A powerful new tool in the global fight against HIV has arrived — but whether it can live up to its promise may depend more on access than science.

The U.S. has just approved the world’s only twice-yearly HIV prevention shot, a drug called lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences. It’s being hailed as a potential game-changer: in two major studies, it nearly eliminated new HIV infections in people at high risk, outperforming existing daily pills.

“This really has the possibility of ending HIV transmission,” said Greg Millett, public policy director at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

But despite the breakthrough, there’s a growing concern: will enough people actually get the shot?

How It Works: A New Kind of PrEP

While we still don’t have an HIV vaccine, PrEP — or pre-exposure prophylaxis — has become a frontline method of preventing infection. But current options, like daily pills or injections every two months, come with hurdles: people forget doses, miss appointments, or face stigma.

That’s where lenacapavir steps in.

Marketed under the new brand name Yeztugo (it’s already sold as Sunlenca for HIV treatment), the shot is given twice a year as two injections under the skin of the abdomen. The drug forms a slow-release “depot” that offers long-lasting protection.

Users must test negative for HIV before starting, and while the shot doesn’t prevent other STDs, its ease and effectiveness could dramatically expand prevention access — especially for people who can’t or won’t take a daily pill.

Game-Changing Results From Major Studies

The numbers speak for themselves:

• In a landmark trial of 5,300 young women and girls in South Africa and Uganda, zero participants who received lenacapavir became infected with HIV. By contrast, around 2% of those on daily PrEP pills did.
• A second study involving gay and gender-diverse participants in the U.S. and other high-risk countries found similarly high effectiveness.

For people like Ian Haddock of Houston, the difference has been life-changing.

“Now I forget that I’m on PrEP because I don’t have to carry around a pill bottle,” said Haddock, who took part in the study and now gets the shot every six months. “Just remembering a clinic visit every six months is a powerful tool.”

So What’s the Catch? Access and Affordability

Despite its promise, access to lenacapavir may be severely limited — especially in places that need it most.

• In the U.S., the shot will cost about $28,218 a year before insurance. Gilead says it expects private insurers to cover it and has financial assistance programs, but looming challenges remain:
  • A Supreme Court case could overturn insurance coverage mandates for PrEP.
  • Medicaid cuts under consideration in Congress could put it further out of reach.
  • Much of the CDC’s HIV prevention outreach infrastructure was dismantled under the Trump administration, limiting efforts to get the shot to high-risk communities.

Carl Schmid of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute worries the opportunity is slipping away.

“We’re basically pulling the rug out of HIV prevention and testing and outreach programs.”

A Global Lifeline—But Not for Everyone

Worldwide, 1.3 million people are newly infected with HIV each year. Yet Gilead’s plan to expand lenacapavir access outside the U.S. is limited — and leaves out many middle-income countries.

• Gilead has partnered with six generic manufacturers to provide low-cost versions to 120 low-income countries, mostly in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
• Until those generics are available, Gilead will donate enough doses for 2 million people at no profit.

But that’s not enough, says Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS.

“If it’s unaffordable,” she said, “it will change nothing.”

Countries in Latin America and elsewhere that don’t qualify as “low-income” could be stuck in limbo — unable to afford the brand-name version and ineligible for the generics.

Dr. Gordon Crofoot, a Houston physician who helped lead the U.S. trial, summed it up:

“Everyone in every country who’s at risk of HIV needs access to PrEP. We need easier access to PrEP that’s highly effective — like this is.”

The Bottom Line

Lenacapavir has the potential to become the most effective tool yet in the global fight to end HIV — offering protection that’s powerful, discreet, and refreshingly low-maintenance. But its success won’t just depend on science. It depends on the systems in place — or falling apart — to deliver it.

If access barriers aren’t addressed, this twice-a-year shot may join a long list of HIV breakthroughs that could save lives… if only people could get them.

Source: AP News – The world’s only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV could stop transmission — if people can get it

The post The New HIV Shot That Could Stop Transmission — If People Can Get It appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Nicole’s Journey: A Struggle for Answers

When Nicole first experienced pain during intercourse nearly a decade ago, she was determined to find a solution. After consulting multiple specialists, she was diagnosed with labial hypoplasia—a condition where the outer labia are only partially formed. Following corrective surgery, she found significant relief and remained pain-free for years, incorporating yoga into her routine to aid healing.

