--- title: STIs date: 2023-07-24T16:30:00-04:00 canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/topic/stis" section: Blog Categories --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [From the Archives of Our Bodies, Our Blog](/blog)# STIs [## The Fox Guarding the Hen House: A New Battle Over Birth Control](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-fox-guarding-the-hen-house-a-new-battle-over-birth-control)Read [Last week, President Trump appointed fervent anti-contraception activist Teresa Manning to head up Title X, the nation’s family planning program. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-fox-guarding-the-hen-house-a-new-battle-over-birth-control) [![9402801764 fd5d363b4a k](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-fox-guarding-the-hen-house-a-new-battle-over-birth-control) [Last week, President Trump appointed fervent anti-contraception activist Teresa Manning to head up Title X, the nation’s family planning program. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-fox-guarding-the-hen-house-a-new-battle-over-birth-control) [## Putting Prevention in the Hands of Women: Combining Contraception with HIV & STI Prevention](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/putting-prevention-in-the-hands-of-women)Read [Women want and need protection methods that will both provide contraception and prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/putting-prevention-in-the-hands-of-women) [![Woman and child](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEzElEQVRIiY2WXdccRw2Eq6Se2Q8nB0Lg8Pu44o7/7WDjmBA773Sriovu2V0DF/TR9sxeTD1qSaMR//q3vxAIOI2kN3AL7plb2/b9su3X7Xrbrvd2u7frPa/3uF5jv3Lf2TZkc4RJG7KkUpXGcA1VWWUpAACwYbwuAlzX/2t5bX78gQ0ADbaXjmGAIAiAayNBkE/keho2YNvPq21bjxtYtpvt53NcDpMEyKV/Yh7e2jhtEmTLkiTZWreWbDVbS/4Rkun7XAgyTjA9Dz4v013I4AugpHLVIwfNqqnoRZg+kwwyTgwX41T39BS0aZwnqDGTrBp+AlwwDYCBiDO/LwysHSDMR0Qga7qPiStVqYZqzEJaAFSBMIgwDTpWgKbuYpCP/BiyIanKskhhVeip3l0vAGtgun/uU2vGPmaUVv1wBadsWpBoAfWMz7TuyViA6gBncMCg/W2IpjoJwrBmvKUqyUUKLvvpfnWPruqoYRVUDaODtBMAI2jRjnWOp630zmyWZBYtouyySlUv6h4d6q6Cq2EcYDAEECHKs57CZ7Zn9E91lwxKEFHAsEoqLfc1uutAdVeHBqQJIHIjg9GYCuvJMGhAoAwZOn+UgAJWza/4HD4BWIBqHG9coQ/GRokyZWqqe9oMvUv2Kp6a3UBVKlWvldsDyzo0YDUeXxlJmUjmYBUlzgKxl+MlhzDVY7mvFX2pRmlG/6F+sDo14GrRv5IZDcEWOdhqMUosYVoIo+xwQGGDsw1Jsko1XK++H6yDOqhBq8XxC7mFGdwie4zBUaxCCVXTzILDpkNmaDUfz/KB+gPAp/oJyLePjEuIwZ15ZRucjBzMgShwAAHDsiO9Wt5sRwUN16D6qf5GHaEj1OkJ+A2Mt9z+GbxF3CKPyM7WkQM5EN0MgJAdNusFIKigYnWoL8frCB+pHn4AvoCJrF+TXyLvzIOtIzviABsQNiEgZZYZImerhjTfVapDgzpCPdTDPd3DIzwItfwX2JCF4KeId5FX5htjZzQzjbMbZJkpxusJ6KIKGqFO91BP98RIV2CEi1BrH8Ad8T0SbxG/Mm+MC2IzEw4L2swhZ1OkJ2B9cEQrVPCgR3gERvNIVKISDppAyw52xBeEkfwYvIE7sdQtYZTb7mh+AGZrtWHBIipciZGsRDUq4aTTINEaACCMfI9AJz4TGxwQXPIobAPZ5wnE9GrnhkGIcFCBSqqxWqhBjU6sL0nLc14IgO8R/gedEFDCKPfu7YLcnM0xp6DwGglmL3TSGcrwFm5WIxqYRDI4AQDiNP4E9r+jd/fD13fYr9guaLtzUzZHOmJ+XEkyEMkIZKIBDWj0BjQyySSeAD4AAD4Bn3/GH3/2ux9x/Q77zdvFbfM8RzZHIpMZzIgWmZFgI1twA9u8JyIQRIsXwHO8EvATjI/44aPvicsP3u7ermo7th1tQ9uwtdhaOAOZkelInySyBSP4DeBleFsDCgF/gj8V8MG/g++B6x98+Q77jZcLdSE2csvcwkgzgVzBiXlD8gnA/2I898/wZ/n2Ab//gPuf4e+JYtwiSUUoAg7glRFkBBu/BfzHejCWfQU6+Kf3SKAFK6kMZaCFHUAQgce0E7NSv3H/v9dDfa0BfAX6LxzHbHbrpYMJ82UynBPJvwEaI9CfLeKTqQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/putting-prevention-in-the-hands-of-women) [Women want and need protection methods that will both provide contraception and prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/putting-prevention-in-the-hands-of-women) [## 5 Reasons To Celebrate Planned Parenthood On Its 100th Birthday](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/5-reasons-to-celebrate-planned-parenthood-on-their-100th-birthday)Read [One hundred years ago, the first family planning clinic opened its doors in the US. Today, Planned Parenthood is in all 50 states. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/5-reasons-to-celebrate-planned-parenthood-on-their-100th-birthday) [![Cu5rziiuiaavrbf](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/5-reasons-to-celebrate-planned-parenthood-on-their-100th-birthday) [One hundred years ago, the first family planning clinic opened its doors in the US. Today, Planned Parenthood is in all 50 states. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/5-reasons-to-celebrate-planned-parenthood-on-their-100th-birthday) [## President Obama's Push to Permanently Protect Planned Parenthood](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/president-obamas-push-to-permanently-protect-planned-parenthood)Read [Last week, President Obama proposed a new rule that would effectively bar states from defunding Planned Parenthood for purely political reasons. