Blum Center Program: Spill the STI Tea: A Conversation with the Mass General Sexual Health Clinic

Why It Matters

Normalizing STI conversations and routine screening reduces stigma, leading to earlier detection and treatment, which can curb transmission and improve public health.

Key Takeaways

• Stigma hinders STI discussions; normalizing care reduces fear.
• Common STIs: gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis; most are treatable.
• Birth control prevents pregnancy, not STIs; condoms remain essential.
• PrEP protects anyone at HIV risk, not just gay men.
• Patients should proactively request screenings and prepare questions before appointments.

Summary

The Blum Center’s "Spill the STI Tea" session brought together clinicians from Mass General’s Sexual Health Clinic to demystify sexually transmitted infections during STI Awareness Week. Program manager Eric Jakori introduced nurses, a community health worker, and an infectious‑disease fellow, each sharing personal introductions and playful movie‑title analogies that highlighted the pervasive stigma surrounding sexual health. The panel busts common myths—STIs cannot be contracted from toilet seats, birth control does not prevent infection, and asymptomatic cases require testing. They identified gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis as the most prevalent bacterial STIs, emphasized that most have straightforward treatment, and clarified that PrEP is a preventive option for anyone at risk of HIV, not solely gay men. Practical advice centered on patients owning the conversation, preparing questions, and using tools like patient‑gateway messages to ease discomfort. Joey’s reference to Disney’s "Encanto" illustrated how hidden imperfections mirror the secrecy around STIs, while Dan’s myth‑busting and Megan’s HEAT program underscored the role of social determinants—housing, food, employment—in HIV care. The clinicians repeatedly urged normalizing STI screening as routine as blood pressure checks, stressing that early detection leads to rapid cure or management. The discussion signals a shift toward integrating sexual health into standard primary care, reducing barriers, and empowering patients to act as advocates for their own wellbeing. By framing STI testing as a normal health maintenance activity, the clinic aims to increase uptake, lower transmission rates, and ultimately improve community health outcomes.

Original Description

In this session from April 13, 2026—held in recognition of STI Awareness Week—team members from the Mass General Sexual Health Clinic and the Infectious Diseases Division engage in a conversation around sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They address key questions such as: What exactly is an STI? What are common symptoms to look out for? How can each of us break stigma when it comes to sexual health?

This session is a collaboration between the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center and the Sexual Health Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital.