How People Do

There are a couple of different ways that you can try to reduce your belly fat some of them are quite scientific some of them are traditional but here I will suggest you the most simple and easy & steps to reduce belly fat and flatten your stomach.

Wake up every morning and then go out for running and skipping do it at least 30 mins that are 20 mins running and 10 mins skipping.

Then when you return home drink one full glass of warm water with honey and lemons. (give one full squeezed lemon in it)

In your breakfast eat 3 bananas daily. Try to have a heavy breakfast followed by a heavy lunch and a light dinner. Have 4–6 rotis in your lunch and dinner.

Do some belly exercises. This belly exercises will expedite the process of reducing belly fat and flatten your stomach. This specific exercise will also help you to gain a better figure and shape. To know about the belly exercises that you would do at home check here- Your Sports & Interests Ecosystem .

Before going to sleep every night have 20+20 ml of alma and aloe vera juice, there are many brands you would choose from.

Try to adopt some good habits in your self and exhale some bad ones from you. The good habits are avoided lifts and use stairs, walk small distances dot take a rickshaw, drink lots of water at least 3–4 litters every day and at last but not least sleep at right time and wake at right time.

Just avoid this foods rice, sweets, eggs, milk, cream, butter, panner and many other dairy products. The most effective lunch that you could have is roti, chapati or bread along with green vegetables. To know more health fats check this blog- The 100mph Ride.

Are you having acne spots on your face?

I know how that feels! Acne is not painful but it is really embarrassing to have red pimples all over your face being teenagers or adults. Not just the pimples, you would 100% agree that more weird those acne spots left behind after the pimples have healed. Those spots make it really hard to appear in public without a concealer on.

However, it is worth noting that these spots can be gone too! There are various natural remedies and products like face washes, moisturizers, face masks and even some oils that you can use to get rid of them and to prevent any additional hyperpigmentation.

Milk and Turmeric for Acne Scars:

This natural remedy is known to be the most effective one to make the acnes spots go away in no time!

Mix some water with just 1 Tsp. Turmeric.

Apply the mixture to affected areas and leave it for 5 minutes.

Wash your face with cold water.

Use this method twice or thrice a week for best results.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is getting popular these days as an amazing solution to acne pimples and scars! If you haven’t tried it yet, you must. Get tea tree oil from a good brand and apply it on affected areas regularly. Tea tree and argan oil are best hair oils when it comes down to skin and hair care treatments.

Cucumber and Tomatoes

Applying cold cucumber and tomatoes on your skin is the easiest and most working technique to get rid of the acne scars. You can drink its blended mixture as well to revive skin. Tomato has bleaching agent in it and it also enhances skin complexion. Both cucumber and tomato heals acne very fast without giving any side effects.

Aloe Vera

Fresh Aloe Vera is a wonderful moisturizer and works great on faded acne spots. You don’t need to worry to get it from the store. Keep an aloe vera plant in your home and simply use its gel whenever you need it. Though it is easily found in a drug store, pharmacy or even online, the best form is always fresh from the aloe vera plant. Just break a small part of its potted plant’s leaf then peel off the covering, extract the gel out from it and apply it on your pimples or acne spots. Let it dry and wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes.

Tooth paste? Yes!

Oh yes, this may seem like a myth to you but toothpaste has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties which help in removing acne spots and minimizing breakouts. You can use it to heal the spots but you can’t rely on toothpaste completely to get rid of your acne problem.

Few Tips to Avoid Breakouts

Avoid using hard scrubs if you are having pimples.

Make sure you avoid oily food, eat fresh fruits and drink good amount of water regularly.

Don’t go out anywhere dusty or don’t sit with a smoker. Dirt and smoke is not good for skin.

Don’t touch or squeeze your pimples. That’s a big no-no!

Maintain a skin care routine which must include proper cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

  Author Bio:

  This post was written by Beth Martel. She is a mother of two, a medical professional and a humanitarian. She blogs at HealthyRecharge.com

One of the most important things we must understand is how to find hidden sugar in our diets. You may think that sugar is mainly in processed, unhealthy foods but we may not even realise that hidden sugar may be in other foods that we consider healthy.

Hidden sugar can be added in many areas of the foods and drinks we consume.

For Example One of the main culprits – Fructose (Not in its natural form)

Fructose is mainly naturally found in fruit but can be added in many other forms of food. Such as high-fructose corn syrup, honey and table sugar. This is why you may have heard that fruit may be quite bad for you. But don’t worry. The overconsumption of fructose is the thing you have to look out for.

Excess sugar in our diets has been linked to the potential onset of Type 2 diabetes and other diseases.

Did you know, you are most likely consuming over 50grams of extra sugar per day the recommended?

No?

Let me break down an average diet of someone along with the sugar content throughout the day.

Meal Time Foods Consumed Amount Of Sugar Breakfast Crunchy Nut Cereal 40g Lunch Tuna White Wrap + Coffee with 1 sugar 42g Dinner Sweet and sour stir fry 20g Snack Ice Cream and Coke 68g

That’s a whopping 170grams of sugar. JUST SUGAR!!

See that coke as a snack? Now I dare you to grab some table sugar and fill 8 teaspoons of sugar and see what that looks like.

Here’s how you can find hidden sugar in your diet today         

1: Learn How To Read The Food Label

Learning how to read a food label is another article I will write-up very soon, but here is how to find hidden sugar in your food choices. Look at the nutrition label, and go to the Total Carbohydrate area. Underneath this, it will say sugar. There is a total of 17g of carbs ½ cup of this food. There is a huge total of 15g of sugar in the total 17g of carbs. That is an easy way to how to find hidden sugar in your diet.

2: Look for sugary ingredients

If any of the following names are on the food list, be very careful of consuming the food.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Invert Sugar

Brown Sugar

Agave Sugar

Maltose

Mal Syrup

Sucrose

Syrup

There are more, but just be careful of these ones. Especially if the sugar amount is high on the nutrition label

How Can You Reduce sugar in your diet?

1: Cut down on sugary drinks

2: Be careful of the amount of fruit + high carbohydrate foods you have through the day. Have them in moderation.

3: Stick to plain Greek yoghurt, not flavoured options

4: Cut down on baked good and sweets

5: Read the nutritional labels ( Another article coming)

Hope This Helps!

