Sex+Health

In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition presents the Cervical Cancer Survivor Series. Across eight episodes, we share stories from cervical cancer survivors across the country, touching on topics including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as advice for others whose lives are impacted by this preventable disease. We also talked to providers in the field to answer questions about screening prevention and treatment. In this final episode, we hear from all of our survivors from this series—Jen English, Shaundra Hall, Aisha McClellan, Selena Rushton, and Cheryla Thompson. We talked to them about a range of topics, including advice they've received and would offer others after a diagnosis, how family and friends can best offer support to loved ones dealing with cancer, what they would say to anyone considering the HPV vaccine, and why they decided to become involved in advocacy.

In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition presents the Cervical Cancer Survivor Series. Across eight episodes, we share stories from cervical cancer survivors across the country, touching on topics including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as advice for others whose lives are impacted by this preventable disease. We also talked to providers in the field to answer questions about screening prevention and treatment. In this episode we speak to gynecological oncologist, Brad Monk. Dr. Monk leads clinical trials and has authored or co-authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications on cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and other gynecologic cancers and also sees patients. We talked to Dr. Monk about finding a cancer expert and possible treatment options.

There's a new way to screen for cervical cancer with self-collection. People can take a sample of cells from their own vagina to test for HPV. The FDA recently approved this for use in providers offices. There's no pelvic exam stirrups or speculum involved. Research has shown that the results are just as accurate as when samples are collected by a clinician. Self-collection has the potential to expand testing to other healthcare settings and reach underscreened populations. In this episode, we speak to Jennifer S. Smith, PhD, who has been involved in the research around HPV for decades to explain this new method to us, and how it might help us reach the goal of eliminating cervical cancer.

There's a new way to screen for cervical cancer with self-collection. People can take a sample of cells from their own vagina to test for HPV. The FDA recently approved this for use in providers offices. There's no pelvic exam stirrups or speculum involved. Research has shown that the results are just as accurate as when samples are collected by a clinician. Self-collection has the potential to expand testing to other healthcare settings and reach underscreened populations. In this episode, we speak to Barbara Moscicki, MD, who has been involved in the research around HPV for decades to explain this new method to us, and how it might help us reach the goal of eliminating cervical cancer.

In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition presents the Cervical Cancer Survivor Series. Across eight episodes, we share stories from cervical cancer survivors across the country, touching on topics including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as advice for others whose lives are impacted by this preventable disease. We also talked to providers in the field to answer questions about screening prevention and treatment. In this episode, we speak to Aisha McClellan. Aisha went to a clinic with symptoms, and was sent home with antibiotics for an STI she didn't have. It took three visits before she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Aisha had to be her own advocate for health care, which inspired her to become an advocate on TikTok, where she has over 25,000 followers. Follow Aisha on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@aisha_the_advocate Learn more about cervical cancer prevention at the National Cervical Cancer Coalition website at www.nccc-online.org/

In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition presents the Cervical Cancer Survivor Series. Across eight episodes, we share stories from cervical cancer survivors across the country, touching on topics including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as advice for others whose lives are impacted by this preventable disease. We also talked to providers in the field to answer questions about screening prevention and treatment. In this episode we speak to Jen English. Jen had a lot of experience in sexual health, and was comfortable talking about the topic, but she realized how much she didn't know about HPV and cervical health when she was diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer. Her experience inspired her to become an NCCC chapter leader. Learn more about Jen and her NCCC chapter at https://www.nccc-online.org/nccc-iowa-cedar-rapids-chapter/ Learn more about cervical cancer prevention at the National Cervical Cancer Coalition website at www.nccc-online.org/

In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition presents the Cervical Cancer Survivor Series. Across eight episodes, we share stories from cervical cancer survivors across the country, touching on topics including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as advice for others whose lives are impacted by this preventable disease. We also talked to providers in the field to answer questions about screening prevention and treatment. In this episode we speak to Shaundra Hall. Shaundra tells us that her very first Pap test came back abnormal, but she still didn't know anything about cervical cancer when she was diagnosed. She also talks about how this experience changed the course of her life, both personally and professionally. To learn more about clinical trials, visit https://clinicaltrials.gov. Learn more about Shaundra and her NCCC chapter at http://www.nccc-online.org/nccc-arizona-southwest-regional/ Learn more about cervical cancer prevention at the National Cervical Cancer Coalition website at www.nccc-online.org/

