HPV, abnormal Pap tests, follow-up exams and treatments are confusing for the women dealing with them, but what about the boyfriends and husbands? There aren’t many resources to help a baffled guy understand what’s going on with HPV, or how to best support the woman in his life who’s dealing with a diagnosis. Danielle Sepulveres, author of Losing It: The Semi-Scandalous Story of an Ex-Virgin, offers insight for male partners of women diagnosed with HPV or a related condition. Here, Sepulveres offers a quick FAQ to help men get a ... Continue Reading
Are You Ready for Sex?
Sex, in its many different forms, can provide a way to express love, give and receive pleasure, and learn about yourself and the ways in which you communicate with other people. With that said, sex is also deeply personal, and can result in feeling vulnerable to another person. Your reaction to sexual expression is uniquely yours, and only you can determine, in any relationship, when you’re ready to have sex. Even more importantly, no one ever has the right to pressure you into having sex. Consent should be freely, enthusiastically given.If ... Continue Reading
ASHA Experts
The following sexual health experts provide advice and information for ASHA's premium services: Debby Herbenick, PhD, MPH is an associate professor at Indiana University, the sexual health educator for The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, and author of six books about sex and love. Her newest book is The Coregasm Workout. H. Hunter Handsfield, MD Dr. Handsfield is Professor Emeritus of Medicine, University of Washington Center for AIDS and STD, and former director of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases ... Continue Reading
ASHA in the News
ASHA works with a wide range of media outlets—TV, radio, print media, and popular web outlets—as a sought after commentator on news and trends in popular culture that touch on sexual health issues, promoting positive coverage that destigmatizes the subject. Below are examples of recent media coverage where ASHA has contributed expert opinion and commentary. Is a Chlamydia Vaccine on the Horizon? consumer.healthday.com FDA Approves Prescription Drug to Boost Libido in ... Continue Reading
ASHA Sextras
For more than 100 years ASHA has provided scientifically accurate information for Americans who knew they needed unbiased information. There was more information that people were seeking so ASHA SEXtras was born. Take a look at the articles written by nationally known experts. You'll find more information than you'll get anywhere else. Click on the Author's name for their bio. Sex & Pleasure Multiple Orgasms for Women and Men: What You Must Know [Herbenick] Seven Pieces of Advice for Young Women ... Continue Reading
ASHA’s Podcasts
ASHA's Sex+Health podcast covers all aspects of sexual health. Featuring interviews with medical professionals and experts in the field of sexuality, Sex+Health aims to offer information and resources to with the goal of helping people take charge of their sexual health and understand its importance to overall well being. Listen to episodes here or subscribe on iTunes. 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 ... Continue Reading
Ask the Experts
If you are looking for an answer to your question on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or reproductive and sexual health issues, ASHA has the answers. Our panel of experts—including physicians, nurse practitioners, and other professionals with experience across a range of medical and health specialties—will provide answers and insight a wide range of STI and sexual health topics. See all questions on: Sexual health Relationships Reproductive Health/Pregnancy STDs/STIs Herpes HPV HIV/AIDS You can connect ... Continue Reading
Ask the Experts—Get Answers to Your Questions
ASHA's Ask the Experts service gives you access to health professionals specialize in HPV, herpes, general STIs and sexual health. This valuable service is offered for a fee of $25 per question, with 2 follow up questions allowed after the original response from one of our experts. Our experts may also ask you some questions, to help better understand your concerns and get you the answers you need. Your question will be answered by one of these nationally known experts in the field of STIs and sexual health: Edward Hook, MD Dr. Hook is ... Continue Reading
Birth Control Options
Birth control isn’t just a woman’s concern. While men have far fewer birth control options available than women, they do have options. Abstinence: Abstinence (not having oral, anal or vaginal sex) is obviously a sure way to avoid not only pregnancy, but sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well. But while avoiding sex, partners can still engage in sex play like sexual massage, mutual masturbation, or other activities that don’t involve penetration. However, know that some STIs, such as genital herpes and HPV, can still be transmitted ... Continue Reading
Books & More
ASHA offers high-quality patient education materials on a wide range of sexually transmitted infections(STIs). We are recognized by the public, patients, and providers for developing and delivering accurate, medically reliable information about sexually transmitted infections. Public and college health clinics across the United States order ASHA's educational pamphlets and books to give to clients and students. Community-based organizations depend on ASHA, too, to help communicate about risk, transmission, prevention, testing, and ... Continue Reading
