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In accordance with Iowa’s current laws, abortion is available up to the detection of cardiac activity, with exceptions as permitted under state law. The Emma Goldman Clinic offers procedural and medication abortion services within that timeframe.‍

We believe every person has the fundamental right to determine the outcome of their pregnancy—regardless of age, marital status, race, gender identity, or income. Our commitment to reproductive justice guides everything we do, and we will continue to provide care, support, and advocacy in the face of unjust restrictions.

The information provided on the Emma Goldman Clinic website is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care from a qualified health care provider who is familiar with your individual health needs.

What to Bring 

Bring a valid photo ID that includes your birthdate.  If using your insurance for all or part of the payment, please bring your insurance card..

If you're using a credit card for payment, make sure the cardholder is with you.

Guaranteed payment is due at the time of service.  The following options for payment are acceptable:

• Cash, traveler's checks, money order, Discover/MasterCard/Visa/American Express.
• Personal checks are not accepted.

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A vacuum aspiration abortion is a safe and simple medical procedure. Vacuum aspiration is the term for the surgery used to perform a first trimester abortion. This procedure is done while you are situated in a gynecological examination position-lying down with knees bent and apart.

Dilation and Evacuation or D&E is the term for the surgery used to perform a second trimester abortion. The surgery is completed in two steps:

Abortion is a safe and common medical procedure. There are various risks associated with any minor surgical procedure, including abortion. Minor complications resulting specifically from an abortion can usually be remedied by early diagnosis and treatment of the problem. Such complications occur less than one percent of the time and most commonly include, but are not limited to, perforation of the uterus, infection, excessive bleeding, incomplete or failed abortion, allergic reactions to medications, or hysterectomy. The risk of permanent damage to the reproductive organs or death resulting from an abortion is about one incidence in 150,000. (The risk of death from childbirth is 13 in 100,000)

The Emma Goldman Clinic is inviting you, as a donor or as a client (or both!), to share your story. By sharing your experience or your reason for supporting the Clinic, you can help others understand just how essential Emma’s care is to our community. Thank you for taking the time to inspire others and help keep affordable, compassionate and inclusive reproductive health care available to people across the Midwest right here in Iowa City!

Submit your story 

Today you may be discovering just how personal is the decision of whether or not to have an abortion. And, while you may need to sort through a variety of feelings about your options, we do ask you to remember that the controversies surrounding the abortion issue are far-reaching and extend to many other women besides yourself. Perhaps you already know of other friends or relatives who have faced an abortion decision. At some point in the future, abortion may touch the lives of others you know, such as friends, sisters, or daughters. It is important for those whose lives have been personally touched by this issue to aid in the defense of personal liberty and choice against the well-financed lobbies and self-righteous attitudes of those advocating the return of illegal abortion.

STIs are more common and more severe now than they have been in the recent past. In addition to the more familiar bacterial infections (such as gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia), the contraction of viral infections has increased dramatically. The most common sexually transmitted viral infections are known as the four H-viruses. They may be transmitted through sex and last a person's entire life. The H-viruses are:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Herpes Simplex Virus
• Hepatitis B Virus
• Human Papilloma Virus (including genital warts)

No cure exists for these infections caused by viruses. In the case of HIV, the infection can lead to death.

Preventing the spread of infection is the best way to reduce the numbers of STIs. In general, the things you can do to protect yourself from HIV will also protect you from gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, genital warts, and other STIs. Here are several things you can do to protect yourself from STIs:

• Abstain from all sexual activity with another person
• Be sexually intimate with only one person, who is only sexually intimate with You (this is called mutual monogamy), when both of you are known to be Uninfected, and when trusting each other to be faithful is realistic and practical
• Abstain from all sexual activities that could possibly result in the exchange of Infected body fluids (such as blood, vaginal secretions, semen, and saliva) Including vaginal, anal and oral sex, and also abstain from wet kissing when lips, Gums or other tissues are raw or bleeding
• Do not share injection equipment or needles of any kind
• Be sexually intimate only when latex condoms, dental dams, rubber gloves, Or other barriers are used to prevent exchange of semen, blood, and vaginal Secretions (a spermicidal lubricant may be beneficial at the time of sex)

You may feel embarrassed and scared if you think you have been exposed to an STI, but asking for information and getting treatment are better than worrying and getting sicker. It is also extremely important that you talk to your partner about STIs and sexual histories. Even if it is uncomfortable to do, it can save your life. In some cases, it can even improve your relationship, like in the following case.