Those setting weight loss and healthy eating resolutions have undoubtedly heard of the newest dieting fad, Whole30. Known for being a month-long reset of eating habits, the diet is a restrictive one that focuses on eliminating “bad” food groups.

Participants of Whole30 must eliminate grains, legumes, dairy, processed food ingredients (like MSG and sulfites), sugar, and alcohol. The rules are simple, don’t eat these food groups, don’t weight or measure yourself, and don’t cheat. The touted results from the month-long program are weight loss, clearing up of digestive and skin issues, subsiding unhealthy food cravings, and overall higher energy.

The Whole30 mindset has little sympathy for those attempting to change their eating habits. If you slip up, by having a pat of butter on your sweet potato or taking a bite of that coworker’s birthday cake, then you must start over the 30 days. You can’t create Whole30 versions of your favorite foods either. Coconut flour pancakes or cauliflower pizza crust? Totally off limits because, despite using approved ingredients, you’re still setting your mind up to crave junk food.

Complaining isn’t tolerated, with the program reading “It is not hard. Don’t you dare tell us this is hard. Quitting heroin is hard. Beating cancer is hard. Drinking your coffee black. Is. Not. Hard.”

This hard line method of “all or nothing” goes against what many of us at Cooking Light believe, that progress is more important than perfection. Whether it’s an entire lifestyle overhaul or baby steps in daily choices, these decisions will eventually help on your journey to achieving your weight and health goals.

Along with this strenuous mindset, Whole30 eliminates plenty of healthy food options that we believe are part of a wholesome diet. Here’s a break down of why you should keep these foods in your diet:

• Legumes: This category, which includes beans, lentils, and peanuts, is packed with protein, fiber, and various nutrients. They can make for a nutritious, and affordable, plant-based protein option. For meat-eaters legumes can help lighten up traditionally calorie-heavy meals like chili, and vegetarians can benefit from featuring them as a main dish, like in Lentil Shepherd’s Pie.

• Whole Grains: Refined grains, often blamed for health crises like the rising rates of obesity and diabetes, shouldn’t be confused with their more nutrient-dense whole grain cousins. Not only have whole grains been linked to weight loss, it has also been found that increased consumption could possibly lead to a longer life. Hearty ingredients like brown rice, bulgur, oats, and other whole grain varieties can be included in a healthy diet.

• Dairy: While a dieter’s first thought may be that lower-fat versions of dairy staples like yogurt or cheese would be the healthiest option, research is showing it may be best to eat full-fat dairy products. With less processing, more satiating power, and a tendency to taste better, opting for full-fat dairy can pay off in the end. While moderation is key, ingredients like protein-packed Greek yogurt, high-quality cheeses, and calcium-rich whole milk can be part of a nutritious lifestyle.

While the Whole30 diet may be a feasible option for those needing a stringent plan to keep them in line, it’s not ideal for long-term changes in weight or eating habits. Instead, we recommend sticking with a varied diet of whole foods, being mindful of your eating habits, and not forgetting portion control to accomplish a healthy lifestyle.

Worries about the potential negative consequences of fat loss regimens for aesthetic purposes in normal weight females have been surfacing in the media. This has taken place regardless of the lack of longitudinal studies on this kind of diets. Now the researchers of the University of Jyväskylä have published a study that shows for the first time what effects an intensive weight reduction had in rather a large group of normal weight females.

Female fitness competitors voluntarily conduct a prolonged heavy diet concurrent to a large amount of exercise. The competitors aim to achieve an aesthetic body with symmetry, balance, and muscle definition that is accomplished by lowering fat mass with a diet while maintaining muscle mass as high as possible. The diet is typically followed by a recovery period, during which the competitors increase their energy intake back to the baseline. This is a significant contrast to overweight individuals, who try to maintain their weight loss.

In the study, 27 females dieted for a competition and 23 females acted as weight-stable controls. The study showed for the first time that most of the hormonal changes after a large decrease in body fat – caused by around 4 months of intensive dieting – in previously normal-weight females can recover within 3-4 months of increased energy intake.

According to the researchers of the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä, the results suggest that, in general, intensive weight reduction can be conducted safely. However, a diet probably needs to be followed by a period of at least a few months of normal non-restrictive energy intake and less exercise in order to recover a normal physiological function of a female body. “Therefore, the diets and, thus, competitions should not happen too frequently,” says Academy of Finland Research Fellow, PhD Juha Hulmi.

In more detail, the diet was achieved by reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing aerobic exercise while maintaining a high level of protein intake and resistance training. The diet led to a large, around 35-50%, decrease in fat mass. Muscle size was either maintained or only slightly decreased. The hormonal system was remarkably altered during the diet. Especially serum concentrations of leptin, triiodothyronine (T3), testosterone, and estradiol decreased and these coincided with increased menstrual irregularities. Body weight and most of the hormone concentrations returned to the baseline during a 3-4 month recovery period of increased energy intake and decreased levels of aerobic exercise. However, T3 and testosterone hormones were still slightly decreased compared to pre-diet, but not markedly in comparison to the controls.

The competitors maintained their muscle size pretty well, although the decrease in fat mass was massive. This is probably due to intensive resistance training together with rather a high intake of protein, both previously shown to prevent muscle loss during the diet, as explained by MSc student Ville Isola and the research project leader, Professor Keijo Häkkinen. Juha Hulmi also reminds that the recovery period is important for gaining muscle size and strength as it is impossible to progress in training if energy deficit is prolonged and the body does not recover from the extra stress.

The researchers state that this is the first large fitness and weight loss study in normal weight females. Next the study will be expanded to further analyze the perspectives of health and psychology. In addition, more studies are needed to understand the effects of physiology, psychology and health more thoroughly. It is possible and even likely that intensive weight reduction and participation in esthetic sports can increase health risks for some individuals.

New findings published online in The FASEB Journal, may one day help clinicians predict the outcome of roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. In a study involving a small number of patients, researchers found that the serum stearic acid/palmitic acid (S/P) ratio was a reliable marker in predicting diabetes remission and assessing metabolic status. Ultimately, this study could help healthcare providers determine who might benefit the most from bariatric weight-loss surgery.

“Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), one of the most commonly used bariatric surgical procedures, showed the different efficacy in obese patients with diabetes,” said Wei Jia, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work and associate director of the Cancer Epidemiology Program at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and also director of the Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital in Shanghai, China. “Our findings could help identify patients preoperatively who would respond most favorably to the surgery.”

Jia and colleagues used two independent cohorts. The first was a longitudinal cohort of 38 obese patients with diabetes who achieved weight loss and diabetes remission after RYGB. About 32 percent of these patients showed recurrence of diabetes at the second year follow-up examination. Those patients who had higher levels of S/P before surgery had greater possibilities for diabetes remission after surgery. In the second cohort of 381 community-based human participants, overweight or obese patients with diabetes exhibited lower S/P than did body mass index-matched nondiabetic patients, which highlight the specific product-to-precursor ratios as novel markers in preoperative assessment of bariatric surgery. Adding the S/P ratio to the previously reported clinical panel of diabetes duration, HbA1c level, and fasting C-peptide level contributed a significant increase in the predictive potential.

“This is a very important new picture in the bariatric surgery field,” said Thoru Pederson, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. “Both the morbidity that necessitates the procedure and the procedure itself are steep challenges, and this study has the potential to greatly benefit patients going forward.”

In the first study to compare the results of cognitive training by body mass index (BMI) category, scientists from the Indiana University Center for Aging Research found that memory training provided only one-third the benefit to older adults with obesity than the benefit it provided to older adults without obesity.

To determine responsiveness to memory training the scientists followed cognition over 10 years, comparing trajectories of cognitive performance in older adults with obesity, overweight and normal weight who received the training and those who did not.

“These findings suggest that memory training is less beneficial for older adults with obesity but we really don’t know why,” said Daniel O. Clark, PhD, lead author of the study. “There is growing evidence of a link between obesity status and brain function, including imaging studies reporting that obesity is associated with more rapid loss of hippocampal volume. So it’s possible that actual capacity for memory gains is less for older adults with obesity.

“Other work has shown that weight loss can lead to improvements in memory function. Unfortunately we know from our own prior work, and that of others, that weight loss is difficult to achieve and maintain over the long term. We and others need to do more work to develop scalable and effective approaches to weight gain prevention and weight loss but we should also investigate programs with potential to protect memory function in the absence of weight loss for people with obesity — a growing segment of our population.”

Dr. Clark is an IU Center for Aging Research and Regenstrief Institute investigator, an IU School of Medicine associate professor of medicine and director of research and development at the Sandra Eskenazi Center for Brain Care Innovation at Eskenazi Health.

“Addressing dementia risk factors like obesity at any age is important as recent science indicates a lifecourse cumulative risk,” said Dr. Clark. “Obesity in middle age in particular is a strong risk factor for cognitive impairment later in life, including dementia. Approximately one-third of baby boomers have BMIs within the obesity range with some subgroups having even higher rates of obesity placing them at higher risk of cognitive impairment.”

“Does Body Mass Index Modify Memory, Reasoning, and Speed of Processing Training Effects in Older Adults” is published in Obesity, the peer-reviewed journal of the

While BMI status influenced the benefits accrued from memory training, the researchers found no difference in the benefits to older adults provided by training in reasoning or in speed of processing regardless of BMI.

Memory training focused on improving verbal episodic memory through instruction and practice in strategy use. Reasoning training focused on improving the ability to solve problems that contained a serial pattern. Speed training focused on visual search and the ability to process increasingly more information presented in successively shorter inspection times.

The data for the study was obtained from cognitively normal older adults who participated in the multi-center Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) randomized controlled study, the largest trial of cognitive training ever conducted.

Being physically inactive – sitting for long periods of time – can be so harmful to your health that experts sometimes call it “sitting disease.” In fact, worldwide, physical inactivity is estimated to cause some 3.2 million deaths a year. Medical experts know that regular physical activity lessens death from all causes and death from heart disease specifically for middle-aged people. However, until now, little has been known about the benefits of exercise for older people when it comes to deaths associated with heart disease. A new study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, examined whether regular leisure-time physical activity could reduce deaths from all causes, and whether it also could reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease. To study this association, researchers examined information taken from 2,465 men and women aged 65 to 74 who participated in a national health study conducted between 1997 and 2007 in Finland. The participants answered a questionnaire that assessed their lifestyle habits, including whether they smoked or engaged in exercise. Researchers also knew the participants’ level of education, height and weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The research team followed the participants through the end of 2013. Then, they consulted the Finnish mortality register to determine how many of the participants had died (and what caused their deaths). The researchers discovered that moderate- as well as high-levels of physical activity were associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and death from all causes, including from events such as strokes or heart attacks. The researchers explained that physical activity works in several ways to improve your heart’s health. Exercise helps people maintain a healthy body weight, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of blood clots, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and improves the ratio of unhealthy to healthy cholesterol in your body. If you are already moderately active, that is enough to make a positive impact on your health, said the researchers. If you’re sedentary and become more active-even by taking several short walks around your home each day-you can improve your health significantly, and lower your risk of heart disease, the researchers said.

Here’s good news for middle-aged women who fear their sexual satisfaction is destined to decline: Aging can provide benefits that might make lovemaking even more enjoyable, a small study suggests.

Interviews with more than three dozen women ages 45 to 60 revealed that some were more satisfied with sex at midlife even though they had it less often.

These women “felt more confident and more comfortable in their own skin as they got older, and this allowed them to feel more free in the bedroom,” said study lead author Dr. Holly Thomas.

“They had a better knowledge and understanding of their own bodies as they got older. And they felt more comfortable and empowered to communicate their sexual needs to their partner than when they were younger,” said Thomas, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.

Other research has examined the rates of problems for older women, such as low libido and vaginal dryness.

These studies “typically show that sex gets worse as women move through middle age,” said Thomas. “We used a different technique, speaking to women face-to-face using interviews and focus groups, to try to see if there was more to the picture.”

The researchers interviewed 20 women and also conducted three focus groups with a total of 19 participants. Their average age was 58, and roughly half were white. All but two said they were heterosexual.

