Latest news with #AmericanSexualHealthAssociation
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Medical conclave urges stronger push for gender-neutral HPV vaccine for boys
Pune: Boys, along with girls, must be vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), doctors at the launch of the "Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025" last week said. Panelists said that govt backs vaccination for girls under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), but boys and men, who are carriers of the virus, are equally affected by HPV and cancer-causing HPV and hence must also be vaccinated. Speakers emphasised that HPV is not limited to cervical cancer alone. It is also associated with cancers of the sexual organs, affecting both men and women. With peak HPV infection occurring between ages 15 to 25, early awareness and timely preventive action are essential. Medical director of Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College & Hospital Dr Sanjay Lalwani, who anchored the panel discussion, said the indigenous vaccine, Cervavac, is effective, safe and affordable. He added, "It is a gender-neutral vaccine and boys must also get vaccinated. While women can be screened regularly through a pap smear test, as of now men do not have any screening programme. So, boys between the age of 9 and 14 years must also be vaccinated, just like girls." Vaccination can protect partners from HPV-related cancers in adult life. There is no specific way to test directly for HPV in men that is approved for clinical use. The American Sexual Health Association has observed that men are typically screened clinically with a visual inspection to check for lesions such as warts. While still not routinely done, anyone with a history of receptive anal sex may want to speak with his or her healthcare provider about having an anal pap test, the association said. Dr Meenu Agarwal, secretary-general of International Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy, said, she sees young girls and women with genital warts and cervical cancer cases. "Now, when we go to the root of the problem, we realize that it is a sexually transmitted disease and that is the reason we need to vaccinate both boys and girls because we need to take care of the source of the spread." The rationale is to prevent different types of cancers that can occur in men as well, Dr Shirish Kankariya, former president of Indian Academy of Paediatrics, said. Parag Deshmukh, executive director, Serum Institute of India said, "Conclaves across the country will help increase understanding of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to cervical and other cancers." The conclave is part of a nationwide public health initiative led by the institute. 77k Cervical Cancer Deaths India bears a significant burden of HPV-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women in the country According to the ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2023), India reports over 1.23 lakh new cervical cancer cases and more than 77,000 related deaths, annually Up to 90% of anal cancers & 63% of penile cancers are associated with HPV
Buzz Feed
18-02-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Sex Therapists Reveal The 7 Essential Post-Sex Habits You Should Never Skip
You're probably well aware of what should be done before physical intimacy ― from communication to setting the mood ― but you may be less certain about what should be done after sex. After all, there's a wide variety of post-coital preferences: Some like to sleep it off, others like to cuddle quietly, some like to laugh or talk. However, you should also be making moves for your physical and mental health. By doing just a few essential things right after you enjoy your partner, you can extend intimacy and promote optimum sexual well-being. Below are a few expert-backed activities you should consider right after every romp for your own health: Hit the bathroom. What everyone hears about peeing after sex is true, said Sunny Rodgers, a certified sex coach and ambassador for the American Sexual Health Association. It's a necessity. 'This is the first step I always suggest for right after sex,' Rodgers explained. 'This 'clears the pipes' and can help dispel any bacteria or toxins.' Afterward, Rodgers said you might want to briefly wash up, 'using a clean washcloth, gentle unscented soap and warm water.' This essential hygiene step will do a lot to ensure comfort and help protect against infections, like painful UTIs, Rodgers said. An added PSA: Also remember to wash from front to back. Choose breathable underwear. Next, Rodgers suggested selecting breathable underwear from your drawer. 'Cotton is the best for allowing genitals to breathe,' she explained. 'Being a natural fiber, cotton is also hypoallergenic, highly absorbent, and won't irritate your most sensitive regions ― which are prone to heightened sensitivity and moisture after sex.' Cuddle up. There's a reason pillow talk is so satisfying ― you're primed for bonding. Each time you have sex with a partner, 'the love hormone,' scientifically known as oxytocin, is released. 'This hormone creates a feeling of closeness,' said Chamin Ajjan, a New York City-based psychotherapist and sex therapist. 'Talking with your partner after sex is a great way to connect and create even more intimacy. You can talk about your hopes, your dreams, what you would like to do with your partner, or anything that is important to you.' Hydrate. Either grab a bottle of water from the fridge and put it on your nightstand before you have sex, or make sure to hit the kitchen just after. 'Drinking a minimum of eight ounces of water after sex play can help you hydrate and keep your energy levels up, since sexual stimulation can definitely deplete strength,' Rodgers said. 'It can also help flush out bacteria from urinary tracts.' Sip up. Grab a snack. It's not unheard of to feel hungry after sex, because you burn calories and get your heart rate up. Grab a snack after, like chia seeds or green tea, Rodgers suggested. Or, you can try one of these post-burn foods. You can also consider cooking something simple but satisfying together, like an omelette, Ajjan said. It's a great way to continue bonding and use more teamwork and communication. Compliment each other. In order to get the most out of future sexual encounters, it's important to verbalize what you liked with your partner. 'Immediately after sex, oxytocin is still high,' said Karla Ivankovich, a couples therapist and clinical counselor at OnePatient Global Health. 'Share with one another what it is that you really enjoyed about your intimacy, physically or emotionally, is a great way to keep bonding.' Even if you didn't reach orgasm, connecting on an emotional level and communicating with each other allows for 'everyone's needs to be met,' explained Ivankovich. Laugh. Right after sex, you can also keep yourself in a playful mindset and connect with a bit of humor. 'In the post-coital state of euphoria, everything seems better anyway,' Ivankovich said. 'Tell a corny joke, be silly, and extend the time in intimacy. That extra time is important; if one partner leaves too quickly, someone feels like their high just crashed to the bottoms.' Overall, try not to think of sex as a just one-act play. It should also revolve around relaxing together, prolonging intimacy, and taking care of your health, too.