"I fell in love with a girl and just prior to having intercourse she told me she had herpes on the outer lips of her vagina. We did not have intercourse that night. Later, as we grew closer, I came to trust her. We decided that we could cooperate in taking precautions to prevent me from getting herpes. We used condoms every time. We had a beautiful relationship. I never got infected. Her conditions actually made our relationship deeper and closer because we trusted and cooperated with each other."

If you are not comfortable enough with your partner to talk about STIs, you should not be having sex.

I Don't Know Him Well Enough to Look!
A patient in a clinic had herpes and genital warts. When asked if her partner had any warts or lesions she replied, "I don't know him well enough to look." Although she knew this man well enough to have sex with him and to get two STIs from him, she didn't feel she knew him well enough to look at his penis.

The health information provided on emmagoldman.com is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing stated by this website or linked pages should be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have an urgent medical problem call 911 immediately or contact your healthcare provider.

Ways to Take Care of Your Sexual Health

Lower-risk activities include:

• Massages
  
• Hugging and cuddling
  
• Kissing (closed-mouth)
  
• Solo masturbation
  
• Hand-to-genital touching
  
• Mutual masturbation
  

Activities with some risk (risk is lower when barriers are used):

• Open-mouth (“wet”) kissing
  
• Vaginal or anal sex with a condom (adding water-based or silicone lube reduces irritation; spermicide may add protection but can also cause irritation for some people)
  
• Oral sex on a penis with a condom
  
• Oral sex on a vulva/vagina with a barrier (such as a dental dam), especially important if there is bleeding or infection present
  

Higher-risk activities (greater chance of STI transmission):

• Any vaginal or anal sex without a condom or barrier
  
• Oral sex without a condom or barrier
  
• Oral sex on a vulva/vagina during menstruation or with infection when not using a barrier
  
• Oral–anal contact without protection
  
• Sharing sex toys without cleaning or covering them between partners
  
• Blood-to-blood contact of any kind (including menstrual blood, shared needles, or sexual activity that causes bleeding)
  
  

💡 Remember: Taking steps to protect your sexual health isn’t about judgment—it’s about making choices that align with your values, comfort, and care for yourself and your partners.

Symptoms
Many people with chlamydia have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they can take a long time to develop and may include:

• For people with a penis: painful or burning urination, watery or milky discharge from the penis.
  
• For people with a vagina: abnormal discharge, irregular bleeding, pelvic pain sometimes accompanied by nausea and fever, painful or frequent urination.
  
  

Because people with a vagina are less likely to notice symptoms, it’s important to get regular STI screenings and bacterial culture tests if you are sexually active.

Treatment
Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline. Completing the full course of medication is essential, even if symptoms go away.

If untreated
If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health complications. For people with a uterus, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may lead to chronic pain, ectopic pregnancy, or infertility. For all people, untreated infection can increase the risk of contracting or transmitting other STIs, including HIV.

Important Note
The health information provided on emmagoldman.com is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing stated on this website or linked pages should be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have an urgent medical problem, call 911 immediately or contact your healthcare provider.

‍

Symptoms
Gonorrhea doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms—many people never know they are infected without testing. When symptoms do appear, they may look different depending on the body parts involved:

• Possible symptoms for people with a penis:
  
  
  • Burning or painful urination
    
  • Penile discharge (white, yellow, or green)
    
  • Swelling or pain in the testicles
    
  • Fever or painful sex
    
    
• Possible symptoms for people with a vagina:
  
  
  • Pain in the pelvic area
    
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
    
  • Irregular bleeding (including after sex)
    
  • Burning with urination
    
  • Symptoms similar to those seen in people with a penis
    
    
• Other possible symptoms (anyone):
  
  
  • Sore throat (if infection is in the pharynx)
    
  • Rectal discomfort, discharge, or bleeding (if infection is anal)
    
    

Treatment
Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. Current CDC guidelines recommend dual therapy, usually with an injection of ceftriaxone and sometimes combined with oral medication. (Older treatments, such as penicillin alone, are no longer effective because the bacteria has developed resistance.)

If untreated
Without treatment, gonorrhea can cause serious complications:

• For people with a uterus, untreated infection can spread to the fallopian tubes, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), scarring, and infertility.
  
• For people with a penis, untreated infection can lead to painful swelling of the epididymis and, in rare cases, infertility.
  
• For all people, untreated gonorrhea increases the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.
  