Cervical Cancer Research Study Opportunity
The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), a program of ASHA, is a partner with the University of California, San Francisco on a project to try to understand how best to give women information about their options for screening for cervical cancer. The researchers are looking to speak with women in California who would be willing to participate in focus groups and interviews about their opinions and experiences on this topic. Participants in the focus groups receive $50. Eligible women for this study are: between the ages of 21-30 years ... Continue Reading
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is common in the U.S. with over 1.5 million cases reported each year (the actual number of cases is likely much higher). Among all age groups, teens and young adults have the highest rates of infection. Most women with chlamydia (and about half of men) do not experience symptoms. Since symptoms may not be present, the only way to know if a person who may be at risk is infected with chlamydia is to be tested. Annual testing for the infection is recommended for all sexually active women age 25 and under. Yearly testing is also ... Continue Reading
Chlamydia Screening Toolkit for Health Plans
ASHA is partnering with health plans and taking a stand to increase chlamydia screening. ASHA has designed a toolkit to help health plans educate providers and patients on the importance of screening with easy-to-use resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2015 was the second year in a row in which increases were seen in reported rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the U.S. There were approximately 1.5 million cases of chlamydia reported in 2015—the highest number of annual cases of any condition ever ... Continue Reading
Chlamydia: Resources for Healthcare Providers
The most recent Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report, released by the CDC in October, revealed that 1,526,658 cases of chlamydia were reported in 2015—the highest number of annual cases of any condition ever reported to CDC. But the reported rate does not necessarily reflect the total burden of chlamydia either; because the infection is asymptomatic in most people (about 7 out of 10), many cases are undiagnosed, despite the recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) calling for annual chlamydia for all ... Continue Reading
Clinical Trials for Cervical Cancer
For patients with cervical cancer, standard treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Before a treatment regimen can become standard, it must go through a clinical trial. Clinical trials test if a potential treatment is safe and effective in humans. Clinical trials go through a series of phases, starting with a smaller group of patients and expanding to a much larger group. The video below explains the three main phases of a clinical trial. Benefits and Risks For some patients, a clinical trial may be the best ... Continue Reading
CME/CE
ASHA develops continuing medical education programs with such partners as Medscape, Primary Care Education, and WebMD. Below you'll find current CME/CE modules produced by ASHA and partners. Some past programs are available on our HPV page. A 16-Year-Old Boy in the Clinic for a Sports Physical CME/CE Credit for Physicians and Nurses In collaboration with WebMD and The Yellow Umbrella Organization, ASHA has developed an activity, A 16-Year-Old Boy in the Clinic for a Sports Physical, for pediatricians, nurses, and primary care physicians. The ... Continue Reading
Condom Sizing
If you’re a guy, you’ve probably 1) measured your penis; 2) wondered “Am I large or small?” and 3) probably worried about whether you’re large or small. Penises come in all shapes and sizes. In the same way, condoms come in different shapes and sizes as well, so any man can find a condom that’s right for him. Finding the Right Fit A regular condom–one not labeled as having a larger or tighter fit–will work for just about any man. Condoms have the ability to stretch, and can usually accommodate even the stoutest guy. Men aren’t always happy ... Continue Reading
Condomology
con-dom-ol'-o-gy n. the study of condoms; a collection of fact-based resources in simple, easy-to-understand language. Condomology is an initiative by the American Sexual Health Association* to ensure that the facts about condoms are available and understood by all, so consumers can make informed choices about their sexual health and influencers, at all levels, have credible, evidence-based condom communications at their disposal in simple, plain language. It includes a collection of fact-based content, including fact sheets, videos, ... Continue Reading
Consent and Sexual Assault
What is consent? Consent is an agreement that is willfully given without any external pressure or factors. Communication is key, boundaries should be established before, during, and after sexual activity. In order for someone to consent to sexual activity participants must continuously communicate before, during, and after sexual activity- this is the only way to establish clear boundaries between participants and allows for a relaxing experience. Consent does not always have to be verbal, but discussing boundaries, expectations, and ... Continue Reading
Contact Us
