Teela Hudak's Blog, page 46

After Sex Clean Up Tips

After sex, clean up can be easy or a bit of a chore depending on what activities you and your partner have been enjoying. Many people worry about the cleanup and are concerned with the amount of mess that can come from intercourse. Do you need to jump right in the shower? Should you worry about semen? What about the wet spot? If you are concerned about post Netflix and chill clean up, don’t fret. There are some simple things you can do to make the clean up go quickly, effortlessly, all while protecting your sexual health.

1. Avoid the Wet Spot, Lay Down a Blanket or Towel

No one likes to lay on the wet spot after sexy times. Also, depending on what kind of relationship you have with your sexual partner, you may also wish to avoid any risk of STI transmission. The risk of passing something from a damp area is not particularly high but there can still be a fraction of a degree of transfer. If you are trying to be conscious of the fluids of others and keeping it separate from yours, this may be something you wish to keep in mind.

Before you get intimate, or as things are starting to heat up, you can make sure to move onto something that can be easily shifted afterward. Something like a towel or a soft blanket works really well. That way it can simply be pushed to the side to be cleaned later. No one has to sleep in the wet spot. If you are engaging in anything that involves creating a bit more of a mess, such as using extra lube or incorporating food, this can keep your clean up time down so you have more time for that post-sex cuddle.

2. To Shower or Not to Shower?

Showering after sex is totally a personal preference. Some people feel it’s crucial to get in the shower after intercourse but it’s not always necessary. People with vulvas may feel it will help to wash out semen. While it is important for the vulva to stay clean and without extra moisture, the vulva will naturally clean itself. If there is concern about getting rid of semen, you can make sure to pee after sex. This can reduce the chance of getting a urinary tract infection.

There is nothing wrong with showering after sex if you want to and there’s one available. It’s completely a personal choice. It can also be a nice moment to share with your partner to extend the intimacy. Or it can be a good way to provide some space after a casual dalliance where there may be little interest in post-sex cuddling. If you are choosing to shower afterward, make sure that a scent-free and sensitive soap is used in the genital region. This will prevent any irritation.

3. Using Something to Clean Up With

If you’re not going to hit the shower but are still looking for something to clean up with, what should you use? Many people tend to use towels and this is an excellent choice. A cotton towel is best as they will be easy to keep clean and will also dry faster. It’s a good idea to designate a specific towel (or set of towels) for your clean up stash. You don’t want to be using something that may contain bacteria from being used for other purposes and rubbing that on your genitals.

Some people use a shirt or their socks but this is not always a good idea. Even after these items have been laundered, the fabric fibers may still contain bacteria and sweat from being worn. The fabrics may also be more coarse to the touch and may not be the best to soak up extra wetness. All these things factor into something that probably won’t be nice to rub on your nether region to absorb moisture.

Enjoy All the Aspects of Sex, Even the Clean Up

Cleaning up after sex doesn’t have to be a big chore. You can keep things light and fun with your partner or at the very least keep them easy. Enjoying a full and satisfying sex life means getting comfortable with all these little things that come along with the act. Keep learning more and expanding your horizons by signing up for our mailing list. We will deliver consistent fresh content for you to consider on your journey to a sexier you. Also feel free to stop by our shop and add to your sexy collection today!

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The REAL Condom Challenge

Condoms are a truly amazing and wonderful invention. They serve to protect us from a variety of unwanted outcomes during sex from pregnancy to STI transfer. There are types of different condoms and other barriers that we can use as well but the most commonly known and used are penile condoms. These are often referred to as male condoms.

Some people are against using condoms for a variety of reasons but penile condoms are very strong and stretchy. One condom can protect you during sexual activity. To demonstrate the strength and stretch of condoms, the Internet has endless videos of people filling condoms full of water to show how much they can expand and hold.

The Real Condom Challenge

Condoms are made for safer sex. The real challenge is to use condoms for their intended use. This may not seem much like a challenge but many people admit to not using condoms when they should. Some people also feel awkward and uncomfortable about insisting condoms be used with their partners. Others insist that they don’t like them and simply refuse. Using condoms can be an important piece to protecting your health and reducing unwanted pregnancies.

