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Call for questions: STIs (Patreon)

Published:
2025-12-13 00:28:27
Imported:
2026-06

Content

STI stands for "sexually transmitted infection," an update from sexually transmitted disease (STD) and veneral disease (VD). Whatever you call them, I'll be asking an expert about them. This expert is a professor, researcher, author, and medical consultant for the CDC's Division of STD Prevention. Her education approach is both scientific and sex-positive so this will be a great discussion on STI prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Leave your questions in the comments below! And let me know if you prefer I not read your name for this episode.

Deadline: Monday, December 15 at 5pm PST

Files

Comments

emily burns

how do dental dams actually work and why don’t people use them?

emily burns

are STIs curable or just treatable?

Person

Why are some people asymptomatic?

Person

And what happens when they go untreated?

Damsel Cosplay

I'm a sex educator! I'd love to have the ologoist address: What are the various exposure-to-infection windows for common STIs? How big of a deal is Herpes, REALLY, since 50-90% of adults have HSV-1 or HSV-2? What's their recommended testing frequency/practices for non monogamous people or people who have a lot of sex?

Emily Akin

Which STI is most unfairly villainized in today’s society?

Matt and Lesley

1) Tell us about the genetic therapies still in testing that have cured individuals with HIV/AIDS! #reagansucks 2) Is monkeypox technically an STI or is it just a respiratory disease heavily impacting the HIV+ community? 3) Please talk about the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation “Next Generation Condom” challenge! 4) The WWII Venereal Disease propaganda posters that probably inspired the Friends “What Mario isn’t telling you/Joey has VD” bit.

Emily Akin

Also, why do STIs still feel morally loaded when most are common, treatable, or manageable?

Emily Oxford

So excited for this episode. I spend a lot of time in my community advocating for testing and open conversations. First time question asker, and I have several! How likely is it to contract an STI through oral sex? Why don’t we have better HPV testing for men? How many people actually have herpes and if it’s so common worldwide, why is it more stigmatized than other infections? Are there any STIs that are currently untreatable? What’s the deal with gardnerella and BV? Is this an STI? Why do only vulva havers experience symptoms? Love you, pod dad!

Lizzy Martinez

I've had many conversations with friends about the efficacy of the HPV vaccine many millennials received around 2009ish. What do we know now than we did almost 20 years ago?

Piper Warnick

I am a polyamorous person who has multiple sexual partners, who in turn have other sexual partners themselves. Assuming no one has known STIs and I'm not symptomatic which STI test should I get regularly?

Ben Sparrow

Can one get tested for being a carrier of an STI? I’m thinking mostly of HPV, but it can apply to any STI that can be acquired and remain symptomless/dormant.

Crystal Wilson

Is there any updates on treatments for drug-resistant gonorrhea?

Melanie Ang

How can sex education be changed so STIs are less stigmatised? Are there things clinics can do that would make people who go for testing feel safer and thus encourage more testing?

Erin Dewberry

If you could change ONE THING about how the AIDS/HIV epidemic was managed, what would it be?

rowantree

How are sexism, misogyny, the patriarchy, and STIs connected? Throughout history and what we see today in culture?

Erin Dewberry

Do cold sores mean I have an STI? Cause I definitely had them when I was a child and not sexually interacting with people

Lily Bee

Can the ologist talk about kissing babies and the herpes virus ?? I was so cautious about this when my toddler was a newborn/infant and I don’t know if it was valid (or my PPA lol)

Em

What’s the first documented case of a STI in history? Did they at the time even know it was what we today call a STI?

Adam Foote

Are there any unexpected viruses or other infections that can be transmitted sexually?

Jaz

This may sound silly. But how do people try for a baby without increasing their risk of STIs? E.g. If stopping using condoms etc. Is testing regularly beforehand and during an important element? I feel like STIs and trying to conceive rarely gets addressed and I genuinely don't know what people do to help reduce risks if they want children too. Thanks for considering, Jasmine.

Jaz

Really looking forward to this topic btw, RSE topics are such an important area for more information and sci comm!

Rachel Hartshorn

1. Are ureaplasma and mycoplasma STIs that should be routinely tested for in reproductive aged women? 2. Is BV an STI that should now be treated in men?

Adam Foote

Do any STIs have different symptoms based on how they were transmitted (i.e., oral sex vs. intercourse)?

BeckytheSassySeagrassScientist

What are some basic suggestions for designing a responsible, non alarmist and sex positive risk management system that could help folks get out there and get some with confidence in this wild world? (Testing schedules? Barrier suggestions? Vaccines?)

Bopie

Back in the 80s the STI of heavy social discussion was herpes. Does not seem much mentioned now? Less prevalent or less interesting?

BeckytheSassySeagrassScientist

What's the real deal with HSV/Herpes? Do most people already have it? Can it be spread without an outbreak? Why are we so scared of this one in particular?

Marla J

What percentage of the population actually has sexually transmitted genital herpes? I've heard 1/3rd for Gen-Xers. More for everyone who was in their 20's during the 80's. Does it change for different generations or stay steady? Why isn't there more education about managing it? Is a cure on the way? How is sexually transmitted herpes different from other types? I know people who've had it for years and say it has sort of just gone away as they've aged - is that true? Or has their body immunity and taking anti-virals just sort of put it in permanent hibernation? I've also known people who've had it for 30+ years and never given it to their partners because they were super careful and did everything right (unlike the piece of shit who lied and gave it to them). It isn't that difficult.

BeckytheSassySeagrassScientist

How has society chosen which sti's to particularly stigmatize? Has this changed over time or vary geographically?

Kristin 🦦

How many STIs cause issues with reproductive health longterm, eg infertility, fetal health problems, etc?

