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Strange Bedfellows: Adventures in the Science, History, and Surprising Secrets of STDs
With curiosity and wit, Strange Bedfellows rips back the bedsheets to expose what really happens when STDs enter the sack.
Sexually transmitted diseases have been hidden players in our lives for the whole of human history, with roles in everything from World War II to the growth of the Internet to The Bachelor. But despite their prominence, STDs have been shrouded in mystery and taboo for centuries, which begs the why do we know so little about them?
Enter Ina Park, MD, who has been pushing boundaries to empower and inform others about sexual health for decades. With Strange Bedfellows, she ventures far beyond the bedroom to examine the hidden role and influence of these widely misunderstood infections and share their untold stories.
Covering everything from AIDS to Zika, Park explores STDs on the cellular, individual, and population-level. She blends science and storytelling with historical tales, real life sexual escapades, and interviews with leading scientists—weaving in a healthy dose of hilarity along the way.
The truth is, most of us are sexually active, yet we’re often unaware of the universe of microscopic bedfellows inside our pants. Park aims to change this by bringing knowledge to the masses in an accessible, no-nonsense, humorous way—helping readers understand the broad impact STDs have on our lives, while at the same time erasing the unfair stigmas attached to them.
A departure from the cone of awkward silence and shame that so often surrounds sexual health, Strange Bedfellows is the straight-shooting book about the consequences of sex that all curious readers have been looking for.
Sexually transmitted diseases have been hidden players in our lives for the whole of human history, with roles in everything from World War II to the growth of the Internet to The Bachelor. But despite their prominence, STDs have been shrouded in mystery and taboo for centuries, which begs the why do we know so little about them?
Enter Ina Park, MD, who has been pushing boundaries to empower and inform others about sexual health for decades. With Strange Bedfellows, she ventures far beyond the bedroom to examine the hidden role and influence of these widely misunderstood infections and share their untold stories.
Covering everything from AIDS to Zika, Park explores STDs on the cellular, individual, and population-level. She blends science and storytelling with historical tales, real life sexual escapades, and interviews with leading scientists—weaving in a healthy dose of hilarity along the way.
The truth is, most of us are sexually active, yet we’re often unaware of the universe of microscopic bedfellows inside our pants. Park aims to change this by bringing knowledge to the masses in an accessible, no-nonsense, humorous way—helping readers understand the broad impact STDs have on our lives, while at the same time erasing the unfair stigmas attached to them.
A departure from the cone of awkward silence and shame that so often surrounds sexual health, Strange Bedfellows is the straight-shooting book about the consequences of sex that all curious readers have been looking for.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2021
123 people are currently reading
2246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
December 29, 2021
One of the perks of these terrible past couple years is that being brought undeniably face-to-face with how generally dire and revolting things have become overall seems to have provided me with motivation and impetus for seeking to read more widely about diverse topics of misery that are possibly more uplifting in comparison to the present day-to-day.
This approach seems both appropriate and respectful to the current grim state of affairs while also providing a welcome escapism and respite in the sense that such topics of misery now seem more preferable and surmountable relative to what contemporary shit is currently being (un)dealt with around us.
In other words - a book about the curious science and history of STIs and the evolution of their diagnosis and treatment seemed absolutely perfect early-2021 fare!
This hopeful, optimistic, cheering book is…well, it’s as hopeful, optimistic and cheering as a book on STIs could ever possibly be.
The author, like any strong clinician with good bedside manner, is engaging, conversational while still professional, respectful, destigmatizing/normalizing, as humorous as is appropriate, and focuses on past and future advancements in understanding and care.
It is very good to be reassured, with supportive evidence and examples, that better management of at least some other widespread viruses (and bacteria!) is historically possible.
I really wanted to review this as it appears on my 2021 GR Year in Reading recap as my least-popular/shelved-by-others book!
I had the audiobook alongside the print and both were great; audio is recommended.
My only regret is that, since I hardly left the house that month, I never got the chance to accidentally grace passersby with anecdotes of pubic lice emanating from my earphones or car speakers. 🦀
A sex- and body-positive jackpot - A+!