Dr. Jan Shifren, director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Midlife Women’s Health Center, said, “It’s important for people to realize that everything that happens with aging is not doom and gloom, and there can even be some positive things in terms of sexuality.” She wasn’t involved in the study.

Some women in the study talked about “negative” changes in their sex lives as they aged, such as less frequent sex, vaginal dryness and difficulty reaching orgasm. But they were more likely to blame family and work stressors than biological factors like menopause, the researchers said.

Shifren said women are often urged to turn to hormone treatments when their sex lives decline. But, she added, the women in the new study are “telling us they’re experiencing these changes because they’re experiencing a lot of midlife stressors. We should not automatically say that sexual changes are just biologic. We have to remember this is a complex time in women’s lives.”

The women who reported negative changes were more likely to say that they adapted to them. A smaller group of women said the changes distressed them, Thomas said, and a few reported indifference.

What are the lessons from these findings for midlife women?

“Focus on what you can change,” Shifren said. “Think about what’s bothering you and what can you do to make it better, and focus on reducing other midlife stressors.”

Problems such as vaginal dryness, for example, can be treated with low-dose vaginal estrogen and lubricants, she said. And it can be helpful to urge male partners to seek treatment for erectile dysfunction if that’s an issue, she added.

What else can partners do to help?

“If there are changes due to aging and your female partner seems to be getting less pleasure from sex, think about what you can do to make it more pleasurable, such as other ways you can increase intimacy,” Shifren said. “Some couples adapt by being more creative, by adopting new positions and activities.”

The study, partly funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, is scheduled for presentation Wednesday at the North American Menopause Society’s annual meeting in Orlando, Fla. Research released at meetings should be considered preliminary until it appears in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

In case you hadn’t heard, it’s totally normal and healthy to masturbate—and yet, many women shy away from solo sessions, according to an Indiana University, Bloomington study.

If you’re one of those women, you’re missing out on more than just orgasms on demand. Here’s why you should take matters into your own hands—literally:

It can improve your sex life

Just 57% of women have orgasms most or every time they have sex with a partner, according to a 2015 survey of 2,300 women aged 18 to 40 conducted by Cosmopolitan magazine. Before you can consistently get off with another person, you need to know what works for you, says Emily Morse, sex and relationship expert and host of the podcast Sex with Emily. “Run your hands down your body, take time for yourself, and see what makes you feel good,” she says. By figuring out what gets you going, you’ll not only be able to get some solo pleasure, but also help your partner understand what makes you tick.

It may reduce stress and help you sleep

Instead of counting sheep, try counting orgasms. When you orgasm, your body releases prolactin, a relaxation hormone, and serotonin, a happiness hormone. While it hasn’t been thoroughly studied, many women have found masturbating helps them relieve tension and sleep better, says Lauren Streicher, MD, author of Sex Rx: Hormones, Health and Your Best Sex Ever.

For the best effect, Morse suggests creating a calm, nurturing environment before you get busy. “Just turn off your phone, go into your room for 10 minutes, start to breathe and touch your body,” she says. “By doing this, you’re taking care of yourself, experiencing pleasure, and getting in touch with your body—all of which give you a sense of well-being.”

It can relieve period cramps

Having sex on your period might be a little messy, but solo sessions are easy—plus, they pack some natural pain-relieving benefits. “When you have an orgasm, the uterus contracts, which causes the blood to come out faster and allow you to be less crampy,” explains Dr. Streicher.

For some women, however, orgasms might intensify the tension, Morse says. “It’s just a matter of testing it out the technique to see if it works for you.”

It can intensify your orgasms

“Masturbating does expand your orgasmic potential,” says Morse. “So for women who struggle to have orgasms with or without their partner, it teaches you how to have an orgasm and increases your own sexual awareness.”

The key is taking time to get to know your body and what really turns you on. And while many women may try it out to no avail, it’s important not to give up on finding your bliss. “The reality is it could take months to figure out how to have a G-spot orgasm, a clitoral orgasm, or even a blended orgasm.”

It might make you more confident

“When you feel in control of your body and sexuality, it gives you more self-esteem in the bedroom,” says Morse. And that confidence doesn’t just stay between the sheets—it can actually carry over into all aspects of your life. “A lot of women aren’t satisfied with the way their bodies look, but when we’re in control and connected to our bodies through masturbating, we learn a lot about who we are,” she says. “That can cultivate more positive feelings around our bodies and help us feel more confident inside and out.”  It’s simple really: you’ll come, you’ll see, you’ll conquer.

It feels really good

At the end of the day, Dr. Streicher says the primary benefit to masturbation is simple: It feels good. But since the topic is still generally kept on the hush, many women don’t know how to do it, she points out.

If you’re still feeling a little lost when it comes to what to do down there, just remember there’s no universal technique. So to get started, Morse recommends experimenting with different types of touch. “Don’t just go straight for the clitoris,” she advises. “Start slow and and gently explore surrounding areas like the labia with a light, two-finger touch.” Plus, applying a couple drops of lube are a great option to get things going, Morse suggests. All it takes is a bit of body exploration, and you’ll be a master of masturbation in no time.

Scientists at the University of York have harnessed the therapeutic effects of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules to develop a new antibiotic which could be used to treat the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea. The infection, which is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, has developed a highly drug-resistant strain in recent years with new cases reported in the north of England and Japan. There are concerns that gonorrhea, which is the second most common sexually transmitted infection in England, is becoming untreatable. Almost 35,000 cases were reported in England during 2014, with most cases affecting young men and women under the age of 25. The interdisciplinary team, from the University of York’s Departments of Biology and Chemistry, targeted the “engine room” of the bacteria using carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CO-RMs). CO is produced naturally in the body, but there is increasing evidence that carbon monoxide enhances antibiotic action with huge potential for treating bacterial infections. The scientists found that Neisseria gonorrhoeae is more sensitive to CO-based toxicity than other model bacterial pathogens, and may serve as a viable candidate for antimicrobial therapy using CO-RMs. The CO molecule works by binding to the bacteria, preventing them from producing energy. Scientists believe the breakthrough, published in the journal MedChemComm, could pave the way for new treatments. Professor Ian Fairlamb, from the University’s Department of Chemistry, said: “The carbon monoxide molecule targets the engine room, stopping the bacteria from respiring. Gonorrhoea only has one enzyme that needs inhibiting and then it can’t respire oxygen and it dies. “People will be well aware that CO is a toxic molecule but that is at high concentrations. Here we are using very low concentrations which we know the bacteria are sensitive to. “We are looking at a molecule that can be released in a safe and controlled way to where it is needed.” The team say the next stage is to develop a drug, either in the form of a pill or cream, so that the fundamental research findings can be translated on to future clinical trials. Professor Fairlamb added: “We think our study is an important breakthrough. It isn’t the final drug yet but it is pretty close to it.” “People might perceive gonorrhoea as a trivial bacterial infection, but the disease is becoming more dangerous and resistant to antibiotics.” The team worked with Professor James Moir from the University’s Department of Biology. He added: “Antimicrobial resistance is a massive global problem which isn’t going away. We need to use many different approaches, and the development of new drugs using bioinorganic chemistry is one crucial way we can tackle this problem, to control important bacterial pathogens before the current therapies stop working.”