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/president-obamas-push-to-permanently-protect-planned-parenthood) [![5482284396 3b41c4b808 b](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/president-obamas-push-to-permanently-protect-planned-parenthood) [Last week, President Obama proposed a new rule that would effectively bar states from defunding Planned Parenthood for purely political reasons. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/president-obamas-push-to-permanently-protect-planned-parenthood) [## \#AIDS2016 Reveals A New Way for Women to Protect Themselves Against HIV](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/aids2016-reveals-a-new-way-for-women-to-protect-themselves-against-hiv)Read [A newly developed vaginal ring that releases a continuous flow of an anti-HIV drug significantly reduces a woman’s risk of contracting HIV. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/aids2016-reveals-a-new-way-for-women-to-protect-themselves-against-hiv) [![Resize](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/aids2016-reveals-a-new-way-for-women-to-protect-themselves-against-hiv) [A newly developed vaginal ring that releases a continuous flow of an anti-HIV drug significantly reduces a woman’s risk of contracting HIV. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/aids2016-reveals-a-new-way-for-women-to-protect-themselves-against-hiv) [## If Pelvic Exams For Healthy Women Aren't Helpful, Why Do We Still Do Them?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/if-pelvic-exams-for-healthy-women-arent-helpful-why-do-we-still-do-them)Read [In late June, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concluded that pelvic exams have no proven benefits for healthy women. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/if-pelvic-exams-for-healthy-women-arent-helpful-why-do-we-still-do-them) [![Pelvicexam](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/if-pelvic-exams-for-healthy-women-arent-helpful-why-do-we-still-do-them) [In late June, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concluded that pelvic exams have no proven benefits for healthy women. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/if-pelvic-exams-for-healthy-women-arent-helpful-why-do-we-still-do-them) [## Teaching Young Women to Say Yes to Sexual Pleasure](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/teaching-young-women-to-say-yes-to-sexual-pleasure)Read [Talking openly with young women about sex and pleasure leads to healthier decision making and more comfort with their bodies and sexual pleasure. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/teaching-young-women-to-say-yes-to-sexual-pleasure) [![4884144440 4b2790c36e z](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/teaching-young-women-to-say-yes-to-sexual-pleasure) [Talking openly with young women about sex and pleasure leads to healthier decision making and more comfort with their bodies and sexual pleasure. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/teaching-young-women-to-say-yes-to-sexual-pleasure) [## A Guide to Cervical Cancer Screening & HPV Vaccines](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/a-guide-to-cervical-cancer-screening-hpv-vaccines)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/a-guide-to-cervical-cancer-screening-hpv-vaccines) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/a-guide-to-cervical-cancer-screening-hpv-vaccines) [## Happy Valentine's Day - A Safer Sex Reminder](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/happy-valentines-day-a-safer-sex-reminder)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/happy-valentines-day-a-safer-sex-reminder) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/happy-valentines-day-a-safer-sex-reminder) [## Getting Personal: What It's Really Like Living With a Sexually Transmitted Infection](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/getting-personal-what-its-really-like-living-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection-sti)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/getting-personal-what-its-really-like-living-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection-sti) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/getting-personal-what-its-really-like-living-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection-sti) [## Study: No Link Between HPV Vaccine and Girls' Sexual