Archive for May, 2009

std gonorrhea wiki

Urology. Man. Uretritis. Gonorrhea. Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

berkeley free clinic std testing

free std testing jacksonville florida

Mobile Testing Unit Coverage – Jacksonville, WJXX (ABC Coverage)

hpv std virus

hpv std virus
Are all HVP viruses std’s?

I know that there are hundreds of different strains of HPV viruses ( just like there are different strains of flu), but are all strains of HPV viruses std’s??

No, not all types of HPV are STD’s. HPV also causes the warts you can get on your hands and body (plantar warts, flat warts) which are not sexually transmitted.

Genital Warts HPV virus Anal Warts Penile Warts Vagina Warts wartrol

most common sti std

There is a minefield of myth and rumour out there when it comes to STDs and STD testing. Here, we deal only in the facts, putting some of the most common misconceptions to bed for good.

Myth No. 1:

You can tell that somebody has an STD just by looking at them.

Truth:

Many of the most common STDs have very limited symptoms, and some are even symptomless. As such, there is no way that you could tell somebody had an STD just by looking at them. In fact, as the majority of STDs are detectable only by STD testing, there are many people who are unaware that they are infected. The limited and unobvious nature of STD symptoms means that it is very important to ensure that you take a regular STD test.

Myth No. 2:

Being on the contraceptive pill means that I am protected from STDs.

Truth:

This is 100% wishful thinking. Birth control pills can prevent you from getting pregnant, but they cannot keep you safe from sexually transmitted diseases. If you’re on the pill, be sure to be doubly safe and use a condom as well. If you have a long term partner and want to rely only on the pill, be sure that you continue using condoms until you have both taken an STD test.

Myth No. 3:

I can’t get an STD if I’m pregnant.

Truth:

Contrary to popular belief, pregnancy does not offer any protection from STDs. The chances of contracting an STD are just as high for pregnant women as for anybody else, but the consequences are much more severe. STDs during pregnancy can lead to complications such as the onset of early labour, and the STDs can affect the baby in some cases. If you are thinking of trying for a baby, it is advisable to get an STD test before you begin.

Myth No. 4:

You can catch STDs from toilet seats.

Truth:

There have been no proven cases of STDs being transmitted from a toilet seat. The majority of sexually transmitted diseases can only be caught via sexual activity or via the blood. The most common exception to this rule is the Herpes virus, however the virus is fragile and will not survive on a surface such as a toilet seat.

Myth No. 5

STDs can make me infertile.

Truth:

Unfortunately this is not a myth. About ten per cent of women who have contracted either Chlamydia or Gonorrhea will develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can later result in infertility. Regular STD testing can catch the infections before PID develops.

Myth No. 6

All STDs can be cured.

Truth:

Sadly, not all STDs can be cured. A course of antibiotics can clear up diseases such as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis relatively quickly. However there are other STDs that cannot be treated. The most serious of these is HIV which can later develop into AIDS, which leads to immune deficiency. However, less severe STDs such as Herpes and Hepatitis are also incurable and will stay with you for life. Though not all diseases can be cured, it is important that they are identified through STD testing so that they are not spread any further.

With so many rumours afoot about sexually transmitted infections, it is often hard to separate the truth from the myths. However it is much better to be safe than sorry, undertake STD testing rather than believing everything you read.

Condom Conspiracy and HPV

std facts and symptoms

Genital warts are a problem which affects hundreds of thousands of people world wide. Its a very sensitive subject to discuss and for that reason a lack of vital information makes the proliferation worse. Here I will attempt to dispel some of the more common misconceptions regarding genital warts.

For those that suffer from genital-warts the pain and embarrassment can be overwhelming. The cause of genital warts is simple. The warts are caused by a bacterium known as HPV, or human papilloma virus. The virus is generally contacted through sexual contact with another person who is infected AND is undergoing and active period with their infection. There are several misconceptions about the virus, its causes, treatments and spread-ability. below is a listing of the most common myths and the facts associated with each. These are being presented in the hope that through the spreading of knowledge

Myth #1 Women are the Only Ones that are Prone to Develop HPV Infection and are More Likely to Develop Genital Warts.

HPV infection can occur regardless of gender and is prevalent all around the globe. Both men and women can easily become infected if they are sexually active and infection can occur as easily as a single encounter with a communicable person. Woman have been shown to be more susceptible to infection and have visible signs such as the warts but men may be at a higher risk of spreading the infection due to a lack of visible signs being present.

Myth #2 Only a person who engages in Unsafe Sex Can get Genital Warts.