In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition presents the Cervical Cancer Survivor Series. Across eight episodes, we share stories from cervical cancer survivors across the country, touching on topics including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as advice for others whose lives are impacted by this preventable disease. We also talked to providers in the field to answer questions about screening prevention and treatment. In this episode we speak to Barbara Moscicki, a pediatrician and HPV expert. Dr. Moscicki explains cervical cancer screening in detail and helps us understand the follow-ups we may need if we have an abnormal result. She also talks about the importance of the HPV vaccine and the possibility that we could eliminate cervical cancer. Learn more about cervical cancer prevention at the National Cervical Cancer Coalition website at www.nccc-online.org/

In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition presents the Cervical Cancer Survivor Series. Across eight episodes, we share stories from cervical cancer survivors across the country, touching on topics including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as advice for others whose lives are impacted by this preventable disease. We also talked to providers in the field to answer questions about screening prevention and treatment. In this episode we speak to Cherlya Thompson about the wonderful support she received during her cancer treatment, which took place far from home, and how that experience inspired her to help others. Cherlya also tells us about how she had to teach her grandchild's pediatrician about the importance of the HPV vaccine. Learn more about Cherlya and her NCCC chapter at http://www.nccc-online.org/nccc-south-carolina-goose/ Learn more about cervical cancer prevention at the National Cervical Cancer Coalition website at www.nccc-online.org/

In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition presents the Cervical Cancer Survivor Series. Across eight episodes, we share stories from cervical cancer survivors across the country, touching on topics including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as advice for others whose lives are impacted by this preventable disease. We also talked to providers in the field to answer questions about screening prevention and treatment. In this episode we speak to Selena Rushton about her survivorship story, and the many complications she experienced during her treatment. After her cancer returned. Selina was told she only had months to live. That was eight years ago. To learn more about Selena's cancer journey, watch the short video "Surviving Metastatic Cervical Cancer - Selena's Story" on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CCkxXDQAbM. Learn more about cervical cancer prevention at the National Cervical Cancer Coalition website at https://www.nccc-online.org/

More than 2.4 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in the U.S. in 2023. Still, the numbers show the cases of reportable STIs tended to decrease, or at least saw a sharp decline in the rate by which they increased. In this episode of the Sex+Health podcast, we talk with Bradley Stoner, MD, PhD, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of STD Prevention, for his thoughts on what's driving the epidemic and why the latest data show there may be cause for optimism. *STI Fact Sheets: https://www.cdc.gov/sti/communication-resources/index.html * Free, Confidential Testing: https://gettested.cdc.gov/ * STI Statistics: https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/index.html * How to prevent STIs: https://www.cdc.gov/sti/prevention/index.html * About congenital syphilis: https://www.cdc.gov/syphilis/about/about-congenital-syphilis.html * Preventing STIs with doxy PEP: https://www.cdc.gov/sti/prevention/doxy-pep.html * Conversation tips: https://www.cdc.gov/sti-awareness/pbyt/conversation.html * The conversation badge: https://www.cdc.gov/sti-awareness/pbyt/badges.html

On this episode of the Sex+Health podcast we talk with Jaylan Daniels, who tells us all about doxy PEP and why he chose to include it as part of his health care regimen.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published guidelines on use of doxy PEP – taking a prescribed dose of the antibiotic doxycycline shortly after sex – to prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in men who have sex with men and transgendered women. This is huge, the first new STI prevention tool in years, and we get the scoop on the promise of doxy PEP from Dr. Philip A. Chan, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Brown University. Dr. Chan is a physician at the Rhode Island Department of Health, and also serves as Chief Medical Officer of Open Door Health- the state's only LGBTQ+ health center. Show Notes: * CDC doxy PEP guidelines: https://bit.ly/CDCdoxypep * CDC clinic locator (testing and vaccines): https://gettested.cdc.gov * Open Door Health: https://odhpvd.org Public Health Out Loud – Dr. Chan's podcast * Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/public-health-out-loud/id1541663781 * IHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-public-health-out-loud-74759679/ * TuneIn: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Science-Podcasts/Public-Health-Out-Loud-p1383786/

