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 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/

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

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. America

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/

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.