Adult Section: Differentiation between Pubic Hair Itching, Harmonious Sexual Life, and Scrotal Swelling

**64. Is recurring itching in the pubic area a medical condition?**

Many people have experienced similar headaches, feeling intense itching in the pubic area every night, with recurring episodes. They shower and change underwear daily, but the itching not only doesn't lessen but worsens and spreads over a wider area. Sometimes the itching is so intense that they can't help but scratch vigorously, leaving red scratch marks on the pubic area. This condition is very likely caused by pubic lice.

Pubic lice generally only parasitize the pubic hair in the pubic area of ​​the human body and rarely parasitize other parts of the body. There are a few clinical reports of pubic lice being found in armpit hair, eyebrows, and hair, but these are extremely rare.

Adult pubic lice can live for about 30 days. Pubic lice eggs hatch into larvae after 6 to 8 days, and the larvae then mature into adult pubic lice and become capable of reproduction after about 15 days. Pubic lice can be transmitted directly through contact between pubic hairs during sexual intercourse, or indirectly through underwear, clothing, bed sheets, towels, etc.

Pubic lice are completely preventable. First, avoid unprotected sexual contact. Even using condoms cannot prevent the transmission of pubic lice (condoms only protect a limited area and cannot prevent contact with pubic hair). When traveling for business or leisure, choose hotels with good hygiene conditions. Avoid sleeping naked in hotels and wear pajamas instead. When bathing or swimming, keep your clothes in a bag or plastic bag, zip it up or tie the bag tightly, and do not leave your clothes in closets.

Of course, not all itching in the pubic area is caused by pubic lice. Scabies, scrotal eczema, pinworms, ascariasis, allergies, dermatitis, and tinea can all cause itching in the perineum and around the anus. Therefore, if any of these conditions occur, it is the correct course of action to seek medical attention at a reputable hospital promptly.

65. What constitutes a regular and harmonious sex life?

Every couple desires a harmonious sex life, because a harmonious, moderate, and scientifically sound sex life can help both partners maintain a good mental state and promote family happiness. So, what exactly constitutes a harmonious sex life?

Differences in male and female sexual function: (1) Men have a stronger and more vigorous libido, and can be sexually aroused at any time; women have a relatively weaker libido, and sexual arousal is related to the menstrual cycle (generally, libido is higher around ovulation and before menstruation). (2) Men experience sexual impulses more quickly, reach orgasm quickly, and their libido also subsides quickly; women experience sexual impulses more slowly, and their libido subsides more slowly. (3) Men's libido is easily concentrated on their sexual organs, and their desire for intercourse is very high; women's libido is more extensive and complex, including talking, tenderness, caressing, etc., and they only have the desire for intercourse after reaching a certain level of arousal.

Ideally, both partners should reach orgasm simultaneously, or the woman should reach orgasm first, followed by ejaculation. A woman's orgasm does not prevent intercourse from continuing, and unlike men, women can experience another orgasm within a short time.

Frequency of sexual intercourse: Determining the appropriate number of sexual encounters is a difficult question to answer. The strength of libido varies from person to person, and even for the same individual, it is influenced by factors such as age, physical condition, personality, occupation, climate, environment, and emotions. Therefore, the frequency of sexual activity cannot be mechanically prescribed but should be adjusted appropriately based on the specific circumstances of both partners. During the honeymoon period, libido is relatively strong, and sexual intercourse is more frequent. In the first few months after marriage, it generally occurs 3-5 times per week. As age increases, this gradually decreases to 2-3 times per week. Those with poorer health will have even fewer encounters. Couples reuniting after a long separation often experience more frequent sexual intercourse, which is natural, but moderation is still advised.

Sex is not a taboo topic. Only by examining it with a scientific attitude can you truly take responsibility for your own health!

66. What to do about scrotal swelling?

Many young men become anxious and fearful upon discovering swelling in their scrotum, worrying that they have cancer. In fact, there are many causes of scrotal swelling. What diseases can cause scrotal swelling?

We know that the scrotum contains organs such as the testes, epididymis, and spermatic cord. Diseases affecting these organs can cause scrotal swelling. Since these organs are naturally located within the scrotum, this type of swelling is called true scrotal swelling. Tissues not originally located in the scrotum can fall into or flow into the scrotum, causing swelling. Since these tissues are not naturally present in the scrotum, this type of swelling is called pseudoscrotal swelling.

True scrotal swellings mostly occur within the scrotum, typically presenting as round or oval masses unrelated to the groin (inner thigh). Common underlying conditions include hydrocele and epididymal cysts, which generally have a longer course (usually over 6 months) and are asymptomatic when the swelling is not significant. In addition, some infectious diseases can also cause scrotal swelling, such as acute epididymitis and orchitis; these conditions usually involve severe pain along with scrotal swelling.

A pseudoscrotal mass occurs when abdominal contents enter the scrotum through the groin area, thus often appearing pear-shaped. It is commonly seen in male inguinal hernias (in early childhood, it is often associated with communicating hydrocele or congenital inguinal hernia). A characteristic feature is that the mass is intermittent, disappearing when lying down and reappearing when standing, running, or when abdominal pressure increases.

During self-examination, pinch the base of the scrotum between your thumb and index finger. If only skin separates your fingers, it is a true scrotal swelling. If the area between your fingers is thicker and contains other tissue besides skin, it is likely a pseudoscrotal swelling. Scrotal swelling can be classified as cystic or solid. The differentiation method is as follows: Roll a thin piece of paper into a tube with the lower end pressed against the scrotum and observe from the top. If you see a bright red light, it is called a positive transillumination test, indicating that the mass contains fluid. If light cannot penetrate the mass and no light can be seen from the opposite side, it is called a negative transillumination test, suggesting that the mass is solid.

Having learned the above information, we should now be able to perform self-examination and identification.