Addie Cappello she her

🥴my face at this topic but also I’m glad it’s happening because it’s so important. How do we stop the stigmas with advocating for healthy privates!? lol sexual health is SO important and needs to be addressed appropriately. Can the Ologist speak to the battle to make this a part of our overall health and wellbeing conversation instead of a closeted topic? Does the ologist have resource recommendations for people who need help talking about this topic with a partner? Safety is sexy (in my opinion) this is not a question but a giant PSA that being able to talk about this is a MAJOR green flag between potential partners. What is the difference between the herpes types? Genital versus the ones that blister on your lips when you’re stressed or exposed to too much sun without spf. Warts- also a form of herpes? Is there a difference between the ones you get as a kid and the ones you get from sexual contact? Is the STI blood panel you’d get through a physician all inclusive? Are there STIs that will not show up on a blood test? It’s been a long time since HS health class. Can you talk about the current information surrounding HIV? I think there are more meds now that have come a long way and I’m interested to know more. Can you also talk about the transition from HIV to AIDS? What’s happening biologically? Are there more advances for AIDS now than previously? We did an activity way back when in school where some kids got a card with symptoms they had to read and others had to guess the STI based on the symptoms. I don’t remember what mine was, but the symptoms were rashes on the hands and feet. What STI is this and can you elaborate on why the hands and feet are affected? Please feel free to say my name out loud. I’m all for advocating for this being normalized (in the appropriate context!) Addie - she/her 🤓 Thank you!!!

Nicky G

Why has BV been reclassified as an STI? Are there STIs that have been eradicated?

Addie Cappello she her

Same here!! They’re AWFUL. Both because they are painful and people then look at you weird 🤦🏼‍♀️

ValBeListening

What's the most common STI? Is the anti-vaccine movement leading to a higher prevalence of STIs?

Kimberly

What’s the update on monkeypox? It was all over the news and my hospital sent out a flurry of emails and notifications on treatment and care for it and then it seemed like it disappeared. Is this because there was a vaccine readily available and accessible so it didn’t spread?

ScienceInTheArt

Are there even reliable tests for HSV-n when asymptomatic? Asking for a friend in a retirement home.

ZZ

Do STIs change over time (like the flu)? Why aren't several STIs included in a regular screeniny panel? Who first researched STIs/how did we come to understand how they were transmitted? Not a question but a plug - DoxyPEP and PREP are amazing and more people need to know about them

Maddy Barnard

What makes something a STI versus any disease carried by fluids? How does that shape funding and public perception? Thinking about the monkeypox outbreak coverage that felt like a resurgence of the hatred of gay men during the HIV/AIDS outbreak.

Jen

goblinprince

a little bird told me that a very long time ago a guy fucked a goat and created an std and that’s the origin story… is that how certain stds got created?

goblinprince

how close are we to finding a cure for aids?

Sarah with an h

Chlamydia. I'll be taking no follow-up questions.

Heather

Why do doctors allow the stigma of herpes to persist? Why don’t they provide some real public education on the subject?

Sarah with an h

What's new and exciting in STD prevention technology? Hear me out: UV dildo that kills everything?

Ricky G!

Can STI’s be created independently or do they all come from a certain case?

Ricky G!

What is mono and what are its effects?

haille ragusa

where in the hooting hollering HECK did they come from??

haille ragusa

Why can’t we create STI vaccines?

haille ragusa

Do any animals other than Koalas get STIs?? Why or why not.

Ettegoom

What kinds of patterns do you see in terms of social attitudes toward STIs and their prevalence in particular groups? Does reducing stigma reduce spread/improve treatment.

A softly boiled egg

How much do we have to worry about gonorrhea? I hear there are drug resistant super gonorrhea strains but also a new vaccine

Ettegoom

I work in a medical centre and we see a lot of parents of boys asking why their son should get the HPV vaccine, when it's for preventing cervical cancer. And equally, parents of girls who don't want their daughter to get the vaccine because it's associated with sex and STIs. Do you know any effective strategies for encouraging these folk to vaccinate?

Ettegoom

There's a vaccine for HPV now

Ettegoom

I'm really interested in how -isms (schism, racism, homophobia etc) influence attitudes toward STIs. And how STIs affect -isms and prejudices. I'm also concerned about the impact of the funding cuts to sexual health clinics worldwide with the current US government... do you have thoughts around this?

Ettegoom

"How do we stop the stigmas with advocating for healthy privates!? lol sexual health is SO important and needs to be addressed appropriately. Can the Ologist speak to the battle to make this a part of our overall health and wellbeing conversation instead of a closeted topic? " THIS!!

Joey Zweig

I feel like I’ve never gotten a clear answer on this. Can someone get genital herpes from receiving oral from someone with oral herpes? I know there are different strains but I don’t remember which is which.

L. Wink

FYI: most education is based on local school boards…so many of ways subjects are taught or what is included come from those few people on the board and leadership.

L. Wink

Basic question: how do you define sex? If a cold is transmitted during sex…does that make it a STI?

Joey Zweig

I would love to know about the statistics when it comes to STI transmission between people with vaginas? I don’t know anyone who uses dental dams and I would love to know the risks (and other precautions to take)

Empress of Smallwood

What STI or STD do you think has had the largest impact on human history?

Empress of Smallwood

Are there any anatomical attributes that make an individual more prone to contracting STIs?

Anna Guzman

Im curious to learn more about the group of women in Nairobi who seem to have a resistance to HIV and if they have helped us get closer to developing a cure.

Mckaylia Marshall

I’ve heard they’ve stopped testing for herpes when doing STD testing because the virus is so pervasive that basically everyone has it. Do you think that this strategy is good public health practice? Can you also address the accuracy of these tests?

Mckaylia Marshall

Can someone with a vagina get a yeast infection or BV by having penetrative sex with someone who has a penis? Do some penises have a micro biome that makes a yeast infection with their partner more likely?

