Sex+Health

Welcome to our master class with Keosha T. Bond, EdD, MPH, CHES. Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health and Social Medicine at CUNY School of Medicine, Dr. Bond has centered her work on the complex intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and racial equity among marginalized populations. In this episode, she discusses her award-winning research that highlights the impact of colorism on the healthcare Black women receive, the Black maternal mortality crisis, and her work training the next generation of health care providers to understand implicit bias, racism, structural inequality, and how these factors impact health outcomes. Learn more about Dr. Bondhttps://www.drkeoshabond.com/ Dr. Bond's Book Recommendations Pleasure Activism, The Politics of Feeling Goodadrienne maree brownhttps://www.akpress.org/pleasure-activism.html Good Sex: Stories, Science, and Strategies for Sexual LiberationCandice Nicole Hargons, PhDhttps://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Good-Sex/Candice-Nicole-Hargons-PhD/9781955905794

The American Cancer Society recently released new guidelines for cervical cancer screening that include HPV testing with self collected samples. In this episode, we talk to Rebecca Perkins, MD, MSc, from Tufts University Medical School about what's different in these new guidelines and how HPV testing with self collection can help get more women screened. Resources American Cancer Society Updated Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Information for patients on HPV screening with self collected sample (from ASHA) HPV Self collection infographic (from ASHA)

The FDA recently approved two new medications to treat gonorrhea and they are sorely needed. Give a listen as infectious diseases expert Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo explains why the new drugs are so important in providing a more convenient, oral treatment option against an infection that is increasingly resistant to other therapies. About our guest: In 2023, Dr. Marrazzo was appointed as the sixth Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health. She previously was Professor of Medicine and Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and as elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2024. Her research portfolio is broad and includes the relationships between the vaginal microbiome and female reproductive tract infections, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, hormonal contraception, and risk of STI/HIV acquisition.

With HPV vaccination and regular screening, we have the tools we need to eliminate cervical cancer. Now we have a new tool—HPV screening with self collected samples. We invited Dr. Rebecca Perkins from Tufts University Medical School to talk about this new screening tool and its potential to help get more women screened and prevent cervical cancer. Learn more about HPV screening with self collection at ASHA or at the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC). January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Learn more about cervical health and cancer prevention at the NCCC.

This episode focuses on the state of boys and young men, with a special look at their mental health. Give a listen to our conversation with Dennis Barbour as we discuss the challenges male youth seem to be grappling with as they navigate contemporary society. Mr. Barbour is the President and CEO of the Partnership for Male Youth, the only national organization that has a singular focus on the health and wellbeing of males ages 10 to 25. Show Notes Partnership for Male Youth National Center for Men's Health: Fast Stats

People use apps to find someone to date or hook up, nothing new there, but what about using apps to notify someone when they need to think about STI testing and prevention services? It's happening (permission based, of course), and we're exploring this today with Morgan Finke, the Communications Coordinator with Public Health Madison & Dane County in Wisconsin, and we want to talk to Morgan because HER health department is utilizing dating apps for some partner notifications. Show Notes: Public Health Madison & Dane County: Digital Partner Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention STI Prevention Page ASHA's STIs A to Z

We've had a lot of discussions on this podcast around syphilis, especially the alarming rates of the infection in newborns, but today we're talking about syphilis and ocular (or eye) infections, in particular syphilitic uveitis, a disease affecting the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It's not very common, but it has been increasing in recent years and can severely damage one's vision if not diagnosed and treated. To learn more, we're fortunate to be joined by Dr. Meghan Berkenstock, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute where she specializes in the care of patients with uveitis. Show Notes A recent paper published by Dr. Berkenstock and colleagues: Incidence and Prevalence of Syphilitic Uveitis and Associated Ocular Complications in the TriNetX Database. CDC About Syphilis fact sheet https://www.cdc.gov/syphilis/about/index.html

Today we're talking about Native Americans and sexual health, with an emphasis on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). With any group, conversations on these topics can always come around to a discussion of culture, societal norms and expectations, and so on but there is really a great deal we can explore when talking about Native communities because of the rich diversity within this population but also the importance of Tribal sovereignty. Listen as we explore these topics with our guests from the National Indian Health Board, Lacey Wind, NIHB's Public Health Policy and Programs Director, and Audrianna "Dri" Marzette, one of the Board's Public Health Managers who has worked on STI prevention and programs with Tribal communities. Indian Health Service National Indian Health Board

Compared to the U.S. overall, Native Americans/Alaska Natives have higher rates of syphilis but the disparity is most shocking with congenital syphilis (when newborns contract the infection). What's driving these infections in Native communities, and what can we do to reverse the tide? We explore this with our guest, Meghan Curry O'Connell, a citizen of the Cherokee nation, who's a physician and the Chief Public Health Officer with the Great Plains Tribal Leaders'Health Board, which represents18 tribal communities across South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. Show Notes: Great Plains Tribal Leaders' Health Board ASHA's Syphilis Hub CDC's Syphilis Page