But six years later, the pain returned—this time, at the initial stages of penetration. For the past three years, the 33-year-old California resident has sought a formal diagnosis, but the cause of her discomfort remains unclear.

“I get a lot of ‘it’s probably anxiety or related to mental health,’” Nicole shared. “It’s disappointing since I made a ton of progress and now feel like I’m being tossed aside.”

Nicole’s experience isn’t unique. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, nearly 3 in 4 women will experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives—whether temporarily or as a chronic issue.

What Causes Pain During Intercourse?

Painful intercourse can stem from multiple factors, including:

• Pelvic Floor Tension: Women with tight pelvic floor muscles may experience pain not just during intercourse but also during gynecological exams or tampon use. Tightness in the neck, lower back, and hips can also contribute.
• Hormonal Changes: Decreased estrogen levels during menopause, postpartum recovery, or breastfeeding can cause vaginal dryness, making intercourse painful.
• Past Trauma or Surgeries: Stress, traumatic experiences, or muscle tensing—whether conscious or unconscious—can also lead to discomfort.

Seeking Treatment for Painful Sex

For those experiencing pain due to pelvic floor muscle tension, pelvic floor physical therapy is a highly effective treatment. According to Dr. Anna Falter, a pelvic floor therapist at the Cleveland Clinic, therapy can help relax overly tight muscles and prevent future discomfort.

Treatment Approaches:

1. Trigger Point Therapy
   • A therapist applies pressure to tight pelvic muscles to help them relax. This can be done vaginally with a gloved, lubricated finger or at home using a pelvic wand or vaginal dilators.
2. Pelvic Floor Lengthening Exercises
   • Unlike Kegel exercises, which strengthen muscles, lengthening exercises focus on relaxation. This is often paired with diaphragmatic breathing to reduce tension.
3. Daily Check-ins & Stretches
   • Simple activities like brushing teeth or sitting on the couch can become moments to check for muscle tension. Yoga poses like child’s pose, butterfly stretch, and deep squat can help release tightness.

Dr. Falter emphasizes that individualized treatment is key. Seeking professional guidance ensures exercises are performed correctly and effectively.

How Partners Can Offer Support

If your partner experiences pain during sex, there are ways to help:

• Stop Immediately If Pain Occurs: Pushing through discomfort can create negative associations with intimacy.
• Open Communication: A supportive, understanding approach can ease feelings of shame or inadequacy.
• Educate Yourself: Learning about treatment strategies helps partners provide better support.
• Explore Non-Penetrative Intimacy: Activities like manual stimulation, oral sex, affectionate touch, and meaningful kisses maintain closeness.

“At the end of any sexual encounter, you want to be able to look forward to the next time with anticipation and delight,” says relationship expert Dr. Emily Dillon. “If sex is painful, it can create a cycle of dread, which you don’t want.”

The Importance of Physical Intimacy

Despite the lack of a clear diagnosis, Nicole is committed to maintaining a fulfilling intimate relationship. She and her boyfriend have explored alternative solutions, incorporating pelvic floor therapy into their routine to alleviate discomfort.

“There was a lot of education that had to be done, which isn’t always fun or sexy,” she admitted. “But in the end, it has brought us closer together and strengthened our emotional connection.”

For those facing similar struggles, seeking medical help and communicating with a supportive partner can make all the difference. Pain-free intimacy is possible with the right approach and treatment.

Source: CNN – Sex shouldn’t be painful. Here’s what to do if it is

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Amid the challenges of war, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers with life-altering injuries are redefining relationships, intimacy, and self-acceptance. The rise in casualties has brought critical attention to overlooked issues like sexual rehabilitation and body confidence.

A Soldier’s Journey: Love, Loss, and Rediscovery

When 35-year-old combat medic Tetyana Tsymbaliuk woke up in a hospital after losing her leg to a battlefield injury, her boyfriend was waiting with flowers and a proposal. She declined, fearing she would be a burden.

“I realized that before amputation, I was more attractive. I wasn’t sure I could fulfill my role as a wife,” Tsymbaliuk shared.

Her story reflects the emotional struggles faced by the nearly 370,000 Ukrainian soldiers wounded since Russia’s 2022 invasion, many of whom have undergone amputations. Despite physical and psychological rehabilitation programs, sexual rehabilitation remains a taboo subject, with little formal support available.

A Missing Conversation: Sexual Rehabilitation in Ukraine

While Ukraine has advanced in physical and mental health care for veterans, discussions about sexual health are still rare. Military psychologist and sexologist Hanna Revunets says that societal discomfort with the topic hinders progress.

“We don’t have a culture of openly discussing sex, even with partners,” Revunets explained. “Veterans rarely bring it up unless they’ve built significant trust.”

Revunets highlights the absence of official protocols for sexual rehabilitation, leaving doctors unprepared to address such issues.

“Doctors think I’m crazy when I emphasize its importance. But sexual health is vital for mental and emotional well-being,” she said.

Revunets works with veterans to understand their physical and emotional challenges, offering tailored advice ranging from medication to psychological support.

Veterans Speak Out: “I Was Told to Have Sex, But Not How”

In 2023, Ukrainian nonprofit Veteran Hub conducted interviews with 39 injured veterans and their partners to explore their post-injury sex lives. Many shared that physical changes made intimacy more complex, requiring preparation and adaptation.

One veteran noted a lack of guidance:

“Doctors told me to have sex but didn’t explain how. We’re learning by word of mouth.”

To address this gap, Veteran Hub created a guide to help injured veterans restore their sexual lives. Project manager Kateryna Skorohod stressed the importance of addressing these concerns as part of broader rehabilitation:

“After physical recovery, people want to know if they can still swim, ski, date, or have sex. These questions need answers.”

The Role of Partners: Balancing Care and Intimacy

For many veterans, the journey back to intimacy also involves their partners, who often become primary caregivers.

“Ukrainian society expects wives to care for their husbands entirely, which leaves little room for exploring intimacy,” said Olga Serdyuk, head of a sexual education program at the Recovery rehabilitation network.

Recovery launched a course, Sexual Life, to train medical professionals on how to address sexual rehabilitation. Serdyuk emphasized that even those with severe injuries can find fulfillment:

“Intimacy isn’t just physical; it’s about exploring fantasies, understanding your body, and embracing new forms of pleasure.”

Breaking Barriers on Ukrainian Television

Discussions about disabilities gained mainstream attention when 26-year-old veteran Oleksandr Budko, a double amputee, starred as the lead on Ukraine’s The Bachelor.

In a November episode featuring an intimate scene, 2.8 million viewers tuned in, making it the most-watched program of the day.

“This was the first time a Bachelor with visible amputations was featured,” said producer Anna Kalyna. “We didn’t know how the audience would react, but it was a success.”

Budko’s participation challenged stereotypes. On Instagram, he shared:

“My prostheses don’t define me. I’m worthy of love and a happy life, just like anyone else.”

Veterans Choosing Life Over Suffering

Many veterans are finding ways to reclaim their lives. Infantry commander and osteopath Oleksandr Batalov, who lost his leg in combat, credited his wife’s unwavering support for his recovery.

“At first, I didn’t want anyone to see me. But I chose life, not suffering,” Batalov said.

Batalov is now training to help others, advocating for more specialists in sexual rehabilitation.

“If you’ve survived, you must live fully,” he said.

Love Triumphs: Tsymbaliuk’s Happy Ending

After months of rehabilitation in Germany and Ukraine’s Superhumans Center, Tsymbaliuk found strength in love. Her boyfriend proposed again, and this time, she said yes. Four months ago, the couple welcomed their first child.

“I’m not hiding my prosthetic. I’m living a full life. And I’m happy,” she said.

A Call for Change

As Ukraine navigates the challenges of war, the stories of veterans like Tsymbaliuk and Budko highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to rehabilitation—one that includes sexual health.

By fostering open discussions and providing resources, Ukraine can help its heroes rebuild their lives, not just survive their injuries.

Source

The post The Untold Struggles of Amputee Soldiers in Ukraine appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Lily Phillips, an OnlyFans model, has ignited heated discussions online after revealing she slept with 100 men in a single day for her subscription-based content.

The event, documented in a video titled I Slept With 100 Men in One Day by YouTuber Josh Pieters, showcases Phillips recounting her experience. In one particularly emotional clip, she breaks down in tears, admitting she felt “robotic” during the process.