Ara Victor

Is there any significant differences in infection rates dependant on sexuality? As a lesbian its come to my attention recently that we tend to use less protections overall

Maggie

How would you recommend deciding on a testing schedule for different forms of relationships? (Ie Longterm monogamy, slut girl summer, different kinds of polyamory etc) Any advice for navigating sti and std healthcare for trans, gender non conforming, and queer ppl? What about disability and navigating sexual healthcare? Any advice or statistics or info for us? I especially would benefit not from specific resources (most folks know about planned parenthood and how to find different kinds of clinics in their area I think), but from language or skills or mindsets to use to help me and my fellow disabled queers to advocate for ourselves in difficult settings (unvetted doctors, new partners, OLD partners, etc). SO EXCITED FOR THIS TOPIC

Tracy Woodard

In harm reduction work, I've found the most efficient way to get condoms to sex workers is to let that one guy grab ALL the free condoms and then sell them on the street for a dollar apiece, since that is a) way cheaper than market value, b) nobody buys a condom unless they plan to use it, and c) that guy is doing the work of five field workers. Public health policy makers have feelings about this, can you weigh in?

Paul Alcantra

Can cancer be caused by HPV, EBV or any other STI? If yes, how is the cancer treated?

MeganTheLibrarian765

How did koala’s get chlamydia and why is it such a problem with them? Is it the same strain humans get?

Sunflower star

If I had HPV but had the lining of my cervix frozen off, and normal pap smears after, could it still come back? Are we at greater risks since health care has gotten so expensive and difficult to access, and does that mean researchers may be seeing a rise in STIs (in the US anyway?) How do rates compare to other places, and has education changed much in the last 20-50 years around them?

Sarah Burkhalter

How many strains of HPV are there? I was vaccinated as a kid but still contracted it. Thankfully my colposcopy and later pap smears have all come back normal!

Katy

I kind of love how out there this idea is but I'm also thinking, "Oh yes, trade one kind of cancer for another!"

Andrew McVay

Yes, this! I remember from health classes in 2000/2001 that something like 2/3 of adult Americans have oral herpes and have had it since year 1 because adults are kissing babies on the mouth!

Andrew McVay

Yeah, don’t elephants have problems with STIs?

Charlton

Why are some STIs spread specifically in gay male communities, ie AIDS, monkey pox, is it related to anal sex, if so, why?

Charlton

How do STIs affect male and female biologies differently? Is this different again for bodies that have or are medically transitioning?

Charlton

Why are some STIs asymptomatic/some people don’t show symptoms? Does this differ between male and female bodies?

Bennett Vanderbosch

Are there medications similar to PreP that are being developed for other viruses?

Natalie W

Another of many HPV questions: Why are vulva/vagina/cervix-havers more likely to have medical problems with HPV than penis-havers (perhaps genital warts excepted)? I know it is correlated with cervical cancer, having endured a few colposcopies and a LEEP (which I still imagine as a tiiiiny electrified cheese slicer taken to the “abnormal cells” on my cervix), but I’m curious if there are ramifications for the cis-fellas and other penis-havers or if they’re mostly just carriers? If so, do we know why? And can you confirm if it’s still best practice for people of any gender to get the vaccine if they can? Thanks!

Natalie W

Are there silent STIs that no one talks about but still are around? Or any STIs that have essentially been eradicated or herd-immunized or otherwise extinct?

Natalie W

Is it true that safer-sex methods like condoms and dental dams don’t necessarily prevent transmission of HPV and potentially herpes?

Natalie W

Can you talk about STIs among older adults? I hear they run rampant in silver living communities!

Noasusan

Where did most STI's come from? Are they mainly viral or bacterial or fungal? Did we get them from animals?

Natalie W

Is there a yeast infection that impacts penises (or buttholes), or is the warm, moist vagina cave just the platonic ideal for thrush farming, like the peat bog of the body?

Ninja Squirrel

HPV. What is it? Is it an STI? If no, why not? Why can we vaccinate against it but not other similarly transmitted infections?

Honeydew

Are STIs really less prevalent in cis lesbians? Due to the lack of risk of pregnancy and perceived lack of risk of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, it seems most cis lesbians are pretty lax about protection.

Staci Pinkowitz

Oh my god what is going on with HPV. I had it and then it went away on its own? What does it actually do to the body? What are its risks? How the hell does everyone have it? I imagine it like one of those attacks in Pokémon that doesn’t do damage but lowers your defense. Is that accurate?

Staci Pinkowitz

Please also take some time to talk about the deeply profound and tragic impact of the AIDS crisis ❤️

Staci Pinkowitz

Its history, the stigma, everything the government did NOT do, how people banded together, how we lost a generation of people, etc etc

Staci Pinkowitz

How do we decide what is an STI versus a general disease/infection? I mean yes it’s sexually transmitted but let’s talk about the species because even that is kind of vague

Moth

I want to know this too. I just think it can’t be true since I’ve seen statistics of things like throat cancer have gone way up due to people having oral sex without protection.

Moth

Is HPV and genital warts the same thing?

Moth

Why are people so savage about herpes when most people have it and why is genital herpes seen as so much worse than oral herpes?

Moth

When are we going to see treatments like PreP for other viral infections like herpes and hpv?

Magda Kossowska

What’s the difference between HPV that causes plantar warts and the one that causes cervical cancer?

Magda Kossowska

Is the story about Columbus getting Chlamydia from fucking a llama at all plausible? And if so what other STIs might have been transmitted from animal contact?

Moth

Why isn’t it common knowledge that there are a bunch of STIs that you can get from skin to skin contact regardless of using barriers like condoms and dental dams?

Magda Kossowska

In high school they taught us that pubic lice are an STI, thoughts?

Moth

Do other non human animals get STIs?

Moth

HPV can definitely cause cancer, that’s why we have the smear test

Magda Kossowska

Any historical info on STI treatments or prevention? I remember learning about ancient birth control methods in ancient Egypt, but what was ppl’s awareness of STIs before modern medicine?

Magda Kossowska

And are they a different species than head lice? Like what is stopping lice from spreading from one area to the other? Or is it just what they’re names depending on the afflicted area?