  

The longer gonorrhea is left untreated, the greater the risk of long-term, irreversible damage. Regular testing and early treatment are the best protection.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The health information provided on emmagoldman.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing on this website or linked pages should be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have an urgent medical problem, call 911 immediately or contact your healthcare provider.

Symptoms by Stage

Syphilis progresses in stages. Symptoms can vary widely or sometimes not appear at all.

• Primary stage: a single, painless sore (called a chancre) at the site where the bacteria entered the body, usually appearing 3–6 weeks after exposure.
  
• Secondary stage: rash (often on the palms or soles), swollen lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, or patchy hair loss.
  
• Latent stage: no visible symptoms, but the bacteria remain in the body. This stage can last for years.
  
• Tertiary (late) stage: if untreated, syphilis can lead to severe health problems including neurological damage, blindness, dementia, heart disease, aneurysms, and even death.
  

Diagnosis

Syphilis is diagnosed with a simple blood test. Sometimes a swab of a sore can also detect the bacteria. Regular testing is essential if you are sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners.

Treatment

Syphilis is curable with antibiotics, usually a shot of penicillin. For people allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics such as doxycycline may be prescribed. Treatment is most effective in the early stages but can still prevent further damage in later stages.

It is important that:

• All sexual partners are tested and treated to avoid reinfection.
  
• You avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete and follow-up tests confirm the infection is gone.
  

If Untreated

Without treatment, syphilis can progress to the tertiary stage, causing permanent damage to the brain, eyes, heart, and other organs. Serious complications include:

• Neurological problems (stroke, paralysis, dementia)
  
• Blindness
  
• Heart disease and aneurysms
  
• Death in severe cases
  

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The health information provided on emmagoldman.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing on this website or linked pages should be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have an urgent medical problem, call 911 immediately or contact your healthcare provider.

Symptoms

Genital herpes may cause:

• Pain, itching, or burning in the genital area
  
• Blisters that break and become sores
  
• Burning or pain during urination
  
• Vaginal or penile discharge
  
• Pressure or tingling in the genital area
  

The first outbreak is usually the most uncomfortable and may last 7–10 days. Later outbreaks are typically milder and shorter (4–5 days). Over time, outbreaks often become less frequent.

Some people also experience flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak, such as fever, swollen glands, body aches, or fatigue. Others may not notice symptoms at all.

How Do I Know If I Have Herpes?

If you notice sores, blisters, or other symptoms, a healthcare provider can often diagnose herpes by examining the area. A swab test of an open sore or a blood test can confirm the infection.

How Soon Do Symptoms Appear?

Symptoms, if they occur, usually appear within 2–12 days after exposure. Some people don’t notice symptoms for weeks, months, or even years.

Treatment

While herpes cannot be cured, medications can help:

• Antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), or famciclovir (Famvir) can shorten outbreaks, ease symptoms, and reduce the chance of passing herpes to partners.
  
• Pain relievers (like ibuprofen) can help with discomfort.
  
• Self-care tips include keeping the area clean and dry, wearing loose cotton underwear, applying cool compresses, or using warm baths to ease pain.
  

Some people explore natural or complementary remedies (such as applying aloe vera or using stress reduction practices). While these may help with comfort, only antiviral medications are proven to reduce outbreaks and transmission.

Preventing the Spread of Herpes

• Use condoms or dental dams during oral, vaginal, or anal sex—especially when symptoms or sores are present.
  
• Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks.
  
• Daily antiviral medication can significantly reduce the risk of passing herpes to partners.
  
• Open, honest conversations with partners about STI status and testing can build trust and help protect everyone’s health.
  

Pregnancy and Herpes

If you are pregnant and have herpes, let your healthcare provider know. Most people with herpes have healthy pregnancies and births. If there is an active outbreak at the time of delivery, a Cesarean section (C-section) may be recommended to protect the baby from infection.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The health information provided on emmagoldman.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing on this website or linked pages should be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have an urgent medical problem, call 911 immediately or contact your healthcare provider.

How Is HPV Spread?

HPV is passed through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Because the virus can be on skin not covered by condoms or barriers, it can sometimes be transmitted even when using protection—though condoms and dental dams still significantly lower the risk.

It can take weeks, months, or even years after exposure for symptoms to appear. Some people never develop symptoms at all, but can still pass HPV to others.

What Do Genital Warts Look Like?