“By the time I got to the 30th, I had developed a routine,” Phillips shared. “Sometimes, you disassociate—it’s not like normal sex at all. Right now, I can only recall about 5 to 10 of the men. If I didn’t have the videos, I wouldn’t even know I did 100.”

Aiming for a Record-Breaking Feat

Phillips, undeterred by the controversy, has set her sights on an even more ambitious goal: becoming the first woman to sleep with 1,000 men in 24 hours. She announced this goal on TikTok and revealed her plan to achieve it by January 2025.

To prepare, Phillips plans to “take on” 300 men on December 15, which she described as her “biggest challenge yet.” Confident in her approach, she called it “light work” compared to her ultimate goal.

Health Precautions and Transparency

Phillips has been transparent about her health practices, sharing proof of regular STD and STI screenings. She emphasized the thorough health checks of her partners, ensuring safety during her encounters.

Chasing a World Record

Phillips hopes to surpass the current world record held by Lisa Sparks, who slept with 919 men in 24 hours at a 2004 event in Poland. Sparks’ record, achieved during a sex industry gathering, has remained unbroken for nearly two decades.

Social Media Reaction

Phillips has chronicled her journey on TikTok, garnering mixed reactions. While some viewers admire her determination to achieve her goal, others have criticized her for the nature of her ambition.

As the release of the documentary and her upcoming attempt generate further buzz, Phillips continues to navigate both praise and backlash. She remains resolute in her mission, saying, “This is something I’m committed to, and I’ll see it through.”

Her story raises questions about personal agency, societal norms, and the limits of content creation in the digital age.

Source

The post Lily Phillips’ 100-Men Challenge Sparks Heated Debate Online appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A new trend among college students is raising alarms among health professionals. The trend, which has gained attention on TikTok, involves the use of honey packets marketed as a sexual enhancement supplement. Students at Arizona State University have posted videos discussing their use of these packets, which have garnered over 400,000 views. Some students joke about using them, while others openly mention taking them on campus.

However, doctors are not laughing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against several honey packet brands, which contain hidden drug ingredients.

What’s Really Inside the Honey Packets?

While some honey packets contain natural ingredients like maca and ginseng—which may not have much of an impact—others include pharmaceutical drugs such as tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, a medication for erectile dysfunction. According to Dr. Peter Leone, a professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina, “I’m all about people having good sex and sexual pleasure, but I prefer safer ways of doing it.”

Dr. Jesse Mills, a clinical professor and director of the Men’s Clinic at UCLA, agrees. He points out that these packets can be easily purchased at liquor stores and truck stops, but consumers have no idea what’s inside. The danger lies in the unpredictability of these products, as tadalafil can cause serious side effects—such as dangerously low blood pressure—especially when combined with other medications or alcohol. In some cases, it can even be deadly.

Why Are College Students Using Honey Packets?

In the viral TikTok video, one ASU student mentions taking multiple honey packets in one night. While the packets have been around for some time, they are gaining more popularity among young people looking to enhance their sexual experiences. Dr. Mills highlights the risk, noting that young men, especially in college, are unlikely to suffer from erectile dysfunction, so there’s no real medical reason for them to use these products.

Instead, the trend reflects a deeper issue: insecurity. Many college students feel pressure to perform sexually, particularly in hookup culture, and may use the packets to boost their confidence or compete with previous sexual partners. But using a honey packet isn’t the solution.

Dr. Mills explains that for college students experiencing sexual performance issues, it’s important to consult a professional. A sexual health specialist can help determine whether the problem is physical or psychological, offering proper treatment or support.

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

The interest in honey packets raises concerns about the pressures young men face regarding their sexual performance. Many are worried about how they compare to their partner’s past experiences, fueling a sense of competition rather than focusing on healthy, consensual intimacy.

For students who may be struggling with sexual health, the solution isn’t to rely on a risky supplement but to seek help from a medical professional. Dr. Mills advises, “If a college student is having difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, that’s a serious health issue that needs to be addressed. But if they think a honey packet will help them last longer or perform better, it probably won’t—unless they truly believe in it, in which case, the placebo effect can make anything seem effective.”

In short, while the honey packet trend might seem harmless, it can be dangerous, and it’s important for young people to understand the risks involved and seek proper medical advice if they’re concerned about their sexual health.

Source

USA Today Watch Video

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