurate as conventional laboratory tests. The findings call for a major change in approach to syphilis testing and recommend replacing first line laboratory tests with POC tests globally, especially in resource-limited settings.

Parents of teen girls more accepting of birth control pills than other contraceptive methods, study finds

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:58:58 EST

Parents are more accepting of their teenage daughters using birth control pills than any other form of contraception, including condoms, according to a recent study. The most effective contraceptive methods, the implant -- a matchstick-sized rod that is inserted in the arm to prevent pregnancy -- and the intrauterine device (IUD), were acceptable to a minority of parents.

Certain hormonal contraceptive may pose risk of Type 2 diabetes for obese women

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:21:21 EST

A first-of-its-kind study by researchers indicates that healthy, obese, reproductive-age women who use long-acting reversible contraception containing the hormone progestin have a slightly increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes when compared to those who use non-hormonal contraception.

HIV exploits a human cytokine in semen to promote its own transmission

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:20:20 EST

A new report suggests that the concentration of one human cytokine, interleukin 7 (IL-7), in the semen of HIV-1-infected men may be a key determinant of the efficiency of HIV-1 transmission to an uninfected female partner. Scientists report that the increased IL-7 concentration in semen facilitates HIV transmission to cervical tissue ex vivo.

Social media may be useful in prevention of HIV, STDs

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 09:30:30 EST

Facebook and other social networking technologies be effective tools for preventing HIV infection among at-risk groups. African American and Latino men who have sex with men voluntarily used health-related Facebook groups to discuss such things as HIV prevention and to request HIV testing kits.

Androgen insensitivity syndrome: New guidelines for study of rare in which a person is genetically male but looks female

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:38:38 EST

Researchers in Spain have designed a guideline for physicians and patients on androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), a rare condition in which a person is genetically male but has some or all of the physical characteristics of a female.

Study finds incentive price for reducing HIV risk in Mexico

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST

With a goal to reduce HIV risk behaviors, researchers investigated whether gay men and male sex workers in Mexico City would participate in a conditional cash transfer program that encourages HIV prevention education and regular testing. A new study reports the price that would get more than 75 percent participation: $288 a year.

Gum disease found to worsen infection in animal model of AIDS

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:06:06 EST

Scientists have found that moderate gum disease in an animal model exposed to an AIDS- like virus had more viral variants causing infection and greater inflammation. Both of these features have potential negative implications in long term disease progression, including other kinds of infections, the researchers say in a new report.

Prostate cancer study tracks long-term urinary, sexual and bowel function side effects

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:43:43 EST

A new study comparing outcomes among prostate cancer patients treated with surgery versus radiotherapy found differences in urinary, bowel and sexual function after short-term follow-up, but those differences were no longer significant 15 years after initial treatment.

Discovery of sexual mating in Candida albicans could provide insights into infections

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:36:36 EST

Like many fungi and one-celled organisms, Candida albicans, a normally harmless microbe that can turn deadly, has long been thought to reproduce without sexual mating. But a new study shows that C. albicans is capable of sexual reproduction. The finding represents an important breakthrough in understanding how this pathogen has been shaped by evolution.

Erectile dysfunction drug also helps men ejaculate and orgasm

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:30:30 EST

New data suggests the erectile dysfunction (ED) drug Cialis may also be beneficial in helping men who have problems with ejaculation and orgasm, report researchers. Cialis is currently approved for the treatment of ED, benign prostate hypertrophy and for treatment of men with both conditions.

Health benefits of coming out of the closet demonstrated

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 07:44:44 EST

Lesbians, gays and bisexuals (LGBs) who are out to others have lower stress hormone levels and fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and burnout, according to researchers. Cortisol is a stress hormone in our body. When chronically strained, cortisol contributes to the 'wear and tear' exerted on multiple biological systems.

Penicillin, not the pill, may have launched the sexual revolution

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:29:29 EST

The rise in risky, non-traditional sexual relations that marked the swinging '60s and advent of readily available contraception actually began as much as a decade earlier, during the conformist '50s, suggests a new analysis. The analysis strongly indicates that the widespread use of penicillin, leading to a rapid decline in syphilis during the 1950s, is what launched the modern sexual era.

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health priorities identified

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:30:30 EST

Researchers identified research priorities for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries.

New study reveals sex to be pleasurable with or without use of a condom or lubricant

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:37:37 EST

American men and women rated sex as highly arousing and pleasurable regardless of whether condoms and/or lubricants were used, according to a new study.

Drug abuse impairs sexual performance in men even after rehabilitation

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:57:57 EST

Alcohol is the drug that most affects sexual arousal (erectile capacity), according to new research. In addition, researchers observed that men did not improve their sexual performance when they stopped drinking alcohol. The study included 905 men of which 550 had been diagnosed with alcohol, cocaine, cocaine and alcohol, heroin, marijuana and speedball (cocaine and heroin) addiction.

Better syringe designs could nearly eradicate global annual HIV infections from syringe sharing within eight years

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 08:59:59 EST

Switching the type of syringe used by people who inject drugs could help curb HIV transmission in countries with injection-driven epidemics within eight years, according to a new article.

An embryo that is neither male nor female: Impact of three unexpected sex determination factors analyzed

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:24:24 EST

Is it a girl or a boy? This is the first question parents ask at the birth of an infant. Though the answer is obvious, the mechanism of sex determination is much less so. Researchers attempt to shed light on this complex process by identifying the crucial role played by insulin and IGF1 and IGF2 growth factors, a family of hormones known for its role in metabolism and growth.

Bisexual men on the 'down low' run risk for poor mental health

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:05:05 EST

Bisexual men are less likely to disclose their sexual orientation than gay men. In the first study to look at the mental health of this population, researchers found that greater concealment of homosexual behavior was associated with more symptoms of depression and anxiety. The researchers found that men who live with a wife or girlfriend and who think of themselves as heterosexual were more likely to conceal their same-sex behavior.

HPV in older women may be due to reactivation of virus, not new infection

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:52:52 EST

A new study suggests that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women at or after menopause may represent an infection acquired years ago, and that HPV infections may exist below limits of detection after one to two years, similar to other viruses, such as varicella zoster, which can cause shingles. The study highlights the need for additional research to better understand HPV infections and the role of HPV persistence and reactivation, particularly in women of the baby boomer generation.

Epigenetics may be a critical factor contributing to homosexuality, study suggests

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:32:32 EST

Epigenetics -- how gene expression is regulated by temporary switches, called epi-marks -- appears to be a critical and overlooked factor contributing to the long-standing puzzle of why homosexuality occurs. According to the study, sex-specific epi-marks, which normally do not pass between generations and are thus "erased," can lead to homosexuality when they escape erasure and are transmitted from father to daughter or mother to son.

Vaginal microbicide gel may offer a promising strategy for prevention and protection against HIV transmission

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:32:32 EST

A new study shows that a microbicide gel is highly effective in block infection by the AIDS virus in a non-human primate model. Scientists have described the gel's key ingredient, which are small peptides engineered to present a decoy to bind up the virus and prevent it from entering and infecting the cells of the body.

Men with erection problems are three times more likely to have inflamed gums, study finds

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:13:13 EST

Men in their thirties who had inflamed gums caused by severe periodontal disease were three times more likely to suffer from erection problems, according to a new study.