6 things sex educators want you to know about a post-Roe America

Quality sex education will be more important than ever. But it too faces challenges. By Keren Landman On Friday, the US Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, the legal decision that has for decades granted Americans the right to an abortion. For young people, the prospect of dramatically reduced access to abortion creates enormous …

‘Parental rights’ lobby puts trans and queer kids at risk

By Jen Gilbert & Victoria Rawlings The political right’s current strategy for fighting against LGBTQ+ equality is to frame discussions about sexuality and gender in school as an infringement on parents’ rights. In 2020, far-right Australian MP Mark Latham introduced a “Parental Rights” bill. The bill would have prohibited teachers from addressing any topic that …

What to know about sexually transmitted infections

With rates of some STIs on the rise, it’s never been more important to understand the risks, symptoms and treatments. By Annie Hauser While the pandemic delayed many routine screenings, rates of some common sexually transmitted infections didn’t slow. Rather, rates of syphilis and congenital syphilis continued to surge, as did gonorrhea cases, according to …

What vaginal changes can a person expect after giving birth?

A person can expect vaginal changes after giving birth. Common changes include perineal pain, pain during sex, bleeding, and vaginal dryness. by Tabitha Britt According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), it is not unusual for people to notice new and uncomfortable vaginal changes after giving birth. To ensure a safe recovery, people …

Everything You Need To Know About Outercourse

(Sex Without Penetration) By Kesiena Boom, M.S. What is outercourse? Outercourse is a term that generally encompasses any type of non-penetrative sexual play, says sex educator Cassandra Corrado. “So it might include handjobs, nipple stimulation, perineal massage, cunnilingus—anything that stimulates the outside of the body for sexual pleasure.” Notably, outercourse has a broad definition and …

After surviving cervical cancer, I’m teaching my kids about sexual health to save their lives

Using the anatomical names for private parts and getting vaccinations against HPV by age 12 can help keep children healthy into adulthood By Eve McDavid Staring at the speckled gray tiles of the exam–room ceiling, I planned out my last day at Google before maternity leave while my OB/GYN performed a pelvic exam. Once we …

Managing Expectations About Chemotherapy and Sex

by Angelica Bottaro Chemotherapy and sex is a subject that many people may wonder about when they’re undergoing treatment, but oncologists rarely discuss sexuality and physical intimacy during chemotherapy with their patients.1 Since it’s not talked about, many people have a knowledge gap about the safety of sexual activity during cancer treatment and the ways …

Is It Normal to Experience Loss of Desire After a Vasectomy?

by James Roland A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that blocks sperm from mixing with semen. This prevents someone with a penis from getting someone pregnant. It’s a common method of contraception that about 500,000 men in the United States choose every year. You may still wonder if a vasectomy hurts since it requires …