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
Additional Terms of Service
Questions are limited to 1,500 characters (about 400 words). Question that exceed the character limit maybe deleted and no refund provided. A maximum of two follow-up questions are permitted after the initial question is asked Please note we do not allow any questions or comments that are repetitive nor do we permit the use of any language that is abusive, harassing, or hateful Do not post any identifying information (such as your real name, phone numbers or address) Do not post any photos or images Neither the American ... Continue Reading
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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
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
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ANNOUNCEMENT: We are launching a new Ask the Expert site on Friday, February 19. The new site will be entirely dedicated to the Ask the Expert service. In order to facilitate the launch of the new site, the Ask the Experts service will be temporarily disabled starting at 8:00 am on Thursday, February 18. The new site will then launch, in it's new location, on Friday, February 19. We will be notifying all former and current users with instructions on how to access the site and their user accounts. We appreciate your patience during this ... 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
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[woocommerce_checkout] Questions are limited to 1,500 characters (about 400 words). Question that exceed the character limit maybe deleted and no refund provided. A maximum of two follow-up questions are permitted after the initial question is asked Please note we do not allow any questions or comments that are repetitive nor do we permit the use of any language that is abusive, harassing, or hateful Do not post any identifying information (such as your real name, phone numbers or address) Do not post any photos or ... Continue Reading
Chlamydia 101
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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. Most cancer-related clinical trials involve possible new treatments, ... 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
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) Email Directory Please know that these e-mail addresses cannot answer questions about sexually transmitted infections. Customer Service & Publication sales Media Relations General Information about ASHA Share Your Story Report a Technical Problem Email contacts for questions about: Legislative Advocacy Charitable Contributions Donations ASHA Research Initiatives ... 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 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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Dyspareunia—When Sex Hurts
Sex shouldn't hurt. But for too many women it does. Between 10% and 20% of women in the U.S. experience persistent pain during sex—a condition referred to as dyspareunia. Dyspareunia can have a significant impact beyond a woman's sex life. It can affect mental health, self esteem, body image, and relationships. What causes dyspareunia? There are two types of dyspareunia, classified as entry and deep. Entry dyspareunia refers to pain experienced with initial or attempted penetration of the vagina. Deep dyspareunia refers to is pain ... Continue Reading
Get Answers to Your Questions
Have questions? Need answers? Want to know what the experts have to say? Then try one of ASHA's three premium services to get expert advice and opinions. How likely is it that I’ll transmit herpes to my partner? I was diagnosed with HPV a few years ago but does that mean I’ll always have it? How do I talk to my partner? ASHA’s Ask the Experts service is your opportunity to post questions in our online forums that are answered directly by health professionals who specialize in STIs and sexual health. Looking for a ... Continue Reading
Health is Power
The Health Is Power toolkit is designed for organizations to better promote sexual health among young African American men (ages 18-30). The toolkit is designed mainly for heterosexual men, but also includes imagery and messaging that can be used with gay and bisexual men. The creative concepts and messaging used with Health is Power were developed through a number of activities including formative research (literature review, expert panel meeting, and research with the target audience). A national survey done with more than 500 African ... Continue Reading
Health Policy
Health policy—laws, regulations, and guidelines—help shape public health and have a significant impact on our lives. From seat belt laws, to regulations on tobacco use, to vaccine recommendations, health policy can improve public health, prevent disease and contribute to a healthier society. ASHA's focus is on policies related to sexual health, which can include everything from improved access to contraception and family planning services, support for comprehensive sex education, protection for LGBTQ individuals, and promotion of vaccine ... Continue Reading
Access Denied: Abortion Rights Threatened
Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, and several other state legislatures recently passed “heartbeat bills” prohibiting abortion after a fetal heartbeat becomes detectable. Furthermore, It’s actually up in the air just how long Missouri’s only clinic providing abortion services will keep its doors open. Fetal heartbeats can be detected after just a few weeks, often before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. This type of legislation effectively bans abortion (although legal challenges mean the issue is far from settled). If they stand, medical staff ... 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
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
FDA Approves HPV Vaccine for Adults Over 26
