Posts

5 health problems that could be affecting your fertility

Image
  After a lifetime of condoms and birth control pills, it can be a shock if your first few months of unprotected sex don ’ t lead to pregnancy. For most couples, the answer is just patience — 80 percent of couples who have sex two or more times a week will get pregnant within a year on their own.   But what about those who don ’ t? If you ’ re under 35 and you ’ ve been trying for a year (or are over 35 and have been trying for six months), it might be time to see your doctor and investigate possible reasons why you ’ re not getting pregnant. The answer often comes down to age (because as you get older, you have fewer eggs, and they are more likely to have defects, so they won ’ t implant in your uterus) or an issue with your partner ’ s sperm. But there are also common medical issues that cause infertility. The good news is, most are reversible with treatment. Here are five common health problems that might be keeping you from getting pregnant.   1. Polycystic ovary synd...

Some Secrets Women Wish You Knew

Image
  A Caring Guy Is a Hot Guy 1.  What do women want? For those who've ever pondered this question, here are 19 relationship secrets. They're based on the study of healthy, happy couples and our changing gender roles. Secret No. 1: Women appreciate a guy with a sensitive side, especially when they're upset. Put your arm around them and hand them a tissue. Nurturing is a powerful way to connect.   Chivalry Still Has a Place 2.  When it comes to romance, many women do like men to take a traditional masculine role. This is especially true in the wooing stage of a relationship, according to psychologist Diana Kirschner, PhD, who's written several books about love. They are perfectly capable of pulling out their own chair or opening a door, but if you see them hesitate, they might just be waiting for you to be the gentleman.   Dress to Impress 3.  Styles come and go, but men's attention to their grooming and clothing should be long lasting. It's important to women...

What Happens When You Stop Having Sex

Image
  You Might Feel More Anxious 1/12 Maybe sex is the last thing on your mind when you ’ re stressed out. But it might help lower your anxiety. Sex seems to lessen the amount of hormones your body releases in response to stress. And an active sex life can make you happier and healthier, which might also help keep anxiety at bay.   Your Heart May Not Work as Well 2/12 Research says people who have sex once a month or less get heart disease more often than those who have it twice a week or so. Part of the reason could be that you get a bit more exercise and are less likely to be anxious or depressed. But it could also be that if you have more sex, you ’ re physically and mentally healthier in the first place.   You Might Get Less Exercise 3/12 Sex typically burns about 5 calories a minute. That ’ s about equal to a brisk walk. And you use a bit more oxygen too -- about the same as digging in the garden or walking down the stairs.   That may not seem like much, but it sta...

14 Reasons You Should Have Sex Now

Image
  It's Exercise 1/15 It ’ s not necessarily a full workout, but it can be as good for you as moderate exercise. It raises your heart rate about the same as a brisk walk or a slow bike ride.   Good for a Woman ’ s Heart 2/15 Women who have sex a couple of times a week are less likely to get heart disease than those who have it once a month. Whether that ’ s because healthier women enjoy it more often, or because it helps protect a woman ’ s heart is unclear.   May Cure Your Headache 3/15 Say goodbye to the old standby “ Not tonight, Dear. I have a headache. ” It turns out sex can help with pain, and that includes some kinds of headaches, such as migraines. Not feeling frisky? Try: “ Not tonight, Honey. I have a highly contagious stomach bug. ” Works every time.   Lowers Stress 4/15 People who have more sex are less anxious when they ’ re faced with stressful tasks like public speaking or arithmetic. But according to the study, it only works when you have a partner -- ...