Sexual Health in the News January 22 - January 28
Jan 28, 2021
NCSH in the News
Plan B Won’t Affect Your Fertility, But It Can Cause Other Side Effects and Isn’t an Effective Long-Term Form of Birth Control – INSIDER
Plan B doesn’t affect your future fertility. But, it shouldn’t be used as long-term birth control since it can cause irregular bleeding, headaches, and fatigue; also, other birth control methods are more effective. NCSH arranged the interview with Dr. Kate White.
Other News This Week
1 in 5 Americans Has an STD: CDC – US News
CDC estimates that on any given day in the U.S. there were 67.6 million sexually transmitted infections in 2018. Nearly half of newly acquired STIs occurred in people aged 15 to 24 years, and new cases in 2018 would result in nearly $16 billion in direct medical costs, the report said.
Biden’s Planned Actions on Reproductive Health Care, Explained – Vox
The president intends to reverse some of Trump’s biggest restrictions and make it easier for providers around the world to offer the full range of reproductive health care.
Advocates Brace for Anti-LGBTQ Backlash at State Level After Biden Victory – NBC News
More than 20 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in over a dozen states, according to the advocacy group Freedom for All Americans, but there’s positive action in some states and at the federal level.
COVID-19 Lockdowns Could Result in 300,000 Fewer US Babies This Year, and Long-Lasting Economic Impact – The Hill
The birth rate in the United States has been declining for years, falling to a record low in 2020. A new report by NBCLX found that birthrates are dropping at a faster rate than in previous years.
7 Ways to Rekindle Intimacy in Your Relationship That Don’t Involve Sex – HuffPost
If you want a better sex life, experts say work on improving your emotional intimacy and closeness with your partner.
OK, Let’s Talk About Swallowing & Oral Sex During Pregnancy – Romper
Sex during pregnancy can be challenging due to morning sickness or trouble getting comfortable. Thankfully, oral sex is usually a comfortable way to get it on when you’re expecting. Experts provide guidelines on how to do so safely, based on the latest studies.
A New Option for Morning-After Contraception? – The New York Times
A hormonal IUD may work as well as morning-after pills for preventing pregnancy, a new study suggests.
Media Inquiries
For general media inquiries about sexual health topics and/or to schedule an interview with one of our experts, please contact Susan Gilbert, NCSH Co-Director, at
susan.gilbert@altarum.org