American Sexual Health Association P.O. Box 13827 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 (919) 361-8400 (919) 361-8425 (Fax) NOTICE: We’ve become aware that scammers are spoofing ASHA emails to offer job interviews for positions including data entry specialists. Many of these emails direct people to Google Hangouts where attempts are made to gather personal information. ASHA is NOT conducting online or chat-based interviews and please discard any such emails or messaging. Contact us at info@ashasexualhealth if you have questions about ... Continue Reading
Crabs
Crabs (also known as pubic lice) are small parasites that feed on human blood. Crabs are usually found on the pubic hair, but can also be found on other parts of the body where a person has coarse hair (such as armpits, eyelashes, and facial hair). Crabs rarely infest head hair. Anyone can get crabs. Having crabs does not mean a person is unclean or dirty. The most noticeable symptom of crabs is itching. The itching usually starts about 5 days after a person gets crabs. There are several treatments for crabs. Some treatments require a ... Continue Reading
Diagnosing and Managing Genital Herpes: A Two-part Conversation with Terri Warren, RN, ANP
Herpes Diagnostics: There are many approaches to diagnosing herpes including blood tests, swab tests, and– believe it or not – even eyeballing suspected symptoms and making a judgment call! In part one of our talk with noted herpes expert Terri Warren, RN, ANP we cover which tests should be used (spoiler alert: the eyeball approach is not recommended), who should have them, and how to make sense of the results. Love, Sex, and Herpes: In part two of our conversation, Terri Warren offers strategies to effectively manage herpes in a ... Continue Reading
Donate
Thank you for joining us in our efforts to educate and increase public awareness about the importance of sexual health. Your contribution means we can continue to provide vital services that help use promote sexual health, advocate for sound policies and practices, and educating the public, professionals, and policymakers. And all donations are tax deductible. Ways to Give Donate Online Thank you for joining us in our efforts to educate and raise awareness of sexual health and sexually transmitted infections. Your contribution allows us to ... Continue Reading
Donate to ASHA for Giving Tuesday!
Thank you for joining us in our efforts to educate and increase public awareness about the importance of sexual health. Your contribution means we can continue to provide vital services that help use promote sexual health, advocate for sound policies and practices, and educating the public, professionals, and policymakers. And all donations are tax deductible. Ways to Give Donate Online Thank you for joining us in our efforts to educate and raise awareness of sexual health and sexually transmitted infections. Your contribution allows us to ... Continue Reading
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A Cure for HPV? Evaluating HPV Treatment Options
A cure for HPV! Satisfaction guaranteed! No more outbreaks! If you’ve had an HPV diagnosis, you may have seen claims like this in your search for information on the Internet and elsewhere, often written in large bold type. In smaller type are the disclaimers: “Individual results may vary.” “This information is not intended to replace medical advice. Seek appropriate medical attention if your condition persists.” “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, ... Continue Reading
A Message on COVID-19 from ASHA’s President
Feel like you can let go and take a breath yet? Like so many others, the ASHA team and I are working from home, ordering online, and trying to grasp all that’s happening due to coronavirus. There are actually many types of coronaviruses and the novel (or “new”) coronavirus dominating our attention can cause illness of the lungs and airways that’s commonly referred to now as COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease, 2019). Symptoms might include cough, fever, and runny noses. The reporting on COVID-19 is at the top of every news cycle, 24/7 coverage ... Continue Reading
A New Gender Option in Oregon
As of July 1, Oregon residents will have three options for gender on state-issued IDs and driver's licenses: M, F or X. The X offers an option for individuals who identify as non-binary, neither exclusively male or female. The decision by the state's Transportation Commission makes Oregon the first state in the country to allow residents to identify as non-binary. The Oregonian reports that plans for the new option were first announced last summer and 83 public comments were submitted to the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles. Only 12 people ... Continue Reading
A Three-Part Conversation with Dr. Pepper Schwartz on Female Sexual Difficulties
Female sexual difficulties are more common than you think and impact couples inside and outside the bedroom. When sex isn’t easy how do you even begin this conversation with your partner or, for that matter, your healthcare provider? Sociologist, sexologist and relationship expert Dr. Pepper Schwartz joins our Sex+Health podcast for a three-part discussion on the range of female sexual difficulties and offers practical advice and resources for women (and their partners). You’re not alone! Episode One: How do female sexual difficulties (FSD) ... Continue Reading
Abstinence-only Sex Ed 2.0?