Although implants and medication are available for individuals who have lost erectile function, there is currently no one-size-fits-all treatment. However, using an innovative heat-activated memory metal, researchers recently tested a new device and the results are promising.

Erectile dysfunction is surprisingly common and can be difficult to treat.

Although technology related to the penis can draw childish sniggers, it is a serious business. For instance, losing one’s erectile function through cancer or injury can be a life-altering event. Erectile dysfunction is not uncommon; an estimated 40 percent of men aged 40-70 have some level of erectile dysfunction. Of these 40 percent, an estimated one-third do not respond to drugs such as Viagra. Brian Le, from the Department of Urology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, recently investigated new technology that may, eventually, provide a reliable alternative. Le joined forces with Alberto Colombo and Kevin McKenna at Northwestern University, IL, and Kevin McVary at Southern Illinois University. Le says that: “It’s a survivorship issue – restoring function can help people feel whole in their bodies again.”

Current treatments for erectile dysfunction

Beyond Viagra and similar drugs, there are two interventions that can restore some level of function. The best solution on the market is an inflatable implant. However, due to the multiple components – including a reservoir of water and a pump – the surgery can be complicated. The implanted pump can also be awkward for the user, with the potential to cause medical complications, including water leakage from the internal reservoir. The simplest device currently in use is a malleable implant. It is relatively cheap and easy to install, making it more popular in developing countries than in the United States. There are, however, drawbacks to this method. These include the fact that it provides a permanently erect penis, that it can change shape during use, and that it has the potential to put pressure on surrounding areas, therefore damaging tissue. The inflatable pump technology was first designed in the 1970s and, since then, little progress has been made. Because neither of these interventions are ideal, and because the potential marketplace is large, discovering alternatives could be lucrative. For these reasons, Boston Scientific are supporting Le’s innovative work in this field.

New penile implant technology

Le’s solution uses an exoskeleton made from Nitinol (a nickel-titanium alloy). Nitinol is already useful in endovascular surgery thanks to its superelastic properties. The new implant is a heat-activated shape memory alloy, meaning that it has the ability to “remember” its original shape. At body temperature, the implant remains flaccid, but when heated, it unfurls to the expanded, elongated shape that it “remembers.” A remote-controlled device is being designed that, when waved over the penis, will heat the Nitinol to just above body temperature, causing it to expand in length and girth. This brief video shows the prosthesis in action:

Le and colleagues set out to test the Nitinol structure’s performance against other available devices. Mechanical tests mimicked those used by other penile prosthesis manufacturers; they included testing whether the structure buckled, penile lateral deviation, and the penis’ ability to recover its original shape. The results are published in January’s edition of the journal Urology. Testing showed that the Nitinol shape memory alloy has similar mechanical characteristics to inflatable penile prosthetics. They also showed that the new device became more pliable when deactivated and could be repeatedly used to attain an erection. These early results are promising:

“WE’RE HOPING THAT, WITH A BETTER DEVICE, A BETTER PATIENT EXPERIENCE, AND A SIMPLER SURGERY, MORE UROLOGISTS WOULD PERFORM THIS OPERATION, AND MORE PATIENTS WOULD WANT TO TRY THE DEVICE.”

BRIAN LE

Although the device is still in the early testing phase, Le hopes that, if milestones continue to be reached in a timely fashion, the device could be on the market in 5-10 years.

In a study appearing in JAMA, Anna Wald, M.D., M.P.H., of the University of Washington & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, and colleagues compared the medications pritelivir and valacyclovir for reducing genital herpes simplex virus shedding and lesions in persons with recurrent genital herpes. The treatment for genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections relies on the nucleoside analogues acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir administered either for each recurrence or daily to prevent recurrences. In addition, valacyclovir, when taken daily has been shown to reduce the risk of HSV-2 transmission to susceptible partners. However, the protection is only partial (approximately 50 percent), likely because these drugs neither completely inhibit genital viral shedding (when the virus is active and potentially transmissible to sexual partners). Alternative agents to treat HSV infections are needed. For this crossover study, 91 participants (adults with 4 to 9 annual genital HSV-2 recurrences) were randomly assigned, 45 to receive pritelivir first, a different class of medication for genital herpes, and 46 to receive valacyclovir first. Participants took the first drug for 28 days followed by 28 days of washout before taking the second drug for 28 days. Throughout treatment, the participants collected genital swabs 4 times daily for HSV testing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration placed the trial on clinical hold based on findings in a concurrent nonclinical toxicity study, and the sponsor terminated the study. Of the 91 randomized participants, 56 had completed both treatment periods at the time of the study’s termination. In intent-to-treat analyses, HSV shedding was detected in 2.4 percent of swabs during pritelivir treatment compared with 5.3 percent during valacyclovir treatment. Genital lesions were present on 1.9 percent of days in the pritelivir group vs 3.9 percent in the valacyclovir group. The frequency of shedding episodes did not differ by group. Quantity of virus shed was decreased significantly during pritelivir treatment compared with valacyclovir treatment. The frequency of pain was reduced in the pritelivir group compared to the valacyclovir group. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 62 percent of participants in the pritelivir group and 69 percent of participants in the valacyclovir group. “Further research is needed to assess longer-term efficacy and safety,” the authors write.