Moth

They don’t test for herpes on an STI panel because unless there is a sore to swab, the results aren’t accurate

Moth

Yes they can

Magda Kossowska

Feels like sex education and sexual health access has been getting worse. How fucked are we?

Magda Kossowska

If I have never been sexually active and never plan to be (asexual), do I still need a pap smear? (i’m scared)

Magda Kossowska

Yes and also the descendants of that one village in England, Eyam, that isolated themselves from the plague

Björn Fredberg

I've heard that koalas are big on chlamydia! 😄

Rick Gillespie

The current administration in the USA is dismantling many health safety guardrails (e.g. vaccines). What impact will their policies have on STIs and their treatment?

Björn Fredberg

Please talk about how fucked up it is that us penis-havers can transmit HPV, but are unaffected ourselves. Or are we? And why tf isn't _everybody_ vaccinated?

valerie miller

Here in Australia, as a trans woman i can't donate blood if i've had sex with a cis man or another trans person in the last 3 months,. do you think these restrictions actually prevent disease transmission, do you think we'll see them lifted in the future.

Björn Fredberg

Could you talk about the once oh so very trendy syphilis finger? That is, holding out your pinky while drinking a glass. To show you have syphilis? To show you don't?

ariel.vanzandt

Penis-Havers are definitely affected and can get certain cancers from HPV. The vaccine can prevent some of these. I would love the Ologist to talk more about this too! A lot of folks don't know this.

ariel.vanzandt

I love and second this question. Sexual health is really challenging for Aspec folks. Would love guidance from the Ologist 💜🩶🖤🤍

ariel.vanzandt

My first job in Public Health was in HIV and STD Prevention. I loved educating folks and busting all the film flam that exists about sexual health. What is your favorite myth to bust?

ariel.vanzandt

Why is syphilis so complicated? Primary vs tertiary vs neuro...Is it because it's a spirochete?

Honeydew

Oh god 🫣 that’s gonna live rent free in my head every time I have sex.

ariel.vanzandt

Would love to hear the Ologist talk about PreP!

ariel.vanzandt

Some folks get oropharyngeal cancer from HPV too.

ariel.vanzandt

Can you explain all the different STI tests? Blood vs urine vs swabs vs at-home tests

ariel.vanzandt

Is there any science on the horizon you're excited about?

Devil Pizza

What is the deal with HPV that never goes away? Doctors don’t seem to be so concerned about it and don’t have many answers

Mads

Another vote for this!

Nick Reed

Hello! I have heard that gonorrhea was called "the clap" because, back in olde times before antibiotics, people used to SMACK their penis between their hands or onto a board to try to force out the discharge and I need to be told that this isn't true. Please.

Devan Lawrence

Is it GONE or is it like herpes where it sort of goes dormant?

Devan Lawrence

Your way with words is INCREDIBLE! 🤣

Devan Lawrence

I want to know this too!! I know there were myths involving beastiality, but like, really?

Devan Lawrence

That's soooo crappy! Can it be picked up on a blood test?

The Fang

This! I need this said over and over.

The Fang

Why aren’t all STI tests included in a screening (when possible)? Why is there push back when requesting specific ones off menu? A pal who is polyamorous had to push HARD for an Mgen test (without an identified exposure) and turned out she had it. When partners can be asymptomatic carriers, why aren’t we testing for everything that can be tested for?

Sarah Morcom

What are the non sex ways of getting STIs? And how likely is it to catch them this way?

Nastja

Asking fora a friend (really!), no naming please! :) : 1. Where can you get STIs other than the genitals? 2. Chlamydia in the eyes: can it be (only) got by ejaculate in the eye?

Julia Reichelt

I'd love to learn more about sexism & STI screenings. I'm not sure whether this is just my perception, but I feel like STI screenings are much less advertised for heterosexual cis men even though they could be asymptomatic carriers of e.g. gonorrhoea or chlamydia which can in turn ruin a cis woman's ability to bear children. Is this just my perception or is there some data to support this? What, if any, are measures taken by public health authorities?

Julia Reichelt

Does the expert have any data on global differences in sexual health care around the globe? Are there any countries that are just getting it right with their sexual health policies?

kittytherogue

First time asking anything! I’ve seen a few places that chlamydia and gonorrhea can be super antibiotic resistant, but there’s work being done to develop entirely new antibiotics to help treat resistant strains, I think? How much progress are we making in developing new treatments and how close are those therapies to being actually recommended or used regularly?

Mini Minnie

What, if anything, can you actually catch from a toilet seat, or a bench at the gym?

Mini Minnie

Same. Is it gone or dormant?

Consistent Calamity

What’s the biggest misconception about STIs; are we seeing a rise or decline due to the spread of information?

RoadLesTravelled

Are high rates of STI transmission in any population yet another drunken hangover of Victorian morals and colonialism, asked the old white guy.

Erin White

Does anything could as an STI if you catch it during sex? Like could the flu count?

Han O'Reilly

omg if this is true yikes 😳 also I’ve known the chlamydia as the clap but not gonorrhea, interesting!

Han O'Reilly

Would love more about this too. In the UK they recently lifted the ban on MSM donating, because of perceived higher HIV rates even though that was baseless. But the new guidance is… if you are of any gender and have had anal sex in the last 3 months you cannot donate. I really don’t understand the logic, it’s like they’re using anal sex as a proxy for higher HIV risk, but they don’t specify the type of anal sex and also screen always for HIV anyway. From the differences between Aus and UK it seems like they are just pulling a rule out of thin air

Han O'Reilly

OG question asker, just acknowledging that I understand you are not “MSM” but just from my understanding of the categories used in the donation administration at least in the UK they would classify you as such to enforce these rules. Which is a problem in itself.