Across the world, rates of STIs have continued to climb. Just last year the WHO found over 1 million pregnant women that tested positive for syphilis. Just looking at the rates in the US, in 2016 the CDC had some disturbing numbers reported to them. These included 27,814 cases of syphilis, 468,514 cases of gonorrhea, and 1,598,354 cases of chlamydia. In BC alone, in 2014, we had some shockingly high rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. These rates have continued to rise steadily year to year.

So all this sounds really bad but let’s just think about this for a second… these numbers are based on how many people have actually gotten tested. So we don’t actually have a full picture of what the full rates actually look like… According to the last US census, only about 12% of the population got tested. Estimated cost of STIs in the US is roughly 16 billion dollars annually. CDC estimates undiagnosed STIs causes roughly 24,000 women to become infertile each year. HPV is responsible for approximately 31,500 cases of cancer every year.

STIs can have some serious impacts like causing infertility, cancer, and death. All of these terrible things can be stopped by a magical latex, or latex-free, barrier. We need to reduce the embarrassment, stigma, awkwardness, discomfort, and negative feelings people have about condoms! Join the fight to raise awareness!

Accept the challenge and post a selfie of you holding your favorite condom brand with #REALcondomchallenge!

Refuse the Challenge & Donate to Sexual Health Research!

If you refuse the real condom challenge, you need to contribute to ending the tyranny of sexually transmitted infections by donating! The Real Condom challenge seeks to raise awareness and money for four important organizations that fight for our sexual freedoms.

AIDS Vancouver
Options BC
Planned Parenthood
BC Cancer Society

We are hoping to raise at least $8,000 and divide it evenly between the 4 organizations. Your donations make a difference to break through research that can change lives. If you’re not going to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections through safer sex practices, donate to the research that will bring an end to those infections!

Join the Real Condom Challenge

By coming together we can make a real difference in the fight for sexual health. Be a part of the solution and get posted your selfies! It’s all about raising awareness and funds for sexual health and cancer research. Together, we can be the difference! Head on over and share the fundraising campaign with all your friends today. Who will you issue the challenge to?

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What is Safer Sex?

Safer sex is about protecting yourself and your partner from any unwanted risks during sexual activities. It most commonly refers to protecting yourself from the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. This definition can also be stretched to apply to other areas of sexuality, such as protection from unwanted pregnancies or unwanted harm from kink-involved activities.

Safer sex is really about having fun and experiencing pleasure while reducing the risks of any negative consequences. It’s about exploring our bodies, relationships, and sex in a sex-positive way.

The Difference Between Safe Sex and Safer Sex

The terms “safe sex” and “safer sex” are interchangeable. There is no real difference in what the terms mean. So why have both?

The term “safe sex” was the first to originate when talking about minimizing risks of STI transfer. In recent years, as our understanding of practical life and our increased knowledge, we now know there is no way to completely take out the all of the risks. We can reduce the risk dramatically but never eliminate it completely.

Using the term “safer sex” acknowledges that there still may be a degree of risk, even if it’s only 1%, that something could go wrong. A lot of safer sex methods are meant to minimize almost all the risks. Where risk enters the equation again is the human element. Not everyone will use the safer sex method in the recommended or most effective way. There are a lot of variables that can reduce the effectiveness and increase the risks.

Condoms & Barriers Make Sex Safer

Using protective barriers such as condoms and dental dams is one of the best ways to protect ourselves from sexually transmitted infections. These barriers keep bodily fluids from carrying any infections to the other person. It’s important to note that certain STIs, like HPV or Herpes, can be passed through skin-to-skin contact without any bodily fluid.