Long-time ASHA colleague Martha Kempner writes on rewire.com about recent key hires with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that may bolster the reemergence of abstinence-only sex education programs. ... Continue Reading
Act Now to Renew or Change Your Health Insurance Plan
If you bought a health insurance plan through the healthcare marketplace in 2014, and want to renew or change plans for 2015, you need to take action by December 15, 2014 so any changes or updates to your coverage take effect January 1, 2015. Learn about your coverage options and steps you'll need to take to ensure that you are covered in 2015. Information from Healthcare.gov The Open Enrollment period for 2015 coverage is November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015. If you haven’t enrolled in 2015 coverage by February 15, you generally ... Continue Reading
An Anal Cancer Primer
HPV vaccines do far more than prevent cervical cancer. In December 2014, the FDA approved Merck’s Gardasil 9® vaccine for males and females. The vaccine can be used to prevent cervical cancer, of course, but also is effective against HPV-related cancers of the vagina, vulva, and anus. (The vaccine can also prevent low-risk lesions like genital warts in either gender.) In late 2010, the FDA also green-lighted use of Merck’s original Gardasil® vaccine for the prevention of anal cancers in males and females ages 9-26. Anal cancer is often ... Continue Reading
ASHA Board Member’s Cervical Cancer Blog is Featured on the Huffington Post
“Part of our first-world indifference lies in the assumption that this is a disease relegated to the developing world. While it is true that the heaviest burden is in low-income countries, the reality check is that cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer death for American women as well. These days, however, cervical cancer has become a disease of the poor, uneducated minority. As recent research confirms, the disparity in mortality rates between black and white women is even wider than previously believed.” --Mamta Singhvi, MD, ... Continue Reading
ASHA Speaks Out on Female Sexual Dysfunction at the FDA
On October 27, the Food and Drug Administration conducted a patient-focused public meeting on female sexual dysfunction (FSD), with a special focus on female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD). The meeting included personal stories from patients on the impact of FSD on their lives and relationships as well as comments from advocates on the need for more treatment options. ASHA's VP of Health Policy, Deborah Arrindell, pictured at left, was among those at the meeting to offer comment and urge the FDA to provide more options for women ... Continue Reading
ASHA Survey Shows Many Herpes Patients Diagnosed Incorrectly
Think you can tell that a rash or sore is a genital herpes infection just by looking at it? If you said “no,” you’re right. You can’t. And neither can your healthcare provider. And yet in a recent ASHA survey of 369 people diagnosed with genital herpes by a healthcare provider, more than 26% said they were diagnosed with a visual exam alone. While experienced healthcare providers may recognize the classic symptoms of a genital herpes infection, they also understand that there are other conditions that can be mistaken for herpes, and that ... Continue Reading
August is Immunization Awareness Month
Each August, National Immunization Awareness Month provides an opportunity to highlight the value of immunization across the lifespan. At ASHA, we focus on three important vaccines that can help prevent sexually transmitted infections—vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A. HPV HPV is very common. Most sexually active people have HPV at some point in their lives. The infection is usually harmless and the body most often clears it in a short time. But sometimes, HPV does not go away. In a few people, high-risk ... Continue Reading
Baby Boomers Getting Older But Not Giving Up on Sex
This essay from Dr. Pepper Schwartz , featured in ASHA's newest book Creating a Sexually Healthy Nation, gives the scoop on Baby Boomers and navigating the sexual landscape as they age. Like other Baby Boomers, I have become exquisitely expert at denial. I am not sure how it came to pass that those of us born roughly during the period of 1945 to 1964 thought we might never have to age—but somehow we did. Even though we know, deep in our hearts, that Ponce de León never found that fountain of youth, there is a petulant part of us that ... Continue Reading
CDC Reports More than Half of Female Homicides Linked to Intimate Partner Violence
More than half of all homicides of women in the U.S. are related to intimate partner violence, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). IPV-related deaths included those involving homicides where the victim was an intimate partner—such as a current or former spouse or girlfriend—of the suspect, as well as other deaths associated with IPV, including victims who were family, friends, first responders, or bystanders. Researchers from CDC analyzed homicide data from the National Violent Death ... Continue Reading
Celebrating Boomer Sexuality
By Walker Thornton [This article originally appeared on www.kinkly.com and is republished with permission] September is World Sexual Health month, a global initiative to draw attention to the issue of sexuality in a sex-positive way. The American Sexual Health Association is spearheading the American efforts with a particular focus on Boomer Sexuality. The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) defines sexual health as: A state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence ... Continue Reading
Celebrating Sexual Health in September
The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) is launching its annual World Sexual Health Day observance on September 4th, and the theme for the 2018 observation is Sexual Health and Sexual Rights are FUNDAMENTAL for well-being. Throughout September ASHA will offer expanded sexual health resources that include fact sheets, interviews, and perspectives on sexual health from a diverse group of voices in the field. Understanding Sexual Health What exactly is sexual health? We believe sexual health must go beyond traditional views of simply ... Continue Reading
Coming Soon! Get the Latest on the Health is Power Initiative
As rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among racial and ethnic minorities continue to rise, local health departments and community-based organizations are continuously exploring effective methods of reaching these populations with sexual health messaging and education. Effective use of social media and social marketing techniques can increase dissemination and reach of health promotion messages targeting sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in underserved populations. One such population is African-American men. In 2016, ... Continue Reading
Condoms Unfurled
National Condom Month is always my favorite blog of the year to write. The condom. All sorts of shapes, sizes, colors (even glow-in-the-dark). Ribbed or plain. Lubed or not. Latex or plastic (and natural skin, although that variety isn’t as effective as the others against sexually transmitted infections). Now we even have female condoms, amazing products that are a female-controlled method of contraception one can even insert several hours ahead of having sex. When I was a teen, my fellow adolescent wise-guys and I were a bit awed by ... Continue Reading
Contraceptive Technology Conference 2020
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Could Your Sex Life Be Better?