This approach seems both appropriate and respectful to the current grim state of affairs while also providing a welcome escapism and respite in the sense that such topics of misery now seem more preferable and surmountable relative to what contemporary shit is currently being (un)dealt with around us.
In other words - a book about the curious science and history of STIs and the evolution of their diagnosis and treatment seemed absolutely perfect early-2021 fare!
This hopeful, optimistic, cheering book is…well, it’s as hopeful, optimistic and cheering as a book on STIs could ever possibly be.
The author, like any strong clinician with good bedside manner, is engaging, conversational while still professional, respectful, destigmatizing/normalizing, as humorous as is appropriate, and focuses on past and future advancements in understanding and care.
It is very good to be reassured, with supportive evidence and examples, that better management of at least some other widespread viruses (and bacteria!) is historically possible.
I really wanted to review this as it appears on my 2021 GR Year in Reading recap as my least-popular/shelved-by-others book!
I had the audiobook alongside the print and both were great; audio is recommended.
My only regret is that, since I hardly left the house that month, I never got the chance to accidentally grace passersby with anecdotes of pubic lice emanating from my earphones or car speakers. 🦀
A sex- and body-positive jackpot - A+!
February 25, 2021
I never thought I would laugh so much at a book about STIs. Dr. Park is engaging both in prose and narration of the audiobook. A very detailed and thorough look that works very hard to be inclusive and understanding.
April 24, 2023
review to come
May 1, 2021
A surprisingly enjoyable read! The science is sufficiently detailed but not overly so, and the author is clearly sex-positive. She addresses multiple populations (not just white, hetero) with sensitivity. She's even funny. Would recommend for any fans of science.
March 6, 2021
If you love STIs like I do - or even if you don't - please read this book. Had me giggling throughout. I am now in love with Ina Park.
May 23, 2021
Never have I laughed so hard while learning so much! Ina Park is a master at breaking down barriers and making uncomfortable topics accessible and enjoyable. This is a must read for anyone who has had, is having, or will have sex. #stoptheSTIgma
September 1, 2021
"Prędzej czy później wszyscy zapewne coś złapiemy"
February 27, 2021
This book was great! My favorite kind of non-fiction: interesting and informative, clearly well-researched, but also engagingly written and really funny!
August 30, 2022
Sometimes life's unhappy accidents lead to happy consequences.
Ina Park researches things that most of us would rather not think about on a daily basis, sexually transmitted diseases and infections. In this book, she covers the well-known and the not so well-known STDs using case studies, history, and emerging research. Park approaches the topic with respect, appropriate humor, inclusivity, and positivity.
I enjoy nonfiction, especially nonfiction that touches on taboo or gross subjects, so when this book was added to my library's collection, I knew it would be right up my alley. Though I knew a lot going into this book, I gleaned a lot of new information from it as well. Park's writing and narration styles (she narrates the audiobook) are extremely approachable and open. She definitely never gets preachy, she makes clear that most adults will be infected with an STD at some point in their lives and wants to stop the stigma surrounding them. There were many times when I laughed out loud at this book (which is a bit awkward depending on where I was listening to it) and there were also many moments of cringing, as well as stories that broke my heart. It was a very well-written and informative book.
I would recommend this book to fans of Mary Roach or people who like reading about medical topics. Honestly, it is probably a good book for everyone to read.
CW: animal cruelty/death, cancer, drug addiction, incarceration, infertility, infidelity, medical procedures, swearing (some strong language), sexual content (obviously)
Ina Park researches things that most of us would rather not think about on a daily basis, sexually transmitted diseases and infections. In this book, she covers the well-known and the not so well-known STDs using case studies, history, and emerging research. Park approaches the topic with respect, appropriate humor, inclusivity, and positivity.
I enjoy nonfiction, especially nonfiction that touches on taboo or gross subjects, so when this book was added to my library's collection, I knew it would be right up my alley. Though I knew a lot going into this book, I gleaned a lot of new information from it as well. Park's writing and narration styles (she narrates the audiobook) are extremely approachable and open. She definitely never gets preachy, she makes clear that most adults will be infected with an STD at some point in their lives and wants to stop the stigma surrounding them. There were many times when I laughed out loud at this book (which is a bit awkward depending on where I was listening to it) and there were also many moments of cringing, as well as stories that broke my heart. It was a very well-written and informative book.
