Yoxly News

It has never been easy talking openly about my HIV status or my sexuality--especially because I am fully aware that both subjects are things that form obstacles for me and other people like me in my home country, Nigeria... Today I know being a gay man is nothing to be ashamed of, and that living with HIV is nothing to be ashamed about.

According to the NHS, genital warts are amongst the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United Kingdom. The CDC has stated that HPV is so common, nearly every sexually active person will contract some form of HPV in their lifetime.

Chlamydia has made its way around the block and is now the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Although chlamydia can be easily cured with a course of antibiotics, when left untreated, chlamydia can lead to severe complications.

There is a common misconception that oral sex is always the safer alternative to intercourse. However, there are over 30 different STIs that can transmit through oral sex, and given that adults ages 18-44 practice oral sex at least once per year, the chances that STIs spread orally are very high.

Discussing STIs with your friends can be awkward. Even more uncomfortable is the thought of having to tell your recent sexual partner(s) that they might develop a burning sensation in the not-too-distant future, and that they should go get checked. But why does it have to be so embarrassing?

From burning sensations when you urinate, to blisters and sores around the genitals, most STIs can be painful. However, left untreated, symptomless STIs can cause even more pain and complications in the long run.

The thought of living with an STI can be rather daunting, But, as you’ll see from the stories of these three luminaries, it doesn't have to mean a life of anguish, misery, and embarrassment that some might have you believe.

It's A Sin blends unforgettable characters and authentic 1980s nostalgia with a remarkable tenderness and a certain brutality we scarcely see on screen: thought-provoking, compelling, and lingers in your mind a long time after the final episode has finished.

Since we spend much of our sexually active years avoiding pregnancy, it might not have registered, to the same extent, that STIs can, in fact, lead to infertility.

If you’re new to Yoxly or new to STI testing in general, fear not! Taking your own samples is not as intimidating as it sounds, and can actually be a much more comfortable experience. Read on for some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind before taking your sample.

Challenge yourself: try asking your current or next partner when they last got STI testing. No fancy manoeuvring or dancing around the subject. Just a simple, straightforward question. You just might be shocked at the ease of it.