External condoms are a barrier method of contraception used to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). An external condom is a thin sheath that is placed over the user’s erect penis before sexual activity. This barrier protects against the spread of STIs by preventing direct contact between the penis and the partner’s skin, mucosa, and genital secretions. The external condom also…
Tag: STI
Cervical Cap
The cervical cap or contraceptive cap is a barrier method of birth control. It is a small silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina in order to prevent pregnancy. A suction mechanism allows the cap to sit over the cervix, blocking sperm from entering the uterus and preventing fertilization. For people with vaginas who…
Sex Education Within Schools
Opinions regarding what constitutes an effective and appropriate sex education vary between countries, nations, cultures, and even among families. The sex education curriculum of any given society typically reflects the dominant cultural values and norms of the greater community. There has yet to be a nation today to achieve comprehensive standards. In past decades, “abstinence-only” sex education programs…
OraQuick In-Home HIV Testing
Being exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be a frightening experience, and testing to determine one’s HIV status can be even more worrisome. Though HIV poses many health complications, it also comes with a heavy stigma that may discourage many individuals from getting tested for the virus in a public setting. Additionally, HIV testing…
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (trick-oh-mo-NEYE-ah-sis), or “trich,” is an infection in the vagina or the male urethra and prostate gland caused by the microscopic, single-celled protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis.1 While this protozoan can affect both males and females, it typically affects females more. About 3.7 million people have the infection in the United States, while only 30% ever develop symptoms.2 The good news is…
Pubic Lice
Trigger warning: This article includes graphic and highly detailed photos of pubic lice infestations that some people may find upsetting. If you wish to proceed, do so with caution of the explicit imagery. Pubic lice, often referred to as “crabs” due to their claw-like front legs, are small parasitic insects.3 Also known as “Phthirus pubis”…
An Overview of Parasitic Infections
A parasitic infection is a disease that is transmitted by parasites. Parasites are microscopic organisms that live inside or on the exterior of a larger host, using the host as their food source.1 There are three types of parasites that target humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Protozoa are microscopic, one-celled organisms that can pass to…