Sex+health

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, RN, FNP, FAANP 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 Randall, Division Head of Gynecologic Oncology with the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. In addition to current treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation Dr. Randall 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.