54. STDon't

Ever wish STIs came with an unsubscribe button? Same. In this episode, we’re getting comfy with the uncomfy and talking all things STIs/STDs—what they are, how they spread (spoiler: it’s not just one kind of sex), why symptoms are not a trustworthy narrator, and how to protect yourself.

No shame, no scare tactics—just facts, laughs, and the kind of info that makes your future self say: “Omg thank you.” 💅🏽✨

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Key Takeaways 📝

• STI vs STD: An infection can exist without symptoms (STI), while an STD is when it progresses into a disease state.
• You can’t “tell” by looking: Most STIs can be totally symptom-free—testing is the only real tea.
• Transmission is broader than you think: Oral, anal, vaginal, skin-to-skin contact, and even shared toys can all be routes.
• Prevention isn’t just condoms: Vaccines (HPV, Hep B), regular testing, honest convos, and PrEP/PEP for HIV all matter.
• Stigma helps nobody: Having an STI isn’t a moral failing—it’s a medical situation. Period.

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Resources & Sources 🔗📚

• World Health Organization (WHO) — Sexually Transmitted Infections Fact Sheet (2025)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — About Sexually Transmitted Infections (2024)
• CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance Report (2024)
• CDC — STI Treatment Guidelines
• Hufstetler K, et al. — Clinical Updates in Sexually Transmitted Infections (2024)
• Wu Z, et al. — Global, Regional, and National Burden of HIV and Other STIs (2025)
• Deng M, et al. — Global Burden of Disease 2021 Study Results (2025)
• Wang W, Sawleshwarkar S, Piraveenan M. — Computational Approaches of Modelling HPV Transmission…: A Systematic Review (2024)
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — Sexually Transmitted Infections: Adopting a Sexual Health Paradigm
• American Sexual Health Association — An Overview of Common STIs, Testing, and Treatment (2026)
• National Health Service (NHS) — Sexually Transmitted Infections (2024)
• Cribier B. — Sexually Transmitted Diseases: An Unprecedented Overview (2025)

(Friendly reminder: this episode is educational and not a substitute for medical advice—talk to a healthcare professional for personal guidance.)