The Naked Truth

If you're sexually active, know the basics about gonorrhea

by Su McFay, RN It's been called the "clap" or the "drip"...or by its more technical term, "GC." Whatever you call it, it's gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is a common and contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria that is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 120 out of every 100,000 people are infected with gonorrhea.
Read more

How to talk to your partner about STDs

by Christopher R. Lynch, MD Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for sexual indiscretions to occur within the context of a committed relationship. And when they happen, the physical and emotional repercussions can feel overwhelming. A patient of mine recently shared with me that he'd had unprotected sex with a woman other than his wife. Soon thereafter, he began to experience discharge from his penis...a common symptom of chlamydia. A urine test confirmed that he was infected with the bacteria.
Read more

Survey: teens more careful about sex

by Sabine Kortals, Editorial Director It's a knee-jerk reaction to fault teens with unsafe, unprotected sex...but a new survey suggests they're more careful than we think they are. Findings from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior – the most recent national survey of sexual health and behaviors – indicate that about 70-80% of teens used a condom in their last sexual encounter. In fact, the lowest rates of condom use were found among adults over 40.
Read more