Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

Many high-risk pregnancies can still include sex if your provider says it is safe, but avoid intercourse if you have placenta previa after 26 weeks, signs of preterm labor, cervical insufficiency or a cerclage, ruptured membranes, unexplained bleeding, or an active genital infection. Orgasms may cause brief, mild contractions similar to Braxton Hicks and are not shown to trigger labor in most cases, but stop and call your provider for heavy bleeding, fluid leakage, or regular painful contractions. There are several factors to consider, and practical tips, safer positions, and red flags to guide your next steps are outlined below.

No, the baking soda plus apple cider vinegar trick does not cure ED, and it can pose health risks; blood pH is tightly regulated and there is no clinical evidence this improves erections. ED is not simply in your head, as most cases involve physical factors along with stress or anxiety. There are several factors to consider and proven treatments that can help; see below for how to tell physical from psychological causes, safer evidence-based options, and key risks to avoid and when to seek care.

Not all cervical cancer patients need chemotherapy; treatment depends on the cancer’s stage, specific surgical findings, and whether it has spread. Chemo is standard with radiation for locally advanced disease, for high-risk findings after surgery, for some intermediate-risk features with radiation, and for recurrent or metastatic cases, while many very early-stage tumors without added risk factors can avoid it. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more and to plan next steps with a gynecologic oncologist.

Yes: sexual behaviors that increase exposure to high-risk HPV, including early first sex, multiple partners for you or your partner, and inconsistent condom use, raise cervical cancer risk; consistent condom use reduces but does not eliminate risk, and mutual monogamy plus HPV vaccination help lower it. Lifestyle also matters, with smoking clearly increasing risk, and factors like long-term birth control pill use, immunosuppression, poor diet, and obesity modestly adding risk, while staying up to date on Pap and HPV screening sharply reduces it. There are several factors to consider and important steps you can take; see the complete guidance below to understand key nuances, timelines for risk reduction, and which next actions to discuss with your doctor.

Penis pumps (vacuum erection devices) can help many men get and keep an erection, with studies showing about 60 to 80 percent effectiveness and mostly mild side effects. They are often most useful for mild to moderate ED, for men who cannot take pills, and after prostate surgery. There are several factors to consider, like underlying causes, medication interactions, proper technique and ring time limits, and when to combine treatments or see a clinician; see the complete details below to choose the right next steps.

Yes. CIN is a precancerous change in the surface layer of the cervix, graded 1 to 3; unlike cancer, it has not invaded deeper tissues or spread, and while many CIN 1 lesions regress, higher grades carry a greater risk of progression. There are several factors to consider for monitoring and treatment choices; see below for key differences, risks by grade, and next steps for screening and care.

Medicare may cover erectile dysfunction treatment, but coverage depends on the specific therapy and medical necessity, with oral drugs typically under Part D if on your plan formulary, injections and vacuum devices often under Part B, and penile implant surgery under Part A or B. There are several factors to consider, including prior authorization, step therapy, cost sharing, Medicare Advantage plan rules, and exclusions like over the counter supplements; see the complete details below to understand what applies to you and which next steps to take with your doctor and plan.

Radiation for prostate cancer can cause erectile dysfunction, often developing gradually as nerves and blood vessels are affected, with about 40 to 60 percent of men experiencing some degree within two years, depending on treatment type, age, baseline function, health conditions, and whether hormone therapy is used. There are several factors to consider, and many treatments can help, from lifestyle changes and pills to devices and implants; early conversation with your care team matters. See below for key timelines, risk factors, and practical next steps that can influence your decisions.

Condoms significantly lower the risk of HPV but do not completely prevent it, because HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact on areas a condom does not cover; consistent use has been shown to cut new infections by about 50 to 70% and reduce how long infections persist. There are several factors to consider. See below for steps to maximize protection, including vaccination, correct condom use every time, and appropriate screening.

Erections that fail only when you have been drinking and return to normal when sober point to alcohol-related “whisky dick,” while persistent problems for 3 months or more across at least half of attempts, including when sober, suggest erectile dysfunction with possible vascular, hormonal, neurologic, or psychological causes. Track patterns, try the IIEF-5 screener, consider risks like diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, or medications, and see a doctor if difficulties persist or occur when sober. There are several factors to consider. See complete details below to understand more and choose the right next steps.

