You are never far from sexual health services in the US. Dedicated clinics are there for phone consultations or visits, online services can mail out testing kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and your doctor is also a source of advice, testing, and prescriptions. Needs can vary widely, but most people request access to STI tests such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis, emergency contraception, and regular contraception. Clinics may offer hepatitis B vaccination if you are at risk or emergency HIV treatment if you think you’ve been exposed. They can also advise on safe sex, high-risk behavior, sexual assault or rape, and anonymous contact tracing for a sexual partner or partners if you have tested positive for an STI.

Also known as “natural family planning”, fertility tracking is a natural and hormone-free method of contraception and fertility aid. By recording different ‘fertility signals’, a woman can identify days when she is fertile and likely to become pregnant. ‘Fertility signals’ that can be measured are the cycle length, body temperature changes and cervical mucus. This fertility aid informs us when  conception is likely to take place.

Conception is when a sperm cell from a man joins with an egg cell from a woman. This starts the process of pregnancy. Even though it sounds simple, many things need to happen for conception to work. Sometimes, it can take a while, and each person’s experience is different. For conception to happen, you need: A healthy egg Healthy sperm Good timing The right conditions inside the body Even when everything seems right, it might still take time to get pregnant. Everyone’s body, health, and lifestyle can make a difference.

A common question for people who are sexually active is: Can you get pregnant from pre-ejaculate? This is a big concern for people who use the withdrawal method, which means pulling the penis out before ejaculation to try to prevent pregnancy. Even though this method seems simple, it still has a real risk because sperm can sometimes be present in pre-ejaculate. What Is Pre-Ejaculate? Pre-ejaculate is a clear fluid that comes out of the penis when a man is sexually aroused, even before orgasm. Its main job is to make the urethra (the tube inside the penis) less acidic and to help sperm move more easily during ejaculation. This fluid is made by the Cowper’s glands, which are small glands under the prostate. Unlike semen, which contains millions of sperm, pre-ejaculate usually does not have sperm made directly by the testes. It mostly acts as a lubricant during sex and gets the urethra ready for semen. But because pre-ejaculate is released without control and can come out before orgasm, it can be confusing and hard to predict.

Many things can affect how easy it is for someone to have a baby, and the choices we make every day can play a big part. What you eat, how much you move, and how you take care of yourself can all help your body work better and make it easier to get pregnant. Making small, healthy changes can really help if you’re trying to have a baby.

Contraception plays a vital role in reproductive health and family planning, giving individuals the ability to make informed choices about if and when to have children. Beyond pregnancy prevention, specific contraceptive methods can offer additional health benefits, such as regulating menstrual cycles and reducing the risk of certain reproductive health conditions. With so many options available, understanding the different types of contraception and their effectiveness is key to choosing the best method for your needs. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the most common contraceptive methods, their pros and cons, and practical advice to help you make an informed decision.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common problem that many men face at some point in their lives. It means that a man ejaculates (releases semen) sooner during sex than he or his partner would like. This can make people feel frustrated, embarrassed, or like they don’t have control. But PE is more common than most people think, and there are ways to manage it and improve sexual satisfaction for both partners.

Taking your birth control pill at the same time every day is very important for it to work well and prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills use hormones to control your menstrual cycle and stop your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). If you miss a pill, these hormone levels can change, making the pill less effective and increasing your chance of getting pregnant. Missing a pill once in a while happens, but it can lower the pill’s effectiveness, especially if you miss more than one or if you’re in the middle of your pill pack. If you miss a pill, try to take it as soon as you remember and follow the instructions that come with your pills. If you’re not sure what to do or you miss more than one pill, talk to a healthcare professional.

Choosing the right birth control method is an important decision for anyone who wants to manage their reproductive health. There are many options, and the best one for you depends on your health, lifestyle, and what you prefer. There are two main types of birth control: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal birth control changes your body’s hormones to prevent pregnancy. Non-hormonal methods use physical barriers or natural techniques and do not change your hormone levels. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you decide what works best for you.

The birth control pill, often just called "the pill," is a very popular way for people to prevent pregnancy. Since it was first used in the 1960s, the pill has made it much easier for women to control when they have children. The pill is popular because it works well, is easy to use, and has extra health benefits, like making periods more regular and less painful. What Is the Birth Control Pill? The birth control pill is a medicine you take by mouth every day to stop you from getting pregnant. It contains hormones that are similar to the ones your body makes naturally. These hormones help control your period and stop your ovaries from releasing eggs. There are two main types of birth control pills: Combined Pill: Has both estrogen and progestin. Progestin-Only Pill (Mini-Pill): Has only progestin, which is good for women who can’t take estrogen.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health issue that can affect anyone who is sexually active. Knowing how to prevent STIs is important for your own health and for keeping the community healthy. STIs can range from mild and treatable to serious infections that can cause long-term health problems. In the US, STIs are still a big concern. That's why it’s important to be aware and take steps to prevent STIs. This article explains practical steps you can take to lower your risk of getting an STI. By following safe practices and staying informed, you can protect yourself and your partners.

Condoms are a simple and effective way to help prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are easy to use, affordable, and available in many places like pharmacies and supermarkets. Knowing how condoms work and how to use them correctly is important for staying safe. How Condoms Work Condoms are thin covers that act as a barrier during sex. They keep sperm from reaching the egg, which helps prevent pregnancy. They also block body fluids that can carry viruses or bacteria, lowering the risk of getting or spreading STIs. There are two main types: Male condoms: Worn over the penis. Female condoms: Worn inside the vagina or anus. Types of Condoms Latex condoms: Most common and effective, but some people are allergic to latex. Polyurethane condoms: Made from plastic, good for people with latex allergies. Polyisoprene condoms: Similar to latex but without allergens. Lambskin condoms: Prevent pregnancy but do not protect well against STIs.