Condoms and other barriers can reduce the risks but it’s important that they are in good shape, not passed their expiry date, and used appropriately. Condoms that are old or have been subjected to heat or pressure, like staying in a wallet too long, can get weak spots. Weak spots can also be caused by nails scraping along the latex. Any weak spots can cause the condom to break during the friction generated during sex. So an important piece of using condoms for safer sex is ensuring they are in good condition. You can also add a lubricant. Using water-based lubricants with condoms can not only serve to increase our pleasure but also reduce the friction that can cause condoms to break. Although it’s important only to use a water based lube as any other lube type will disintegrate the latex.

Know Your STI Status

We can also practice safer sex by ensuring we know what our STI status is. You should be regularly checking your genital area for any irritation, sores, or anything unusual. If you do notice something out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. You can also set a schedule to get tested. Getting tested regularly can help us to quickly treat any infections we may contract. Many people don’t show symptoms of an infection they have so you may not know without getting tested. Following the instructions from our medical professionals will help us avoid any more serious consequences of the infection as well as preventing us from passing it on to others. Knowing your STI status can be one of the most effective safer sex strategies. It ensures that you are looking out for your health and will be able to take all the appropriate steps to do what is necessary for your best interest.

It’s everyone’s responsibility to safeguard their own sexual health. Ideally, your partners will know what their status is as well. You can discuss it with your potential partner before any activities occur. If your potential partner doesn’t know or is unwilling to discuss it with you, you can then make the choice on how you wish to proceed. You can choose to take a pass on the sexual activity, use barriers, or to use some other methods for safer sex.

Other Safer Sex Methods

So what other kinds of things can we do aside from using protective barriers and knowing our STI status? We can also choose to engage in lower risk activities such as mutual masturbation or other activities that involve keeping clothes on such as grinding or making-out. Engaging in any kind of sexual activity where you are avoiding bodily fluids are not shared will help reduce your risks.

If you and your partner(s) use sex toys, ensure that all sex toys are properly cleaned and stored. You can also preserve the integrity and life of your toys by placing barriers on them. It’s also a good idea that if you have multiple partners, that you use unique toys with each of them. Choosing to have multiple partners can up your risk of contracting an infection so it’s important you are taking the appropriate measures for the number of partners that you have.

Prioritize Your Health by Practicing Safer Sex

Part of taking control of your sexuality is taking steps to protect it. This includes protecting your sexual health. Share this article today and help spread some awareness in your circles. Sign up for our mailing list for more great tips, tricks, and information to improve your sex life and relationships. The more you know, the more you can maximize your pleasure and keep yourself safe.

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History of Pride Month

June is Pride month and a celebration of the LGBTQ community. But what is the history or pride month? How far have we come?

Members of the LGBTQ community have faced horrific levels of discrimination and violence. The community still faces higher rates of violence than other groups. It is an ongoing battle with the history of injustice stretching out behind us.

The Stonewall Riots

The Stone Wall Riots happened in New York in the June of 1969. At the time, being gay was still a crime. There was one bar in Greenwich Village where LGBTQ people would go to dance and connect with their community.

On the fateful night of June 28, 1969, the police showed up to raid the bar. The patrons rallied behind two transgender women of color, Marsha Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, to resist the police raid.

The Stonewall Riot has gone down in history as a clear moment of change in the fight and rights of the LGBTQ community. Pride month was established to commemorate this event.

Canadian History of Pride

One of the first defining moments for LGBT rights in Canada also took place in 1969. Canada decriminalized homosexual activities between two consenting adults. The law amended in full on June 27, 1969, one day before the Stonewall Riots.

The Canadian communities continued the fight for their rights with protests and events starting in 1971. By the 1980s, cities such as Edmonton began to host their first Pride Parades.

There are many events, mass arrests, protests and riots that have shaped the Canadian LGBTQ history. In recent years, the Canadian government has updated the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code to include terms such as “gender identity” and “gender expression”. These changes make it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of their gender identity or expression. We have come a long way and there is still a ways to go.

The Evolution of Pride

Many people see Pride today as a colorful expression and joyous celebration. The idea of what Pride has become has formed a lot over time.