In this episode we talk with Lillian Kreppel, whose diagnosis with stage III anal cancer led her to become a passionate advocate for patients. She's the Executive Director and co-founder of the HPV Cancers Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting awareness of the spectrum of HPV-associated cancers, including among the medical community. HPV Cancers Alliance: https://hpvca.org/lillians-story/ ASHA's HPV Q&A: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/human_papilloma_virus/

More than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported in the U.S. in 2022. In this episode of the Sex+Health podcast, we talk with Laura H. Bachmann, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FACP, Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of STD Prevention, for her thoughts on what's driving the epidemic and why sexually transmitted infections much be treated as a public health priority.

In part three of our Disability & Sexual Health Series, we chat with Laura Graham Holmes, Ph.D., about health disparities, sexuality, and research. Dr. Laura Graham Holmes is a clinical psychologist and an Assistant Professor at CUNY Hunter College in the Silberman School of Social Work. She is a nationally recognized expert on sexuality and relationships for autistic people. She has published 30 peer-reviewed papers. Her passion is co-designing peer-facilitated interventions with and for autistic people on aspects of life that are important but under-supported, such as healthy relationships, sexual health, LGBTQIA+ identity, and substance use. LINK: https://sssw.hunter.cuny.edu/staff-members/holmes-laura-g/

In part two of our Disability & Sexual Health Series, we chat with Nellie Galindo, MSW, MPH, and AASECT Professional Member, about implicit bias and ableism. She is the founder of Accessible Sexual Health, which is a mission-driven organization that seeks to advance access to comprehensive sex education for people with disabilities. She provides training, resources, and consultation for organizations and individuals who are seeking comprehensive, sex-positive, neurodiverse-affirming, and disability-centered sexual health education. LINKS: Website: https://www.accessiblesexualhealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accessiblesexualhealth/ Studies referenced in the episode: Kolata, G. (2022, October 19). These doctors admit they don't want patients with disabilities. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/19/health/doctors-patients-disabilities.html Parekh, T., Gimm, G., & Kitsantas, P. (2023). Sexually transmitted infections in women of reproductive age by disability type. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 64(3), 393–404. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S074937972200530X Brennand, E. A., & Santinele Martino, A. (2022). Disability is associated with sexually transmitted infection: Severity and female sex are important risk factors. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 31(1), 91–102. https://www.utpjournals.press/doi/full/10.3138/cjhs.2021-0053?role=tab Schmidt, E. K., Hand, B. N., Simpson, K. N., & Darragh, A. R. (2019). Sexually transmitted infections in privately insured adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Journal of comparative effectiveness research, 8(8), 599–606. https://doi.org/10.2217/cer-2019-0011 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30838884/

In part one of our Disability & Sexual Health Series, we chat with Katherine McLaughlin, M.Ed., AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, about sex education. She is the Founder, CEO, and Lead Trainer for Elevatus Training. As a national expert on sexuality and intellectual and developmental disabilities, she trains professionals, parents, and individuals to become sexual self-advocates and peer sexuality educators. Links: Organization: https://www.elevatustraining.com/ Resources: https://www.elevatustraining.com/resources-2/

In this episode we chat with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Kristal DeSantis, M.A., about men, relationships, and masculinity in the modern world. Ms. DeSantis, a psychotherapist and sex educator, is author of the book STRONG: The Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man. LINKS: Kristals DeSantis: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/meet-kristal Krista's Book: https://www.austinstrongrbc.com/strong-the-book

In this episode we chat about HPV and head and neck cancers, specifically those of the oropharynx (the area of the throat just behind the oral cavity, so the base of the tongue, soft palate, the tonsils and the walls of the throat) with none other than SupermanHPV himself, Jason Mendelsohn. Listen as Mr. Mendelsohn shares his experiences as a patient with stage 4 HPV-related tonsil cancer - chemo, radiation, surgery, and a crash course in dealing with a head and neck tumor – along with his advice for patients and caregivers.

