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Minding the unplanned pregnancy gap
There are some things—acne, awkwardness, a curfew—it’s generally safe to look forward to outgrowing once your teenage years are behind you. One hazard that’s not so easily shed? Unplanned pregnancy. According to a report from the Guttmacher Institute , the proportion of US pregnancies that are unintended—already higher than other developed countries—rose slightly from 2001 […]
There’s STI good news and bad news
There’s STI good news: What if there was a shot that protected you against not just HPV but against every virus out there? We aren’t there yet, but some MIT researchers recently made a major leap toward developing one—they’ve invented an across-the-board virus-killer that’s proven safe and effective when tested in mice. It’s got a […]
Keeping the faith
Religious OB-GYNs, especially those who are Hindu, Catholic, or Protestant, are more likely to believe that abstinence counseling works than doctors with no religious affiliation, according to a recent study. This isn’t too surprising considering that doctors are people too and carry their beliefs with them to their jobs. The study didn’t look at whether […]
Up close and personal: What to expect at the gyno
Everything about you is lovely and amazing—including your lady parts—and regular gynecological visits will keep it that way. Yes, you’re going to have to wear a skimpy, paper examination gown. Yes, the doctor is going to see your vagina in all its glory. Do it anyway. A Typical Appointment Usually Includes… Health history: You’ll answer […]
Peeing is believing: What you should know about sex and UTIs
UTI stands for urinary tract infection and 75% of the time they are triggered by having sex. It’s a totally common health issue. It has nothing to do with your personal hygiene. And getting one can be painful, so here are a few tips to help prevent them. Going to the bathroom is key. You […]
The common cold of the sexually active world: HPV
One of my patients’ most common questions is, “Um, I’ve got some new bumps…down there. Can you check them out?” First off, if you ever notice something of concern “down there,” please go see your doctor or nurse and get it checked out right away. Often these new bumps are harmless, caused by ingrown hairs. […]
Um, can I get pregnant if…?
Pregnancy scares: most people have one at some point. Even when you know how pregnancy happens , most textbooks don’t cover what specific sex acts could result in pregnancy. So let’s talk details… Can I get pregnant if there was no penetration? Yep. Sperm are very efficient swimmers. Anytime semen gets inside your vagina or […]
Skip the pelvic, please!
Going to see a health care provider can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. But there’s good news: the visit may be as simple as talking to your provider. You may not need to have a pelvic exam or Pap smear depending on the reason for your visit. If all you […]
How to Get Birth Control Over the Counter
This article was updated on October 14, 2014. National chain stores and pharmacies such as Target and Walmart often carry a diverse selection of over-the-counter birth control methods. As long as you’ve got a will, plus the following things, there’s a way: A way to get there. We’re talking physically going to the store, so, […]
Birth control and infertility: Does using birth control hurt my chances of getting pregnant later?
Women under 30 years old are incredibly fertile—their ability to get pregnant is at its peak. In the U.S., about three in four sexually active women under 30 are using some type of birth control. But many of them ask me, does using birth control now hurt my chances of getting pregnant in the future? […]