The first Pride Parade was organized a month after the first riots with the help of bisexual activist Brenda Howard. The following year it became a week long event. It was around this time that the term “Gay Pride” was coined.

The committee organizing the Pride festivities were trying to find a slogan fitting for the event. Finally one of the committee members, L. Craig Schoonmaker, suggested “gay pride”. It seemed immediately fitting as anyone can take pride in who they are.

As Pride continued every year, new ideas became incorporated. In 1978, the first rainbow Pride flag was introduced. The first flag was designed by Gilbert Baker and originally had a total of eight stripes. He intended each color stripe to represent a different sexual identity.

How Do You Celebrate Pride?

No matter how you celebrate Pride, it’s good to know the history behind it. A lot of people have fought and suffered for the freedom to express who they are freely and without prosecution. There are still many areas in the world where it’s unsafe to do that. Embrace and spread the message of love by sharing this article. Help create safe space for LGBTQ people in your life. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list for more great articles or stop by our store for scandalous and unique items!

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What is a PAP Test?

A PAP test, also called a PAP smear or Papanicolaou test, is a medical exam that takes a small sample of cells from the cervix. These cells are then examined under a microscope and determined to be abnormal or normal. PAP tests are useful for screening for potential problems, like cancer, and diagnose any infections or inflammations. These medical exams are for anyone who has a vulva and the attached internal reproductive organs.

How is a PAP test performed?

PAP smears are typically performed in a clinic or doctor’s office. You can set up an appointment with your doctor, gynecologist, or visit a walk-in clinic. If you feel nervous going in for the test, try booking in with a sexual health clinic. The service providers at the sexual health clinics can help you to feel more comfortable with the exam as they do them all the time.

The physical exam will also include a pelvic exam. They gently check for any sore areas that could indicate an infection. The doctor/nurse Th will then gently insert a speculum, a metal or clear plastic device, into the vagina. The speculum helps hold the walls of the vagina apart so that the doctor/nurse can access the cervix.

The doctor/nurse will then insert a small stick, called a spatula, inside and gently remove cells from the cervix. Some cells may also be taken from the inner part of the cervix or from the vagina on a case by case basis as needed. This may be done if a request for an STI screening is being performed at the same time.

Once all the cells are collected, they are placed on a glass slide and in a container of fluid. The cells are then sent off for testing. It may take anywhere from two to eight weeks for the results to come back.

Getting the Results

Results are rarely given over the phone. In most cases you will need to make a follow-up appointment with your physician for the results. Often this is not necessary if the tests results indicate that all the cells came back as normal.

If some of the cells came back as abnormal this could mean a number of things from something benign that will naturally correct itself, to an infection being present, to the signs of precancerous cells. If your doctor says the test results were abnormal, don’t panic. Just get some more information on what the next step for you should be.

Depending on the type of abnormal cells found, there could be a few different follow-ups. Another PAP smear could be performed or the doctor could order another test called a colposcopy. It may be recommended for you to come back for another PAP test sooner than if the results had been normal. Your doctor will discuss what the best course of action will be based on the results.

How to Prepare for a PAP Test

When the appointment is scheduled is important. A PAP test is impossible to perform during menstruation. The optimal time would be in the middle of your cycle. This will be in the 10-20 days (depending on your cycle length) after your period.

It’s also important that you don’t have any active infections. A yeast infection, for example, could impact the test and give you false positives. Try to schedule your appointment for around 2 weeks after the treatment of the infection.

Once your appointment is set, try to refrain from vaginal intercourse for 24 hours before the exam. Also be sure to steer clear of contraceptive creams or spermicides, foals or gels, or any vaginal douching for 48 hours before the test. All of these things could impact the results.

The last thing to remember before going in for your appointment is to go to the washroom. Having a full bladder during a PAP test will be very uncomfortable for you because of the pressure placed around the cervix during the pelvic exam.

How Often Should You Go?

