Sexual Health Blog

Discussing STIs can feel awkward but is essential. This guide provides scripts and tips for starting the conversation: "I got tested last month, how about you?" or "Before we get intimate, let's talk about our sexual health." Frame it as a shared responsibility for a safe, enjoyable experience.

Putting a condom on your partner can be a sexy part of foreplay, not an interruption. This guide teaches techniques to incorporate it smoothly: using your mouth to open the packet, warming the condom with your hands, and rolling it on as part of oral sex or manual stimulation. Make it an act of care, not a chore.

If you have a latex allergy, safe sex is still possible. This guide explores effective alternatives, including polyurethane condoms, polyisoprene condoms (a synthetic latex), and lambskin condoms (which protect against pregnancy but not STIs). Find the right non-latex option for you.

Using the wrong lube can break a condom. This guide explains the rules: Water-based and silicone-based lubes are safe with all condoms. Oil-based lubes (vaseline, coconut oil, lotion) degrade latex, causing breaks. Always check the ingredients to keep your barrier protection intact.

Heat, friction, and light can weaken condoms. This guide outlines proper storage: keep them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, not in your wallet or car glove compartment for extended periods. Check the expiration date before every use, as old condoms are more likely to break.

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra, often caused by STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Symptoms include pain during urination and discharge. This guide explains how it’s transmitted, the importance of testing, and how consistent condom use is the best prevention method.

PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea. It can lead to chronic pain and infertility. This guide covers the symptoms, the critical need for prompt treatment, and how using condoms every time can prevent the STIs that cause PID.

The HPV vaccine protects against the strains of Human Papillomavirus that cause genital warts and several cancers (cervical, anal, throat). This guide explains that it’s recommended for everyone, typically ages 9-26, and can now be given up to age 45. It’s a powerful tool for cancer prevention.

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection transmitted through sex and blood. The vaccine is safe, effective, and part of routine childhood immunization, but many adults are unprotected. This guide explains the 3-shot series and why it’s a key part of a comprehensive safe sex strategy.