Ologies with Alie Ward

Venereology (Sexually Transmitted Infections) with Dr. Ina Park

Release Date: February 11, 2026
Guest: Dr. Ina Park, MD, Associate Professor, UCSF, Medical Consultant, CDC Division of STD Prevention
Theme: Tackling Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and sexual health stigma, science, treatments, testing, and the joyful, occasionally hilarious world of venereology.

Episode Overview

This episode features Dr. Ina Park, a physician, researcher, and "sex-positive sexual health advocate," who demystifies sexually transmitted infections (STIs), debunks persistent myths, and gives practical, judgment-free advice on prevention, testing, and conversations with partners. Alie and Dr. Park blend humor with science to break sexual health stigma, elaborate on new findings (including on bacterial vaginosis and herpes), spotlight current challenges in public health, and advocate for openness, testing, and vaccination.

Key Topics & Discussion Highlights

1. Language, Stigma, and the Science of Naming STIs

• Venereal Disease → STD → STI ([06:10–07:47])
  • Dr. Park: “We started off calling sexually transmitted infections ‘venereal diseases,’ or VD... but as our awareness expanded, we realized many infections are asymptomatic, so calling them ‘diseases’ wasn’t always accurate. Now we use ‘sexually transmitted infections.’”
  • An "infection" means the presence of a bug; "disease" implies actual symptoms or damage.
• Cultural Attitudes Toward STIs and Sex ([09:22–13:33])
  • Dr. Park: “Having sex is a lot easier than talking about sex, which is so ironic.”
  • Stigma is persistent globally; societies rarely frame STIs as a normal part of being sexually active.
  • U.S. messaging often uses fear; Australia cited as an example of empowering, honest public health campaigns.
• Religious & Moral Overlay ([09:55–11:28])
  • Judeo-Christian legacy frames infections as “punishment for immoral behavior.”
  • Blame and shame exist even among people who don’t adhere to traditional beliefs.

2. Testing: Who, for What, and How Often?

• Testing Recommendations ([14:10–16:40])
  • Dr. Park: “How frequently you get tested depends on who you are, who you’re having sex with, and how many partners you have.”
    • MSM (men who have sex with men) with multiple partners: every 3 months for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV (and by anatomical site).
    • Younger folks under 25: test yearly at minimum.
    • In negotiated non-monogamy, open communication actually results in lower risk due to regular testing ([17:19–17:40]).
  • Use the CDC guidelines for specifics.
  • “There’s no limit… I have some patients who come in every month because they’re just really busy sexually.” (16:37)

3. Treatable, Curable, and the Persistent: What’s What?

• Curable Infections ([19:13–21:17])
  • Gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomonas: all treatable with antibiotics.
  • Mycoplasma genitalium: bacterial, treatable but increasingly resistant.
• The Viruses
  • Herpes, HPV, HIV: typically lifelong.
    • Hepatitis C: now curable.
    • New research points to gene-editing and new antivirals for herpes (see [23:54–26:46]), but not yet fully curative in humans.

4. Herpes – Stigma, Science & Living With It

• Stigma of Herpes: “The One Everyone’s Scared Of” ([26:46–30:56])
  • Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1): Cold sores (mouth and genitals); about half of US adults have antibodies.
  • HSV-2: Classic genital herpes.
  • HSV-1 can cause genital outbreaks, typically less recurrent.
  • Herpes persists in nerve cells; stress or trauma can trigger recurrences. Outbreaks decline with time, but viral shedding (i.e., contagiousness) never disappears.
  • Suppressive meds reduce risk—but don’t eliminate it. “With HIV we have drugs so effective you can’t transmit; we’re not there yet with herpes.” ([31:34–33:31])
  • Disclose status, use barriers, consider suppressive drugs; no need for paranoia but honesty is key.

5. Pubic Hair, Grooming, and “Crabs”

• Bush Science ([35:58–37:41])
  • Dr. Park: “I think [pubic hair] provides some cushioning... Waxing causes tons of micro-trauma... making you more vulnerable to infections.”
  • Shaving over warts can cause virus to spread massively!
  • On pubic lice (crabs): “I haven’t seen crabs for 25 years... It’s the most deeply satisfying thing because you can see it, pluck it, treat it!” ([37:44–38:16])

6. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Paradigm Shift

• “BV is not a classic STI, but it is sexually transmissible. The new paradigm is to treat both partners to prevent recurrence.” ([44:49–51:40])
  • New studies show treating male partners reduces BV relapse dramatically.
  • BV means “your vagina is out of whack.” Not your fault—a shared sexual health issue.

7. HPV & Advocacy for Vaccines

• “Why the fuck isn’t everyone vaccinated against HPV?” ([57:48–59:24])
  • HPV causes cervical, penile, anal, and head-throat cancers.
  • Vaccines: Now protect against 9 types, “one of the greatest breakthroughs in cancer prevention in my lifetime.”
  • Vaccination now recommended for ages 9–45 (can be completed in 2–3 doses; new data says 1 may suffice).
  • Dr. Park: “I vaccinated my own kids… It’s a home run with little downside.”
• Hesitancy persists due to sexual shame, misinformation, and politicians’ sexual hangups.