Cervical cancer is very rare for people under 21. However, once you become sexually active, or reach the age of 21, you should start having PAP tests. Certain STIs, such as HPV, can increase the risk of cervical cancer. That’s why it’s important to get the exam done.

It is usually recommended that the PAP test be performed every 3 years. How often you go may change depending on the conversation with your doctor and your previous test results. If you have a number of tests that show more abnormal cells, your doctor may recommend a PAP smear every two years instead.

A PAP Test Could Save Your Life

PAP tests are an important part of protecting sexual health. Catching cervical cancer early makes a world of difference in its treatment and that difference can be your life. Take charge of your life and your sexual health. Learn more about the body and take the step to not only protecting your health but improving your sex life. Join our mailing list for more great articles & stop by our shop for sexy must-haves!

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Can Someone Get Pregnant from Oral Sex?

A common question that always pops up for some people are concerns about unwanted pregnancies. There is a lot of misinformation and general lack of information out there for people. Many places don’t have a very comprehensive sex education program and the sex ed conversation doesn’t always happen at home. When people hear that barriers should be used during oral sex, some people create the link to needing protection from unwanted pregnancy. It’s not surprising that this can lead people to some concerning notions about how pregnancy can occur. So let’s talk about oral sex and if it can lead to a conception of a child.

Can Someone Get Pregnant from Oral Sex? What Happens When Sperm is Swallowed?

If sperm is swallowed during oral sex, it goes down the same route that food does. It travels into the stomach and then through the digestive tract of the body. When it travels to the digestive system, it is subject to the same enzymes and acids in the digestive system as everything else that is eaten. Those acids break down the sperm in the same way they break down food. The sperm is long destroyed and dead before ever exiting the body of the person who swallowed it.

It is physically impossible for sperm to get anywhere near the fallopian tubes in the vulva where impregnation occurs. It goes against all human anatomy and therefore would be completely impossible to get pregnant from oral sex.

Are There Any Physical Risks to Oral Sex?

While there is no risk of pregnancy when performing oral sex, it is still possible for a person to contract an STI. A number of sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes can be passed to your mouth. These infections can cause a range of symptoms from open sore outbreaks to throat cancer. Research has actually shown that unprotected oral sex has contributed to a rise of various oral cancers. It’s also been shown that unprotected oral sex has been a factor in the mutation of specific infections, like gonorrhea, that has made the infections resistant to antibiotics.

It’s important that everyone know their STI status to ensure proper action is taken to prevent the spread of the infection as well as any long-lasting health impacts. If you are ever unsure about your partner’s, or yours, STI status it’s better to stray on the side of caution and use protection during oral sex. People who have active infections may not be exhibiting any symptoms and can easily pass the infection anyways. Better to err on the side of caution and take steps to protect your health.

Increase Your Knowledge About Oral Sex & Pregnancy

Don’t stay in the dark about sex, pregnancy, and human anatomy. Most people struggle because they were never taught some of the basic information about sex and relationships. The more you learn, the more you will be able to have more satisfying sex and more intimate and successful relationships. Join our mailing list to increase your knowledge and get you started on the path to better sex today.

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How to Shave

Body hair can invoke a lot of different reactions from yuck to yum. Different areas of the world will have unique views on whether hair is sexy. This will vary from different areas to the body to how that hair is kept, removed, or styled. There are many different ways that people choose to remove body hair. The choice to remove hair should be entirely your own based on what you like. If you find it more appealing to remove the hair then you should do so. The choice should be entirely your own. One of the more common and less painful ways to remove body hair is by shaving it.

What Can You Shave? What Should You?

Realistically you can choose to remove all the hair from your body if you wanted. How much hair you consider removing is usually influenced by what is normal in your culture but people usually go with what they find appealing. You need to choose which hair you intend to remove and what you are alright with leaving.

Common areas that people consider shaving will vary depending on their gender. They can include areas such as head, face, underarms, genitals, legs, or arms. A person may shave all or none of these areas depending on their preferences. Regardless of what areas are chosen for the hair removal, there a few things to consider. Certain areas of the body, such as around the genitals, can be more sensitive to shaving and more likely to get razor rash and ingrown hairs. That being said, there are a number of ways you can reduce irritations to your skin.

