Evelyn, 28, IUD
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By: health
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June 3, 2016
Evelyn has never been great at following routines, so she chose a super low-maintenance method— the non-hormonal IUD , Paragard. Evelyn chose the non-hormonal IUD because it’s the longest lasting IUD available (up to 12 years!), which also makes it the most cost-effective. When Evelyn was dating, she used condoms and got tested regularly to […]
Devon, 19, condoms, withdrawal, and emergency contraception
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By: health
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May 25, 2016
Devon has been using condoms to protect against STIs and pregnancy since he first started having sex. There are so many types of condoms to experiment with—studded, pleasure packs, and more—and Devon loves trying them out. He notes that flavored condoms can, “add an extra kick to the experience.” Occasionally, Devon opts to use withdrawal […]
Tee, 21, not right now
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By: health
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May 19, 2016
Tee used to be sexually active with guys and tried the pill but had trouble remembering to take it every day. (Bedsider reminders can help with that if you’re in the same boat.) The patch irritated Tee’s skin. Now that Tee only dates women, pregnancy protection isn’t an issue. Tee does use barrier methods, though, […]
Gone Viral: 6 things you should know about herpes
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By: health
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April 28, 2016
Genital herpes is one of the most feared and misunderstood sexually transmitted infections (STIs, a.k.a. STDs). Here are 6 things you probably didn’t know about this virus (but should) in honor of STD Awareness Month . 1. You’re having sex on the tip of an enormous iceberg. You might ask a prospective sex partner whether […]
Goodbye waiting rooms: How to get health care online
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By: health
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April 7, 2016
Too busy for a trip to see a health care provider, or live really far away from one? Using a telemedicine service (a.k.a. a “virtual visit” with a provider), you can skip the waiting room and communicate with a provider using your phone or computer—from home or any other private location. Although it doesn’t work […]
How to get tested for HIV
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By: health
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March 1, 2016
Getting tested for HIV is a standard part of health care for U.S. adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all people between ages 13 and 64 be tested at least once. Your health care provider may recommend testing more often depending on your personal risks. The good news is that […]
BTW, you should get tested: How to tell someone you have an STI
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By: health
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February 17, 2016
Sex is awesome—sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not. Unfortunately, STIs (a.k.a. STDs) are pretty common , so it’s a good idea to get tested regularly. But what do you do if the test reveals that you have an STI? Step 1: Get on top of your health, Step 2: Share the (uncomfortable) news If you’ve […]
When should I start getting Pap smears?
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By: health
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February 1, 2016
Women should start getting Pap smears at age 21 , and continue to get one every three years until they’re 30. Women 30 to 65 may be able to get screened even less frequently—every three to five years. Women with certain risk factors may need to have more frequent Pap smears, so talk to your […]
Can guys get the HPV vaccine too?
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By: health
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February 1, 2016
Yes, the CDC recommends that guys under 27 get the HPV vaccine . original post
When should I start going to the gynecologist or a health clinic?
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By: health
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February 1, 2016
It’s ideal to start visiting a gynecologist before you start having sex . If you don’t have any health problems, these visits just involve talking with your health care provider. All women should start getting Pap smears and pelvic exams beginning at age 21. original post