Sex

“Your health has a big impact on your sex life and vice versa. Don’t be embarrassed about discussing sex with your doctor. Your doctor can be a reliable source of…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Sex Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Coitus
  • Consummation
  • Copulation
  • Intercourse
  • Intimacy
  • Sex
  • Sex Life
  • Sexual Health
  • Sexual Intercourse
  • Sexuality
  • Vaginal Intercourse
  • “Bonk”
  • “Carnal Knowledge”
  • “Favour”
  • “Funny Business”
  • “Hanky-Panky”
  • “Jig-Jig”
  • “Jump”
  • “Love Making”
  • “Morning Glory”
  • “Naughty”
  • “Quickie”
  • “Shag”
  • “Slap-and-Tickle”
  • “Tumble In the Hay”

Terminology

Can sex mean different things to different people?

I think the term sex can be like the terms diet, love and menopause and mean different things, to different people, at different times, in different places.

When I use the term sex what I mean may be different to what someone else means or what is meant in medicaltalk.

It can therefore be important when the term sex is used to be clear about what is meant, so we may work out whether we are on the same page meaning the same thing or not.

Definition

What is sex?

DotS the definition of sex may vary. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) working definition is:

“Sex refers to the biological characteristics that define humans as female or male. While these sets of biological characteristics are not mutually exclusive, as there are individuals who possess both, they tend to differentiate humans as males and females”.2

The WHO also note:

“In general use in many languages, the term sex is often used to mean “sexual activity”, but for technical purposes in the context of sexuality and sexual health discussions, the above definition is preferred”.3

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with sex?

If you would like help with sex, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Sexual Health & Menopause Online the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) reassure:

“Sex and menopause are totally appropriate subjects for discussion in the healthcare setting, and solutions to midlife sexual problems are out there for the taking”.4

In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Talking To Your Healthcare Provider About Your Problem the NAMS also note:

“If your provider asks about your sex life or sexual function, don’t miss the opportunity to be frank and look for help. More important, if your provider doesn’t ask specifically about your sexual function, don’t be afraid to bring up a distressing sexual problem yourself when you’re asked, “How are you feeling?” Most providers today are comfortable addressing such a problem; if your provider is not, consider looking for another.

There is absolutely no need to suffer (or let your relationship suffer) in silence”.5

The (United States) Mayo Clinic also encourage us to talk about sex, explaining:

“Your health has a big impact on your sex life and vice versa. Don’t be embarrassed about discussing sex with your doctor. Your doctor can be a reliable source of information on sexual health. He or she can help you manage chronic conditions and medications that affect your sex life. Your doctor can help you understand how sexual activity may change throughout your life”.6