In this episode we chat with Helen Epstein, the author of Getting Through It: My Year of Cancer During Covid in which she chronicles her diagnosis with endometrial cancer and dealing with treatment and its aftermath as a pandemic gripped the world. Resources: Ms. Epstein's website is http://www.helenepstein.com Getting Through It: My Year of Cancer During Covid: http://www.helenepstein.com/gti.html%20/

In this episode we talk with cervical cancer survivor Jolene Whisler, the leader of the National Cervical Cancer Coalition's Peoria, IL chapter. Listen to Ms. Whisler's insights for patients on making treatment easier, talking effectively with the medical team and practicing self-care. Jolene Whisler's NCCC chapter page: https://www.nccc-online.org/nccc-central-illinois-peoria-chapter NCCC's Stories of Cervical Cancer: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD1EE22F29C5EBEC2 Inspire: https://www.inspire.com/groups/national-cervical-cancer-coalition

The fourth installment in our series on trichomoniasis (“trich”) infections focuses on the psychosocial impact of trich. In our conversation with Ina Park, MD, we explore common questions that emerge following a trich diagnosis including how long may one have had the infection before it was detected, what partners need to know in terms of testing and treatment, and how patients and health professionals alike can become empowered to discuss sexual health including testing for STIs like trich. Dr. Park is Associate Professor, Family Community Medicine, University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine. Dr. Park's website: https://www.inapark.net/ Finding the Right Health Care Provider: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/your-healthcare-provider/ Trichomoniasis - Fast Facts: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/trichomoniasis/ Taking a Sexual History for Health Care Providers: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/healthcare-providers/

The reigning Miss USA, Elle Smith, is also an NCCC chapter leader and what a year she's having! Join us as we check-in with Elle to learn all about her whirlwind tour and how she's promoting cervical cancer awareness

We continue our series on trichomoniasis (“trich”) infections with a detailed focus on treatment options. With estimates of more than two million cases annually in the U.S., trich is often without obvious symptoms but, undetected and untreated, can lead to health issues including a greater risk of contracting or transmitting HIV and pregnancy complications including early delivery and low-birth weight babies. Learn more about treatment options for trich in our conversation with Dr. Patty Kissinger, an infectious disease epidemiologist and professor with the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs.

Trichomoniasis (“trich”) is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection globally, affecting all demographics but with a disproportionate impact on women and marginalized communities. We're chatting in this episode with Denise Linton, DNS, RN, FNP, FAANP about the systemic reasons behind the high rates of trich and other STIs in under-served populations and what we can do to promote health equity among those most in need. Questions or feedback about this episode? Drop us a line at info@ashasexualhealth.org.

With roughly two million cases in the U.S., trichomoniasis ("trich") is the most common STI you've never heard of. Most cases don't have obvious symptoms but undetected trich can make it more like to contract or transmit other STIs (like HIV) and the infection is linked to pre-term delivery and low-birth weight babies. Today we chat with Dr. Bobbie Van Der Pol, a professor in the schools of medicine and public health with the University of Alabama, Birmingham where she's a scientist with the UAB Center for Women's Reproductive Health. Dr. Van Der Pol is also president of the International Society for STD Research. Resources: ASHA's Trichomoniasis Information Page: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/trichomoniasis/ Ten Questions to Ask Your Provider about Sexual Health: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/your-healthcare-provider/

If you're a sexually active person— or even if you're not right now—you probably have questions about your sexual health. Like, should I be tested for STIs? Which ones? Or what are my options for preventing pregnancy? You also might have questions about your libido and why it's so low…or so high, and whether that's normal. Or why sex is painful, or getting an erection is so difficult. It's not always easy to bring these topics up, and it may not be clear exactly what questions you should be asking about your sexual health. So how do you overcome your own hesitancy or embarrassment and start that conversation with your healthcare provider? That's what we're talking about on this episode of ASHA's Sex+Health podcast. To help us out with this conversation we have two sexual health experts—Martha Kempner and Logan Levkoff.