Having lots of sex isn’t just fun—it also has health benefits like soothing stress, boosting immunity, and maybe even extending your lifespan. But for some of us, doing the deed can be a source of guilt, fear, or anxiety. That’s why Superdrug Online Doctor, a London-based telemedicine company, conducted a survey of 2,000 Americans and Europeans to uncover their most serious worries about sex. Here’s what they found:

To learn more about where the top fears women face in the bedroom—and how to tackle them—we sought advice from Emily Morse, a sex and relationship expert and host of podcast Sex with Emily.

Your partner won’t want to wear a condom

Yes, sex without a wrapper feels different—and, some would argue, better. Still, protecting yourself against STIs and unwanted pregnancy is more important than ensuring your partner an extra few degrees of pleasure. If he insists on going bare, Morse advises snapping back with: “Is no sex more enjoyable?” That way you leave him with absolutely no option, she says. If he wants try to pull the “but you’re on the pill” card, just remind him the pill doesn’t protect against STIs. And don’t be afraid to carry your own supply of sheaths to combat the oh-so common “I don’t have a condom” excuse, advises Morse.

Plus, even though many people assume condoms are major pleasure-busters, there are a ton of great options available, she says. “Definitely play around and find out what you like—I always recommend Skyn condoms, because I’m obsessed with them, but Lifestyles are also great!”

When it comes down to it, you shouldn’t have to spend too much time persuading someone to put on a rubber: “If your partner is offended in any way, or tries to make you feel bad for wanting to wear a condom, I say put your clothes back on!” says Morse.

Your partner has an STI

“So I know this isn’t the sexiest thing in the world, but try to talk about it beforehand to quell your fear,” says Morse. Granted, not everyone is going to be honest about STIs or even know they have one—whether that’s because they haven’t been tested or they’re a carrier with no sign of symptoms. Which is why it’s crucial to use a condom, just to be safe and give you peace of mind, advises Morse. “Why risk one night to carry around an STD for the rest of your life?”

The condom will break/sex will result in unintended pregnancy

There’s only a slim chance a properly used condom will break, and that shouldn’t keep you from enjoying your bedroom romp. Just take a moment before you get it on to check that the rubber fits properly and is rolled all the way down. “It’s also great to put a little lube on the inside tip so it has enough lubrication,” says Morse. “Sometimes if there isn’t enough lubrication, the condom could break.” Don’t forget about taking the condom off properly: Morse recommends removing it immediately after you’re done by holding on to the base and pulling it off to ensure all sperm stays within the condom.

Your partner will find your naked body unattractive

Let’s face it: We all have insecurities—whether it’s that pound you gained or dimple on your butt cheek, says Morse. But rather than fixating on these unimportant flaws, try to focus on the pleasure you’re having instead, she advises. The reality is, your partner isn’t paying attention to any of that. “He’s just excited to be there with you and your hot body in the bedroom,” Morse says.

Your partner will not take “no” for an answer

Before putting yourself in a sexual situation, Morse advises you ask yourself: Do I trust this person? Does he or she make me feel safe? While many women tend to focus their attention on pleasing their partner, she advises flipping the situation on its head and recognizing that if your partner isn’t willing to respect your wishes, then he or she is certainly not someone you want to be with. And, according to Morse, the answer to this fear is simple: “If your partner will not take no for an answer, then you’ve got to put your clothes back on and leave, because you should never give in to something you don’t want to do.”

Your partner will do something you’re not comfortable with

Think about your own personal boundaries before you start taking your clothes off, says Morse. “For example, I am not going to have sex with someone I don’t know; I will not have sex without a condom; I’m not comfortable with anal sex. Whatever it is, you stick with those things,” she advises. Experimenting and trying new things is an important part of a healthy sex life, but again, it should be with someone you know you can trust and who won’t pressure you past your comfort zone.

Plus, it’s important to verbalize your feelings. “Men aren’t mind readers, so it’s really okay to stop and sit up and say things like ‘This is making me feel uncomfortable and I’m not ready for it now,’ or ‘Tonight this just isn’t working for me,’ or, ‘Maybe we can try this instead of that’ for alternatives,’” Morse suggests.

An embarrassing bodily function will occur during sex

Fact: Sex is messy. “There’s going to be any number of things that happen—noises, emissions from your body, liquids—but you just have to laugh it off and keep going,” says Morse.

If your partner is judgmental or grossed out by anything that happens with your body during sex, then they’re likely pretty immature and not someone you want to be with, she points out.

RELATED: These Personality Traits Are Linked to a Healthier Sex Life

Your partner won’t have an orgasm or be satisfied

Orgasm shouldn’t be the goal—and if you or your partner doesn’t climax, that doesn’t automatically deem your time between the sheets a failure, explains Morse. “There are a lot of satisfying things that can happen during sex even if you don’t have an orgasm.”

If you want to boost your partner’s chance of getting off while you two are getting it on, communication is key, Morse says. She recommends asking questions like “What would turn you on right now?” or “Should I go faster or slower?” or “Should I use my hand or my mouth?” Be sure to give your partner options, advises Morse, rather than simply asking: “Do you like this?”

You are bad at sex

Morse wants to get one thing straight: No one is bad at sex. Maybe you’re a little less experienced, or haven’t been super active in a while. As long as you’re willing to communicate with your partner, says Morse, you have absolutely nothing to worry about

The contraceptive pill is one of the most popular means of contraception among women of reproductive age. Recent research examines its effects on female sexual desire.

