This essay was submitted anonymously after the author participated in the STI Interviews. This is part 3 of a 3 part series. Statistics help to show just how common STDs are. According to the CDC, genital herpes is one of the most common STDs, and in the United States, about 1 in 5 people are infected. […]
An Op-Ed about STD Stigma – Part 2
This essay was submitted anonymously after the author participated in the STI Interviews. This is part 2 of a 3 part series. The fact of the matter is, if you’re having sex, you are putting yourself at risk for an STD, and you should be getting tested for STDs. Most STDs don’t have symptoms, and the person […]
An Op-Ed about STD Stigma – Part 1
This essay was submitted anonymously after the author participated in the STI Interviews. This is part 1 of a 3 part series. Many people toss around jokes as if the only way they can get an STD is to sleep with tons of people. In high school, almost daily, girls bashed each other with names like […]
Dealing with Multiple STDs and Depression – STI Interviews
On first read, it might seem improbable someone could contract more than one STD at a time, but the reality is it’s quite common. Remember, once someone has contracted one infection, they are at a higher risk of contracting additional infections. Couple that with the inability to test for all STDs and how often they […]
Safer Sex: Are Condoms the Man’s Responsibility?!
A-HEM! (Prepare yourself: safer sex rant to follow…) Having heard a lot (a-hem, too much) of this lately, there’s one sexual health myth needing my immediate attention. Some folks, and, by some, I mean those who are in heterosexual relationships, in particular, believe it is the man’s responsibility to buy condoms or bring them along […]
Should You Get STD Testing Done? How to Know if You Should Get Tested
If I wanted to be glib, I’d tell you, since you’re reading this post, you should be tested for STDs… Although, I’m guessing that wouldn’t go over well, and, quite frankly, I can’t blame you. Years ago, it wouldn’t have and certainly didn’t impact my testing decisions either (or lack thereof). Surprisingly, or, maybe not […]
Advocate! Annual Sexual Health & STI Awareness Months & Days
Become an Advocate! Would you like to promote awareness, education and acceptance too? Say yes. Maybe you’re living with an STI/STD but not quite ready to run around shouting it from the rooftops like we do. That’s cool with us. Maybe you know someone who’s been affected by an STI, but you don’t know how […]
Advocate! Sexual Health & STD Awareness Months & Days – Q4
Become an Advocate! Would you like to promote awareness, education and acceptance too? Say yes. Maybe you’re living with an STI/STD but not quite ready to run around shouting it from the rooftops like we do. That’s cool with us. Maybe you know someone who’s been affected by an STD, but you don’t how to […]