8. Queer Sexual Health, Demographics, and Inclusive Testing

• Lesbian/Cis Women: ([67:14–70:02])
  • Risk for HPV/cervical cancer is not zero; CDC says screening guidance is the same regardless of self-reported lesbian identity.
  • “HPV can live under fingernails, on hands, be transmitted via oral sex. Don’t skip screening.”
• Asexual or Sexually Inactive Individuals: ([70:06–70:48])
  • If truly no contact: Risk of HPV is “really low;” otherwise, some risk persists.

9. Public Health Funding & Access Challenges

• Funding cuts: ([71:12–73:45])
  • Federal and research funding for STI services precarious; clinics trimming staff, particularly roles like patient navigators and social work.
  • Private programs may help fill gaps, but increased strain on resources like Planned Parenthood and public health clinics anticipated.

10. HIV Today: “It’s Almost Like Magic”

• From Death Sentence to U=U: ([74:30–77:32])
  • Dr. Park: “Now we’re in an era of U=U—undetectable equals untransmittable.”
  • Good HIV treatment? Virus is suppressed, can’t transmit sexually, and never develop AIDS.
  • Modern HIV prevention: Daily PrEP pills, event-driven dosing, injectables every 2, 6, or soon 12 months.
  • “It’s reduced so much stigma… I’ve seen bridges built between positive and negative people.”
• Progress is fragile: Changes in government or policy threaten gains.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Having sex is a lot easier than talking about sex.”
  —Dr. Ina Park [09:48]

• “If your partner says they got an STD from a toilet seat, they just cheated on you.”
  —Dr. Ina Park (Mythbusting blimp wish) [86:21]

• Pubic Hair Realness:

  • Dr. Park: “Shaving causes micro trauma… you’re more vulnerable. Let your crotch catch its breath for a second.” ([36:32] & [84:18])

• Advocacy for Communication:

  • Dr. Park: “Offer your own info first—‘I got tested, here’s what I got’—that gives people permission to talk about it.” ([41:09–44:17])

• On stigma and shame:

  • Dr. Park: “We need to let this go... It’s a normal consequence of being a sexually active person. People with one or two partners can end up with multiple STIs.”

Science Nuggets

• Herpes & Supplements:
  • L-Arginine, common in protein supplements and some foods, aids herpes replication; L-lysine may block outbreaks. (Consult your doctor!) [26:46]
• BV & Microbiome:
  • Lactobacillus crispatus = good bacteria; “Your vagina should be like yogurt or merlot—not a lemon.” [45:09]
• Male circumcision decreases risk of transmitting/buying some STIs.
  ([48:03])—But, “all dongs are beautiful.”

Practical Advice & Listener FAQ

Q: Are there subtle STI symptoms to be on the lookout for?
A: Any open sore, especially painless, around genitals/mouth/anus—get checked for syphilis ([80:26]); random non-itchy rashes/hair loss can mean syphilis. Persistent “yeast infection” symptoms with negative yeast cultures? Could be herpes.

Q: How important is regular STI testing?
A: Critically important, even if asymptomatic. Most STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, show no symptoms in many people.

Q: Best advice for kids or young adults?
A: Test as routine, get vaccinated for HPV ASAP, and normalize open sexual health conversations.

Memorable/Delightful Moments

• Syphilis tattoos: “Two of my colleagues actually got syphilis tattoos at our last scientific conference.” ([05:08])
• Crabs nostalgia: “I miss crabs. I haven’t seen crabs in 25 years. It’s the most deeply satisfying thing…” ([37:44])
• Alie’s closing advice: “Go out, take [your junk] for a spin, use it for fun if you're both consenting and safe. Okay, bye bye.” ([91:14])

Timestamps to Key Segments

• [06:10] — Why “STIs” not “STDs”?
• [09:48] — Stigma and why it persists
• [14:10] — How often to test, who, and for what
• [19:13] — What’s curable, what’s not
• [23:06] — CDC/US policy drama
• [26:46] — Herpes reality and stigma
• [35:58] — Pubic hair, grooming, and infection risk
• [44:49] — Bacterial vaginosis: New science
• [59:24] — HPV vaccine and why it’s essential
• [74:30] — Modern advances in HIV prevention/treatment

Takeaways

• STIs are extraordinarily common—and usually occur as a natural outcome of being a sexually active human, not of “bad” behavior.
• Testing is normal health maintenance. Do it as routine—like oil changes or dentist visits.
• Vaccines work! Get the HPV shot (now up to age 45!).
• Open communication lowers risk and stigma.
• BV is now considered transmissible; partners should be treated together.
• Politics affect sexual health access. Support evidence-based public health policies.
• Sex is supposed to be fun. Shame and secrecy don’t serve you or your partners—honesty and science do!

For More Dr. Ina Park:
Follow on Instagram [@InaParkMD] and check her book, Strange Bedfellows: Adventures in the Science, History, and Surprising Secrets of STDs.

Support sexual health clinics & research:

• San Francisco City Clinic
• UAB SEA Kirk Avent Fund

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