Herpes: Understanding What It Is, How It Spreads, and How to Manage It
Herpes is one of the most misunderstood STIs out there. From exaggerated warnings in high school sex ed to jokes in TV shows, we often get the message that having herpes is the worst thing that could happen. But the truth is, herpes
What Does It Really Mean to Be Diagnosed with HPV?
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a topic that seems to be everywhere these days, from health provider offices to ads on public transportation. And while the amount of information is great, there’s still a lot of confusion surrounding it. HPV is one of the
The Best Health Advice We’ve Received from Healthcare Providers
Over the years, we’ve gathered tons of useful advice from sexual and reproductive health care providers. Here are some of our favorite tips: Your period won’t attract sharks (and other vacation sex tips) Good news! You can swim while on your period without
Experiencing a Miscarriage: 3 Key Things to Understand
A miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy ends naturally before the 13th week. It’s also referred to as an early pregnancy loss and can even happen before you realize you’re pregnant. There are a few ways you might discover you’re having a miscarriage. Sometimes,
Chlamydia: What You Should Know About This Common Infection
Chlamydia may sound like the name of a beautiful flower or a Greek goddess, but it’s actually a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). In fact, it’s the most widespread STI, with about 2.86 million infections each year, according to the CDC. It’s
How to Discuss Your Polyamorous Relationship with Your Healthcare Provider
I’ve been practicing consensual non-monogamy for over 15 years, and during that time, I’ve had to come out as poly to various healthcare providers—psychiatrists, therapists, primary care doctors, surgeons, and nurse practitioners. I’m fortunate to live in a progressive area and not be
How to Care for Your Vagina
You’ve probably heard that the vagina is “self-cleaning,” but you’ve also noticed that there are countless products out there claiming to clean your vagina. So what’s the deal? Let’s clarify some terms first. The vulva refers to all the parts on the outside,
Birth Control and Fertility: Will It Affect My Ability to Get Pregnant in the Future?
In the U.S., about three out of four sexually active people under 30 with a uterus use some form of birth control. A common question I get asked is whether using birth control now will affect your ability to get pregnant later. The