Penis enlargement surgery increases length or girth by either cutting the suspensory ligament so more of the shaft hangs outside the body, or by adding volume with fat transfer, dermal or synthetic grafts, or temporary hyaluronic acid fillers; some people combine procedures, and post-op traction or an extender is critical because gains are usually modest. There are several factors to consider, including recovery time, risks like infection, scarring, asymmetry or sensation changes, variable fat reabsorption, costs, and choosing an experienced surgeon. See complete details below to guide your next steps.

There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. For comfortable first-time sex, take it slow, communicate, prioritize arousal with ample lube, start with nonpenetrative touch and then gradual, well lubricated penetration, choose shallow positions you control, and relax the pelvic floor. If pain persists, is sharp, or occurs with discharge, bleeding, fever, or urinary or bowel symptoms, or if you cannot tolerate penetration, seek care; pelvic floor physical therapy, topical or hormonal treatments, and counseling can help, and step-by-step techniques and red flags are detailed below.

You can lower blood pressure with proven steps, but there are several factors to consider; see below for important details that can guide your next steps. Priorities include reducing salt with a DASH-style diet, regular exercise and weight loss, limiting alcohol and caffeine, managing stress, quitting smoking, and using home BP monitoring, with medications added by your clinician if lifestyle changes are not enough; seek urgent care for red flag symptoms like severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or vision changes.

Yes, early cervical cancer is often curable, with cure and five-year survival rates commonly above 90% for Stage IA to IB1 when the disease is confined to the cervix and treated promptly. There are several factors to consider, including stage, tumor size, lymph nodes, treatment choice, and follow-up; see below for key details that can guide your next steps, from screening and HPV vaccination to fertility-sparing options and when to seek prompt care.

Micropenis is real and medically defined as a stretched penile length more than 2.5 standard deviations below average, roughly under 2.5 inches in adults, with age specific cutoffs for infants and children. There are several factors to consider, including distinguishing it from a buried penis, possible hormonal or genetic causes, how it is diagnosed, treatment options like early testosterone therapy, and when to see a specialist; see below for details that could impact your next steps and support resources.

There are several factors to consider. For most seniors, enlargement offers modest, sometimes temporary size gains but carries real risks and higher complication rates as you age, so it is usually only worth considering if you are healthy, have realistic expectations, and choose an experienced, board-certified specialist. Many people achieve better confidence and sexual satisfaction using non-surgical options like vacuum devices, traction, pelvic floor work, and counseling, often with fewer risks and lower cost. For specific methods, expected results, safety considerations, and deciding next steps with your doctor, see the complete details below.

Generally not recommended for teens, since most are still developing into their early 20s, most fall within normal size ranges, and there are no safe, proven enlargement methods for minors; many advertised options carry real risks like tissue injury, reduced sensitivity, and emotional distress. There are several factors to consider. See below for details on normal development, common myths, the evidence and risks for pumps, extenders, creams, and surgery, mental health considerations, and when to seek professional guidance.

There are several factors to consider. See below for the key numbers, risks, and decision points that might change your next steps. Expect modest gains overall: extenders average 1 to 1.6 cm of length over months, HA fillers add about 1.5 to 2 cm of girth for 9 to 12 months, and surgery brings higher risk for limited improvement; weigh partner preferences, confidence goals, costs, potential complications, and the reality that technique and connection often matter more than size, and consider a consult with a board-certified urologist or a sex therapist.

Yes, penis pumps can work for many men over 60, often producing erections suitable for intercourse with few systemic side effects; clinical trials and international guidelines support them as an effective, safe, and cost-effective option, especially when pills are not ideal. There are several factors to consider. See below for details on candidacy, safe use and ring timing, common side effects and red flags, the need to address underlying heart or hormonal issues, and how pumps compare or combine with other ED treatments, which could influence your next steps.

Lowering blood pressure after 60 is achievable with proven steps: follow a DASH-style diet that cuts sodium and boosts potassium, get about 150 minutes of weekly aerobic activity plus strength training, target a 5 to 10 percent weight loss if needed, limit alcohol, manage stress, and improve sleep. Regular home checks and the right medications, plus attention to issues like sleep apnea or liver health when relevant, are important. There are several factors to consider and urgent symptoms like severe headache, chest pain, vision changes, or shortness of breath require immediate care; see the complete guidance below.