Genital warts may:

• Appear as small, flesh-colored or gray bumps
  
• Be flat, raised, or cauliflower-like in appearance
  
• Show up on the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, anus, or thighs
  
• Sometimes itch or cause mild discomfort, but are often painless
  

Not all HPV types cause warts, and not all abnormal Pap results are caused by high-risk HPV.

Symptoms of HPV

Many people never know they have HPV. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Visible genital warts
  
• Itching, burning, or mild irritation in the genital area
  
• Abnormal Pap smear results (caused by changes in cervical cells)
  
  

Testing and Follow-Up

• Pap tests and HPV tests can detect cell changes or the presence of high-risk HPV types.
  
• If results are abnormal, your provider may recommend a colposcopy (a closer exam of the cervix) or a biopsy.
  
• Regular screening is key to catching changes early, when they are most treatable.
  

Treatment

There is no cure for HPV itself, but treatments can manage symptoms and reduce complications:

• Prescription creams or solutions for external genital warts
  
• In-office procedures like cryotherapy (freezing), cauterization (burning), laser, or surgical removal
  
• Regular Pap and HPV testing to monitor and treat abnormal cells if needed
  

In many cases, the body clears the virus naturally within 1–2 years.

Protecting Yourself and Partners

Taking steps to protect your sexual health can reduce your risk of HPV and its complications:

• Use condoms, internal condoms, or dental dams with every sexual encounter.
  
• Talk openly with partners about STI testing and history.
  
• Get regular Pap tests and HPV screenings as recommended.
  
• Support your immune system with rest, nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
  

HPV Vaccine at the Emma Goldman Clinic

The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is available at the Emma Goldman Clinic. The vaccine protects against the HPV types most often linked to cervical, anal, throat, and other cancers, as well as those that cause most cases of genital warts.

• Recommended for all people of all genders starting at age 11–12, but can be given as early as age 9.
  
• Catch-up vaccination is available up to age 26, and in some cases may be considered up to age 45.
  
• The vaccine is safe, highly effective, and one of the best tools we have to prevent HPV-related cancers and warts.
  

Ask us about getting the HPV vaccine during your next visit.

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What Is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome. The following are symptoms seen with AIDS:

• Repeat vaginal yeast infections
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Abnormal Pap Smears
• Thick white coating or patches in the mouth or on the tongue (yeast)
• Rapid weight loss (15 or more pounds in 2 months if not due to diet or exercise)
• Cough with shortness of breath that continues to get worse
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Extreme tiredness
• Swollen glands in neck, armpits, or groin
• Pink or purple marks or bumps on the skin or inside your mouth
• These symptoms are common with many less serious diseases so talk to your health practitioner, especially if you have:
• More than one symptom at a time
• Any one symptom that lasts over 1 month

How Is HIV Passed From One Person To Another?
The virus is passed to other people through sexual contacts. This means exchange of vaginal secretions and seminal fluid. This includes putting the penis into the vagina and rectum. It also includes contact between genitals by mouth or through the use of sex toys.

The virus is also passed in the blood through sharing needles during intravenous drug use ("shooting up").

• Studies show that HIV cannot be transmitted by casual contact such as:
• Shaking hands, hugging, dry kissing (with no exchange of saliva), sneezing, or coughing
• Swimming in a pool with a person who is HIV infected
• Sharing eating and drinking utensils
• Sharing toilets, bathrooms, or kitchens

Who Is At Risk For Getting AIDS/HIV?
Anyone is at risk unless they are having sex with only one partner and that partner does not have any other partners. If either has had one or more other partners, they should have the HIV test. You are also more likely to be at risk if:

• You have sex without using condoms
• You share drug needles
• You have sex with gay or bisexual men

What Are The Tests For HIV?
There are two tests for HIV, the blood test and Orasure. With Orasure, a pad is placed in the mouth for 2 minutes. Both tests are sent to a laboratory for a reading. It itakes 7 to 10 days for results to come back.

There are very rarely false positive and false negative tests. If you are indoubt about the results, get tested again.

What Are The treatments for HIV?
Use Safer Sex practices:

• Always use a condoms with every sex act. (vaginal or rectal. also oral sex)
• Use a water-based spermicide as a lubricant for vaginal or anal sex.
• Decrease chance of eschanging body fluids (vaginal secretions, seminal fluid, and blood) by using other ways to express caring such as cuddling, touching, fantasizing, or mutual masturbation.

