Orgasm, also known as sexual climax is when your body releases tension and your pelvic region experiences rhythmic, involuntary muscular contractions. It is the peak of sexual arousal that occurs after stimulation of your genitals or erogenous zones. In men, it usually results in ejaculation, whereas in women, it results in vaginal contractions.

However, not everyone experiences orgasm. As per a 2019 study titled Orgasm, gender, and responses to heterosexual casual sex, 82% of men orgasm during their most recent sexual encounter as compared to only 32% of women. One gender experiencing orgasm at a range from 25% to 52% less as compared to other gender, is called the orgasm gap. This term was coined by Dr Laurie Mintz to identify the fact that heterosexual men have more orgasms as compared to heterosexual women. Even though, the female clitoris has twice as many nerve endings as the male penis. The clitoris has 8,000 nerve endings, while the head of the penis has 4,000, which makes the clitoris more sensitive to stimulation.

However, due to a lack of education and awareness of women, and their sexual and reproductive health, this gap exists.

Going Back In The Times

Even historically, women's pleasure was marginalised and even medicalised through practices like treating "female hysteria" with orgasms. " Women would often visit with symptoms like seizures, amnesia, uncontrolled bodily movements or complete loss of movement, heart palpitations, emotional outbursts, paralysis, fainting, chronic pain, loss of sensation, hallucinations, and histrionic behaviours. They were treated with a range of treatments including pelvic massage, forcing the woman to orgasm to release excess fluid, leeches on the abdomen to reduce blood in the womb, and marriage," explained relationship counselor and therapist Ruchi Ruuh.

She explains that this phenomenon led to a lack of understanding and communication around women's sexual needs, and led to the orgasm gap.

Identifying The Imbalances

Another 2017 study titled Differences in Orgasm Frequency Among Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Men and Women in a US National Sample stated that 95% of heterosexual men reported they usually or always orgasm during sex, compared to 65% of heterosexual women. The study also reported that lesbians have more orgasms than heterosexual women, reporting 86% saying they always orgasm during sex.

Ruuh suggests that in a heterosexual relationship, both partners must reflect on how they feel fully satisfied during sexual experiences. "Starting a conversation about these experiences, asking each other how often they orgasm and if they feel fully satisfied can help both partners understand their sexual satisfaction better. These conversations can help both partners understand their needs and desires to reach an orgasm better. Paying more attention to your partner's non-verbal signals like body language, which may indicate their levels of satisfaction," she says.

Ruuh also suggests some effective steps to address it:

1. Approach the conversation without judgment, emphasizing that it's something you are open to discuss and understand. Use “I” statements: For example, “I’ve noticed…” to avoid blaming and starting a healthy conversation.

2. Frame the conversation as an opportunity to learn about each other's needs, rather than correcting a problem.

3. Show curiosity about what aroused your partner and how can you include what they find pleasurable to enhance the experience. Explore fantasies or specific actions that may increase pleasure for your partner. Experiment with new techniques, positions, or sexual enhancement tools like lubes, toys, roleplay etc.

"Most of the time one partner is not vocal about their needs and desires or shy perhaps. If you notice this you might want to ask your partner, “I’ve noticed that we haven’t really talked about what makes us feel the most pleasure. Can we explore that together?” This opens the door for a conversation that is more curious than shame-inducing," she suggests.

Social Stigma And Female Genitalia

Social stigmas around female sexuality continue to play a role in how women view their sexual experiences. The portrayal of women's pleasure is either misrepresented or shown as secondary to men's in media. Our society and culture also reinforce the idea that women's desires are less important and do not require conversations around it, notes Ruuh.

She also points out that a popular notion is that men require more sex, however, this is not true, as it "goes against the very nature of men being mono-orgasmic and women being multi-orgasmic".

Furthermore, the idea of "performance" in sex can also deepen the orgasm gap by focusing too much on the end result rather than the experience itself. "When sex becomes about achieving an orgasm as a measure of success, both partners might feel pressure to perform, which can undermine genuine intimacy and connection. We see women pining and panting, faking an orgasm to boost their partner's ego and not cause disappointment. Instead of focusing on orgasm, they can prioritize exploration, connection and pleasure in whatever form it takes," she suggests.

Showering every day has been a matter of discussion. But you will always find someone who has gone a day or two without a shower. While it is generally not considered unhygienic, dermatologists have now raised concerns about this habit.

There are always red flags which are sent by your skin if you miss bathing. Some of you may experience scaly patches or discoloured parts. It may even start to look dirty because of hyperpigmented spots. It's not dirt, though. If you reach that point, you might want to see a dermatologist right away, who can determine if you have dermatitis neglecta.

Understanding This Condition

Dermatitis neglecta, as the name suggests, is caused by neglecting the skin. While it might look like dirt, it is just neglecting the skin. Besides discolouration, it is also reflective of significant inflammation and irritation caused by a lack of personal hygiene.

Why Does It Happen?

The answer lies in how your skin sheds. Every few weeks, all dead cells are removed. Cells slough off. Showering helps this process along, even if you don't use an exfoliant. Therefore, when you aren't showering, those cells are likely to remain on the upper layer of your skin or epidermis. If left for days, it will naturally combine with all the bacteria, sweat, oils, and grime your skin encounters. And a layer of tough buildup will begin to appear.

How Long Can It Take For A Person To Get Dermatitis Neglecta?