Soften & Exfoliate the Skin

One of the best places to shave is in the shower because the water and heat will help soften your skin. Once the skin softens, you will reduce the number of nicks and burns. If you don’t wish to shave in the shower, soak the intended skin for 3 to 5 minutes in warm water.

As shaving tends to exfoliate the skin, you can get a better and closer shave by making sure that the area is already clean. If you do not, the razor blade can become clogged with dead skin. A clogged razor blade increases the risks of razor burn and nicks and also fails to cut the hair properly.

Choosing a Shaving Cream

Shaving cremes help reduce discomfort by helping to moisturize the area. Using a creme will help keep the hair soft, moisturize the skin, and get in between the hairs to lift them up. All these things factor into a better shaving experience.

You don’t need to buy a shaving cream specified for a specific gender as they are pretty much all the same. The main difference can be the price as well as the scent of the shaving cream. Ideally, you should choose a shaving creme with fewer fragrances and chemicals that could irritate your skin. This is particularly important for shaving more sensitive areas. If you don’t wish to use a shaving cream, you can substitute with a hair conditioner. Stay away from using shampoo as this will dry out your skin.

Choosing a Razor

You may have to do some experimenting to find a razor that you like and works for you. Don’t get hung up on what gender the razor blades are marketed towards. Like shaving creme, there isn’t a lot of functional difference between them. If you find a razor that you find comfortable and gets the job done, that’s all that really matters.

It’s important that check your razor blades regularly before shaving. Shaving with a dull blade increases your risk of nicks, razor burn, and causing ingrown hairs. Always be sure to have a sharp and unclogged razor.

It’s also important that you don’t share razor blades with other people. You may be susceptible to getting Hepatitis C from a used blade of someone who has Hep C.

Shave the Hair the Proper Way…. for the Hair

How you should shave will vary depending on what area of the body you are shaving. Our body produces different kinds of hair in different areas. The hair will vary in thickness and growth rate. These things will also be impacted by your history of shaving. You need to shave in the way that is most effective for the type of hair growth.

In areas where the hair may be more coarse, such as the face, it is better to shave in the direction of the hair growth (with the grain). Doing this will give you a cleaner shave with less chance of the coarse hair being pulled by the razor.

In areas where the hair is more fine, shaving with the grain is unlikely to get all the hair. It will simply push the hair downwards without cutting it. Fine hair must be shaved in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Doing it this way will make the razor push the hair up before connecting with the blade.

Moisturizing After Shaving

Shaving can make the skin more sensitive so it’s a good idea to allow your skin some time to breathe before adding any moisturizer to it. How long you should let the skin breathe will depend on the area of the body but doesn’t need to be longer than half an hour.

Moisturizing after shaving can help the skin feel smooth and recover after the exfoliation of shaving. It’s always best to choose a moisturizer with few chemicals or heavy fragrances, particularly for around the genitals.

Shave if Shaving Makes You Feel Sexy

You should be the expert on what makes you feel sexy. How much hair you remove should be a reflection of what you find appealing. You only need to shave if it’s what makes you feel good about you. Don’t be afraid to explore what makes you feel good and empowered. Join our mailing list to continue your journey and explore all the different aspects of your sexuality.

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The #MeToo Movement

The #MeToo Movement has sparked a lot of debate and conversation across the globe. It has challenged a lot of common conceptions about the current standards around consent, gender bias, and power imbalances. We are exploring deeper into personal autonomy and how that relates to other people. The movement is giving a voice to many victims/survivors that never felt they had a voice before and highlighting some of the injustices people have endured. The movement is bringing a lot of things to light, many of which have never really been discussed before.

What is the #MeToo Movement?

The #MeToo movement actually began roughly 12 years ago with a woman Tarana Burke. Burke works with survivors of sexual assault and started encouraging survivors to connect to supports. It was a way to reduce the stigma associated with victims and help women find the language to talk about some of the things they’ve experienced.

