Sex in the news: February 2020 edition

If you haven’t heard by now or experienced the misfortune for yourself, Mercury is in retrograde. While this may be ruining some people’s lives, four zodiac signs in particular are most likely to fall in love during this time. Whether Mercury retrograde is or isn’t kind to you, it’s a good time to catch up on the latest sex in the news. 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. Lots of People Think Plan B Causes Abortions. Here’s Why That’s Wrong. (Vice)

   Let’s get this straight, Plan B does not cause abortions. It can however stop a pregnancy before it starts. Check out this article, which explains how Plan B works and how it’s different from medication abortion (also called abortion pills), so the next time you hear this myth you can squash it.

2. Ask A Sex Expert: What Causes Low Sex Drive In Women And How Can I Increase Mine? (Women’s Health)

   Not feeling in the mood lately? Feeling like your sex drive has plummeted? Don’t freak out! Check out this article for some reasons for why your libido may be off, and things you can do to help boost your sex drive.

3. Is It a UTI or a Yeast Infection? Here’s How to Tell the Difference (SELF)

   Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections are very different and require totally different treatments, but they can have some of the same symptoms, like burning when you pee. So it’s easy to get confused about which condition you may have. Check out this article to learn more about the differences between a UTI and a yeast infection and what you can do to treat both.

4. How To Handle Birth Control Emergencies On Campus & Keep Your Chill (Elite Daily)

   College can be a stress ball of classes, jobs, social activities, and romantic relationships. It’s easy for birth control to slip your mind as you’re rushing to get everything done. From what to do if you missed your pill to getting your birth control refills while studying abroad, check out this article on how to best be prepared in college for any birth control emergency you may encounter.

5. 5 things your OB-GYN wants you to know before your next appointment (TODAY)

   Going to the ob-gyn can bring up a lot of questions for many people. Can you go if you’re on your period? (Yes!) Do you need to shave your legs first? (No!) Check out this article breaking down 5 things you should know before stepping foot into your ob-gyn’s office. We promise, they’ll calm your nerves!

6. ‘What I Wish I Had Known When I Was Diagnosed With Herpes 5 Years Ago’ (Women’s Health)

   Herpes is a common STI, but unfortunately there’s stigma surrounding it. According to the CDC, more than one out of every 6 people ages 14-49 have genital herpes. Sexologist and sex educator Emily L. Depasse shares her journey with herpes and provides tips for other herpes-positive people.

7. Hi, Here’s Exactly What to Do When You Find Out You’re Unexpectedly Pregnant (Cosmopolitan)

   Finding out you’re pregnant unexpectedly might cause a million thoughts and questions to race through your head. Cosmopolitan breaks down step by step how to handle an unexpected pregnancy, from how to tell your sexual partner to exploring all your options.

8. A Guide To Navigating Birth Control (NPR)

   Whether you’re thinking about switching your method, starting birth control for the first time, or just wanting to learn more about all your options, check out this podcast and/or article filled with amazing information and resources (and thanks for the shout out, NPR!).

9. Introducing ‘How to Sex Toy,’ a New YouTube Series All About, Well, Sex Toys (Cosmopolitan)

   A YouTube series all about sex toys? Sign us up ASAP! We’re so here for Cosmopolitan’s new series, How To Sex Toy, exploring all aspects of using sex toys and answering any and all questions you may have about using toys for your body and pleasure. Check it out!

10. Finally, a New Barrier Method Contraception Is on the Horizon (Rewire.News)

    A new type of non-hormonal birth control, called Ovaprene, is currently in development. It goes inside the vagina and is a barrier method, blocking sperm from reaching the cervix. It also contains a chemical that interferes with the way sperm work. In addition to being hormone free, Ovaprene lasts for a month. Read more about it here.