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Ask a doctor

Doctors and health experts on sexual and reproductive health, the body and check-ups.

46 stories
PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

Orgasm in your sleep

2 min read

A sexologist and psychologist explains the mysterious orgasm that happens while you sleep.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 3 min

Fears and myths about sex during pregnancy

3 min read

Hippos, penises and black holes: experts on sex during pregnancy, from what's actually safe to what changes after birth.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

About one STI test as an emigrant, a month of anxiety, fruitless doctor visits and hours of digging through scientific research

2 min read

The story of a member of a community of sex-positive people

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

It doesn't matter what kind of penis you have

2 min read

Purpur asked a urologist everyone has a crush on what kinds of penises there are and what's wrong with eggplants.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Can you masturbate during pregnancy?

1 min read

We asked a gynecologist from a partner clinic. In short: yes! But there are nuances.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 7 min

A personal story about breast cancer

7 min read

“Now I think — come on, how much of this life is left, you've got to enjoy it”

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Circumcision

1 min read

What is circumcision, why and how is it done, and how does it affect sex?

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Where do morning erections go?

1 min read

Purpur's favourite urologist explains where morning erections disappear to.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 4 min

Do you have to disclose your HIV status if your viral load is zero?

4 min read

What viral load is, what "undetectable" means, and why it can be hard for people with HIV to share their status. Answers from an infectious disease doctor and a clinical psychologist.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

HIV and AIDS: what's the difference?

2 min read

Can you live a long, full life with HIV-positive status? Spoiler: yes.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

I got tested for STIs because...

1 min read

Real-life reasons to get tested for sexually transmitted infections, and which tests to take.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Men, relax

1 min read

And what if it didn't help? Our crush, a urologist, explains.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

The truth about panty liners

2 min read

A paradise for bacteria, a lifesaver for special occasions, and something that should really be called something else: an obstetrician-gynecologist explains the facts.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Do pads create a greenhouse effect?

1 min read

Myth or the real deal? We asked an obstetrician-gynecologist about the safety of pads.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Sexy breast check-up

1 min read

Everyone has breasts, and everyone should check them. Here is how to do it together with your partner.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

How to sleep when you have a big belly with a baby inside?

1 min read

We asked an obstetrician-gynecologist and podcast host.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

How to help your body during menopause

2 min read

An obstetrician-gynecologist explains the stages of menopause, its symptoms, and what does and doesn't help.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Is your gynecologist great, or is it time to find a new one?

1 min read

An obstetrician-gynecologist explains how to tell whether your doctor is great or it's time to look for another one.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Checking your breasts yourself

1 min read

A simple self-exam you can do without leaving home.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 3 min

Planning a pregnancy. What should you do?

3 min read

What is worth taking care of and what is pointless: tests, vitamins, sex, wine, coffee, food, sport and Rh-negative blood, discussed with an obstetrician-gynecologist.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 3 min

Contraception

3 min read

Purpur warning: withdrawal, the calendar method and any kind of shamanism do not protect against unwanted pregnancy and STIs.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 4 min

Menstrual cycle

4 min read

What's typical, which pain is a reason to see a doctor, what PMS is, and whether sex during your period is okay: a guide from an obstetrician-gynecologist.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

STI testing

2 min read

Which infections count as STIs, which microorganisms are part of normal microflora, and when to get tested

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

PAP test

1 min read

A test that every woman should know about: what it is, who it is for, how often to take it and why.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

How to talk about STI test results and sexual health

2 min read

A sex therapist on how to bring up test results with your partner, plus a date idea and a checklist of tests to take.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

How to have sex with HPV

2 min read

HPV can carry a low or a high cancer risk. With a sex therapist, we look at sex with HPV, its types and symptoms, and prevention.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

Cystitis

2 min read

What cystitis is, why sex can trigger it, how to recognise it, how to protect yourself and how to treat it

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

Thrush

2 min read

Vaginal candidiasis, aka thrush, aka party pooper: what it is, why it happens, how to spot it, and what to do about it.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

Cervical erosion: does it exist?

2 min read

Erosion vs ectopy: which one needs treatment, and why cauterising ectopy can do harm.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

Libido, the pill and antidepressants: questions and answers

2 min read

A general practitioner and nutritionist answers followers' questions about low libido, combined oral contraceptives, antidepressants and stress.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

About contraception

2 min read

Why condoms alone aren't always enough, what "Plan B" really is, and why choosing contraception is a job for you and your doctor.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 3 min

How to choose an intimate hygiene product

3 min read

A gynecologist explains what to look for in an intimate wash, and what should never be in one.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

How to protect yourself from breast cancer

2 min read

What self-exams and screening to do at different ages, how to prepare for a mammogram and how to lower your risk. Made with a medical foundation.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

Is it okay for women to sleep without underwear?

2 min read

A gynecologist and urogynecologist answers specially for Purpur.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

Why ask your mom when she went through menopause?

2 min read

An obstetrician-gynecologist at a partner clinic explains, drawing on research, why your mother's menopause story matters for your own health.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Is it okay to sleep without underwear?

1 min read

Is it really hygienic? Could it be harmful? A urologist answers for guys.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

How to deal with groin chafing in summer

1 min read

A few tips from a dermatologist on dealing with chafing (intertrigo) in the groin area in summer.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Is it okay that I'm not wearing underwear?

1 min read

Together with a urologist, we look at which men's underwear copes best with +25 °C heat, and whether it's okay to go without any at all.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

Do lubricants interfere with conception?

2 min read

Or are there special ones that help? We bust the myths with a gynecologist.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Do you really have to have sex all the time to get pregnant?

1 min read

Spoiler: no! An obstetrician-gynecologist explains how much sex you need when planning a pregnancy.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

What are ART and U=U: the story of one serodiscordant couple continues

1 min read

Purpur asked friends from an HIV foundation to explain what a serodiscordant couple is and how they live. Spoiler: almost like any other couple.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Love is allowed, or the story of one discordant couple

1 min read

We asked our friends at an HIV foundation to explain what a discordant couple is and how they live. Spoiler: almost the same as any other couple.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Sex during your period: the upsides

1 min read

It eases pain, invites a slower and more sensual pace, and brings a new level of intimacy without shame.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Your "awkward" questions for a gynecologist

1 min read

We don't shame anyone, and we value your curiosity. A gynecologist from a clinic that loves evidence-based medicine answers the "awkward" questions you sent us in stories.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 1 min

Busting myths about vaginas

1 min read

It's been a while since we debunked myths about vaginas.

PurpurMagAsk a doctor · 2 min

"I decided to freeze my eggs"

2 min read

"I'm not ready to become a mom right now, but I want to have that option"