Podcast Summary
Sexual activity involves risks, but communication and precautions can help minimize them: Good communication, testing, use of barriers, and vaccines can help reduce risks of STIs during sexual activity. Emotional hurt can also be a significant consequence.
While there are risks associated with sexual activity, including the possibility of contracting STIs, it's important to remember that life involves taking risks and that good communication, testing, use of barriers, and vaccines can help minimize those risks. Moreover, the negative consequences of sexual experiences, such as broken hearts or emotional hurt, can be just as impactful as STIs. The episode also emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication about sex and STIs with potential partners. It's crucial to remember that sex, despite its potential risks, can also be a fun and enjoyable experience. Support for NPR comes from Whole Foods Market, where you can host a budget-friendly celebratory brunch featuring items like cold smoked Atlantic salmon, mini quiches, and organic everything bagels. And don't forget to add some beautiful flowers from the floral department to make the occasion even more special. Apple Card sponsors this message, offering daily cash rewards on various purchases.
Understanding the Basics of Apple Card Rewards and STIs: Apple Card offers daily cash rewards and proper STIs management involves understanding bacterial vs viral infections and available treatments
Apple Card, issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, offers daily cash rewards of up to 3% on purchases made with Apple Pay, 2% on Apple purchases, and 1% on other purchases. Meanwhile, when it comes to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), there are two main categories: bacterial and viral. Bacterial infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, can be treated with antibiotics, but they may return if not properly managed. Viral infections, including HIV, HPV, herpes, and hepatitis, can't be cured but can be managed with medications. Herpes, specifically, is a viral infection that can cause painful sores or lesions in the genital or mouth areas. While it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, it's not life-threatening. People who have herpes can manage their symptoms with antiviral medications, which can help reduce the likelihood of outbreaks and transmission to others. So, while the Apple Card and STIs are two very different topics, the takeaway is that understanding the basics of each can lead to better financial rewards and health outcomes.
Understanding STIs: Herpes and HPV: Though not completely preventable, disclosing your status, using barriers, and getting vaccinated for HPV are effective ways to minimize risk for herpes and HPV infections.
When it comes to sexually transmitted infections like herpes and HPV, there's no foolproof way to completely protect oneself. However, disclosing your status and using barriers can help minimize the risk. With herpes, it's essential to know your body and avoid skin-to-skin contact during outbreaks. For HPV, getting vaccinated is the best defense, as it's the common cold of STIs, with high-risk strains potentially leading to cancer. The vaccine is FDA-approved up to age 45 for any gender, and getting it even if you've had a form of HPV can still provide protection against other strains.
HIV Medications and Sexual Health Conversations: Use barriers during sex with new partners, discuss sexual health openly, and consider PrEP for prevention.
While antiviral medications for HIV are effective, it's important to use barriers during sex with new partners until a thorough conversation about sexual health and risks has taken place. In monogamous relationships where one partner has HIV and no detectable virus, using barriers is not necessary. Additionally, there is a preventative medication called PrEP that can help prevent the transmission of HIV if taken correctly. When approaching conversations about sex and STIs with new partners, it's essential to communicate openly about sexual health, including last tests, results, and preferred contraception. The STARS framework (Sexual health, Turn ons, Avoids) can serve as a helpful guide for these conversations. Remember, everyone's comfort levels and risk tolerances are different, so it's crucial to discover what works best for you and communicate effectively with your partners.
Communicating effectively during sexual encounters: Express intentions, expectations, and safety needs early on using STARS guidelines, making it comfortable and sexy with conversational starters, and discussing desires, boundaries, and turn-offs to ensure a satisfying and safe experience.
Open and clear communication is crucial in any sexual encounter. The STARS (Safety, Timing, Attitudes, Roles, and Specifics) guidelines can help facilitate this conversation. It's essential to express your relationship intentions, expectations, and safety needs early on. The ideal time to discuss these matters is before getting intimate, but it's never too late. When bringing up the topic, make it comfortable and sexy by using conversational starters. Remember, prevention goes beyond just STIs; discussing desires, boundaries, and turn-offs also plays a significant role in ensuring a satisfying and safe sexual experience. For more in-depth information, check out Evelyn Decker's conversation on NPR's YouTube page.
Exploring the Hobbies and Interests of High-Level Professionals: Even high-level professionals like US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen have hobbies and interests outside of their professional lives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced life.
Our interests and passions can extend beyond our primary roles and responsibilities. In this episode of LIFE KIT, we explored how US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen enjoys mobile games in her free time, showcasing that even high-level professionals have hobbies and interests outside of their professional lives. This episode was produced by NPR and sponsored by Charles Schwab's Choiceology podcast and FX's The Veil. For more LIFE KIT episodes, visit npr.org/lifekit, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates. Don't forget to check out our other episodes on creating traditions and flirting. Our team includes Claire Marie Schneider, Bec Harlin, Malika Gharib, Meghan Keane, Beth Donovan, Andy Cagle, Audrey Wynne, Mia Venkat, Sylvie Douglis, and Julia Carney, with engineering support from Alex Drewenskus and Carly Strange. A special thanks to NPR's video team, Eman Young, Christina Shaiman, and Annabel Edwards. Tune in to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me for more entertaining conversations with important figures about unimportant things.