Activity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/study-no-link-between-hpv-vaccine-and-girls-sexual-activity)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/study-no-link-between-hpv-vaccine-and-girls-sexual-activity) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/study-no-link-between-hpv-vaccine-and-girls-sexual-activity) [## Getting the Word Out About Female Condoms](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/getting-the-word-out-about-female-condoms)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/getting-the-word-out-about-female-condoms) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/getting-the-word-out-about-female-condoms) [## What's in the New Health Care Law for Women? Well-Woman Visits That Can Improve Your Health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/whats-in-the-new-health-care-law-for-women-well-woman-visits-that-can-improve-your-health)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/whats-in-the-new-health-care-law-for-women-well-woman-visits-that-can-improve-your-health) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/whats-in-the-new-health-care-law-for-women-well-woman-visits-that-can-improve-your-health) [## Institute of Medicine Recommends Birth Control as a Covered Preventive Service](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/institute-of-medicine-recommends-birth-control-as-a-covered-preventive-service)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/institute-of-medicine-recommends-birth-control-as-a-covered-preventive-service) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/institute-of-medicine-recommends-birth-control-as-a-covered-preventive-service) [## Quick Hit: New Data on U.S. Sexually Transmitted Infections](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/quick-hit-new-data-on-u-s-sexually-transmitted-infections)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/quick-hit-new-data-on-u-s-sexually-transmitted-infections) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/quick-hit-new-data-on-u-s-sexually-transmitted-infections) [## National Women's Check-Up Day: Wondering if You Should Get Tested?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/national-womens-check-up-day-wondering-if-you-should-get-tested)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/national-womens-check-up-day-wondering-if-you-should-get-tested) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/national-womens-check-up-day-wondering-if-you-should-get-tested) [## Wrap-Up: STD Prevention Conference, HIV/AIDS Awareness & Female Condoms in D.C.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/wrap-up-std-prevention-conference-hivaids-awareness-female-condoms-in-d-c)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/wrap-up-std-prevention-conference-hivaids-awareness-female-condoms-in-d-c) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/wrap-up-std-prevention-conference-hivaids-awareness-female-condoms-in-d-c) [## Panel de la FDA recomienda vacuna contra el cáncer cervicouterino; Joven de Florida se opone a Gardasil como vía a la ciudadanía](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/panel-de-la-fda-recomienda-vacuna-contra-el-cancer-cervicouterino-joven-de-florida-se-opone-a-gardasil-como-via-a-la-ciudadania)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/panel-de-la-fda-recomienda-vacuna-contra-el-cancer-cervicouterino-joven-de-florida-se-opone-a-gardasil-como-via-a-la-ciudadania) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/panel-de-la-fda-recomienda-vacuna-contra-el-cancer-cervicouterino-joven-de-florida-se-opone-a-gardasil-como-via-a-la-ciudadania) [## CDC Officially Reverses HPV Vaccine Requirement for Immigrant Women](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/cdc-officially-reverses-hpv-vaccine-requirement-for-immigrant-women)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/cdc-officially-reverses-hpv-vaccine-requirement-for-immigrant-women) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/cdc-officially-reverses-hpv-vaccine-requirement-for-immigrant-women) [## FDA Panel Recommends Cervical Cancer Vaccine; Florida Teen Objects to Gardasil as Path to Citizenship](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/fda-panel-recommends-cervical-cancer-vaccine-florida-teen-objects-to-gardasil-as-path-to-citizenship)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/fda-panel-recommends-cervical-cancer-vaccine-florida-teen-objects-to-gardasil-as-path-to-citizenship) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/fda-panel-recommends-cervical-cancer-vaccine-florida-teen-objects-to-gardasil-as-path-to-citizenship) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)