I would recommend this book to fans of Mary Roach or people who like reading about medical topics. Honestly, it is probably a good book for everyone to read.
CW: animal cruelty/death, cancer, drug addiction, incarceration, infertility, infidelity, medical procedures, swearing (some strong language), sexual content (obviously)
August 19, 2022
I learned a ton from this read. A fun and easy read with well-presented information.
March 10, 2021
Thanks to "This Podcast Will Kill You" for this recommendation. Dr. Park's book is a very satisfying combination of informative and entertaining, and an important read for anyone who is having sex, planning to have sex, or preparing to talk to their children about sex.
September 5, 2025
I listened to the audiobook version of this and learned a lot!
November 27, 2021
I picked up Strange Bedfellows by sex-positive STD/STI researcher Dr Ina Park purely out of curiosity after reading several enthusiastic reviews, and I’m happy to report that it is an informative, interesting, and often witty examination of the history, science and stigma related to sexually transmitted Infections and sexual health.
Though the subject of STIs is not of personal relevance to me, given I’ve been in a monogamous relationship for 31 years, I am the mother of four teens/young adults and thought I could be better informed on the topic to discuss it with them. Park presents her information in a clear and accessible manner, and I definitely feel I now have a more comprehensive understanding of STIs. I was interested to learn about the many issues related to the testing and treatment of herpes, the hazels of pubic hair removal, the complexities of public health tracing in relation to STIs, the dangers of douching, the effectiveness of PrEP in preventing HIV, and more besides. Peppered with personal anecdotes and commentary, Park’s sense of humour ensures the material isn’t dry, but she also writes with sensitivity and respect.
However, I can’t wholeheartedly embrace the author’s rallying cry to #StoptheSTIgma. When I was a teenager unprotected sex was a dangerous gamble - HIV/AIDS was a death sentence, HPV led to cancer, as did Hepatitis B. Even though today people receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS can expect to live a normal life span, HPV immunisation has reduced the risk of cervical cancer by 90%, and Hep B vaccinations in childhood have reduced the risk of developing liver cancer to around 5%, unprotected sex is still a serious health risk. While I’m all for promoting the awareness of, and destigmatising treatment for, STI’s, prevention is still better than a cure. Given the reported decline in condom use, and the rise in STIs, over the last 20 years or so, I’m concerned that what teens and young adults are ‘hearing’ is that STDs are treatable and as such ‘harmless’, and therefore condoms are superfluous (if the risk of unwanted pregnancy has been addressed in heterosexual sexual encounter, or by the use of PrEP to prevent HIV in a homosexual encounter).
Nevertheless, Strange Bedfellows is an educative and engaging read that I think would appeal to a range of audiences, from the idly curious to those working with, or raising, teens or young adults.
Though the subject of STIs is not of personal relevance to me, given I’ve been in a monogamous relationship for 31 years, I am the mother of four teens/young adults and thought I could be better informed on the topic to discuss it with them. Park presents her information in a clear and accessible manner, and I definitely feel I now have a more comprehensive understanding of STIs. I was interested to learn about the many issues related to the testing and treatment of herpes, the hazels of pubic hair removal, the complexities of public health tracing in relation to STIs, the dangers of douching, the effectiveness of PrEP in preventing HIV, and more besides. Peppered with personal anecdotes and commentary, Park’s sense of humour ensures the material isn’t dry, but she also writes with sensitivity and respect.
However, I can’t wholeheartedly embrace the author’s rallying cry to #StoptheSTIgma. When I was a teenager unprotected sex was a dangerous gamble - HIV/AIDS was a death sentence, HPV led to cancer, as did Hepatitis B. Even though today people receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS can expect to live a normal life span, HPV immunisation has reduced the risk of cervical cancer by 90%, and Hep B vaccinations in childhood have reduced the risk of developing liver cancer to around 5%, unprotected sex is still a serious health risk. While I’m all for promoting the awareness of, and destigmatising treatment for, STI’s, prevention is still better than a cure. Given the reported decline in condom use, and the rise in STIs, over the last 20 years or so, I’m concerned that what teens and young adults are ‘hearing’ is that STDs are treatable and as such ‘harmless’, and therefore condoms are superfluous (if the risk of unwanted pregnancy has been addressed in heterosexual sexual encounter, or by the use of PrEP to prevent HIV in a homosexual encounter).