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Sex?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Sex?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. Anorgasmia In Women
  2. Are Sex Toys Safe?
  3. British Association for Sexual Health and HIV
  4. Caredownthere.com.au
  5. Common Sexual Problems and Fears
  6. Condoms (External)
  7. Contraception
  8. Explaining Sexual Problems To Your GP [General Practitioner]
  9. Female Orgasm: No Climax With Vaginal Penetration?
  10. Female Reproductive System [Topics]
  11. Female Sexual Dysfunction
  12. For Men Factsheets
  13. For Men and Women Factsheets
  14. For Women Factsheets
  15. How To Get Help With Your Sexual Health
  16. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  17. Information for Partners
  18. Intercourse Was Becoming Painful – Ask Dr Jean
  19. International Society for Sexual Medicine
  20. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  21. Libido: The Highs and Lows of Midlife
  22. Low Sex Drive In Women
  23. Menopause FAQs: Expert Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause
  24. Menopause and Sexuality
  25. Menopause – Will It Affect My Sex Life? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  26. Menopause: Advice To Other Women About the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  27. Menopause: Advice To Partners About the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  28. Menopause: Libido, Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Problems and the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  29. Menopause: Relationships, Sex and Contraception and the Menopause [Video Interview Stories]
  30. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  31. Nsvrc.org [National Sexual Violence Resource Center, United States]: Directory of Organizations
  32. Problems With Orgasm
  33. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
  34. Recent Review Confirms Safety of Low Dose Vaginal Estrogen: July 2019
  35. Relationships
  36. Senior Sex: Tips for Older Men
  37. Sex & Relationships: Sex & Menopause [+ Video: 5 Things To Know About Sex In Later Life]
  38. Sex & Sexual Health
  39. Sex & Sexual Health: Libido
  40. Sex & Sexual Health: Painful Sex (Dyspareunia)
  41. Sex & Sexual Health: Relationships
  42. Sex & Sexual Health: Safer Sex & STIs
  43. Sex & Sexual Health: Sexuality
  44. Sex Headaches
  45. Sex and Heart Disease
  46. Sex and Menopause: Treatment for Symptoms
  47. Sex and Relationships After the Menopause
  48. Sex and the Adult Female With Cancer [Topics]
  49. Sexual Advice Association [United Kingdom]
  50. Sexual Assault Awareness Month [United States]
  51. Sexual Difficulties In the Menopause
  52. Sexual Health
  53. Sexual Health
  54. Sexual Health
  55. Sexual Health Issues [Topics]
  56. Sexual Health: Basics – Sexual Health Basics
  57. Sexual Health: Can Oral Sex Give You Cancer?
  58. Sexual Health: Expert Answers – Is There An Equivalent of Viagra for Women?
  59. Sexual Health: Female Sexual Problems
  60. Sexual Health: In-Depth – Sexual Health and Aging: Keep the Passion Alive
  61. Sexual Health: In-Depth – Vagina: What’s Normal, What’s Not
  62. Sexual Health: In-Depth – Women’s Sexual Health: Talking About Your Sexual Needs
  63. Sexual Health: Is Masturbation Normal?
  64. Sexual Health: Is My Vagina Normal?
  65. Sexual Health: Keeping Your Vagina Clean and Healthy
  66. Sexual Health: Male Sexual Problems
  67. Sexual Health: Sex Activities and Risk
  68. Sexual Health: Sex After Hysterectomy
  69. Sexual Health: Sexual Health for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
  70. Sexual Health: Women’s Stuff – Video
  71. Sexual Problems In Women
  72. Testosterone Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  73. The Vulva & Vagina – Fact Sheet
  74. The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & Treatment – Booklet
  75. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  76. Uterus, Cervix & Ovaries – Fact sheet
  77. Vaginal Dryness
  78. Vaginal Dryness
  79. Vaginal Dryness After Menopause: How To Treat It?
  80. Vaginal Dryness: Treatment Options
  81. Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants: Finding Your Way Through the Drugstore Aisles
  82. Video Series-2019 – Talking To Your Clinician About Sexual Health Concerns
  83. Video Series-2019 – Treatment Options for Arousal and Orgasm Issues
  84. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+Video]
  85. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is the Vulva? [+ Diagram]
  86. Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
  87. Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries and Uterus
  88. What Can Cause Orgasm Problems In Women?
  89. What Is An Orgasm?
  90. What Is Normal Sex?
  91. What You Didn’t Know About STIs…
  92. When Sex Hurts – Podcast
  93. Sex Why Does Sex Hurt?
  94. Will Menopause Affect My Sex Life? [+ Video]
  95. Women’s Wellness: Painful Sex After Menopause
  96. Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems
  97. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2018: Patient Information Leaflet – Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause [Multiply Languages]
  98. World Menopause Day: World Menopause Day 2019: Patient Information Leaflet – Testosterone for Women At Midlife [Multiply Languages]
  99. Your Contraceptive Guide: Condoms
  100. Your Sexual Health

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Have Questions About Sex? Ask Your Doctor. 01 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/art-20048805 Accessed: 02 October 2020.
  2. Sexual and Reproductive Health: Defining Sexual Health – Working Definitions: Sex. World Health Organization http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/sexual_health/sh_definitions/en/ Accessed: 02 October 2020.
  3. Sexual and Reproductive Health: Defining Sexual Health – Working Definitions: Sex. World Health Organization http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/sexual_health/sh_definitions/en/ Accessed: 02 October 2020.
  4. Sexual Health & Menopause Online. North American Menopause Society http://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online Accessed: 02 October 2020.
  5. Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Talking To Your Health Care Provider About Your Problem. North American Menopause Society http://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/effective-treatments-for-sexual-problems/talking-to-your-healthcare-provider-about-your-problem Accessed: 02 October 2020.
  6. Have Questions About Sex? Ask Your Doctor. 01 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/art-20048805 Accessed: 02 October 2020.

Topic Last Updated: 02 October 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 02 October 2020.
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