A new morning-after pill to stop STDs could also make the problem worse

By Fenit Nirappil Public health officials are deploying a powerful new weapon in the war against rising sexually transmitted infections: a common antibiotic that works as a morning-after pill. It is the latest advancement as the sexual health field shifts to preventive medicine — not just condoms, abstinence and tests — as the best hope …

What’s The STD Knowledge Gap & Why Is It An Issue For Women’s Health?

By Alice Broster Sex and health education has changed a lot over the last few decades. Depending on where you grew up, it’s more than likely that the syllabus being taught in schools now bears little to no resemblance to what was on offer when you were there. However, this has serious implications for your …

Yes, You Can Contract an STD Without Having Penetrative Sex

by Gabrielle Kassel Anilingus. Cunnilingus. Mutual masturbation. Many nonpenetrative sex acts are *veryyy* much worth exploring from a pleasure perspective. But many sex-havers engage in these sex acts under the assumption that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can only be transmitted through penetration. This myth results in many explorers thinking they’re being Safe™, when in fact …

Why men and women lie about sex, and how this complicates STD control

By Shervin Assari [W]hen it comes to reporting the number of sex partners or how often they have sexual intercourse, men and women both lie. While men tend to overreport it, women have a tendency to underreport it. Although the story is not that simple and clear-cut, I have discovered some interesting reasons why this …

The Dangers of Recreational Viagra

— The risks of taking Viagra without erectile dysfunction range from mild side effects to dangerous drug interactions By Raevti Bole, MD Advertisements for erectile dysfunction (ED) medication are everywhere. Viagra® and Cialis® are enormously popular. And as the ads suggest, they’re highly effective at improving sexual performance in people with ED.< But the use …

Lack of sex education in GOP states puts students at risk

By Sunjae Lee Although it may be a cliche, there is some truth to the trope ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ — whether it be through teachers, pediatricians, athletic coaches or politicians who create laws directly affecting youth. But in some states across the U.S., the adults in charge of youth policies …

Taking Antibiotic After Sex Could Slash Your Risk for an STI.

— Here’s What to Know By Ernie Mundell If you’re sexually active, taking the antibiotic doxycycline within 72 hours of sex might help prevent an STI Syphilis cases are surging in the United States, making ‘Doxy on Demand’ a welcome weapon against the disease Taking doxycycline shouldn’t be a substitute for condom use, experts say …

How Late Can Your Period Be After Taking Plan B One-Step?

By Patricia Weiser, PharmD Plan B One-Step is a single-dose emergency contraceptive (EC) pill. It contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone belonging to the progestin class. Plan B One-Step and its generic alternatives are available over the counter (OTC). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Plan B One-Step …

Virginity

Virginity is a very touchy issue in just about every culture on the globe. Curiously enough, it’s almost always exclusively about female virginity. This sad double standard gives rise to emotional conflicts for both genders. But again, it is young women and girls who bear the brunt of it. Let’s begin with Katelyn who’s 18 …