Michelle Mitchell

As someone that got HPV (the sexy genital wart kind) before the vaccine, I've been in a monogamous relationship since, but have been wondering and am not finding clear information aside from abstinence: how can those with HPV make sure it is not transmitted to a future partner or to a baby during the birthing process? Great topic and great show overall! Because of my desire for privacy, no names please :)

Brain 🧠 Shenanigans

We have a vaccine for cancer. WE HAVE A VACCINE FOR CANCER! This is something that should be celebrated but instead is stigmatized because HPV falls into the STI category, even though you can contract HPV from sources that don’t involve sex. Why is it that many know Gardasil as an STI-specific vaccine instead of being a vaccine again cancer? Does the HPV vaccine have the same stigma attached to it in other countries? Do you think that we will ever see a day (post this fascist administration of course) where the HPV vaccine has broken through that stigmatized barrier? Related anecdote: I’m just old enough to have gotten Gardasil when it first started rolling out sometime when I was in high school/college (high five to my mom on that one!). I was thrilled to find out at my daughter’s last pediatrician visit that it is now included in the routine vaccination schedule for pre-teens instead of being an “opt in” situation like the flu shot.

Brain 🧠 Shenanigans

I think this needs to be its own episode because it is SO complex, but can we get a TL;DR on HIV/AIDS and how we have now gotten to a place where there are medicines that can prevent HIV from developing into AIDS? How quickly did science and research go from “we don’t know what this is or how to stop it” to “here are medications that can keep you from dying from complications of AIDS?”

Brain 🧠 Shenanigans

The only viral STI’s that come to mind are HPV, HIV, and herpes — what other viral STI’s exist? Is it even remotely possible to create a vaccine/something vaccine adjacent to bacterial STI’s (or bacterial infections in general)? Is there ANY hope of overcoming antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

8 oz Shrimp Bin

This is such an interesting topic! I have a story and 2 questions: Story: In elementary school, our sex ed class 'taught' us about STDs by assigning each student one STD and having us make a set of trading cards to pass around the room. I was assigned trichomoniasis, which I had never heard of so I had to Google it on the family computer. This was the same week we’d first learned what sex was, so I did not love seeing all those graphic images and detailed descriptions. I was also one of the few students who actually completed the assignment. One of the others who did added “Gotta Catch Em All” to the back of her card which somehow made the whole thing even more wild. Question 1: Speaking of trichomoniasis, why are there some STDs like trich, scabbies, and mono, that don't seem to be talked about at all in the Canada and US? I don't recall ever being tested for it either during full screenings, I only vaguely know about them through sex ed, and most people I know have never heard of them. Question 2: Is it true that Crabs (as in the STD, not the pinchy animal) are going extinct since we're shaving our crouch hair more??

Kait

Very curious about this too! I know in the U.S. when we’ve had blood shortages, some restrictions went from a year down to three months.

Kait

Any historic correlation between STIs and times of crisis/low resources, like war or natural disasters? And any recommendations as we continue to live in a world of wars and impending natural disasters?

Kait

Just remembered how a friend and I used to plan besties dates to go to the clinic to get tested and catch up on life while in line. I feel lucky to have had friends who help turn stigmatized errands into a memorable hangout. Highly recommended if that’s available to you!! 💖 (Ologies team, sorry for the “more of a comment than a question” moment here 😅💕)

redheadedscientist

My (Catholic) high school made t-shirts that read 1 School, 1 Team, 1 Dream, with the letters STD aligned and bolded. They were going to recall them but they spread too fast.

redheadedscientist

(which, side note, curious about the change in terminology from STD to STI!)

Kait

Curious about resources for starting conversations on STIs and health, especially in novel sociocultural (??) situations where there may be different norms, for ex: opening a relationship, exploring queer identity, dating with language barriers, generational differences etc.

zackever8

I’ve been in a gay monogamous relationship since before PrEP was widely available. Many of my peers are on PrEP and do not use condoms any longer and if they get any other infections they just “get it taken care of” when they get tested. Idk what this means and I feel like a fossil asking. How can you get something permanent (like herpes) taken care of? Is there concern that this contributes to things like antibiotic resistance, or is it more of a drop in the bucket compared to antibiotic overuse elsewhere (raising industrial livestock, overprescribing for viral infections, etc). Secondary question — if STI treatment, particularly PrEP is targeted for “promoting promiscuity” like the (Bush Admin’s reason for not funding stem cell research) and defunded or banned outright, what would happen? I’d love to hear this ologist’s thoughts on medical decision making as personal liberty — from STI treatment to gender affirming care & hormone therapies. I’m concerned these medical practices are under threat because conservative regimes will argue they promote sinfulness. It’s cruel, but these regimes seem to love punishing people.

Kim OCactus

What are the % of chances of getting herpes from a sexual partner and is the % different if you have a vagina or a penis? Also, does having a man made vagina or penis change those %s?

Levine_thedream

Hi alie! First time question asker here! I am wondering about HPV and the way it presents. Is it possible for it to show up in random skin rashes on hands, arms, etc (but Not on your nether regions)? What about canker sore outbreaks, could that be connected to HPV? Thank you!

Lynn

Based on research, what’s the best way to educate different age categories about the dangers of STIs and the most effective methods for staying healthy? All without scaring the shit out of people… Microbial resistance is causing extreme problems for treating bacterial STIs like Neisseria gonorroheae and I’m not sure the general public knows how serious a problem this is, especially when infections can spread to cause worse problems.

Medium Farmer

Do condoms protect against ureaplasma? For people who get symptomatic infections of ureaplasma what else can they do to protect themselves? *Asking because when my sister gets symptoms her doctors often refuse to test for ureaplasma and they disregard her symptoms because she tests negative for UTI and yeast infections.

Taylor

Long time listener, first time question asker.I've heard about testing and treatment for ureaplasma within the last 12-24 months and there's limited clinical information and advice.  Clinicians vary in their recommendations for testing and treatment, including whether to even classify it as an STI.  Why am I only learning about this after 20 years of sexual activity?  Has testing only recently been developed, or is ureaplasma an evolving infection?