Nevertheless, Strange Bedfellows is an educative and engaging read that I think would appeal to a range of audiences, from the idly curious to those working with, or raising, teens or young adults.
March 28, 2021
Park writes in an engaging and funny way, inviting anyone interested in demystifying STIs to look around her field of study. Her down-to-earth brand of casual humour is refreshing to read in the field of STIs, something I hope we can inch toward as we rid ourselves of sexual stigma. I've (briefly) worked in sexual health clinics before, so I found the information interesting and easy to follow. However, I'm unsure if this would apply to everyone else. Regardless, I thought the info was digestible and engaging enough to encourage readers to educate themselves on perhaps more unfamiliar concepts (eg. reverse transcriptase in relation to HIV).
Park leaves us with this last mantra: Have sex with people you like.
This ties in to her core principles, which she believes will assist those who choose to engage in sexual activities (which is most of us):
1) Catching an STI is tied to the type of sexual network we have (think concurrent/ongoing web vs. serial monogamy). After a year+ of COVID, this concept seems easier to picture for many of us. Breaking lockdown measures to 'just visit a friend' may mean visiting that friend + their family/whoever else is living/renting with them. The larger that household, the greater the chance of catching an infection, especially if the people continue to see each other regularly (and whoever else they're breaking lockdown measures for, even if it's 'just one other person'). However, it is easier to minimize/contain STI/covid outbreaks if a person caught covid and visits one isolated person at a time before symptoms are obvious enough to warrant investigation, subsequent treatment, contact tracing, and further prevention measures to halt the outbreak.
2) We're all going to catch an STI at some point anyway; let's remove the stigma and if we do catch it, she states that catching it from someone you like increases the chances of informing them and future partners, thereby preventing an outbreak.
I hope this book invites readers to continue to investigate the medical and social worlds of sexuality.
Btw, she was also a guest speaker on This Podcast Will Kill You! If you'd like to hear her speak about herpes, please check out Episode 57: Herpes, Stop the STIgma!
Park leaves us with this last mantra: Have sex with people you like.
This ties in to her core principles, which she believes will assist those who choose to engage in sexual activities (which is most of us):
1) Catching an STI is tied to the type of sexual network we have (think concurrent/ongoing web vs. serial monogamy). After a year+ of COVID, this concept seems easier to picture for many of us. Breaking lockdown measures to 'just visit a friend' may mean visiting that friend + their family/whoever else is living/renting with them. The larger that household, the greater the chance of catching an infection, especially if the people continue to see each other regularly (and whoever else they're breaking lockdown measures for, even if it's 'just one other person'). However, it is easier to minimize/contain STI/covid outbreaks if a person caught covid and visits one isolated person at a time before symptoms are obvious enough to warrant investigation, subsequent treatment, contact tracing, and further prevention measures to halt the outbreak.
2) We're all going to catch an STI at some point anyway; let's remove the stigma and if we do catch it, she states that catching it from someone you like increases the chances of informing them and future partners, thereby preventing an outbreak.
I hope this book invites readers to continue to investigate the medical and social worlds of sexuality.
Btw, she was also a guest speaker on This Podcast Will Kill You! If you'd like to hear her speak about herpes, please check out Episode 57: Herpes, Stop the STIgma!
April 22, 2021
If you enjoy Mary Roach's books, you should definitely read this book. Park is engaging, funny, and an excellent writer. She uses anecdotes, science, and history to tell the story of various STIs (now the preferred term in the field; "infections" rather than "diseases") and how they are treated. One of her goals in writing this book was to reduce some of the stigma surrounding STIs, something I think she does a great job with. On almost every page, you will want to look up from the book and share a tidbit of fascinating information with whoever is in the room. Resist this urge for the sake of your loved ones, as not everyone appreciates hearing how gonorrhea was treated hundreds of years ago.