The movement took the spotlight last year when Alyssa Milano encouraged those who had experienced a sexual assault or harassment to use the hashtag. The time was right for many people and by the end of 2017, the hashtag had been used more than 12 million times. Since then the movement has continued to raise awareness and challenge perceptions around sexual assault, sexual harassment, and consent.

How Can We Promote Change?

The fact that so many people have been affected by sexual assault and harassment is not something we should just brush off. It is important that we take steps towards change that will keep more people from abuse and create safer spaces. So how do we do that? Sadly there is no magic solution that will fix everything. It’s going to take time and be a slower process than it really should be.

One of the first steps we can take is to provide more support to sexual assault survivors. People need to feel comfortable speaking up and speaking out. They need to feel comfortable connecting to any supports they need. There is no shame in receiving support and people need to know that. No one should have to suffer alone and in silence.

Another crucially important step is that we keep talking about the boundaries of consent. A huge part of the problem is that people are not taught about consent and why it’s important. In Nairobi, Kenya they started having consent classes and in areas where they have been taught, rape has been reduced by 50%. They also found that boys would step in to intervene 74% of the time if they saw an assault occurring.

Consent is not just an idea for some people, it is an idea for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you feel you are an expert or if you have it all figured out. Everyone needs to be engaging in these conversations. Not only does it raise awareness but it allows us to determine the boundaries before they have been crossed. We consider things in new ways we never have before.

Be a Part of the Change Brought By the #MeToo Movement

It’s clear by the number of people saying #MeToo that we need to make some changes. Change starts with us. It begins with each individual choosing to do things differently. You can be a part of that change. Share this article with people in your life. Have meaningful conversations about your thoughts and feelings on the subject. Continue to challenge your own perceptions and learn more. Pick up a copy of “Got Consent?” for an in-depth overview of consent and join our mailing list for even more great articles! Be a part of the change today!

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What are STIs?

An important part of being sexually active is protecting your sexual health. A lot of people’s first concerns are about unwanted pregnancies but there is another important reason to use safer sex methods: sexually transmitted infections. Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, can cause a range of damage to the body from sores to infertility to death. Each STI has their own way of causing harm to the body and the symptoms may vary. It’s also common for many people to have a sexually transmitted infection and have no idea. Some infections do not present with any symptoms at all but they are still quietly doing damage under the radar.

There are lots of different types of infections that can occur and the ones we know the most about are: HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, trichomoniasis, HPV, and syphilis. Based on available medical data from people being tested in Canada and the United States, STIs are a lot more common than most people realize.

What’s the Difference Between STIs and STDs?

The knowledge and language around sexually transmitted infections have changed a lot over the years. We have come to learn a lot more about each infection, how they are transmitted, what they do, and how they can be cured. In the past, we didn’t know about as many of the infections as we do now and the ones we used to know about were referred to as venereal disease (VD). As our knowledge expanded, the name was changed to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Today we call them STIs.

The change in language from disease to infection is because, thanks to modern medicine, many of them are not the death sentence they were once considered to be. We can cure a majority of the infections and are working on cures for the ones we currently can’t. Modern medicine has also developed drugs for incurable infections to be managed. We can minimize the impact of these infections on someone’s life. In some cases, we can do this so effectively that the person’s life is practically unaltered from someone who doesn’t have the infection, aside from the adjustment of their medical routine.

When treated, sexually transmitted infections are not a death sentence. They are no longer a disease in the same class as what we think of as a disease. We have more hope and options now. STD and STI are fairly interchangeable terms, they mean essentially the same things. The main difference is that using the terminology of STI acknowledges the advances of modern medicine and is less stigmatizing and traumatizing for people.

How Do I Know If I Have any STIs?

