I had surgery that shortened my vagina significantly; therefore regular intercourse is not an option. My husband died a few months ago, and as I think about dating again and having sex, I worry about unprotected sex. I think either a male or female condom would slide off. Any suggestions? Judith Hersh, MD and Melanie… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Condoms & STIs
How Soon is Herpes Medication Effective?
I want to know if the drug Valtrex for controlling Herpes Simplex Virus One (HSV 1) and Herpes Simplex Virus Two (HSV 2) needs to be taken for a period of time before it is effective or if after one dose, it is effective on reducing the number of outbreaks. Thank you. Dr. Judith Hersh… Read more »
When Can STIs be Detected?
How soon after exposure can STDs be detected by tests? Is this different for men and women? Dr. Melanie Davis says: There’s no easy answer to this question. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are asymptomatic for months or years. Some STIs show symptoms in women, but not in men. The best bet is to get… Read more »
Best Condom for Less-Hard Erections?
Any suggestions for a particular kind of condom for a man whose erection is not super hard? Dr. Melanie Davis says: The solution depends on the reason for the soft erection. If he has no difficulty getting erect without a condom, he may lose firmness because putting on the condom is awkward and time-consuming. It… Read more »
Teen Mom Writes to SaferSex4Seniors.org
I think condoms should be used always. Who really cares if it’s sexy or not? It beats getting an STD or pregnant. My advice to all girls is have the boy use condoms. I was raped at 13 and the guy did not use a condom. I am now 14 and have a 2 month… Read more »
How is Trichomonas Vaginalis Transmitted?
Can a woman get Trichomonas Vaginalis without being sexually active? Dr. Judith Hersh says: Although uncommon, trichomonas has been cultured from water droplets on toilet seats, hot tubs and even hotel bathtubs. There have been documented cases of women contracting this parasite from hotel bathtubs.
How is HPV Transmitted? (Human Papilloma Virus)
If I have HPV… (Male).. Can I give HPV to my partner during unprotected oral sex while she performs oral on me? Does HPV get transfered to the mouth and survive in the mouth? Can two partners with HPV keep reinfecting one another? My partner has HPV lesions in her vagina.. Can she now get HPV in… Read more »
How Long Do STI Test Results Take?
Q. How long does it take to get test results for STIs? Joan Garrity says: The answer depends on several factors: what STI (sexually transmitted infection) is being tested for, how long a person has had an infection, and where the test is performed. Many reproductive health, family planning and health department clinics conduct tests and immediately… Read more »
Safer Sex without Condoms?
Q. Are there any other methods besides condoms to have safer sex? Joan Garrity says: Great question. The best method for truly safer sex is to have sex only with someone who only has sex with you, assuming neither of you has had sex with anyone else in the past. It also requires taking the… Read more »