Genital-warts are primarily transmitted via unprotected sex however, the virus can also be transmitted via skin contact only. The virus is also able to survive off of the skin for a short period of time so the sharing of sexual toys or penetration of a second partner with a contaminated condom can spread the virus.

Myth #3 A Condom is All that You Need to Protect Yourself From Genital Warts.

Condoms can be effective to a point in the prevention of HPV infection but they are not 100% effective as they do not cover, usually the entire genital area. Condoms can prevent the spreading due to contaminated semen but do nothing to prevent the skin contact communication.

Myth #4 If You Can’t See Any Warts that Means that you are Not Infected.

HPV infection can be present even without any signs of symptoms. Not all infected persons will develop genital warts, and the warts do not always appear on the exterior genital area. Especially in women the warts may appear only inside the vagina. The urethra and anus are also capable of hosting genital warts on their interior.

I hope this information has been helpful to you in gaining a better understanding of genital-warts. Together we can all help stop the spread of HPV and genital-warts. Knowledge is the key effective prevention of the serious medical condition which affects so many people world wide every year. Share the knowledge you have learned here and help to stop it.

HPV Vaccine – Gardasil – THE FACTS SAY THAT IT CAUSES CERVICAL CANCER

gonorrhea discharge in women

gonorrhea discharge in women

Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of five women 14 to 49 years of age) than in men (about one out of nine men 14 to 49 years of age).

Transmission from an infected male to his female partner is more likely than from an infected female to her male partner.

Symptoms

During the first or “primary” outbreak, women experience more intense symptoms, more pain and a higher rate of complications than their male counterparts do.

On the other hand, symptoms may be mild or unnoticeable. In fact, a mild rash or one or two tiny pimples may appear and be mistaken for insect bites.

The good news is that the primary outbreak is the worst episode you will have to endure. The bad news is that you can have several outbreaks a year.

An active outbreak starts off as a rash, itching, and the appearance of small blisters in the genital region, thighs or buttocks.

Typically the herpes blisters cluster, forming a number of larger vesicles. They then suppurate, burst, and turn into shallow open sores.

In addition, headaches and flu-like symptoms often accompany the genital lesions during the first outbreak. Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the groin are also common.

If the herpes lesions extend to the cervix, urethra or the inside walls of the vagina (as opposed to external infection), pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, and painful or difficult urination are likely to follow.

A day or two after the lesions appear they crust over. Finally, the scabs flake off within about a week to 10 days without leaving scars.

Some women are more susceptible to the virus than others. Consequently, during the primary outbreak, they will suffer a second bout of herpes sores before the episode is resolved.

Prodromal Symptoms

Warning or “prodromal” symptoms usually occur from a few hours to a couple of days before an outbreak. You may feel a distinctive tingling, itchiness or pain in the area where the lesions are about to appear. This is the time to start antiviral treatment (see below).

Unfortunately, some sufferers may never experience these early warning signs.

Diagnosis

Woman experiencing internal outbreaks sometimes mistake their symptoms for a yeast infection or pelvic inflammatory disease. This could exacerbate the spreading of genital herpes if they are not aware that they are HSV positive.

If you suspect that you have contracted the disease, see your primary healthcare provider and arrange for a type-specific serologic tests, such as the HerpeSelect® HSV-1 and HSV-2 ELISA test or the Western Blot test.

Treatment

Primary Outbreak:

Your doctor will treat the primary outbreak with a 7 to 10 day course of antiviral medication, such as:

  • Valtrex. (Valacyclovir)
  • Zovirax. (Acyclovir)
  • Famvir. (Famiciclovir). Please note: The single dose version of Famvir is not recommended for primary outbreak treatment.

The primary outbreak will last 2 to 3 weeks. The pain will usually subside after about a week, however, it can sometimes persist for up to 6 weeks.

Over-the-counter pain relievers and sensible home treatment procedures should accompany antiviral therapy.

Many patients report good results from using homeopathic medication such as Dynamiclear topical treatment or the Herpeset oral spray.

Episodic Treatment

According to a recent CDC study, a 3-day course of valacyclovir (500 mg twice daily) is as effective as the standard 5-day regimen prescribed by most physicians.

Suppressive Treatment

If you experience 6 or more episodes a year, your doctor may recommend daily suppressive antiviral treatment.

If this is the case, it is advisable to have your condition checked out once a year, as herpes symptoms tend to diminish with the passage of time. In many cases, they disappear altogether after several years.

hiv std testing nyc

If I go to a Ob/gyn for a HIV/STD test would it be confidential?

