Quick Hits

The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) has developed the Health Is Power tool kit, which is designed for use by organizations who are trying to better promote sexual health among young African American men (ages 18-30). This campaign includes messaging around increased condom use, healthy relationships, sexually transmitted disease prevention, and open partner communication. There are a number of materials available for download, including:

A survey conducted in New Zealand shows that half of gay and bisexual men don't believe their general practitioner is aware of their sexual orientation. "This low level of awareness means that many gay and bisexual men are likely not being offered relevant care, such as HIV and STI tests, vaccination and advice about safe sex by their GP," lead author of the study, Adrian Ludlam, said in a press release.

In our latest issue of Contemporary Sexuality, we reported on the recent positive impact of several programs centered around long-acting reversible contraception. And indeed, it seems as if hormonal implants and IUDs are having a moment...

SIECUS announced in a press release that they have released their most recent edition of their annual publication, titled SIECUS State Profiles: A Portrait of Sexuality Education and Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs in the States, Fiscal Year 2014 Edition.

CBS-DC reports that hundreds of U.S. companies are adding sex reassignment as a health insurance benefit. In fact, more than 415 out of about 780 firms surveyed say they cover related procedures that include hormone therapy and sex-reassignment surgeries. This stand in vast contrast to the results of a 2009 survey, wherein only 49 of the companies surveyed included such benefits.

The Human Rights Campaign recently released a report showing that bisexual adults face a surplus of physical, mental, and sexual health disparities. Among the issues faced by bisexuals are elevated rates of cancer, heart disease, obesity, sexually transmitted infections, and struggles with mental health.

A new survey of college students conducted by the Association of American Universities (AAU) places a spotlight on the troublingly high incidences of sexual assault occuring on college campuses. This is one of the largest ever surveys focusing on sexual assault and sexual misconduct. More than 150,000 students, from 27 universities, participated.

According to a research letter published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, most heart disease patients can safely resume sexual activity after a heart attack without risk of inciting another one.

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered what may be a natural defense against HIV infection. Their discovery focuses on ERManI, a protein that prevents the HIV virus from replicating. Researchers feel that this protein has the potential to act as an antiretroviral treatment, which could control the level of HIV in the body so that it remained low.

A piece was recently published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology on reproductive coercion, and how this can be yet another form of partner violence. Examples of this include birth control sabotage and pregnancy pressure or coercion.