Sexual intimacy positively impact women’s physical, mental, and emotional health by triggering beneficial neurochemical releases and reducing chronic stress. Physical Health Benefits - Sexual activity releases oxytocin and endorphins while lowering cortisol (the primary stress hormone), which helps buffer the body’s physical response to stress. - Endorphins act as natural pain blockers (easing headaches or menstrual cramps), and the release of prolactin supports deeper, more

Researchers: Kudzai Hlahla, Moni Neradilek,Morgan Garcia, Felix Mhlanga, Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Krishnaveni Reddy, Nishanta Singh, Carolyne A. Akello, Samantha Siva, Leila E. Mansoor, Cindy E. Jacobson, Brenda Gati, Jennifer E. Balkus. August 2026 What Is The Study About? Access to novel HIV prevention technologies often raise concerns of risk compensation. This analysis examined changes in the sexual behaviours of MTN 020/ASPIRE participants, a placebo-controlled ra

Authored by: Zuha Ajlan – Lead Data Collection and Research Specialist at Femmflo. Introduction Historically, women have been excluded from scientific research due to the cyclic variation in their hormones. It had been assumed that results obtained from men applied to women as well (Dresser, 1992; Wainer et al., 2020). This has led to a gross underrepresentation of women in research, delayed symptom recognition, diagnostics and even treatment. In fact, it was decades before w

The pelvic floor is a critical, hammock-like structure of muscles at the base of the pelvis. SA Stats: - About 1/3 women suffers from UI. A study in KwaZulu-Natal found a 35% prevalence of UI among women, with 63% of those cases being stress urinary incontinence. - In a study of 100 women in a primary healthcare setting, 86% had Stage III POP. - Among women with POP, 57% reported overactive bladder (50% constipation, 30% anal incontinence, and 32% incomplete bladder emptying)

Did You Know? Substances all strongly activate the reward centre of your brain and produce feelings of pleasure. Use of these substances can lead to substance use disorders (SUDs) — but not always. SUDs can be mild, moderate or severe. Addiction is the most severe form of a substance abuse disorder. What Is Addiction? Addiction is a chronic condition that can affect many aspects of your life, including your physical and mental health, relationships and career. It involves com