EP#222: The Truth About STI Risk, Testing & Sexual Health with Robert Johnson

Today I’m joined by Robert Johnson, founder of Shameless Care, a telehealth company focused on sexual health, STI testing, and sexual wellness medications. After a missed STI diagnosis changed his life, Robert built Shameless Care to challenge outdated sexual health practices and bring more transparency, better education, and better access to care. We’re diving into the truth about STI testing, modern Telehealth, and why so many people are still getting bad information about sex.

Website: https://shamelesscare.com/

Instagram: @shamelesscareofficial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shamelesscareofficial

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Use code “OPENBEDROOM” for $15 off at shamelesscare.com

Robert's Personal Story (00:01:52)

Robert shares his story of a missed oral gonorrhea diagnosis, which inspired him to create Shameless Care.

The Problem with Incomplete Testing (00:03:02)

Robert explains how his doctors were uninformed about throat swabs and the high prevalence of asymptomatic oral gonorrhea.

Normalizing STIs and Testing Frequency (00:05:30)

Jen asks about normalizing STI testing, how often people should get tested, and the stigma surrounding STIs.

STI Rates and Demographics (00:07:47)

Robert discusses high national STI rates, like chlamydia in young women, compared to the lower rates among his educated customers.

The Importance of Thorough Testing (00:10:50)

Robert emphasizes that testing thoroughly (all sites) is more critical than testing frequently but incompletely.

Why Doctors Don't Test Thoroughly (00:12:49)

Robert explains that the lack of thorough testing is a systemic issue due to physicians' lack of specialized knowledge.

How to Get a Proper STI Test (00:16:36)

Robert advises on how to ask your doctor for a full panel or use a telehealth service like Shameless Care.

The At-Home Testing Process (00:19:08)

Robert describes the at-home kit, how to collect samples (throat, anal swabs), and the low sample rejection rate.

The Myth of Being "Clean" (00:21:59)

The host and guest discuss the common but inaccurate dating profile claim of being "clean" from STIs.

How Often Should You Get Tested? (00:23:39)

Robert explains that testing frequency is personal and depends on resources, lifestyle, and number of partners.

Addressing Shame and Discretion in Healthcare (00:26:26)

Jen shares experiences of shame from doctors, and Robert explains how telehealth offers a discreet and non-judgmental alternative.

The Future of Telehealth (00:29:14)

Robert discusses the convenience, speed, and accessibility of telehealth for specialty medications and common health issues like UTIs.

STI Prevention with DoxyPEP (00:33:38)

Robert introduces DoxyPEP, an antibiotic taken after sex to significantly reduce the risk of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.

Sexual Wellness Medications Offered (00:37:12)

Robert details other products available, like topical creams for female arousal and ED medications, without mandatory subscriptions.

Common STI Testing Misconceptions (00:39:10)

Robert debunks two myths: that a partner's negative test represents your status, and that a recent test is worthless.

The Mental Benefit of Testing (00:43:34)

Robert and Jen discuss how knowledge and regular testing reduce anxiety, leading to more enjoyable and worry-free sex.

How to Use Shameless Care (00:46:49)

Robert provides instructions on how to use the website and offers a discount code for the podcast listeners.