This is my first time getting a HIV/STD test and I’m scared. I wanted to know if I take the test would it be confidential?Would my insurrance company find out? If not is there a confidential way I could get it done? Are there hospitals that do that in NYC?
do I have to do a pap smear?
Also would my insurance provider find out about that the testing if I go to a free clinic?

I know its very overwhelming and scary. Anytime you have ANYTHING done, when it comes to Medical Information that is confidential. Privacy, is one of the big things the government is cracking down on.

I’m not sure about NYC but I know that where I live (Oregon) they have free clinics you can to, to get tested (HIV/AIDS, STD’s) at no charge. You do, have to give them your real name, but its free (Some clinics make it mandatory for you to supply your birth certificate as verification of status)

Typically with these kinds of tests (Vaginal Exams, testing and blood tests) they have to legally be private and confidential. You will be the only person that can get your results, and usually they will come in the mail (unless you specify you want to have a phone call, or be told in person).

With NYC being a HUGE city/area, I am sure there are a lot more clinics that are readily available to help you with keeping this matter private. (I said free earlier due to the fact you don’t want this showing up on an insurance claim). Check it out on your State’s Government page or call a local Government office to get more information.

Good luck!

STD Testing New Rochelle, NY 1-888-840-8688

std transmission chart

2010 Chevrolet Silverado and other C/K1500 #T5736 in

complications of untreated chlamydia

Chlamydia one of the most frequently reported sexually transmitted diseases in the North America. Estimates are that more than 89 million people worldwide are currently infected with the disease. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

Chlamydia can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It can also be passed from a mother to her baby during a vaginal birth. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for contracting chlamydia, and the greater the number of sexual partners, the greater the risk. Even close physical contact can cause transmission if bodily fluids are exchanged. Penetrating sex is not required to contract or spread chlamydia.

The chlamydia bacterium is similar to gonorrhea in the symptoms it produces and the way it is spread. Like gonorrhea, it can live in the cervix, urethra, throat, and rectum. Infected persons, both men and women, may lack any symptoms and can spread the disease unknowingly to other sexual partners.

Chlamydia symptoms (Men and Women)

Chlamydia symptoms usually become evident in one to three weeks after infection. However, chlamydia is one of the silent STDs because some people show no symptoms at all. It is estimated that about 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men exhibit no signs of the disease.

In women, chlamydia symptoms include vaginal discharge, burning or painful urination, abdominal pain, and lower back pain, pain during intercourse, fever, nausea, and vaginal bleeding between periods. In men, common symptoms include burning or painful urination, penile discharge, burning or itching around the opening of the penis, and swelling of the testicles.

Chlamydia Treatment

If used properly, antibiotics can completely cure this sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia treatment can be achieved in a single dose with the antibiotic azithromycin. Another antibiotic that is commonly used is doxycycline but repeated doses over one week are required.

Although there is typically no resistance to antibiotics by the chlamydia bacterium, recent discoveries of antibiotic resistant strains have been made. It is unclear whether these strains are present in humans, and further research needs to be conducted. However, this could be an emerging problem for anyone who contracts or is at risk for contracting the disease.

Complications

When left untreated, this sexually transmitted disease can result in serious complications. PID occurs when the infection travels upwards into the female reproductive organs. This complication develops in nearly 40 percent of women who do not seek treatment. The damage caused by PID can lead to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancies. Women infected with chlamydia are also up to five times more likely to contract HIV if exposed, than women with a healthy reproductive system.

Like gonorrhea, chlamydia is also responsible for an increased risk of premature birth. The infant is also likely to contract the infection while traveling through the birth canal. This can lead to serious eye injury or pneumonia. However, all newborns are treated with eye drops that kill the chlamydia bacteria to prevent serious damage to the eyes. This practice is routine because so many women carry the infection unknowingly and without symptoms.

In men, chlamydia complications are rarer, but can occur. Infection can spread to the epididymis, or the tube that carries sperm from the testes. This can lead to pain, fever, and in very rare cases, sterility. Other rare side effects of this sexually transmitted disease includes skin lesions, inflammation of the eyes, arthritis, and meningitis.

Prevention

As with all sexually transmitted diseases, chlamydia can be prevented most easily by abstaining from sexual intercourse completely, or engaging in sexual activity with one monogamous partner who has been tested and confirmed negative for the disease. Latex condoms, when used properly, can reduce the risk of transmission, although it cannot completely remove the risk.

To prevent the risk of serious complications, it is recommended that you undergo regular screenings for all STDs, including chlamydia. Any genital symptoms such as soreness, itching, burning, or bleeding, should be immediately evaluated by a qualified medical professional.

B-clear