STIs on the Rise During CovidTuesday, May 24, 2022
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STIs: Epidemic Numbers
STIs were at epidemic proportions before the Covid-19 Pandemic struck the world, but the restrictions Covid created have not helped to reduce the numbers. The exact opposite is true, with numbers on the rise throughout the last couple of years. Although this may seem counter intuitive, there are several factors that have impacted this growth. The CDC released their report in April 2022 that helps explain the dramatic rise in the numbers that are now surpassing 2019’s infection rates.
How Covid impacted the STI epidemic?
Covid-19 created many roadblocks with regards to accessibility to testing and treatment for STIs. Many clinics were closed due to restrictions to reduce the spread of Covid. This meant people were not getting tested for STIs and many asymptomatic cases were left untreated. As well, many symptomatic cases were not able to access care for treatment or identify what the symptoms were from. Outreach efforts were restricted and sexual wellness products such as condoms and oral barriers were not able to be distributed. Staff from many public health and STI testing organizations were re-allocated to Covid-19 duties, resulting in an absence of accessible treatment centres. These factors were also further compounded by a lack of testing supplies and laboratory access due to the volume of Covid-19 testing and supplies required.
What did not change: people having sexual encounters.
What STIs are on the rise?
The CDC explains this with the following data that was collected at the end of 2020:
The decline in chlamydia is likely the result of lack of testing and not being properly diagnosed versus a reduction in the actual infection rate.
So, What’s Next?
The next step in the fight against STIs has to be education and awareness. The public needs to understand the seriousness of STIs and the possible long-term effects they can have on one’s health. This path needs to be coupled with testing, outreach, availability of treatments for all demographics, and, most importantly, proper funding to ensure the programs are effective for all. The outreach needs to support the following so we can help reduce the incidence rate of STIs:
The message of prevention, STI testing, outreach of sexual wellness products and educating everyone about one’s sexual wellness throughout the different stages of life needs to be shared now to help prevent these numbers from increasing even more. |
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Lubricants for Sexual WellnessFriday, April 22, 2022
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The wide array of options for different lubricants for sexual activities can leave one confused or, worse yet, choosing the wrong lube for the usage needed. Lubricants are for more than just vaginal dryness. Lubricants can help increase pleasure, delay ejaculation, and reduce friction, thereby aiding in safer sex practices. Lubes come in a variety of types and navigating which one is right for you is easier with a bit of information.
Why Use Lube?Lube is often used to combat vaginal dryness, to aid in increasing sexual pleasure, for anal sex, and also for use with sex toys. Why you are using lube is important so that you can choose the correct product for the act. The vagina creates its own lubricant as an integral part of its function. But the amount created can vary by person, health, medications, age, and a number of other factors. The anus does not create any fluids as it is not a part of its function. The thinner tissues around the anus and in the rectum can lead to microscopic tears. Using lubricants for anal sex can help reduce this from happening while making the experience more pleasurable.
Types of Lubes
Lubricants come in a few different types. The main types of lubricant are water based, silicone based, oil based, a hybrid of the water and silicone, and some natural types. Lubricants also come in different flavors. It is best to use flavored lubricants for external sex acts as they often have sugar or additives that can affect the PH level of the vagina, causing yeast infections, no different than flavored condoms. Lubes are available in liquids, creams and gels. Water Based Lube
Water Based Lube:
Silicone Based LubeSilicone Based Lube:
Oil Based LubeOil Based Lube:
Explore Your OptionsIt is always best to test out a bit of lube before using for the first time. You can do this on your inner forearm for a sensitivity test, or even place a bit in or around your vagina or on the tip of your penis. Lubricants are available at pharmacies, adult shops, online, Public Health facilities, many school union offices or wellness centres, and even some grocery stores to list just a few. They range in availability from single use foils to larger bottles. Try different brands and types to see what works best for you! As they say, “Wetter is Better!”
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Condom MythsFriday, April 8, 2022
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There are many types of condoms available to meet everyone’s needs. And, unfortunately, there are also as many myths and misconceptions associated with condoms as well! Sadly, with the stigma that still surrounds sexual health, many false beliefs are circulated as “fact” when they are truly fiction. False information on the internet, talking with others who may not have the facts, fear of asking a question, and shame still surrounding sexual activities, all lead to misinformation. And even worse, this misinformation can lead to unwanted pregnancies or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
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What you need to know about GonorrheaWednesday, March 30, 2022
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What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by a sexually transmitted bacterium that can infect anyone who is sexually active. Gonorrhea most often affects the urethra, rectum or throat. In females, gonorrhea can also infect the cervix. Gonorrhea is most commonly spread during unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. You can help reduce your risk of transmission by practicing safer sex whenever you engage in any sexual activity.
What are the Symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Some men with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all. However, men who do have symptoms, may have:
Most women with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they are often mild and can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Women with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications from the infection, even if they don’t have any symptoms.
You should be examined by your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or if your partner has an STD or symptoms of an STD, such as an unusual sore, a smelly discharge, burning when urinating, or bleeding between periods.
PreventionTo help reduce your risk of gonorrhea:
Regular screening is also recommended for men who have sex with men, as well as their partners.
TreatmentAntibiotics are the most common treatment for gonorrhea. The following excerpt from an article explains the treatment course.
Take care of your health by practicing safer sex, getting tested regularly, openly communicating with your partners and being aware of all of your health needs!
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Talking to Your Parents About SexMonday, March 7, 2022
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This seems pretty cringe worthy right? Bringing up the conversation about sex with your parents? It’s definitely an uncomfortable situation to be in, but it’s very important that you do. “83% of kids your age are afraid to ask their parents about sex. Yet 51% of teens actually do. Why? Teens who talk with their parents about sex are less likely to become pregnant because they’re more likely to use contraception or protection when they become sexually active.”
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What do you call your condom?Monday, February 14, 2022
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Sexually Transmitted Infections – ChlamydiaThursday, January 27, 2022
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What is Chlamydia?
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How to Use a Male CondomWednesday, January 12, 2022
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Although not difficult, using a condom can be a tricky thing if you have not used one before, and it is very important that you use them correctly. If a condom is not put on in a correct manner it can increase the potential risk of contracting or transmitting an STI, reduce the effectiveness of its birth control properties, and can cause varying health complications. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started. Practice putting one on so that when you are in a situation you are already comfortable with the process.
Putting on a condom is not difficult; however, it may take a few tries to put one on properly and comfortably.
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History of CondomsWednesday, December 8, 2021
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Condoms have been around for centuries in one form or another. Cave drawings found in French cave paintings from sometime around 10000-13000 BC and an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic from around 1000 BC are some of the oldest known records of condoms. And everything between then and now is a colorful and controversial history.
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Generic Administrator 7 May 24, 2022 |
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Nathan Kohler 2 January 12, 2022 |