Article : Know Thyself: The Female Form 101

by Tracey Cox (see more from this contributor)

You probably think you know your body well, but you might be surprised. Women are often in the dark about their genitals because their bits are in the dark. So shed some light on your private parts and watch your sex life soar.

Despite the dramatically different external appearance of the genitals, men's and women's bodies are mirror images of each other. Both males and females start out as identical tissue when the sperm enters the egg. The same tissue that forms ovaries in women forms testicles in men — ditto vaginal lips and scrotal sacs and the clitoris and penis. And while there are obvious major differences in the way we experience sex — like five billion orgasms for him for every one of ours… not that I'm bitter or anything! — the journey there is remarkably similar.

But there is one major difference: Men can see their bits, and women can't. All men have to do is look down, play around a little and all is revealed. Women's bits, on the other hand, aren't in view — and that's why we know less about our bodies and our genitals, in particular. We're curious, though. Most every woman, at one time or another, has looked at her vagina in a hand mirror. But even if we have gazed in wonderment (and possibly horror) — let's face it, the genitalia of either sex are hardly going to win beauty competitions, are they? — you'd be well advised to gaze again. The more you know about how everything works, the more enjoyment you'll get from sex. So let's take a tour of your body. Draw the drapes, grab a little mirror to identify each part I'm talking about and switch off your cell phone. The next 5 to 10 minutes of exploration could make a massive difference in your sex life.

Article : Sexual Problems in Men

What is high blood pressure?

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A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The sexual response cycle has four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

While research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common (43% of women and 31% of men report some degree of difficulty), it is a topic that many people are hesitant to discuss. Fortunately, most cases of sexual dysfunction are treatable, so it is important to share your concerns with your partner and doctor.

What causes sexual problems?

Sexual dysfunction can be a result of a physical or psychological problem.

• Physical causes -- Many physical and/or medical conditions can cause problems with sexual function. These conditions include diabetes, heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases such as kidney or liver failure, and alcoholism and drug abuse. In addition, the side effects of certain medications, including some antidepressant drugs, can affect sexual desire and function.
• Psychological causes -- These include work-related stress and anxiety, concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression, feelings of guilt, and the effects of a past sexual trauma.

Article : What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (hbp) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre–hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart (cardiac) disease, kidney (renal) disease, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis), eye damage, and stroke (brain damage). These complications of hypertension are often referred to as end–organ damage because damage to these organs is the end result of chronic (long duration) high blood pressure. For that reason, the diagnosis of high blood pressure is important so efforts can be made to normalize blood pressure and prevent complications.

It was previously thought that rises in diastolic blood pressure were a more important risk factor than systolic elevations, but it is now known that in people 50 years or older systolic hypertension represents a greater risk.

Affecting approximately one in four adults in the United States, hypertension is clearly a major public health problem