Sexual Health in the News Nov 29 - Dec 5
Dec 05, 2019
NCSH in the News
The HPV Vaccine Is Safe, Why Do Health Experts Still Have to Remind Us of That Fact? – Well + Good
Despite studies over the last 12 years proving the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, only about half of adolescents are up to date on the vaccine. Experts discuss how stigma continues to play a role in uptake. NCSH arranged the interviews with Dr. Ana Cepin, Dr. H. Hunter Handsfield, and CDC expert Dr. Tom Shimabukuro.
Other News This Week
For HIV-Positive Babies, New Evidence Favors Starting Drug Treatment Just After Birth – NPR
New research shows support for starting drug treatment for HIV-positive babies as soon as possible. Babies given antiretrovirals in their first few days had 200 times less virus in their blood than those who started a few months after birth.
How a Grey’s Anatomy Episode Led to An Increase in Sexual Assault Awareness – Glamour
A recent study showed that an episode of Grey’s Anatomy that focused on sexual assault led to increased use of a sexual assault hotline, increased internet searches related to sexual assault, and increased social media posts on the topic.
HIV Prevention Drugs Are Available for Free: How Do You Get Them? – NPR
The Trump Administration recently unveiled a plan to distribute HIV prevention medication free to individuals who do not have prescription drug insurance coverage.
Tinder Lets Known Sex Offenders Use the App. It’s Not the Only One. – BuzzFeed
Match Group, which owns most major online dating services, screens for sexual predators on Match.com—but not on Tinder, OkCupid, or Plenty of Fish. A spokesperson said, “There are definitely registered sex offenders on our free products.”
The Debate Over Whether to Ban “Virginity Testing,” Explained – Vox
The rapper T.I. sparked nationwide controversy when he revealed he takes his 18-year-old daughter to the doctor every year to check if she is a virgin. Since then, one state has introduced legislation that aims to ban the practice, calling it “a form of violence against girls and women.”
12 Safe Word Options and How to Effectively Use One in the Bedroom – Cosmopolitan
Experts discuss safe words, why they are important, when to use them, why you need one even if you don’t think you do, and how to come up with one that’s right for you and your partner(s).
How Herpes Became a Sexual Boogeyman – Slate
It’s not a serious health threat. The CDC doesn’t even recommend regular testing. So how did herpes get so aggressively feared?
Pennsylvania Bill Would Require Burials, Cremation for Fetal Remains After Abortion, Miscarriage – The Hill
A new bill known as the Final Disposition of Fetal Remain Acts seeks to require health care facilities in Pennsylvania to bury or cremate the remains of a fetus after an abortion or miscarriage if they are not claimed by a parent for disposition.
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