Taylor

Long time listener, first time question asker. This has been a topic of discussion among my sex nerd friends, given the high prevalence of HSV but the infrequency of testing among sexually active people, what are your thoughts about the ethics of disclosure/non-disclosure of a positive HSV blood test result if someone has never had an outbreak?

emily burns

what’s the ACTUAL risk of STIs with women who have only ever partnered with women. i feel like there’s so much misinformation out there and also just a lack of information in general

goblinprince

how can sex ed in schools be taught in a more open and non-stigmatized way?

Oberonion

Maybe a slightly dumb question but herpes; can you only get sores on the wet bits (like mouth, the downstairs etc) or can it happen anywhere on you? and also when you have it, does it move around or does it stay where it is (i.e if you have genital herpes, could you just suddenly also get mouth coldsores?)

Iris Hutchings

Yeah, elaboration on the two types of herpes, how they interact, and where they can manifest would be really good. It's complex and confusing.

Kevin Tiemeyer

Not a question, just giving you guys the heads up that this topic got you guys flagged as spam on my end... that said, I'll put in a vote for wanting to hear more about HPV. Since it is a skin to skin transmission, does it really belong in the STI catagory? ...is there really such a thing as an STI catagory, or am I making that up?

Al Hamm

What are the best protections from STIs with skin to skin transmission, like herpes and HPV?

Liv Cazzola

Would love a less biased answer to this question: Say one is in a long-term monogamous relationship, and you ended up contracting HPV from them. It clears, and your gynaecologist still recommends sticking with condoms until/unless you want to have kids. If you don't get the Gardasil vaccine, are you at risk of re-infection from that person if you then want to have kids and stop using condoms? Thanks so much!

Al Hamm

What are your thoughts on testing all orifices used for sexual contact when testing for STIs? Should this be standard?

Jovie D.

First time question asker: If you get the HPV vaccine, does that prevent you from getting plantars warts?

AJ

There have been a few cases of people being functionally cured of HIV, right? I’d love to hear the ologist speak about this!

Bevearlea

Jumping on this train to ask whether guidance around BV will ever change to include the owner of the penis as well as the owner of the vagina. In parts of Canada, if the vagina has it, the associates penii also get treated. My American friends are confused, I assume this isn’t common?

Katie Hammond

Yes and why does no clinic I've ever been to seem to have dental dams

Katie Hammond

I don't think so, because BV doesn't count as an STI, but good question.

Katie Hammond

This! It doesn't seem to lead to anything serious for most people and yet is so stigmatized! Not to discount immunocompromised people, but the stigma is ridiculous.

Katie Hammond

I've had it as well and not tested positive again in the 12 years since.

Katie Hammond

From personal experience with BV, yes, but would also love more info

Heather Leonard

Are we close to finding a cure or vaccine for herpes? Where did syphilis originate? I’ve heard debate between it originating in the Americas vs not. What is the oldest STI? I read that we picked herpes up from pre-homo sapien ancestors, but are there other older ones? Why does HPV cause cancer but not other STIs?

Colleen Gordon

Can you talk about mycoplasma genitalium and Mpox? I’m an HIV and PrEP nurse and we’re starting to see more cases of this in men who have sex with men! HIV should probably have its own episode, there’s so much to go into with that!

Heather Leonard

I have HSV-2 and last year had an outbreak on the back of my leg, above the knee. It ran a few inches along the femoral nerve. I went to the doctor worried it was shingles but they said it made more sense to just be the herpes popping up somewhere else along the nerve. It’s pretty uncommon though and even they sort of gathered around to observe the oddity. It was pretty painful and embarrassing though, so Alie if you read this and want to mention it in the podcast for whatever reason, just drop my last name :) thanks <3 I’m not a doctor but that’s been my personal experience with it moving to other spots.

Carly Bussman

First time question asker! A friend of a friend of mine had a run in with an uncommon STI called MGen which has minimal symptoms but very scary long term affects. I’ve never heard of this and it’s honestly quite scary! What can you tell us about it?

Kathleen C

I know someone who contracted herpes through sex but has had outbreaks anywhere from foot to scalp and various places in between. First outbreak was on their upper arm. What's up with that? I also read about a guy whose brain was partially destroyed from herpes and he lost his short-term memory. How could that happen and how common is that? Should long-term herpes suffers be worried? Alie, if my last name shows up here, maybe leave it out.

Damsel Cosplay

I would love to hear the most common/effective STI prevention practices, especially for people who tend to have a lot of sex and with different people

Damsel Cosplay

YES PLEASE!! As a s³x educator YESSSS

K8 Rouse

I grew up in an area with abstinence-only sex education and because of that, I feel like I know next to nothing about STIs and how to practice safe sex in general. How should we be discussing it with potential partners? How often should we be getting screened? What vaccines should we be getting? How do risks vary depending on sexuality? Can we have an all around remedial sex ed class for those of us who grew up in places where talking about sex at all was taboo? True story: One of my roommates had no idea what sex even was until she got to college, and one of my friends never kissed anyone except her husband, on their wedding day. (I grew up Mormon in Utah)

Scott LaForce

Please reference Susan Sontag, AIDS and its Metaphors. I also recommend Foucault, Birth of the Clinic and History of Sexuality. Also, though this is a bit of a tangent, I recommend Unlimited Intimacies by Tim Dean, which is the most thorough and authentic anthropological survey of Gay sex and cultures of Gay biological eroticism… the most fair descriptions (aside from my MFA thesis) of bug chasing that have been offered (that I know of!) without fueling stigma. If you want a beautiful memoir, David Wojnarowicz, Close to the Knives, is beautifully raw and honest about the AIDS epidemic in the 80s and 90s.. there’s also Herve Guibert, To the Friend Who did not Save My Life; Reinaldo Arenas’ Before Night Falls; and of course don’t forget And the Band Played on. Oh, and Leo Bersani, Intimacies, and the essay, Is the Rectum a Grave. I’m really happy you’re doing this episode and I hope you’re able to include some of this history!! ❤️🌈

Scott LaForce

Ohh I’d also like to hear anything the ologist might know about conspiracy theories involving STI’s and intentional spreading-bio weaponry by governments or powerful entities, if known. Fringy question, I know! But doesn’t hurt to ask! 😅

Scott LaForce

How far off are we from a cure for AIDS? Not a vaccine, a cure. I’d also like to know, how are HIV positive people supposed to feel about how quickly the science for COVID unfolded? Seems a priority with certain populations, but for others it’s better to get rich with the costs of drugs while letting the most vulnerable die, like in Africa with recent cuts to USAID.

