1. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures
2. A Visual Guide to Erectile Dysfunction
3. Take the Quiz on STDs

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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Treatment is not needed for all sexual problems. Some problems can be solved by you and your partner alone with a little openness and creativity.

• Some problems go away by themselves over time -- patience and understanding are all that is required.
• Sometimes talking the problem out with your partner is enough. Women who learn to tell their partners about their sexual needs have a better chance of having a satisfying sex life.
• Try to make the solution is fun -- think up ways to inject a little romance and excitement into your sexual routine.

Some strategies women use to overcome sexual problems:

• Set aside time to be alone or alone with your partner, without children and other distractions.
• Use erotic videos or books to increase stimulation.
• Masturbate to learn about what increases your arousal.
• Fantasize about what arouses you sexually; if appropriate, tell your partner about these fantasies.
• Use sensual massage and other forms of touch.
• Try new sexual positions or scenarios.
• Use relaxation techniques such as a warm bath before having sex.
• Use a vaginal lubricant to relieve arousal problems due to vaginal dryness.

Several excellent books are available in mainstream bookstores or from mail-order sources to help couples deal with sexual and communication problems. Many people prefer this "do-it-yourself" method to talking about these problems with an outsider.

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