After 60, high blood pressure often stems from arterial stiffening, reduced vessel relaxation from endothelial changes, and age related kidney and hormonal shifts that retain salt and constrict vessels. Lifestyle and health factors such as high salt intake, inactivity, excess weight, alcohol or tobacco use, sleep apnea, and conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can compound the problem. There are several factors to consider; see below for key details on monitoring, lifestyle steps, medications, and urgent warning signs that could shape your next decisions.

Dangerous low blood pressure for women over 60 is generally sustained readings below 90/60 mmHg or a drop of at least 20 systolic or 10 diastolic within three minutes of standing; readings near or below 80/50 are especially urgent if paired with dizziness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, or signs of shock. There are several factors to consider that can change next steps, including medications, dehydration, and chronic conditions, so see the complete guidance below for how to monitor, self-care steps, and the specific red flags that require urgent or same‑day medical care.

There are several factors to consider. Spotting two days before your period is usually premenstrual rather than implantation, which more often occurs about 6 to 12 days after ovulation; pregnancy is still possible, but the best way to know is a home test on or after the first missed day. Other causes include hormonal shifts, contraception changes, infections, cervical ectropion, fibroids or polyps, and bleeding after sex is not normal though not uncommon and may need evaluation, especially with pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or foul discharge; for specific warning signs and next steps, see below.

True, organic ED usually develops gradually, is consistent whether you’re with a partner or alone, and often comes with reduced or absent nocturnal or morning erections, while psychogenic or “nerves” ED tends to be sudden or situational, with normal nocturnal erections and variable performance. There are several factors to consider, including mixed causes, red flags, and how doctors confirm the difference using history, labs, nocturnal penile tumescence testing, and penile Doppler. See below for complete details that can guide the right next steps and treatment options.

There are several risks and watch-outs to consider, including bruising or petechiae, pain, numbness or coldness from the constriction band, skin irritation or discoloration, difficulty ejaculating, device problems, psychological stress, and rarely priapism if the band stays on too long; be especially cautious if you use blood thinners, have bleeding or blood-cell disorders, penile infection or severe curvature, or a spinal cord injury. Reduce risk by using gentle suction with lubrication, following time limits of 10 to 15 minutes for the band and 20 to 30 minutes total, inspecting and cleaning the device, and seeking urgent care for an erection over 4 hours or persistent severe symptoms. Many more safety tips, red flags, and next-step guidance are detailed below.

Several factors can cause high blood pressure, most often a mix of genetics, aging, excess weight, high sodium intake, inactivity, unhealthy diet, alcohol or tobacco use, chronic stress, and poor sleep that drive essential hypertension. A smaller share comes from specific causes like kidney disease, hormonal disorders, sleep apnea, certain medications, and pregnancy issues, and there is also portal hypertension from liver cirrhosis; there are several factors to consider. See complete details below to understand which next steps may fit your situation.

A penis pump creates a vacuum around the penis that draws blood into the erectile chambers to produce an erection, and a constriction ring can then help maintain it for up to about 30 minutes. It is a drug-free option used for erectile dysfunction, post-surgery penile rehabilitation, and temporary enhancement, but technique, device choice, and safety considerations matter. There are several factors to consider; see below for key benefits, risks, contraindications, and usage tips that could guide your next steps.

BDSM is a consensual set of practices that include bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism, guided by consent-focused frameworks like Safe, Sane, and Consensual and Risk-Aware Consensual Kink. Risks include physical harm such as bruises, nerve or breathing complications, and infection, as well as emotional triggers, boundary violations, and social or legal consequences; these can be reduced with clear negotiation, safewords, education, proper gear, and aftercare, and medical or mental health support may be needed if injuries or distress occur. There are several factors to consider, and important details that could shape your next steps are summarized below.

Just before a period, discharge is usually creamy, off-white to pale yellow, slightly sticky or tacky, and light to moderate in amount due to normal estrogen and progesterone shifts. There are several factors to consider and some red flags to watch for, like a strong or fishy odor, green or gray color, itching or burning, pain with urination or sex, or a sudden increase in volume; see below for the full list, what variations are normal, the timeline through your cycle, and when to speak to a healthcare provider.

After diagnosis, your team confirms the cancer type and stage with biopsy review, imaging, and a pelvic exam, then a multidisciplinary group tailors a plan to your health goals and fertility preferences. Depending on stage, care may involve fertility-sparing surgery or hysterectomy, chemoradiation with brachytherapy, or systemic and palliative treatments, along with side effect management and regular follow-up. There are several factors to consider that can affect your next steps, so see the complete step-by-step details below.