Adina Nack, Ph.D.

How do women living with genital herpes and/or HPV (human papillomavirus) infections see themselves as sexual beings and how are their lives changed?

Dr. Adina Nack, a medical sociologist specializing in sexual health and social psychology, conducted in-depth interviews with 43 women about their identities and sexuality in regards to chronic illness. The result is a fascinating and important book about an issue that affects over 15 million Americans, but is all too little discussed, even as news circulates about HPV vaccines.

From the anxiety of being diagnosed to issues of blame and shame, Dr. Nack reveals the ways in which an incurable STD can transform women's sexual selves. She uncovers the physical, moral and social consequences of living with these diseases and examines the gendered stigma of STDs. Damaged Goods adds to our knowledge of how individuals —especially women— are affected by living with chronic STDs. Nack —herself diagnosed with a cervical HPV infection—shows why these women feel that they are “damaged goods” and question their ability to have intimate relationships, marry, and give birth to healthy children.

Author Q&A          Chapter 1