Uploaded May 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Except for HIV, the number of STIs/STDs has been growing for two decades, and surged during the pandemic. People aren’t having more sex, so… why is this? It’s a touchy subject, but it doesn’t have to be. For most adults, having sex is a natural part of a healthy life, but when it comes to talking about STDs, that’s easier said than done. Sheena is joined by Wendy McDonald, MD, (@dreverywoman), certified sex educator @Laureen HD and Alison Marshall, FNP-C to share practical advice on how to talk with partners, what to expect from your doctor and how to navigate this tricky landscape.
Please SUBSCRIBE! ►► bit.ly/pbsvitals
Let’s Connect:
IG: instagram.com/pbsvitals
Twitter: twitter.com/pbsvitals
Facebook: facebook.com/pbsvitals
Find our experts and hosts:
:: Sheena William, RN ::
Twitter: @Keepingitkinky1
Instagram: @keepingitkinky
:: Alok Patel, MD ::
Website: alokpatelmd.com
Twitter: @AlokPatelMD
Instagram: @alokpatelmd
Our Guests:
Dr. Wendy McDonald is a Chicago-based OB-GYN.
dreverywoman.com
IG: @dreverywoman
Laureen HD is a certified sex educator, video creator and podcaster who makes videos about sexual health and eliminating the stigma around STIs.
YouTube: @LaureenHD
IG: @LaureenHD
Alison Marshall, FNP-C, RN, MSN is a clinical instructor at the Boston College School of Nursing, and is currently completing her Ph.D. She sees patients at the Sylvie Ratelle STD/HIV Prevention Center of New England.
Twitter: @AOMFNP
And more of our sex educator friends:
TikTok: @itsmillyevans
YouTube: @DrAllisonKRodgers
TikTok: @dr.allison.rodgers
Want to Learn More?
Surge in STI Cases Over Time
cdc.gov/std/statistics/2021/default.htm
Details on Specific Conditions
cdc.gov/std/default.htm
Chlamydia as "The Silent Infection"
cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm
Some Options For Free or Low-Cost Testing
healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/free-sti-testing#state-by-state-highlights
plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/going-doctor/what-should-i-talk-with-my-doctor-about
Drop in Funding For STI/STD Prevention
ncsddc.org/as-std-funding-stagnates-rates-rise-to-all-time-highs
Specific Issues For Adolescents
cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/adolescents.htm
Research on Post-Exposure Docycycline
nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2211934
This episode of Vitals is licensed exclusively to YouTube.
00:00 STI cases are setting records
01:17 When you need to see the doctor?
02:59 Asymptomatic spread
03:39 What happens if untreated?
05:01 Living with herpes
07:53 Communicating with partners
09:00 What's causing the surge in STIs?
10:24 Personal protection
11:03 Issues around testing
Except for HIV, the number of STIs/STDs has been growing for two decades, and surged during the pandemic. People aren’t having more sex, so… why is this? It’s a touchy subject, but it doesn’t have to be. For most adults, having sex is a natural part of a healthy life, but when it comes to talking about STDs, that’s easier said than done. Sheena is joined by Wendy McDonald, MD, (@dreverywoman), certified sex educator @Laureen HD and Alison Marshall, FNP-C to share practical advice on how to talk with partners, what to expect from your doctor and how to navigate this tricky landscape.
Please SUBSCRIBE! ►► bit.ly/pbsvitals
Let’s Connect:
IG: instagram.com/pbsvitals
Twitter: twitter.com/pbsvitals
Facebook: facebook.com/pbsvitals
Find our experts and hosts:
:: Sheena William, RN ::
Twitter: @Keepingitkinky1
Instagram: @keepingitkinky
:: Alok Patel, MD ::
Website: alokpatelmd.com
Twitter: @AlokPatelMD
Instagram: @alokpatelmd
Our Guests:
Dr. Wendy McDonald is a Chicago-based OB-GYN.
dreverywoman.com
IG: @dreverywoman
Laureen HD is a certified sex educator, video creator and podcaster who makes videos about sexual health and eliminating the stigma around STIs.
YouTube: @LaureenHD
IG: @LaureenHD
Alison Marshall, FNP-C, RN, MSN is a clinical instructor at the Boston College School of Nursing, and is currently completing her Ph.D. She sees patients at the Sylvie Ratelle STD/HIV Prevention Center of New England.
Twitter: @AOMFNP
And more of our sex educator friends:
TikTok: @itsmillyevans
YouTube: @DrAllisonKRodgers
TikTok: @dr.allison.rodgers
Want to Learn More?
Surge in STI Cases Over Time
cdc.gov/std/statistics/2021/default.htm
Details on Specific Conditions
cdc.gov/std/default.htm
Chlamydia as "The Silent Infection"
cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm
Some Options For Free or Low-Cost Testing
healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/free-sti-testing#state-by-state-highlights
plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/going-doctor/what-should-i-talk-with-my-doctor-about
Drop in Funding For STI/STD Prevention
ncsddc.org/as-std-funding-stagnates-rates-rise-to-all-time-highs
Specific Issues For Adolescents
cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/adolescents.htm
Research on Post-Exposure Docycycline
nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2211934
This episode of Vitals is licensed exclusively to YouTube.
00:00 STI cases are setting records
01:17 When you need to see the doctor?
02:59 Asymptomatic spread
03:39 What happens if untreated?
05:01 Living with herpes
07:53 Communicating with partners
09:00 What's causing the surge in STIs?
10:24 Personal protection
11:03 Issues around testing