New research suggests that contextual factors, such as the length of the relationship, may have a more significant impact on women’s sex drive than the type of contraceptives they use.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2012 that 62 percent of women of reproductive age were using a means of contraception. Of these, 28 percent – or 10.6 million women in the United States – were using the pill, making it the most popular method of contraception. Despite the common belief that contraceptive pills decrease a woman’s libido, the evidence supporting this has been mixed and inconclusive. A comprehensive review of existing research reports that the effects of hormonal contraceptives on female sexual desire are conflicting and “not well studied,” with only a small percentage of women reporting either an increase or a decrease in their libido. Given this lack of evidence, researchers from the University of Kentucky and Indiana University have set out to examine the impact of oral hormonal contraceptive use on female sexual desire. The results have been published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Examining the effect of different contraceptives on the female libido

Authors of the new study point out that previous research has been inconsistent in the methodology used. For instance, some studies did not differentiate between the types of contraceptives, while others did not use non-hormonal comparison groups. Additionally, previous studies did not account for the relationship context relating to contraceptive use and the sexual behavior of partners, these authors note. However, researchers led by Dr. Kristen Mark carried out two separate studies. Both studies investigated the impact of different kinds of contraceptives on sexual desire in women. The studies also examined sexual desire in the men who were partnered with contraceptive-using women. The first study looked at how contraceptive use affected heterosexual partners in relationships of different lengths, while the second study investigated this impact on long-term relationships. Using the Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI), researchers examined two kinds of sexual desire: solitary and dyadic. These describe the libido a woman has on her own and with a partner, respectively. The SDI is a 14-item questionnaire designed to measure sexual desire in cognitive terms, unlike other measurement tools that use behavioral methods. As for the types of contraceptive, Dr. Mark and team grouped these into three categories: oral hormonal, other hormonal, and non-hormonal. Overall, researchers examined sexual desire in more than 900 people.

The pill ‘does not kill desire’

The study showed that the type of contraceptive used affected solitary and dyadic sexual desire significantly. Women using non-hormonal contraceptives reported higher solitary libido than women on hormonal contraceptives. But women using oral hormonal contraceptives had higher levels of dyadic sexual desire than women on non-hormonal contraceptives. The sexual desire of male partners did not seem to change with the type of contraceptive their partners used. When scientists accounted for contextual information such as relationship length and age, however, the differences were no longer significant. This suggests that contextual factors have a more considerable impact on sexual desire than the type of contraceptive used. Sexual desire was more strongly predicted by the length and age of the relationship than by the type of contraceptive used. Furthermore, when examining couples, researchers saw no association between contraceptive type and solitary or dyadic sexual desire in men and women. Dr. Mark emphasizes the need to “bust the myth” that contraceptive pills can decrease libido.

“SOMETIMES WOMEN ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO EXPLAIN CHANGES IN THEIR SEXUAL DESIRE, WHICH IS NOT FIXED THROUGHOUT THEIR LIFE. THE MESSAGE THAT HORMONAL PILLS DECREASE DESIRE IS REALLY PREVALENT. IN MY UNDERGRAD CLASSES MY STUDENTS OFTEN SAY THEY HEAR THE PILL MAKES YOU NOT WANT SEX, ‘SO WHAT’S THE POINT?’ OUR FINDINGS ARE CLEAR: THE PILL DOES NOT KILL DESIRE. THIS RESEARCH HELPS TO BUST THOSE MYTHS AND HOPEFULLY EVENTUALLY GET RID OF THIS COMMON CULTURAL SCRIPT IN OUR SOCIETY.”

DR. KRISTEN MARK

The lead author also insists that contextual factors are far stronger predictors of sexual desire than the type of contraceptive used. As a result, Dr. Mark is now investigating the effect of other contextual elements on the female libido, such as desire discrepancy. This occurs when one partner has much lower or much higher desire than the other.

An estimated 15 million Americans have food allergies, and the condition affects 1 in every 13 children – about two in every classroom – under 18 years of age in the United States. Having a parent, brother, or sister with an allergic condition can slightly increase the risk of food allergy. However, new research shows that some parents of children with food allergies automatically assume that they are also allergic.

Parents of children with food allergies mistakenly think they have the same allergy.

Food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern. A food allergy occurs when the body has an immune response to certain foods. The body’s immune response can be severe and life-threatening, such as anaphylaxis. While the immune system is usually protective, in people with food allergies, the immune system mistakenly responds to certain foods as if they are harmful. In the U.S., there are eight food groups that account for 90 percent of severe allergic reactions, including milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. Sensitivity to particular foods can be indicated in a skin prick test or blood test. However, the results do not always show a true allergy unless there has been a previous reaction to the food. A new study published in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology – the publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology – aimed to use data from a family-based food allergy study in Chicago, IL, to investigate patterns of food and airborne allergens in parents of children with food allergies. Researchers found that only 28 percent of parents of children with food allergies tested positive to the foods to which they reported allergies. “Parents of kids with food allergies had a higher rate of positive blood and skin tests to foods than the general population,” says allergist Dr. Melanie Makhija, ACAAI member and co-lead author. “But of the 2,477 parents, only 28 percent of those who self-reported a food allergy actually tested positive. This tells us that either people haven’t been tested and are assuming an allergy from a previous reaction to a food, or they haven’t been tested properly and may not truly have an allergy. Allergy testing, including blood and skin prick testing, is not always reliable; there are a lot of false positives.” The team recruited local families from both hospital clinics and the community setting. To be eligible for inclusion in the study, parents had to have a child aged 0-21 years with a food allergy. The child was considered to have a food allergy if they had positive skin test results teamed with symptoms typical of an allergic reaction to food within 2 hours of consumption. Symptoms included hives, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, fainting, and vomiting.

Peanut, milk, egg most common allergens in children

Of the total participants who responded to the questionnaire, 13.7 percent of parents reported having a food allergy. There were 3.6 percent of parents reporting allergy to shellfish, 2.1 percent to milk, 2.1 percent to peanut, 2.1 percent to tree nuts, 1.4 percent to fish, 1.1 percent to egg, 1.0 percent to soy, 0.9 percent to wheat, and 0.3 percent to sesame. A total of 14.5 percent of mothers and 12.7 percent of fathers reported a food allergy. In their children, the most common allergen was peanut (37.3 percent), followed by milk (29 percent), and egg (22.1 percent). “Previous studies have focused on the general adult population,” says allergist Dr. Rachel Robison, co-lead author.

“WHILE WE FOUND POSITIVE TEST RESULTS WERE MORE COMMON IN PARENTS OF KIDS WITH FOOD ALLERGIES, THE ACTUAL LEVELS IN THE BLOOD FOR THE FOODS WERE QUITE LOW. LOW POSITIVES IN ALLERGY TESTING ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE FALSE POSITIVES. THIS POINTS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER TESTING FOR ANY KIND OF ALLERGY, BUT PARTICULARLY FOOD ALLERGIES.”