On October 5, 2018 the FDA approved use of the Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine in males and females ages 27-45, expanding the previous indication that covered from ages 9-26. Gardasil 9 prevents infections with the “high risk” HPV types most commonly found in a number of cancers worldwide, including cervical cancer. The vaccine also protects against “low risk” HPV types associated with most cases of genital warts. HPV infections are common and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 14 million Americans are diagnosed with HPV ... Continue Reading
One-Two Punch: Knocking Out HIV and Syphilis Co-infection
Funded with a grant from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the One-Two Punch: Knocking Out HIV and Syphilis Co-infection initiative is designed to educate North Carolinians, especially those in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill and surrounding areas, about our state’s higher risk for HIV and syphilis and the need to talk with health care professionals about testing for both infections. The campaign is suitable for all audiences and special care was taken to include populations that are too often overlooked, including ... Continue Reading
Reproductive Health
There are many options available for preventing pregnancy, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. If you are sexually active and don’t want to get pregnant, you can explore the range of contraceptive choices available. You can download our birth control method comparison chart and print out a copy to bring to your healthcare provider, so your provider can help you make the choice that’s best for you. You can begin protecting your fertility well before you are ready to start a family. Nutrition, a healthy lifestyle ... Continue Reading
Sweet Harmony: ACIP Updates HPV Vaccine Recommendations for Males and Females
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted at their June 2019 meeting to align their HPV vaccine recommendations for males and females through age 26 and to also recommend shared clinical decision making for previously unvaccinated men and women between the ages of 27 and 45. Organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ACIP is the main body that makes vaccine program recommendation in the U.S. ACIP recommends routine HPV vaccination for boys and girls ages 11-12 with catch-up vaccination through age ... Continue Reading
The Female Condom Gets a New Name
Good news for sexual health advocates: in a final order issued today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed the classification of female condoms from a class III device to a lower-risk class II device—the same classification shared by male condoms. The change will make it easier for manufacturers to bring the product to market, as the regulatory requirements for a class II device are lower than for the class III. The order also includes a new name for the product. The "single-use female condom" will now be called the ... 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
National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
The latest YRBS reports some positive health trends for American youth but points out nagging disparities still persist with sexual minorities. The 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows fewer young people in the U.S. are having sex and using drugs but cautions that a number of troubling risks remain for youth in at-risk groups. The report finds that between 2007-2017 the percentage of high school students who say they’ve ever had sex dropped from 47.8% to ... Continue Reading
Men’s Health Month
Each year in June we put a special focus on the health needs of boys and men. Sexual health is important across the entire lifespan and involves more than just sex! Body image, relationships, understanding sexual anatomy (and keeping it healthy) are all a big part of a guy’s overall health. ASHA has an array of sexual health resources developed just for men at all stages of life. Health is Power! The Health Is Power toolkit is designed for organizations to better promote sexual health among young African American men (ages 18-30). The ... Continue Reading
Hepatitis B Virus: Five Things to Know
Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be experienced as an “acute” infection causing mild illness for a few weeks or months or as a more serious “chronic” infection lasting a lifetime. Chronic HBV infection can cause complications such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and even lead to liver cancer. Hepatitis B is More Common Than You Think The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates as many as 2.2 million persons in the U.S. are living with chronic hepatitis ... Continue Reading
New CDC Data Show that STD Rates Continue to Rise
New data released today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that STD rates continue to climb in the U.S., with nearly 2.3 million cases reported to CDC. The data on five year trends in reported STDs show that increases in STDs have continued for four consecutive years. From 2013-2017: Syphilis cases nearly doubled Gonorrhea cases increased by 67% Chlamydia remained at record highs As Gail Bolan, MD, Director of the Division of STD Prevention at CDC commented, “After decades of declining STDs, ... Continue Reading
Women’s Health Month
Every year in May we shine an especially bright spotlight on the unique health needs of girls and women. New policies and programs make quality healthcare accessible for millions and we want to make sure you take advantage of all that’s available. You deserve to be well cared for in mind and body! Sexual Health Across the Lifespan Menopause is a normal, natural event—not a disease! Menopause isn’t a one-size-fits-all event and affects each woman differently. Some women reach natural menopause with little to no trouble; others may ... Continue Reading
HPV: What’s the Real Story?
