Ep. 36 STIs: The Ultimate Booby Trap

"You’re so sexy when you’re not spreading STIs." That’s right, this week we are exploring the highly prevalent, ever-stigmatized sexually transmitted infections. In this episode, we get into the difference between STIs and STDs, describe some of the most common STIs and of course, talk about their various histories. Specifically, we dig into the relationship between STIs and women, focusing on the ways in which women have been portrayed as vessels that spread infection. To finish up, we discuss the current STI screening guidelines in the US, and deconstruct them from a feminist lens (as always). 

Check out our Feminist Corner discussion questions after listening and send us your thoughts! 

• What are you thoughts on disease as a social phenomenon and how does that impact the way STIs have been stigmatized over time?
• Should we widen our STI screening guidelines to include men? How do the current guidelines contribute to historically negative connotations of STIs?