Sasha (they/them)

Id love to hear about sex ed for queer folks 🏳️‍🌈 I feel like sex ed more often than not isn't very queer inclusive (both gender identity- and sexual orientation-wise). I've read that queer folks are at a higher risk for having STIs though, but in my experience, that is only talked about in a stigmatizing/shaming way like "queer people generally show more promiscous behaviour so basically its on them" 😮‍💨😡😤 . What do you think would be some ways to make sex ed more queer inclusive instead of just shaming us for not having been given the proper information in the first place? Also, as a genderqueer person I'd love to hear your thoughts on separating the "girls" and "boys" for sex ed. Does it add to trans/nonbinary folks being more at risk for STIs as we dont just get the "right for us- education"? What would be a good way to acknowledge that the gender binary isn't the be all- end all in these settings?

Gabija Šimaitytė

Could you tell us more about "sexually associated bacteria", especially the Ureaplasma genus? Why are they sometimes lumped into STI tests, and how dangerous are they really? Are there any common-but-overlooked symptoms of STIs? Or ones that present differently in male/female/intersex bodies? How come herpes is classified as an STI? I thought it's mostly gotten as a kid, from your parents or classmates, sharing cutlery and cups and stuff? Also, how come there's "oral herpes" and "genital herpes" even though it can show up in other places? I understand that, in the US, queer AMAB people are told to be extra careful about STI, but what about queer AFAB folks? Is it because of sexism in sex-ed/medicine, a genitalia thing, or something specific about a subset of queer culture? What physical or habitual characteristics make a person less susceptible to STIs? How are STIs handled in natalist policies and initiatives? Do more (pro)natalist countries have different STI statistics and why?

Olga Kolesnikova

So I know that you can't get STIs from a toilet seat but what about splashback? Like when you drop a log and the water shoots up and splashes all over your business, is it possible to get an STI from that if there was one in the water? I am sorry for this question...

Rita

First time question asker. What's the current understanding of HPV? Does it stay in our bodies forever or do we clear it up eventually? I once had an abnormal pap and the next year it was normal and was basically told not to worry about it anymore. Does it still spread to other partners in this scenario?

Reese Perini

What are your opinions on how middle/high school health classes handle sex ed, and how can the curriculum be made better? In my experience, the sex ed section was very short, and we covered different forms of contraception with an emphasis on abstinence to prevent pregnancy and STIs. I think this was fine, but I think there is still room for improvement.

coco

Is it true that half the population has HSV type 1? Can you explain the difference between HSV 1 and 2, how common they are, and how they spread?

coco

Tips on asking / discussing with a new sex partner if they have stds, last time they were tested, protection, etc?

Earl of Greymalkin

1) What do we know about the patterns of how STIs spread through populations? (I've heard stories about nursing homes hahaha.) How much is sustained by Typhoid Mary-like spreaders versus circulating waves? How hard is it to get people to answer questions about their sexual activities accurately in order to figure this out? 2) Are there any new STIs emerging that are interesting? How long have humans been co-evolving with current STIs versus how many can be picked up in the environment, or.... zoonotically acquired.... 3) What is STI researching funding like (I realize as I ask that the answer here is really probably not going to be good for any field) and which ones really deserve more funding proportionate to their effects in the population? 4) Which demographics/regions are affected more by which STIs and why? 5) Is it true Blackbeard's crew took over a town to get mercury to treat their syphilis?? 6) Which STIs is it easier to get protective or sterilizing immunity to and which are better at escaping the immune response? 7) How has the HPV vaccine changed infection rates and cervical cancer rates? Is eradication a possibility? Are vaccination rates going down again because of anti-vax sentiment? Is the HPV case providing good documentation and data to support vaccine interventions? 8) How do hormonal cycles affect STI acquisition risks? Is there any real concern that hormone based treatments/contraceptives might be reducing immune responses and increasing infection risk? 9) How does the vaginal microbiota affect STIs? Does dysbiosis increase infection risk? How does one go about maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiota? Does cranberry juice actually do anything? Does the diet substantially affect vaginal microbe populations? 10) What are best practices for sterilizing toys/medical tools/laundry at home to prevent STI sharing? How do OB-GYN clinics etc. sterilize materials (or is everything disposable now)?

SAM_THE_SCIENCE_TEACHER

First time question asker: as a high school teacher teaching the reproductive system, I'm always fielding questions about reproductive health. I have a system where students can ask any question at any time or drop anonymous questions into a box. I am wondering if you know of any new trends in STIs in youth in the United States or globally. Almost all of my students are new to the country so both of those data sets are very interesting to me. I'm also wondering if you are aware of any current trends (especially on social media) that put youth at higher risk for STIs right now. Thanks for addressing this very important topic!

choirqueer

I used to work in HIV/AIDS and STI prevention education, but haven't been since around 2010. I would love to know what's new/different in the field since then! What are we doing differently now? What flim-flam were we wrong about back then? I would also love to know if STI prevention education in 2025 includes Covid prevention, and if so, how? I assume Covid is not considered an STI specifically, but since it can be transmitted during sex, I would imagine it's of concern to STI educators and I'd love to know how that's being addressed (or if it's not being addressed at all in the field, I'd like to know that too!)

