Sex in the news: July edition

We’ve rounded up our 10 favorite articles about sexual health and birth control from the past month to make it really easy for you to get the facts on the things that could affect your health.

1. Do Any of These “Natural Birth Control Methods” Work? A List (Cosmopolitan)

   After a tweet went viral listing “natural birth control options,” many health care professionals (including our on-staff provider, Robin Watkins) were quick to call out the fact that none of the foods or herbs on this list can prevent pregnancy. Furthermore, some of the things on the list can be dangerous. Find actual birth control that’s right for you with our Method Explorer.

2. How Are STIs Transmitted? 8 Things Doctors Want You To Know (Bustle)

   STIs are common and can happen to anyone who is having sex. Check out this article for 8 things you might not know about how STIs are transmitted (like, for example, that they can be passed from one person to another via inanimate objects).

3. What type of IUD is better? The copper and hormonal options have very different benefits (Mic)

   Thinking about getting an IUD but not sure which type to get, the copper/non-hormonal kind or the hormonal kind? This article explains the benefits and downsides of both types.

4. Why Do Guys Not Want To Use Condoms? Here’s A Sex Educator’s Breakdown, & What To Say If It Happens (Bustle)

   Ever been in that awkward situation where the person you’re with doesn’t want to wear a condom? This article delves into the underlying causes and how to cope.

5. How to Have Sex if You’re Queer: What to Know About Protection, Consent, and What Queer Sex Means (Teen Vogue)

   This article dives into all kinds of queer sex and how to keep it safe, consensual, and feeling good.

6. How Using Birth Control Can Help Endometriosis, According To Women Who’ve Done It (Bustle)

   Endometriosis is debilitating for many people. From the combination pill to the hormonal IUD, different forms of birth control work for different people to help with symptoms. This article shares four people’s experiences finding the right method for their endometriosis.

7. Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period? Here’s What an Ob-Gyn Says (Health)

   We’re all in favor of period sex for those who are into it, but it’s important to know that it is possible to get pregnant while on your period. This article explains why.

8. 7 Things You Should Know About Birth Control While Traveling (Bustle)

   Vacation season is in full swing, and when planning a trip, birth control might slip through the cracks. Whether you’re planning on feeling the sand between your toes, hiking up mountains, or exploring new cities, this article covers 7 ways to make sure you’re on top of your birth control for all your travels.

9. Birth Control Options For Migraines With Aura Rely On Reducing The Chances Of This Health Risk, Experts Say (Bustle)

   If you’re a migraine sufferer and thinking about getting on birth control or switching your birth control method, talk to your provider. Certain types of birth control can affect people with different types of migraines differently.

10. This Is How Long You’ll Need to Take the Pill Before You’re Fully Protected (POPSUGAR)

    Going on the pill? This article covers how long you need to use a backup method of birth control when you start taking either the combination pill or the progestin-only pill.