This is one of the most powerful stories we've bring able to chronicle. In this episode we're joined by a very special guest, Eve McDavid, a Google Strategy Executive and Femtech entrepreneur who was diagnosed with stage IIb cervical cancer in January 2020 just one month before her second child was due and two months before COVID shut down much of the country! Come along with us as Eve recounts her journey of navigating cancer and pregnancy in a medical system overwhelmed with a pandemic. Strong, much? You better believe she is! Eve's Website: https://evemcdavid.com/

Award-winning actress Alysia Reiner (Orange is the New Black and Better Things) talks with NCCC about preventing cervical cancer through education and activism

Elle Smith, the newly crowned Miss USA, is also an NCCC chapter leader! Elle is using her reign to promote cervical cancer awareness and chatted with us about her exciting plans for 2022. Elle's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellesmithtv?s=20

Cervical cancer is preventable and that's something to celebrate. We still have work to do though as some communities - especially people of color and rural residents - tend to be diagnosed with cervical cancer more frequently (and often with a more advanced stage). In this episode with chat with Denise Linton, DNS, APRN, FNP-BC to explore ways to make medical care more accessible and welcoming for everyone. Dr. Linton also offers insights on the value of clinical trials in developing new therapies and how we can do a better job of making them far more inclusive.

Continuing our two-part series on head and neck cancer today we talk with Dr. Michael Moore, a professor and physician with the Indiana University School of Medicine and president of the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance. Dr. Moore discusses the connection between HPV and certain head and neck tumors; symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment; prevention strategies including vaccination against HPV; and how to talk with your health care provider. Part one of this series features an interview with a head and neck cancer survivor, Mr. Bob Cupps, and is available here. https://soundcloud.com/asha_sexual_health/head-and-neck-cancer

There are about 61 million women of reproductive age in the United States, many of whom will use some type of birth control for several decades. There are lots of options available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this episode we're talking with Dr. Noor Dasouki Abu-Alnadi, known as "Dr. Noor" to her patients, to explore what's available including several new and exciting options. Links: ASHA's Resources on Birth Control and Contraception Options: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/reproductive-health/

Head and neck cancers are increasing in number and one type - oropharyngeal cancers found in the area of the throat just behind the oral cavity, the base of the tongue, soft palate, the tonsils and the walls of the throat - is primarily caused by HPV. In this episode we're talking with Mr. Bob Cupps, who very recently underwent treatment for oropharyngeal cancer talks with us about his experiences, what the patient journey is like, and why HPV vaccines are crucial in preventing these diseases. Links: National Cancer Institute's resources on head and neck cancers: cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/head-neck-fact-sheet American Cancer Society's patient navigation page: https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/patient-navigators-can-help-when-live-disrupts-cancer-care.html

Cervical cancers can be as unique as the patients in whom they're diagnosed so there's no one size fits all approach to treatment. In this episode we talk with Dr. Leslie Randal, Division Head of Gynecologic Oncology with the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. In addition to current treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation Dr. Randal discusses innovations like immune therapies, offers tips on how patients can cope with treatment and its aftermath, and talks about the crucial role patients play in the research and clinical trials process. Links: ASHA's HPV pages: https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/human_papilloma_virus/ Understanding Clinical Trials: https://www.nccc-online.org/hpvcervical-cancer/clinical-trials/ Search research study opportunities: · https://clinicaltrials.gov/ · https://www.centerwatch.com/

Ina Park, MD, MS, is the author of Strange Bedfellows: Adventures in the Science, History, and Surprising Secrets of STDs. In this second part of our conversation with Dr. Park we cover topics including the modern phenomenon of pubic landscaping and how to steer clear of so-called hygiene products you probably don't need. Find the book at www.inapark.net.

Disappearing pubic hair. Antibiotic resistant gonorrhea. Sex detectives knocking on our door. Ad campaigns about making our nether regions daisy fresh. We navigate all this with Ina Park, MD, MS, the author of the new book Strange Bedfellows: Adventures in the Science, History, and Surprising Secrets of STDs. Listen to part one of our two part conversation with Dr. Park and learn how to better navigate your own adventures through the landscape of sexual health.Find the book at www.inapark.net.