DR. RACHEL ROBISON

“Interestingly, we also found that of the parents who reported no food allergy, 14 percent had positive tests to peanut and sesame, for example,” she adds. While skin tests may reveal sensitization, being sensitized to an allergen does not mean that you are necessarily allergic. Allergy blood tests alone are not as accurate as oral food challenges – considered the gold standard – in diagnosing allergies.

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It can lead to cancer. Most information about human papillomavirus (HPV) focuses on women because certain types of the virus can cause cervical cancer. However, HPV can also cause health problems in men.

What is HPV?

HPV poses a risk for men as well as women.

HPV is a group of over 100 viruses. The viruses affect the skin and moist membranes that line the body. Although most men who get HPV do not show any symptoms, they may go on to develop growths or warts. These may appear on the:

Penis

Testicles

Anus

Groin and thighs

Back of the throat

Different types of HPV affect different areas of the body. HPV types 6 and 11 cause more than 90 percent of genital warts in men and women. HPV types 16 and 18 cause most HPV-related cancers.

How can men get HPV?

Men can get HPV in the same way as women, through direct, intimate contact, including sexual contact. HPV can be spread from one person to another through oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or intimate skin-to-skin contact. If a person has HPV, the virus can be spread, even when there have never been visible symptoms. The chance of contracting HPV is increased by:

Having multiple sexual partners

Age, occurring more in adolescence or young adulthood

Weakened immune system due to organ transplant, HIV, or other conditions that weaken the immune system

Being uncircumcised

Damaged skin

It is important to consult a doctor if warts of any kind appear on the genitals, or if there are warts that cause discomfort or pain.

Complications of HPV in men

HPV normally goes away by itself within 2 years. In fact, 90 percent of HPV infections will go away with the help of the body’s natural immune system without causing any harm.

Some types of HPV can cause cancer.

However, while some types of HPV can cause genital warts, other types can cause cancers. Around 38,793 HPV-related cancers occur in the United States each year. Around 23,000 of those cases are among women and about 15,793 among men. In men, HPV is thought to be responsible for:

Over 90 percent of cases of anal cancer, which affect 1,500 men each year, come from HPV.

HPV is responsible for over 60 percent of penile cancers, and it affects around 400 men each year.

Oropharyngeal cancer, which occurs in the back of the throat, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils. It affects around 3,920 men a year, and about 70 percent of cases are due to HPV.

Compared with men who have sex with women only, men who have sex with men are 17 times more likely to develop HPV-related anal cancer. Men who have a weakened immune system due to HIV or other reasons have a higher chance of developing HPV-related anal cancer. Men with HIV tend to have more severe genital warts that are harder to treat.

Symptoms of HPV and HPV-related cancer

There is currently routine screening to diagnose HPV in men. However, a doctor might be able to diagnose HPV infection by examining any warts that have appeared. If a man is considered high risk, a doctor may also swab the anal region for HPV.

A constant sore throat and cough can be a sign of throat cancer.

The warts can be small or large, flat or raised, or cauliflower-shaped and appear as a bump or group of bumps in the area surrounding the penis, anus, or genitals. The warts usually do not hurt but can be unsightly. An HPV infection is not cancer, but the infection can cause changes in the body that may lead to cancer. Cancer may not be diagnosed for years after a person is infected with HPV because the infection develops very slowly. Some of the symptoms of HPV-related cancers to look out for are: Anal cancer:

Bleeding, discharge, pain, or itching of the anus

Swelling in the anal or groin area

Changes to bowel habits or the shape of stools

Penile cancer:

Tissue changes on the penis such as color, skin thickening, or tissue buildup

Painful or painless sores or growths on the penis that might bleed

Cancer of the back of the throat:

Constant sore throat or ear pain

Persistent coughing

Trouble breathing or swallowing

Weight loss

Voice changes or hoarseness

Lumps or growths in the neck

There is no way to tell who will have a temporary HPV infection and who will go on to develop cancer.

Treatment for HPV

There are no treatments for HPV, but there are treatments for the conditions caused by the infection. A doctor can treat genital warts with prescription medication. They can also be surgically removed or frozen or burned off, depending on the size, location, and shape. Getting rid of the warts may not prevent the infection from being passed on to a sexual partner. If genital warts are not treated, they are unlikely to turn into cancer. They will go away, grow, multiply, or stay the same. Anal, penile, or throat cancers are usually treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Which men should get the HPV vaccine?

Getting vaccinated and using condoms correctly when having sex can lower the risk of getting HPV. Condoms cannot provide full protection against HPV because HPV infects some areas that are not covered by a condom. Though there is no treatment for HPV, there are three effective HPV vaccines available to prevent HPV. All three vaccines prevent infection with HPV types 16 and 18, which are the two types most linked to cancer. One of the vaccines also prevents infection with HPV types 6 and 11, which are most linked to genital warts. The three-dose HPV vaccine series is routinely recommended for boys age 11-12 years. Some groups of men are also advised to have the vaccine if they did not have the full three doses in childhood. These include:

Any males through age 21 years

Men through age 26 years who have sex with men

Men with a weakened immune system or HIV through age 26 years

Since HPV vaccination commenced in the U.S., the number of women affected by the four main HPV types has dropped from 11.5 percent to 4.3 percent among females aged 14 to 19 years and from 18.5 percent to 12.1 percent among females aged 20 to 24 years. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. No serious side effects have been reported from the vaccine. The HPV vaccine does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections or treat people who have existing HPV infections or HPV-related diseases.

Living with HPV

Viruses are difficult to treat. The body gets rid of viruses by developing immunity to them, which may take months or even years. A person could potentially have HPV for many years before it is diagnosed or causes any health issues. There is no way to find out which person in the relationship gave the infection to the other person. If a person has genital warts, they should avoid sex until the warts are removed or have gone away. However, it is currently unknown how long after genital warts have disappeared that a person can spread HPV infection. Wearing a barrier contraceptive, such as a condom can help prevent spread. Although HPV is common and most sexually active adults will have HPV at some point in their lifetime, the health problems that are caused by HPV and HPV-related cancers are overall less common.