“Poppers” is an informal term used to describe small vials or bottles containing a class of chemicals called alkyl nitrite, usually amyl nitrite, in liquid form. Originally, these bottles were given the name “poppers” from the sound the bottles made when opened or crushed. Each bottle contains a small amount of a highly volatile, clear…
Tag: Anal Sex
An Overview of Kinky Sex
“Kink” is loosely defined as anything outside normal sexual activity. What is considered “kinky” or unconventional is often subjective and informed by cultural norms, thus, there is no universal definition of kink. In this article, we will identify kinky sex based on cultural norms in the United States; however, we acknowledge that every individual has…
Colon Cancer
Overview Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is a cancer that occurs in either the colon or the rectum. Both the colon and the rectum are located in the lower abdominal cavity beneath the stomach. The colon is often referred to as the large intestine and the rectum is the passageway that connects the large…
A Timeline of HIV/AIDS
*This timeline primarily focuses on the AIDS epidemic as it was in the United States. For details on the origin of HIV/AIDS, click here. 1981 A cluster of patients in the United States are reported with a rare lung infection, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and a rare type of cancer, Kaposi’s sarcoma. These conditions are usually…
Sodomy Laws in the U.S.
The modern definition of sodomy is any “noncoital carnal copulation” or any kind of “non-penile-vaginal intercourse.” 1 This definition is an umbrella term for any sexual activity that is not for procreation such as homosexual behavior, anal sex, bestiality and zoophilia, sex with minors, and many other sexual activities such as oral sex. The antiquated…
Oral Sex
Oral sex is a type of sexual activity involving the use of the mouth, lips, and tongue to stimulate the vulva, penis, or anus of one’s partner.1 Some people do not enjoy oral sex at all, while others prefer it over any other sexual behavior. Despite its opponents, this sexual activity has become increasingly popular…
Homophobia
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, homophobia is the irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals.1 However, people commonly describe homophobia as less of a fear and more of a prejudice and an intolerance toward those within the LGBTQ community.2 Whether it is believed to be an inherent and inborn quality or…