Is romance dead? Is sex passé? How do we even start talking with our partners about intimacy and pleasure? Let's add a convo about STI testing and prevention to the mix, too. Who can guide us to talk about all this? Julia Fowlkes, aka Sex Ed Miss Frizzle, that's who! Join us for a humorous and informative journey with our guest, who describes herself as "Just a broad who wants to talk about the stuff no one taught us." Resources @SexEdMissFrizzle for Julia on TikTok YesMeansTest.org to find STI testing resources and prevention tips

In this episode of our doxy PEP series, we continue the conversation with Maxfield Haynes, discussing how to talk with your provider and how to know if doxy PEP is right for you. Doxy PEP—or doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis—is a sexual health strategy that involves taking an oral antibiotic after sex to prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Doxy PEP is the first new prevention method for bacterial STIs, and many experts believe it will be an important tool in our fight against this epidemic. Learn more about doxy PEP at https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/doxy-pep-is-a-new-strategy-to-help-prevent-stis/

Doxy PEP—or doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis—is a sexual health strategy that involves taking an oral antibiotic after sex to prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Doxy PEP is the first new prevention method for bacterial STIs, and many experts believe it will be an important tool in our fight against this epidemic. In this episode, we speak to Oscar Alexis to get the patient's perspective on doxy PEP. They share their experience, offer tips for others considering doxy PEP, and explain how they've helped educate providers about this new prevention method. Learn more about doxy PEP at https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/doxy-pep-is-a-new-strategy-to-help-prevent-stis/ Hear more from Oscar on their podcast Liquorice Chix.

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 final episode, we hear from all of our survivors from this series—Jen English, Shaundra Hall, Aisha McClellan, Selena Rushton, and Cheryla Thompson. We talked to them about a range of topics, including advice they've received and would offer others after a diagnosis, how family and friends can best offer support to loved ones dealing with cancer, what they would say to anyone considering the HPV vaccine, and why they decided to become involved in advocacy. 568673

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 gynecological oncologist, Brad Monk. Dr. Monk leads clinical trials and has authored or co-authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications on cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and other gynecologic cancers and also sees patients. We talked to Dr. Monk about finding a cancer expert and possible treatment options.

There's a new way to screen for cervical cancer with self-collection. People can take a sample of cells from their own vagina to test for HPV. The FDA recently approved this for use in providers offices. There's no pelvic exam stirrups or speculum involved. Research has shown that the results are just as accurate as when samples are collected by a clinician. Self-collection has the potential to expand testing to other healthcare settings and reach underscreened populations. In this episode, we speak to Barbara Moscicki, MD, who has been involved in the research around HPV for decades to explain this new method to us, and how it might help us reach the goal of eliminating cervical cancer.

There's a new way to screen for cervical cancer with self-collection. People can take a sample of cells from their own vagina to test for HPV. The FDA recently approved this for use in providers offices. There's no pelvic exam stirrups or speculum involved. Research has shown that the results are just as accurate as when samples are collected by a clinician. Self-collection has the potential to expand testing to other healthcare settings and reach underscreened populations. In this episode, we speak to Jennifer S. Smith, PhD, who has been involved in the research around HPV for decades to explain this new method to us, and how it might help us reach the goal of eliminating cervical cancer.

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 Jen English. Jen had a lot of experience in sexual health, and was comfortable talking about the topic, but she realized how much she didn't know about HPV and cervical health when she was diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer. Her experience inspired her to become an NCCC chapter leader. Learn more about Jen and her NCCC chapter. Learn more about cervical cancer prevention at the National Cervical Cancer Coalition.

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 Aisha McClellan. Aisha went to a clinic with symptoms, and was sent home with antibiotics for an STI she didn't have. It took three visits before she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Aisha had to be her own advocate for health care, which inspired her to become an advocate on TikTok, where she has over 25,000 followers. Follow Aisha on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@aisha_the_advocate 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 Shaundra Hall. Shaundra tells us that her very first Pap test came back abnormal, but she still didn't know anything about cervical cancer when she was diagnosed. She also talks about how this experience changed the course of her life, both personally and professionally. To learn more about clinical trials, visit https://clinicaltrials.gov. Learn more about Shaundra and her NCCC chapter at http://www.nccc-online.org/nccc-arizona-southwest-regional/ 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 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/pbyt/conversation.html * The conversation badge: https://www.cdc.gov/sti-awareness/pbyt/badges.html

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-loud-74759679/ * TuneIn: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Science-Podcasts/Public-Health-Out-Loud-p1383786/

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. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 64(3), 393–404. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S074937972200530X Brennand, E. A., & Santinele Martino, A. (2022). Disability is associated with sexually transmitted infection: Severity and female sex are important risk factors. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 31(1), 91–102. https://www.utpjournals.press/doi/full/10.3138/cjhs.2021-0053?role=tab Schmidt, E. K., Hand, B. N., Simpson, K. N., & Darragh, A. R. (2019). Sexually transmitted infections in privately insured adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Journal of comparative effectiveness research, 8(8), 599–606. https://doi.org/10.2217/cer-2019-0011 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30838884/

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 [email protected].

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.

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.