Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are conditions typically passed from one person to another through sexual contact.. Despite their name, it is possible to transmit STIs through non-sexual interactions; however, non-sexual transmission of STIs is less common and often treatable. Misunderstanding what constitutes sexual activity, poor hygiene practices, and transmission from a pregnant parent to…
Tag: HPV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus with over 150 strains, also called HPV “types.” More than 40 types of HPV are transmitted sexually, and can infect the genitals as well as the mouth and throat. HPV is currently the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and…
The Pap Smear
A Pap smear, also known as a Papanicolaou test or Pap test, is a procedure that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix.1 It is named after George Papanicolaou, M.D., who is credited for developing the Pap smear.2 The Pap smear drastically transformed how early cervical cancer can be detected in females.2 The cervix is…
Pearly Penile Papules
Pearly penile papules, also known as hirsuties coronae glandis, hirsutoid papillomas, or simply PPP are small protrusions that form a ridge on the glans or “head” of the penis. The papules most commonly appear as one or several rows of small, pearly or flesh-colored, smooth, dome-shaped bumps situated circumferentially around the corona, or “rim” of…
Oral Sex and STIs
Oral sex is a sexual activity that uses the mouth, lips, or tongue as a way to stimulate a partner.1 There are many reasons why individuals enjoy oral sex, and it is a much more common sexual activity than people are led to believe. In fact, a statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more…
Could You Have an STI?
An important part of becoming sexually active is learning how to take care of your sexual health. Any unprotected sexual act including vaginal, anal, or oral sex can potentially result in the transmission of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if one or both sexual partners are infected. Additionally, a pregnant individual can also pass on…
Penile and Anal Cancers
Cancer is a condition in which mutated cells in the body grow and multiply out of control. Penile cancer is when the mutated cells occur in the tissue of the penis. Anal cancer occurs when the mutated cells occur in the tissue of the anus.For anal cancer, there is an estimated 8,080 new cases in…
Anal Warts
Anal warts (condyloma acuminata) are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. The warts thrive inside and around the anus, and can also be found inside of the genitals.1 Transmission and Symptoms A person can contract HPV through oral, penile-vaginal (coital), and anal sex with an infected partner. HPV is highly contagious, and…
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, the tube-shaped structure that connects the vagina and the uterus. The World Health Organization estimates that over one million females are living with cervical cancer around the world.1 The National Cancer Institute approximates 12,900 females were diagnosed in 2015 alone.2 According to the American Cancer Society, 4,120 females are expected…