ASHA remains an independent, unbiased source of information on sexual health. We are guided by science, not ideology. READ MORE.
ASHA remains an independent, unbiased source of information on sexual health. We are guided by science, not ideology. READ MORE.

American Sexual
Health Association

FDA Approves New Hormone-Free Contraceptive Option

Birth control options

Nearly all women use birth control at some point in their lives, and soon they’ll have one more option available. On May 22, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Phexxi, a non-hormonal contraceptive gel that works by keeping the pH levels in the vagina acidic, and thus inhospitable to sperm.

Desperate Housewives Star Talks about her Anal Cancer Diagnosis

Anal cancer

Actress Marcia Cross Discusses Her Anal Cancer Diagnosis Hoping to lessen stigma and spur conversations between patients and health care professionals, Desperate Housewives actor Marcia Cross recently told CBS This Morning she was diagnosed with anal cancer about a year and a half ago. “High risk” types of HPV are associated with a number of […]

Sexual Health in the Military

Couple in military boots

Health and fitness are important for everyone, of course. But for active duty members of the military, staying healthy and physically fit is not just important for your life—it’s part of your job. But what about your sexual health?

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)

A woman crossing her arms across her chest

Sometimes you want sex, sometimes you don’t. That’s normal. Every woman has her own level of what is considered “normal” based on their own experiences and biology.

Dyspareunia—When Sex Hurts

A woman with her arms wrapped around her knees

Sex shouldn’t hurt…But sometimes it does. Between 10% and 20% of women in the U.S. experience persistent pain during sex—a condition referred to as dyspareunia.

Orgasmic Disorder

Woman in bed with a pillow over her face

For some women, reaching orgasm can be difficult. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to address the problem and have a more satisfying sex life.

Sexual Arousal Disorder

A forlorn woman in bed next to her male partner

When a woman becomes sexually aroused, her body will respond with physical and emotional changes. For some women, though, this arousal response doesn’t happen as expected. The desire may be there, but the body or the mind (or both) don’t respond.