June 15, 2026 | 3 min read

Syphilis: two steps forward, one step back

STI rates are finally dropping—but congenital syphilis keeps climbing. Don't make assumptions about who's at risk and screen everyone who's sexually active. A brief, nonjudgmental conversation about syphilis in any clinical setting can prevent devastating outcomes.

November 30, 2023 | 1 min read

STD knows not your DOB (archives, 2023)

By Jeffrey Millstein, MD, Penn Medicine

Sex can be an important part of life in older age. My patient reminded me to address STD prevention and other intimacy concerns consistently in all sexually active adults. 

March 19, 2019 | 3 min read

Reversing the Backslide: Sexually Transmitted Infections in the US

By Matthew Hamill, MBChB, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Open, non-judgmental, respectful, medically-relevant conversations need to be the cornerstone of all therapeutic relationships. As long as patients feel valued and at the center of their care, patients are willing to engage in discussions about sexually transmitted infections.

November 3, 2025 | 4 min read

Embracing the awkward 

Make talking about sexual health a routine part of care—explain why you’re asking and avoid assumptions. If it feels awkward, name it to build trust and show patients that sexual well-being matters.