Navigating STI Diagnosis and Identity

Here we interview a Planned Parenthood Nurse Practitioner on the East about stigma in the healthcare field. We talk about some of the clean vs dirty language, differences between men and women’s responses to their diagnosis and some of the useful resources that have supported our guest in dealing with patients. I also present a lil’ bit of guidance for alleviating stigma with patients so I did my deed for the day here. This episode is part of my interviewing healthcare providers series. My intention is to optimize the patient/provider communication for the sake of minimizing new infections through getting people comfortable talking about sex. Gena is a nurse practitioner who has been working in reproductive healthcare for over a decade, with expertise in trauma-informed gynecology, abortion care, and gender affirming hormone therapy.  In her current role at Planned Parenthood, Gena is particularly passionate about destigmatizing STIs, consent advocacy, and empowering patients in every aspect of their care.