April 3, 2022
Informative, funny, smart. Overall a great read.
September 25, 2021
What a surprisingly fascinating book. I mean clearly I had to read this one after the endorsement of Mary Roach on the cover, and in the spirit of Mary Roach this book covers a scientific area I haven’t given much thought to with a lot of humor, various case studies, and from the perspective of many interviews with experts about their different topics of research. In this case, the author is one of those experts (an STI physician), and also in addition to researchers she shares stories from people who have STIs themselves. The range of topics in this book is impressive— from Tuskegee to condom design to PrEP and so much in between. And of course I loved the appearance of three different UAB researchers. (I really I had no idea so much STI expertise at UAB!) Anyway maybe not a convention book to pick up but an enjoyable read to learn a few things in a fun way!
January 27, 2023
Seriously one of the best non-fiction books I've read (listened to) in my life. Informative, interesting, and genuinely entertaining. It's a book I am sure I will listen to again in the near future; there was so much to learn, and it was so funny! 10/10 pun game, too.
It takes an intersectional feminist, sex-positive approach. It has a US bias, but I can't imagine there's anyone who would find this irrelevant to them and their circumstances (even aces). Definitely worth picking up!
It takes an intersectional feminist, sex-positive approach. It has a US bias, but I can't imagine there's anyone who would find this irrelevant to them and their circumstances (even aces). Definitely worth picking up!
July 20, 2024
Quite a delightful overview of STIs and research into them. Park’s authorial voice deserves most of the credit: well-informed and forthcoming, and prone to making jokes. Tbh, I’m having a hard time thinking of a similar writer! She puts herself in the story, judiciously, and without much internal conflict. I mean, there are times she works through a problem, but that’s different.
Anyway, not a book anyone expects to recommend to others, perhaps, but I think most people would enjoy it.
Anyway, not a book anyone expects to recommend to others, perhaps, but I think most people would enjoy it.
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September 21, 2024DNF. I am not the audience. Presumably the audience is young (not yet) sexually active people and the idea is to be funny so they will read this. I hope it works but I wonder about the appeal for example of a joke about pronouncing “herpes” in the original French so the disease sounds like a fancy scarf.
July 10, 2021
A fun book about STI's? Yup. History and science and sex all blend really well. The chapter about contact tracing was especially fascinating.
August 12, 2021
5 Stars! Lots of new knowledge most of which I had never heard before so I learned so much. I recommend this for everyone but especially for young people. Surprisingly enough there are even some laughs.
January 13, 2022
Such an enjoyable and entertaining book about such a taboo topic. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
March 27, 2022
9/10 STARS. -1 STAR BECAUSE I CAN NEVER READ IT FOR THE FIRST TIME AGAIN, WHICH IS A DESIGN FLAW
January 7, 2023
Książka, która jest skarbnicą wiedzy na temat powszechnie znanych chorób przenoszonych płciowo. Każdy powinien przeczytać, polecam ❤️
February 5, 2023
So much cool information in this book! Really loved it.
May 10, 2022
I picked up this book purely out of curiosity from having it recommended by my academic colleagues. I never thought I’d give a book about STIs 5 stars, but the author really does a great job of keeping things interesting, while very much so taking a stance on shooting down stigmas. As someone having recently entered the public health world, the one thing I’ve learned is that these stigmas exist everywhere on all health topics. The spread of factual information in this compelling and interesting way is a good place to start.
August 1, 2025
Well written with good annecdotes thrown in to break things up from being too clinical
March 23, 2021
My friend wrote this book! That in itself is an excellent thing. As a doctor, I found the story about contact tracers particularly fascinating. It's just not something you ever hear about. The behind the scenes story about the famous VOICE trial is a treat to learn about. What if we had a book about the drama behind study trials? Oh, I would nerd out. It's a story that you never hear about, but is rife with tension and emotion. I'm so glad this book exists. I've always marveled at Ina's talents and this book just adds to you.
June 5, 2022
This book came recommended to me, and I was not disappointed. This was a clever blend of informative stories and scientific knowledge, mixed with humour. I definitely learned lots of new things about STIs thanks to Ina Park. If recommending this book can help break the STIgma, then I’m all for it.
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