Dermatitis neglecta does not happen overnight or even in a couple of weeks. A 2015 study in the Journal of Dermatology explored three cases. In one of the cases, the affected individual had not cleaned a part of her body for no less than three to four months. (As a side note, the woman had gone through surgery and was worried about causing an infection in the area, which is why she stopped washing it.) Fortunately, the skin treatment for dermatitis neglecta is fairly simple. Most people can resolve skin issues that are related to dermatitis neglecta with regular cleaning and, in stubborn or severe cases, alcohol-based wipe-downs or administration of topical agents.

Have you ever noticed both magnesium and manganese written on the food labels and wondered if they were the same thing? If yes, then you're not alone. Their similar names confuse many but these two essential minerals serve very different roles in the body, and mixing them up could lead to nutritional imbalances or even toxicity.

So What Differentiates Magnesium From Manganese?

The first key difference lies in how much of each your body needs. Magnesium is considered a macromineral, which implies that it is required in relatively large quantities—around 420 milligrams per day for adults. In contrast, manganese is a micromineral or trace mineral, with the recommended daily intake being just 2.3 milligrams. This stark contrast makes accurate dosing crucial, particularly when supplements are involved.

Overconsumption of this mineral can lead to toxicity or other health conditions. Magnesium plays a foundational role in over 300 enzyme systems in the body. These enzymes are involved in vital processes such as protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure control. It is also essential for the formation of DNA, RNA, and glutathione, as well as for energy production and maintaining heart rhythm through the proper movement of potassium and calcium across cell membranes. Essentially, magnesium is deeply involved in nearly every system in the body.

How To Get These Nutrients?

To ensure you're getting enough magnesium, aim for a diet rich in fibre. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources. Even certain types of water—like mineral or tap water—can contribute to your magnesium intake.

Manganese, though needed in much smaller amounts, is no less important. This trace mineral supports several key functions, acting as a cofactor for enzymes like manganese superoxide dismutase, arginase, and pyruvate carboxylase. It plays a role in metabolising amino acids, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and glucose. Additionally, manganese is involved in bone formation, immune responses, and reproductive health. Notably, it also helps with blood clotting when working in tandem with vitamin K.

Word Of Caution: Some Food Inhibit Manganese Absorption

You can find manganese in many of the same foods that contain magnesium—leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and whole grains—as well as in teas. However, its absorption can be inhibited by certain compounds like phytic acid and oxalic acid, which are found in foods such as beans, spinach, and soy products. Even tannins in tea can slightly reduce how well your body absorbs manganese.

While both minerals are vital, they are not interchangeable. Taking the wrong supplement or misjudging your dietary needs may mean missing out on the specific health benefits each mineral provides—or worse, consuming a toxic dose.

As with most nutrients, it is best to meet your mineral needs through a varied and balanced diet. Supplements can help in cases of deficiency, but should be used with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease after the famed 1930s New York Yankees player, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that continues to challenge scientists and impact thousands of lives each year. May is recognized as ALS Awareness Month, offering an opportunity to raise awareness, deepen public understanding, and support ongoing research and care.

What is ALS?

ALS targets motor neurons—nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord responsible for voluntary muscle movement. When these neurons degenerate and die, the brain can no longer communicate with muscles, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure. Most individuals with ALS retain their cognitive function, but lose the ability to walk, speak, eat, and breathe without assistance. The disease progresses over time, with most patients surviving between two to five years following diagnosis.

ALS presents in unique ways from person to person. It can begin in the limbs (limb-onset) or in muscles related to speaking and swallowing (bulbar-onset). While no cure currently exists, treatment advancements have offered hope for improved quality of life and extended survival.

Who is Affected by ALS?

ALS can affect anyone, though it is most commonly diagnosed between ages 40 and 70. According to the CDC, around 5,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States, with about 30,000 people living with the disease at any given time.

There are two major types of ALS:

Sporadic ALS: This is the most common form, accounting for 90% of cases. Though it appears without family history, a portion of cases may involve genetic mutations.

Familial ALS: Representing about 5% to 10% of cases, this inherited form results from specific genetic changes.

Certain groups are at higher risk. Military veterans and firefighters are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS—potentially due to environmental exposures, physical trauma, or toxins encountered during service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes ALS as a service-connected condition, entitling veterans to specialized care and benefits.

Recognizing Symptoms

Symptoms of ALS can vary widely but often begin with muscle weakness, cramps, twitching, or difficulty with speech or swallowing. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience:

• Spasticity and exaggerated reflexes
• Muscle atrophy, particularly in the hands and legs
• Bulbar symptoms like difficulty speaking (dysarthria) or swallowing (dysphagia)
• Emotional lability (pseudobulbar affect)
• Breathing difficulties

While ALS primarily affects motor function, cognitive or behavioral changes occur in up to 50% of patients. Around 10% to 15% may develop frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Causes and Diagnosis

Though the exact cause of ALS remains unknown, genetic factors play a key role in some cases. Mutations in genes such as SOD1, C9orf72, FUS, and TARDBP are linked to the disease. Environmental triggers—like toxin exposure, viral infections, and intense physical activity—are also being studied.

ALS is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions through clinical evaluation, EMG tests, genetic screening, and imaging such as MRI. Early diagnosis is essential to access therapies and plan care.

There is no cure for ALS yet, but treatments like riluzole, edaravone, and tofersen (for those with SOD1 mutations) can slow progression. Promising research areas include gene therapy, RNA-targeted treatments, biomarkers like Neurofilament Light Chain, and artificial intelligence for diagnosis and personalized care.