24 hour toll-free AIDS Hotline: 1 800-445-AIDS

Remember, AIDS has the potential for lasting longer than your partner!

The health information provided on emmagoldman.com is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing stated by this website or linked pages should be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have an urgent medical problem call 911 immediately or contact your healthcare provider.

Symptoms

Some people never develop symptoms, while others may have mild to severe illness. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
  
• Stomach pain or loss of appetite
  
• Headache or fever
  
• Fatigue
  
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  
• Dark urine
  
• Liver tenderness or pain under the ribs
  

Symptoms may appear 1–4 months after exposure. Some people may carry the virus without symptoms but can still transmit it to others.

Treatment

There is no cure for hepatitis B, but treatment focuses on:

• Rest, hydration, and supportive care for short-term infections
  
• Antiviral medications for people with chronic hepatitis B to slow disease progression and reduce complications
  
• Regular monitoring of liver health
  

The most effective protection is vaccination, which is given as a series of shots. The hepatitis B vaccine provides long-lasting immunity and is strongly recommended for all infants, children, and unvaccinated adults at risk.

If Untreated

If left untreated, hepatitis B can cause long-term liver problems, including:

• Chronic hepatitis (ongoing infection)
  
• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
  
• Liver failure
  
• Increased risk of liver cancer
  
• In rare cases, death
  

Protecting Yourself and Others

Taking steps to protect your health helps reduce the risk of HBV:

• Get the hepatitis B vaccine (available at the Emma Goldman Clinic).
  
• Use condoms or other barriers during sex to lower the chance of exposure.
  
• Avoid sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or other items that may come in contact with blood.
  
• If pregnant, ask your provider about hepatitis B testing and steps to prevent passing the virus to your baby.
  
  

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The health information provided on emmagoldman.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing on this website or linked pages should be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have an urgent medical problem, call 911 immediately or contact your healthcare provider.

How Do You Get It?

Trich is spread primarily through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Transmission through shared wet items like towels or bathing suits is possible but very rare.

Symptoms

Many people with trich do not have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• For people with a vagina: frothy, yellow-green or gray discharge with a strong odor, vaginal itching or burning, soreness, redness, or pain during urination or sex.
  
• For people with a penis: burning after urination or ejaculation, discharge from the urethra, or irritation inside the penis.
  
• For anyone: genital discomfort or inflammation.
  

Because symptoms can overlap with other infections, it’s important to get tested for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider can test for trich by examining a sample of vaginal or urethral discharge under a microscope or by using lab-based tests that detect the parasite more accurately.

Treatment

Trich is treatable and curable with prescription antibiotics such as metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole.

Important reminders:

• Avoid alcohol while taking these medications, as it can cause severe nausea and vomiting.
  
• All sexual partners should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.
  
• Avoid sexual contact until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and symptoms are gone.
  

If Untreated

If left untreated, trich can cause ongoing discomfort and increase the risk of:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in people with a uterus
  
• Prostate inflammation in people with a penis
  
• Higher risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV and other STIs
  

Protecting Yourself and Partners

Taking steps to protect your sexual health reduces your risk of trich and other STIs:

• Use condoms or other barriers (such as internal condoms or dental dams) every time you have sex.
  
• Get tested regularly if you are sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners.
  
• Talk openly with partners about STI testing and treatment.
  
• Avoid sharing wet towels, washcloths, or swimsuits.
  

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The health information provided on emmagoldman.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing on this website or linked pages should be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have an urgent medical problem, call 911 immediately or contact your healthcare provider.

Symptoms

• Itching (from mild irritation to severe discomfort)
  
• Visible nits (eggs) attached to hair shafts
  
• Adult lice visible on hair or skin
  
• Irritation or small red bumps in the affected area
  

Diagnosis

Lice are diagnosed either through visual identification of live lice or by spotting their eggs (nits). Itching plus evidence of lice or nits usually confirms infestation.

Treatment

Pubic lice are treatable with over-the-counter lice medications, available as shampoos, lotions, or cream rinses. Generics are widely available—ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure which product to use.

• Apply treatment to all areas with coarse body hair (not just the pubic area).
  
• Leave on for the directed time, then rinse thoroughly.
  
• Repeat treatment in 7–10 days to kill any newly hatched lice.
  

General measures:

• Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat.
  
• Items that can’t be washed may be sealed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks or dry-cleaned.
  
• Clean or replace combs and brushes.
  
• Avoid close contact until treatment is completed.
  