It’s important to know your sexual health status. Some STIs don’t have any symptoms and can develop to be life-threatening. It’s also important to know your status so you can ensure the safety of others around you. So how do you find out? Well, the good news is that we have a variety of medical tests to determine if people have any STIs. These tests range in complexity and invasiveness depending on what is being tested for. You may need to provide a blood or urine sample or sit for a physical exam. The type of test will be determined by what symptoms, if any, you have or what you are concerned about getting tested for.

How often you should get tested should be determined by your lifestyle and choices. If you are not really sexually active, not engaging in risky behaviors like needle sharing, or not working in any environments where you are regularly exposed to infections then your risk of getting an infection is much lower. You probably will not need to be tested very frequently. If you are enjoying multiple partners or engaging in lots of unprotected sex, it might be a good idea to get tested more regularly. How often you go should suit your individual needs.

Ignorance Is Not Bliss When It Comes to STIs

They say that ignorance is bliss but when it comes to sexually transmitted infections the truth is that ignorance could kill you. Learning about sexual health may be scary and uncomfortable but it’s an important part of adulting and taking care of yourself. Information about STIs has historically been used as scare tactics to keep young people from having sex. Sadly this scare tactic often only keeps people from really learning how to protect themselves for when they do have sex. Arm yourself with the best knowledge available to protect your health. Join our mailing list to keep on top of subjects related to your sexual health and share this article today to spark some conversation in your circles.

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Gavin Grimm: A Step Towards Equal Rights

A satisfying step forward towards equal rights happened in Virginia in the case of Gavin Grimm. His high school was refusing him access to the boys’ washroom and instructed him to use the unisex washroom exclusively. The fallout from the school’s actions has pushed this teen into the spotlight of recent trans rights activism. Transgender rights have really been in the spotlight for the last few years. One of the largest controversies, strangely enough, is the argument about bathroom access.

The Case of Gavin Grimm

Grimm’s fight began in 2014 as a sophomore at Gloucester High School. After the school prohibited his bathroom use, The American Civil Liberties Union filed a civil rights lawsuit against the school on behalf of Grimm. On May 22, 2018, the US courts affirmed the teen’s case by denying the school board’s motion to dismiss the case. The court also ruled that the parties must schedule a settlement conference within 30 days.

“I feel an incredible sense of relief,” Grimm, 19, said in a statement. “After fighting this policy since I was 15 years old, I finally have a court decision saying that what the Gloucester County School Board did to me was wrong and it was against the law. I was determined not to give up because I didn’t want any other student to have to suffer the same experience that I had to go through.”

U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen wrote that the board’s policy fails to acknowledge there are individuals who possess both male and female characteristics. “As Mr. Grimm contends, attempting to draw lines based on physiological and anatomical characteristics proves unmanageable: how would the Board’s policy apply to individuals who have had genital surgery, individuals whose genitals were injured in an accident, or those with intersex traits who have genital characteristics that are neither typically male nor female?”

Wright Allen is a former prosecutor and federal public defender who previously overturned Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban and was nominated to the bench by former President Barack Obama. Wright Allen wrote that there was “no doubt” that transgender individuals had historically been subjected to discrimination, noting the high rates of violence and discrimination against members of the transgender community. She said that the board’s policy was a sex-based classification because it relied on sex-based stereotypes. “The Policy classified Mr. Grimm differently on the basis of his transgender status and, accordingly, subjected him to sex stereotyping.”

Joshua Block, an ACLU senior staff attorney, said the district court’s ruling “vindicates” Grimm and other transgender students who have felt stigmatized by their schools’ bathroom policies. “These sorts of discriminatory policies do nothing to protect privacy and only serve to harm and humiliate transgender students,” Block said in a statement.

Don’t Let Fear Stand in the Way of Equality

Thankfully for people like Gavin Grimm, the world is slowly starting to change. We are taking tiny little steps towards gender equality. The battle has been slow and mostly uphill though because people tend to fear what they don’t really understand. It’s important that we take time to educate ourselves about equal rights and the struggles of others. The more we understand, the more we can be part of the solution instead of the problem. Share this article today and sign up for our mailing list for even more great updates and info!

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