A survey released today by the American Sexual Health Association, Men’s Health Network, HealthyWomen, and Pfizer looks at a curious disconnect: people believe that sexual health is important but are so shy about the topic they often avoid discussing it altogether. The survey—conducted by Kelton—was done with over 3,000 men and women in long-term relationships where at least one of the partners has a sexual health issue. 64% of participants said sexual health impacts their overall well-being, but only 13% of those unhappy with their sex ... Continue Reading
Crowning Achievement
“Last year, I was diagnosed with cervical dysplasia. As my doctor informed me of the news, all I could think was "why?" I am young and healthy-I should be invincible-yet, that’s where I was wrong. I had no idea that cervical cancer can happen to any woman, regardless of their age or health.” It’s hard to talk about cancer. Even harder when the topic involves gynecologic cancer. There are plenty of reasons women don’t go for regular cervical cancer check-ups (Pap tests and, for women 30 and older, the Pap/HPV co-test): sometimes it’s just a ... Continue Reading
Desperate Housewives Star Talks about her Anal Cancer Diagnosis
Hoping to lessen stigma and spur conversations between patients and health care professionals, Desperate Housewives actor Marcia Cross recently told CBS This Morning she was diagnosed with anal cancer about a year and a half ago. “High risk” types of HPV are associated with a number of cancers beyond cervical and include cancers of the vagina, vulva, anus, penis, and throat. During the interview Ms. Cross revealed her husband battled throat cancer several years ago and her doctor believes their diagnoses are likely related. When asked in ... Continue Reading
Dildos to the Dump!
I recently celebrated my 55th birthday. As time has gone by, I find myself enjoying my birthdays more now than when I was younger. I have none of that: “let’s pretend it’s not happening” feeling that many of my friends have. I love cake and presents and if nothing else, my birthday allows me to ask for and enjoy both. This year, my best present of all was my partner’s offer to help me clean out my home office. The big day came and we marched upstairs to grab the bull by the horns. I have an amazing capacity to work productively in the midst ... Continue Reading
Do You Have to Be Turned on to Have Sex?
Guest Post by Evelyn Resh. Resh is a certified sexuality counselor and a certified nurse-midwife with over 20 years of experience as an integrative health and sexuality practitioner. She has also written for many websites including Oprah.com and The Huffington Post. Her books include Women, Sex, Power, and Pleasure: Getting the life (and Sex) You Want and The Secret Lives of Teen Girls: What Your Mother Wouldn’t Talk About but Your Daughter Needs to Know. The number one complaint of women that I see for sexuality counseling is that they have ... Continue Reading
Drinking, Sex and a Healthy You!
By Charles Hassell Most people reading this have probably had a drink before. And you have probably had sex. In fact, there’s a pretty good chance you have done those two things on the same night! Most people are looking to do two things on a night out: 1) Have fun with friends. 2) Have a romantic experience. It’s completely natural to go out for a night, have a few drinks, and find yourself talking to an attractive person. When those drinks kick in there may be some action to go along with the talk. You start dancing, getting ... Continue Reading
Duck Dynasty Star All Wet When it comes to STDs
Robertson family patriarch takes the familiar and all too easy approach of blaming STDs on immorality. Here’s why Phil’s wrong. A colleague shared an MSNBC article about a CNS News story where Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson weighs in on what he sees as the root cause driving sexually transmitted diseases: a lack of biblically-correct sex! Let’s simply allow the man to lay it all out for you, er, that is to put it in his own words. Referring to an STD-free, monogamous heterosexual couple he opined thusly: “Those two will never ... Continue Reading