• Recent sexual partners and close contacts should also be treated to prevent reinfestation.
  

Survival of Lice

• Head and body lice can survive 7–10 days off a human host.
  
• Pubic lice survive about 1–2 days off the body.
  
• Nits (eggs) hatch in 5–10 days, which is why repeat treatment is necessary.
  

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The health information provided on emmagoldman.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing on this website or linked pages should be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have an urgent medical problem, call 911 immediately or contact your healthcare provider.

Some of the most common vaginal imbalances include:

• Yeast infections – often cause itching, irritation, and a thick, white discharge.
  
• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) – usually causes a thin, gray or white discharge and a “fishy” odor, especially after sex.
  
• pH imbalances – can make the vagina more prone to infections or irritation.
  

Vaginal imbalances are not always sexually transmitted and are not a reflection of hygiene. They are simply a sign that your body’s natural environment has shifted. Many imbalances are easily treated with medication or lifestyle adjustments.

If you notice persistent odor, discharge, itching, burning, or discomfort, scheduling an exam or test is the best way to find out what’s going on and get relief.

What Is a Dental Dam?

A dental dam is a thin sheet of latex or polyurethane that creates a barrier between the mouth and the vagina or anus during oral sex. Dental dams help reduce the risk of transmitting or acquiring STIs.

👉 Dental dams are available at the Emma Goldman Clinic. Ask about them at your next visit.

How to Use a Dental Dam

• Place the dental dam flat over the vulva/vagina or anus before oral contact.
  
• Hold the dam in place during use.
  
• Do not flip it over—keep the same side against your partner’s body throughout.
  
• Use a new dental dam each time and for each area (never reuse).
  
  

Making Your Own Dental Dam

If dental dams are hard to find, you can make one from a condom or a latex glove.

From a condom:

1. Unroll the condom completely.
   
   
2. Use scissors to cut off the tip and the thick ring at the base.
   
   
3. Cut lengthwise along one side to create a rectangle of latex.
   
   
4. Place the sheet over the vulva or anus for protection.
   
   

From a glove:

1. Cut off the fingers.
   
   
2. Cut down one side to create a flat sheet.
   
   
3. Place the sheet over the area you want to cover.
   
   

Like condoms, dental dams are for single use only—dispose of them after use.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The health information provided on emmagoldman.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing on this website or linked pages should be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have an urgent medical

‍Add a drop of water-based or silicone lubricant on the side facing the body for more sensation.

Why It Matters

Each recurrent episode of PID increases the risk of infertility, chronic pelvic pain, or ectopic pregnancy. Scarring of the fallopian tubes from repeated infections is the primary cause of PID-related infertility.

• Risk of infertility after PID episodes:
  
  
  • 1st episode → ~11%
    
  • 2nd episode → ~23%
    
  • 3rd episode → ~54%
    
    
• If cervical gonorrhea is left untreated: up to 40% of cases may lead to PID.
  
• If treated adequately: risk of PID from cervical gonorrhea is near 0%.
  

Risk Factors

While anyone with a uterus can develop PID, risk is higher if you:

• Have an untreated STI (especially chlamydia or gonorrhea)
  
• Have multiple sexual partners, or a partner who has other partners
  
• Have a personal or family history of PID
  
• Recently had an IUD inserted (risk is slightly increased in the first few weeks after insertion, but IUDs remain a safe and effective contraceptive choice overall)
  
• Are in the first few days of your menstrual cycle (when the cervix is slightly more open)
  

Symptoms

PID may cause:

• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
  
• Pain during sex
  
• Unusual vaginal discharge
  
• Irregular bleeding between periods or after sex
  
• Fever, chills, or nausea
  
• Painful or frequent urination
  

Sometimes PID has few or no symptoms, which is why regular STI screening is so important.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A healthcare provider can diagnose PID with an exam, lab tests, or imaging.

Treatment usually includes:

• Antibiotics (often a combination to cover multiple bacteria)
  
• Rest and follow-up appointments to confirm the infection is cleared
  
• Treating all sexual partners to prevent reinfection
  

Severe cases may require hospitalization. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent long-term complications.

Protecting Yourself and Partners

You can reduce your risk of PID by:

• Getting tested regularly for STIs if you are sexually active
  
• Taking steps to protect your sexual health (using condoms, dental dams, or other barriers)
  
• Talking openly with partners about STI testing and treatment
  
• Seeking treatment right away if you experience symptoms of an STI or PID
  

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
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