The bra is a supportive undergarment that women all over the world use to relieve back pain, act as a stylish accessory, and accentuate the breasts. A relatively modern invention, the bra has evolved tremendously over the last century from its humble beginnings as a lightweight piece of cloth that replaced the corset. Now, bras…
Tag: History
Evolution and Human Sexuality
Evolution is defined as the change in frequency of certain traits across generations. The accumulation of new traits may lead to new characteristics or even new species over time. This means that, with time, enough changes can lead to the formation of a new species. Evolution is a continuous, extremely gradual process that has created…
The History of the Condom
Background Condoms are a barrier method of contraception that can prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections. A male condom is a thin sheath that is placed over the user’s erect penis before sexual activity to prevent direct contact of the penis with the partner’s skin, mucosa, and genital secretions.1 Though not…
The History of Tampons and Pads
Throughout history, although women did not always have the inventions of modern tampons and pads, they still found ways to deal with their monthly menstrual cycles. Women have been known to use rags, cotton, sheep’s wool, rabbit fur, knitted pads, and even grass to hinder the flow of menstrual blood.3 These practices varied from culture…
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…
The Origin of HIV/AIDS
The Origin of HIV/AIDS In 1981, the first reported cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) came to light in the United States. After many years of research into this new disease, scientists discovered human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and found evidence that this virus led to AIDS.1 While a novel popularized one man, Patient Zero,…
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…