Stephanie Coombes

I’m an STI nurse!!! This is such an important topic. I would ask that you share some of the history of the stigma behind herpes. It’s a non reportable disease with such a high level of stigma. I think it’s good to talk about why we ask all those nosy questions in screening, but also that people have the right to share what they want. The importance of confidential sexual health care is so important! Oh my actual question: will Prep for syphillis ever be a thing for all genders and sexualities? Or as PEP in the case of an assault? And anything they can share about the intersection of sexual/reproductive health, sexual/reproductive justice, and sexual/reproductive rights.

Kyla C (KAI-luh, rhymes with Myra or Lyla)

what do you think of the STI designation? i’m thinking of recent comments about Hep B vaccines and the relevance of giving them to babies, as some people misunderstand that STIs aren’t strictly sexually transmitted

Domlyschmee

My mom told me Lewis and Clark took on their adventure a lot of STI remedies including mercury…? How have humans historically treated STIs and when was the first recorded/ documented STI? Was there a first STI?

Katie O

I've always learned 1/4th has some form of HSV!!! so curious myself (as an HIV 2 gal)

Katie O

How can we implement/encourage more SHAME FREE sex ed??? I'm an ER nurse and one of my biggest soap boxes is the importance of shame free sex education, especially around STIs. Does your ologist have any advice on how to make patients feel comfortable and empowered by conversations around sexual health?? (LOOOOOVE THIS TOPIC!!!! AMAZING OLOGY)

Katie O

According to the Ohio constatation, Sex ed in public schools is not required to be "Medically Accurate". How many other states are like this and wtf can we do to fix this??????? so bonkers omggggg

Christine Pikstein (she/her)

How have the rates of infection changed since the early 1990s? Which STIs are of the most concern at this time?

Elisabeth L. Daley

First time question asker. Don't have a cool email name. Are there really 2 separate herpes viruses, genital and non-genital? I have genital herpes but also get it on my arm, buttocks, and torso. They all break out at once. Got them all at the same time. The idea of these 2 types seems like a lie to me. What percentage of the US pop has one or more STIs? What are some fun/endearing/stupid ways to let a new partner know you have herpes or other STI? What reactions do most partners have when told their partner has an STI (in a new relationship, not an old one!)? I take the anti-viral valtrex and have for almost 30 years. If I stop or miss it, I break out. For me, this anti-viral works to suppress my own infection, but what does it do in terms of being contagious? Thanks.

Jazmin Patino

How did STIs originate? What came first-the virus or the slutty human? (No judgement!)

Lacey Ireton

My dad was recently diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on his tonsils and the doctor thinks it’s related to a previous HPV infection. What are the statistics for non-cervical cancers and HPV infections. I’d be interested in any information about HPV and cancers in general. My boys are getting the vaccines this year. I’m so glad I can provide them with what is essentially a cancer vaccine.

winn

what’s the deal with HPV?

winn

how does PrEP work?

Abbey Potter

How can we improve STI education in states with abstinence only education??

mmmocean

Why isn't Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen) more talked about? I know it's a "new" (1981) sti ,but most general physicians haven't heard of it. And I also heard that doctors fresh out of school have said that they are taught to not bother and just assume everyone has it. Are there any benefits for that strategy?

CurtisDawg

Is this a difficult area to collect accurate data? It seems that folks aren't normally up front with reporting these infections. Does this affect your reporting?

CurtisDawg

Do you think there are a number of people who have STI's without knowing it? Is this something that that can be detected during an annual physical? Is testing at these appointments routine or do individuals need to request it?

mmmocean

Can you explain more about false positives in testing? After taking antibiotics not supposed to get tested right away bc there's dead stis just floating around? Why do they lenger? How do the tests work? Are there any developments on better/more accurate testing on live/active tests? Thanks!

Eider-ly

Koalas can get chlamydia? So many questions, which animals get STIs? How? Why? Is that just a concern in zoos or are wild koalas also running around (do koala run?) with these issues?

Dr. Lina Carpenter

(1) How can someone access low-cost STI testing? (2) Is HPV considered an STI? (3) What are the most common or most uncommon STIs? How much does it vary by region? (4) How do STIs come about? We have illnesses/viruses that are transmitted other ways which evolve over time -- how have STIs evolved over time? Are we seeing medication-resistant STIs?

Andrew J

If someone tests reactive for Hep C antibodies, can Hep C still hide in the body after someone has cleared an active infection on their own without medication as indicated by a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test?

Hannah Morgan

I just want to know how to improve and maintain after contracting an sti… (hpv specifically) struggling majorly over here.

Savannah Stark

Can we talk about non-human primates in HIV research? I work directly in caring for rhesus macaques that contribute their lives to HIV research and I would love for this side of science to be highlighted in a positive light.

Bre Snodgrass

Gah I think it’s past the cutoff here, but just in case: As an AFAB person who contracted HSV2 from an AMAB person who didn’t know he had it, the CDC guidelines for testing & treating for HSV seem really inadequate. From what I’ve read, the directive seems to be to only test if symptoms are present, and blood tests (which can be administered without an active outbreak) are all but discouraged because of their tendency towards false positive results. AFAB people are statistically more prone to contracting this virus from AMAB people. Considering this is a lifelong virus a person has to live with, it seems to me that there should be more education as well as efforts to reduce spread between anyone with the virus, whether it is active within their body or not. Why is this not treated as a bigger problem? (Don’t even get me started on the cavalier attitude so many people have towards cold sores!) Thank you for considering my question. Would prefer my name to not be read <3

MurderBirder

Can we debunk flim flam about herpes?

Anna Wolf

Why would Syphilis show up positive in the first test and negative in the second? I’ve heard this happens a lot but not why?

Snarky Mermaid

Did syphilis really come from sheep? And how did sheep get it?

Teeah

Are there many other animals that gets ST'Is?

Scott LaForce

Thanks for the middle-school-style giggles upon listening to this 🥰

Megan Turpin

I just found my great uncle wrote a book on STDs while he ran the medical department at Vanderbilt University. I just ordered a copy. I’m so curious to see how far we have come since he wrote it!