Media Center

The Pandemic Has Not Caused a Super-Gonorrhea Outbreak, But Experts Say It Could – INSIDER
COVID-19 has not created a super strain of gonorrhea, but experts say the over-prescription of antibiotics during this pandemic could be making the STI more resistant to treatment. NCSH arranged the interviews with coalition member, Dr. Ned Hook, and Dr. Peter Leone.

5 Sexually Transmitted Diseases You Might Not Know You Have – LetsGetChecked
Of the 20 million new STIs in the U.S. each year, roughly 85% show no symptoms. Learn more about 5 common STIs, how to spot subtle signs of infection, and when to seek help. NCSH arranged the interview with Dr. Peter Leone.

5 Things You’re Doing to Your Vagina That You Shouldn’t Be – The Everygirl
To get to the bottom of what people need to know about vaginal (and vulvar) health, this story turned to two doctors to explain what you might be doing, but that you really, really shouldn’t be. NCSH arranged the interview with Dr. Kelly Treder.

Why It’s Easy to Get Help for an STD – LetsGetChecked
A positive STD result can bring up a flurry of questions. Who gave it to me? Have I given it to someone else? Am I going to be OK? But your outlook for treatment is good. NCSH arranged the interview with coalition member Jenelle Marie Pierce, The STI Project.

Teen Romance in the Age of COVID: What Parents Need to Know – The Washington Post
Teens need open dialogue and support more than ever right now, as the pandemic has created new complexities around sexuality (think coronavirus risks) while posing barriers to reliable sources of education and protection. NCSH member, Brittany McBride, of Advocates for Youth, is quoted.

Why Is Herpes Stigma Still a Thing? – InsideHook
Activists have been fighting a dominant, fear-mongering herpes narrative for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic might be shedding new light on the flaws in society’s response to highly transmissible viruses. This story mentions The STI Project, an NCSH member.

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Other News This Week

LGBTQ People Now Eligible for Domestic Violence Protections in All 50 States – NBC News
North Carolina was the last remaining state in the country to bar same-sex couples from domestic violence protections.

Texas Is What the End of Legal Abortion Looks Like – VICE
After Texas used the pandemic as a reason to block the procedure, the number of people who fled the state to undergo abortions skyrocketed, as did second-trimester abortions.

Should Straight Actors Still Play Gay Characters? ‘It’s Complicated’ – NBC News
While many straight actors have been praised for their performances in LGBTQ roles, some argue only queer actors have the authenticity to bring these parts to life.