Protected: What You Need to Know About STI Testing
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“[Girls] have told by society that sex is great but that’s not their experience. They don’t know how to talk about that disconnect, there’s a certain amount of shame that shuts down their voice….for me, sexual empowerment for girls is helping them to find a voice in their sexual relationships.”
In a compelling TED Talk video, nurse practitioner Jane Epstein makes the case that our efforts are sadly lacking with it comes to talking to teen girls and young women. In an episode of ASHA’s podcast with Ms. Epstein, we delve deeper into the topic, discussing not only what to say when talking to girls and young women about sex, but how to help them speak up for themselves.
Jane Epstein is a Yale graduate and a clinician who sees teenagers at a high school-based health clinic where, as part of comprehensive health care, she provides sexual health care including contraception services to teens.
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A new report shows that fewer women are getting prenatal care. That means too many patients are missing the chance to prevent congenital syphilis.

The condom. All sorts of shapes, sizes, colors (even glow-in-the-dark). Ribbed or plain. Lubed or not. Latex or plastic. ASHA’s Fred Wyand shares his thoughts on this reliable way to prevent STIs and pregnancy.

Syphilis rates among pregnant women went up 222% percent between 2016 and 2022 and another 28% between 2022 and 2024. This alarming increase shows too many pregnant women are not being screened.

Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for preventing pregnancy and reducing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sex. Condoms work.

At the end of 2025, the American Cancer Society released its new cervical cancer screening guidelines. In January 2026, the Health Resources and Services Administration endorsed a new set of guidelines as well. Both suggest HPV screening with self collected samples is an acceptable option.

Research suggests that only one dose of the HPV vaccine may be effective enough to prevent HPV-related disease, including cancer.

Australia has been a leader in HPV-prevention and cervical cancer screening for decades. Because of this, it is now close to eliminating cervical cancer entirely. However, recent drops in vaccination and screening rates threaten this progress.
ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
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