LGBTQ — What does it stand for?
Understanding what all the letters stand for in LGBTQ might be a bit confusing. Over time, letters are added and removed to represent an increased awareness and acceptance of sexuality and gender.
Sex and Gender — What’s the Difference?
The words sex and gender are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually mean different things. Sex and gender may seem complicated, but it’s all pretty simple. Neither biological sex nor gender breaks down to just male/female.
ASHA is Your Unbiased, Science-Based Source of Sexual Health Information
ASHA is dedicated to helping people access information about sexual health. We have always been committed to offering accurate information based on science, not ideology.
Fast Facts about HIV
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Learn the basics about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
PrEP
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The word prophylaxis means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease. The goal of PrEP is to prevent HIV infection from taking hold if you are exposed to the virus.
Living with HIV/AIDS
Life continues after becoming HIV positive. Thanks to new treatments, many people with HIV are living long, healthy lives.
Scabies
Scabies is an infestation of the top layer of skin caused by the parasite. Scabies are passed on through close physical contact. Transmission is more likely when partners spend the night together than during a brief sexual encounter.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disease caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV)
Once a disease primarily of children, molluscum has evolved to become a sexually transmitted infection in adults.
The HPV Vaccine Prevents Cancer
In the U.S., HPV infections are estimated to cause about 37,300 cases of cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of these cancers from ever developing.
MGen: The STI You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
Mycoplasma genitalium, or Mgen, was first identified in 1981. It is a bacterium that can infect the reproductive tract and is passed on through sexual contact.