Rethinking the Blow Job: Condoms or Gonorrhea? Take Your Pick

Gonorrhea — also known as "the clap," possibly because doctors used to believe the sexually transmitted infection was treatable by slamming a heavy object down on one's penis (yes, really) — is the second most commonly reported infectious disease in the United States, after chlamydia. And it's on the rise, with the…
Oral Sex More Dangerous for Dudes
One in ten men are orally infected with the human papillomavirus, the nasty microscopic villain that can cause cancer of the genitals or throat. Because it's tough to test for the virus without a tissue sample and most of the infected don't know they have it, many don't think they're at risk for HPV-caused throat…
Columbus Totally Gave Everyone Syphilis
Researchers initially doubted the theory that Columbus and his crew brought syphilis back to Europe from the New World, because 50 European skeletons allegedly dating back to before Columbus's first voyage showed signs of the disease. But now biologist George Armelagos and his team have reexamined the skeletons, and…
Gates Foundation May Have Stopped 100,000 HIV Infections
According to a new study, the Gates Foundation's Avahan program, which involves sex ed, needle exchanges, and condom distribution among other efforts, has averted over 100,000 cases of HIV in India. And because every silver cloud has a dark lining, some are criticizing the study methodology. Still, World Health…
LA's Cool Plan To Fight STDs
Los Angeles County once had 36 clinics testing and treating sexually transmitted infections. That was in 1996; today, thanks to budget cuts, there are only twelve. Meanwhile, the county currently ranks first in the nation for numbers of chlamydia cases and second for gonorrhea, and the worst hit are young…
Woman Has Affair, Sues Lover For Giving Her Herpes
A Wisconsin woman is suing a man for $350,000 for giving her herpes. She hopes to get a payout from his homeowner and auto insurance. They were both married to other people at the time, but spent a day having an affair in Madison, the suit said.
The Porn Performer STD Database Is Back
A controversial database containing the STI statuses of porn performers is back, in slightly revised form. The porn industry has argued that the database, which contains results from tests conducted every 30 days and can take a performer out of commission, works better than mandatory condom use.
You're Getting Tested For HPV Too Often, Apparently
A new study says women are getting tested for HPV too often. You'd be forgiven for being confused.
FDA Approves New HPV Test
The FDA has approved a new test for HPV, which detects risk of cervical cancer even when a pap smear comes out normal.
The Alleged Rise Of The Female Condom
USA Today says female condoms are "making a comeback in U.S. cities." The evidence? Scant. But let's take a look at why no one goes crazy over this form of contraception.
Porn Industry Paper Blasts New York Times Coverage
Last week, The New York Times published a piece about the ongoing debate about condoms use in pornography production. Now, a reporter on the inside is calling bullshit.
Disturbing Evidence Of Race Bias In STD Screenings
A new study has found that young black or Hispanic women are more likely to be screened for chlamydia than white women, suggesting that providers could have biased ideas about who's likely to get an STD.
HIV-Positive Porn Actor Wants Mandatory Condom Usage
The porn actor who tested HIV positive in October has gone public — and he has some harsh words for the industry health protections for performers. He also says condoms should be required in all porn.