In this episode we feature a conversation with Tamika Felder, a speaker who's appeared around the world to tell the story of her own cervical cancer journey and advocate for patients who often have difficulty finding their voices. She's the founder of Cervivor, a non-profit that supports cervical cancer patients, survivors, and loved one. She's also the author of Seriously, What Are You Waiting For? 13 Actions to IGNITE Your Life & Achieve the Ultimate Comeback.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is very common but often confused with yeast or other infections, leading many to self-treat ineffectively. Untreated BV can cause health issues so a proper diagnosis and prescribed treatment are both important. In this episode of the ASHA podcast Jenelle Marie Pierce, health educator and executive director of the TheSTIProject.com, shares her experiences in coping with BV and offers tips on talking with health care providers.

Sexual pleasure offers benefits beyond the obvious. With or without a partner, pleasure is not only feels good but it's good for you! Sometimes the medications we take to remain healthy have sexual side effects, though, and this can be especially vexing as we age. In this episode of our podcast we check in with Leah Johnson PharmD, RPh, a clinical consultant pharmacist supervisor. Think pharmacists simply count your pills and put them in a bottle? They are actually health care professionals and experts in medication issues. Dr. Johnson tells us what to do when medications interfere with our sex lives and spells out how your pharmacist can help.

Basketball coaches doubling as health instructors! Condoms as a teen-age status symbol! Adolescent wise-guys shouting Wrap your Willie! Get the scoop on why condoms are great and how, back in the day, they were a source of awe and great fun.

It used to be so simple: go for an annual Pap! The venerable Pap is now frequently used as a co-test along with a test for the Human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. In this episode Dr. Latoya Patterson breaks down the current approaches to screening for cervical cancer including the newest option, HPV primary screening, where an HPV test is used without being paired with a Pap test. The Pap test still has a role, though, so tune in to find out all about it!

There are several contraceptive options available today and it can be pretty overwhelming trying to decide. This episode of the Sex+Health Podcast talks about how to make the right choice and how to have conversations with your teens about using contraceptives. Lynn Barclay, ASHA's CEO and President, talks with ASHA staff, Susan Reynolds, and her mother, Lisa Gardner, about having open and honest conversations about preventing pregnancy and STIs.

"Why are we waiting to begin discussing consent as young people enter college? It's important to begin young so kids learn to recognize abusive behaviors. This also allows consent to be instilled as a value rather than a lesson to be taught when they become sexually active" - ASHA intern Olivia Whitcomb on sexual assault and learning consent

You don’t even have to buy us dinner. The Quickie is ASHA’s latest podcast series looking at current issues in sexual health in a short (less than five minute) format so you can get your fix get a move on. We’ll debut a new episode each week during September so stream or download here. Week one: “Just say no” is lousy advice for a number of things, including sex!

In this episode, we're talking about bacterial vaginosis, or BV, the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15-44. Dr. Noor Abualnadi, a gynecologist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, helps break down the basic facts about BV, including why women get BV, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment options are available. Most importantly, though, she talks about why self-diagnosis and home remedies can do more harm than good. So listen and learn why “less is more” should be the motto for vaginal health.

An estimated 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS and the CDC says about 1 in 7 don’t know their status. Testing is so important and thankfully we’ve seen great progress with the evolution of both HIV diagnostic technologies and the availability of effective treatment options. On HIV Testing Day 2019 we remember the clinical/medical side of things is only part of the HIV struggle: There remains much to do in the areas of justice, equality, and dealing with stigma. We end this episode with a wrap-up of Men’s Health Month and a free download of the Health is Power toolkit to help organizations communicate positive sexual health messages to young African-American men.

Since our last update on HPV and cervical cancer some big changes have occurred: HPV vaccination has been approved for use with males and females through age 45 and updated cervical cancer screening guidelines now include an option for HPV primary testing (translation: an HPV test done alone without a Pap as a co-test). In this episode Ina Park, MD, breaks all of this down and peeks at a future where we might actually be able to discuss the elimination of cervical cancer. Dr. Park is an associate professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine.

A Two-part Conversation with Terri Warren, RN, ANP(Part 2: Psychosocial) by Sex+Health

A Two-part Conversation with Terri Warren, RN, ANP(Part 1: Diagnostics) by Sex+Health