Introduction
Sex certainly seems to have gotten complicated since we learned about spores and zygotes back in fifth-grade science class. Birth control options go beyond condoms, the rhythm method, and abstinence. And syphilis and gonorrhea are no longer the only sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to worry about. The list of possible infections has grown to include genital herpes, chlamydia, humanpapilloma virus (the cause of genital warts), gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. On top of all that, are the usual worries about sexual attractiveness, performance, and satisfaction.
Some days, it seems as though sex has nothing but negative possibilities. Nevertheless, sex is still a normal, healthy, and welcome part of life. You can control or prevent disease, unwanted pregnancy, and other undesirable consequences of sex.
This chapter will help take the fear and worry out of sex. You’ll learn to deal with problems like premature ejaculation and lack of sexual desire. And you’ll learn how to spot the early symptoms of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and other STDs, so you can seek treatment as soon as possible.
You’ll also learn how to cope with special circumstances, like how to make sex safer after a heart attack and how to locate a trustworthy therapist if you can’t resolve sexual problems on your own. (Certain male sexual problems, including impotence and infertility, are discussed in chapter 10, Men’s Health Problems.)