Featuring video interviews from ASHA staff and a National Cervical Cancer Coalition chapter leader, this series tells you what you need to know about how a common infection sometimes leads to cancer and the way vaccination can protect you or your children. ASHA developed this program in collaboration with WebMD Education and the Yellow Umbrella Organization. These short educational episodes include: HPV: What’s the Real Story? HPV Infection Is Cancer Prevention HPV Infection Prevention: Not Just for Girls HPV: Why It Matters ... Continue Reading
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Awareness Month
#STDMonth19 Each April ASHA recognizes STD Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): • There are 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (also referred to as sexually transmitted infections) in the U.S. every year • The medical costs for these new cases are $16 billion • Adding the new cases each year with existing infection, there are an estimated 110 million total STDs among Americans. People may not know they have an STD because many do not have symptoms, and they can cause ... Continue Reading
March is Sexual Pleasure Month
It’s on! March is Sexual Pleasure Month and the focus is #PleasureIsHealthy! Pleasure has many benefits: sex helps you sleep better, reduces stress and increases happiness. Sex and orgasm actually release chemicals that our bodies love. We can experience the benefits of pleasure with or without a partner, too, so here’s a plug for masturbation as a normal, natural, healthy practice! There’s no one “right way” to have sex and we hope you’ll use some of our resources this month and beyond to explore the many approaches to pleasure and ... Continue Reading
Female Condoms: A Woman-Centered Option
In honor of National Condom Month, ASHA asked our colleagues at the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) to help us educate about female condoms. Kate Segal (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy Analyst, Global Health Corps Fellow) and Beirne Roose-Snyder (Director of Public Policy) share their thoughts on this woman-centered contraceptive option. When women and girls dictate a prevention agenda, they account for their own unique prevention and pleasure needs that stem from their lived realities. What technologies exist ... Continue Reading
HSV Rates Dropping
Rates of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) dipped between 1999 and 2016 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among those in the U.S. ages 14-49 the prevalence of HSV-2 in 2016 (all of those with HSV-2 in the age range being studied) was 12%, down from 18% in 1999. Approximately 1 in 8 individuals in this age group have HSV-2, which is almost always experienced as a genital infection. Most individuals with genital herpes are undiagnosed and not aware they have the virus. HSV-1 prevalence ... Continue Reading
February 7th
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV can be transmitted through the blood, sexual fluids, or breast milk of an HIV-infected person. Over time, infection with HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections. These infections are usually controlled by a healthy immune system, but they can cause problems or even be ... Continue Reading
February is National Condom Month
ASHA recognizes each February as National Condom Month. Follow us all month long at #CondomMonth and take advantage of everything we offer: Ode to the Condom blog Female Condoms: A Woman-Centered Option How to Use a Condom Talking to a Partner about Condoms and Safer Sex Get the Right Size Condom! Condomology: a collection of fact-based information (including fact sheets and videos) in simple, easy-to-understand language Sexual Health TV: Sexual Health TV (SHTV) is your one stop for a wide range of sexual health ... 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
Had a Positive Experience with Female Condoms? Tell Us About It!
February is National Condom Month, a time when ASHA celebrates all things condom. While the male condom is well known as a reliable method to prevent both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy, its not the only tool that can do so. The female condom offers women the advantage of a form of contraception and STI prevention that she can control. During condom month, we want to learn more about women's positive experiences with the female condom. While no one contraceptive is the right choice for everyone, many women ... Continue Reading
Understanding Women’s Experiences with Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common gynecologic infection, affecting nearly 29 percent of women in the U.S. While not all women with BV have symptoms, those that do may experience an abnormal vaginal discharge that may be white or gray, watery, and may also have a strong fish-like odor, or vaginal itching and irritation. Left undiagnosed and untreated, BV can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. BV also increases the risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight, which can negatively impact the overall ... 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