Could Your Own Stomach Re-Infect You With An STD?

Doctors have found that it may be harder to get rid of a sexual disease than was ever previously thought. Recent findings from scientists represent a serious blow to the wellness and wellbeing of anyone who has previously suffered from a sexually transmitted disease.

 

The scientists behind this discovery have revealed that your own stomach could re-infect you with a sexually transmitted disease: tests revealed that chlamydia can linger on in the stomach even after a course of antibiotics.

 

Although antibiotics can often eliminate the disease chlamydia from the genital region, it struggles to remove it from the gut. The disease then lingers on in the gut, albeit benignly, and has the ability to re-infect the body at a later date.

 

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases throughout the world, and becoming reinfected is surprisingly common.

 

This means that if you are diagnosed with an STD, having had one previously which ‘cleared up’ it is not a clear-cut case where you can point an accusing finger at your partner. This new research means that people should think twice before pointing the finger of blame, particularly if they have had chlamydia in the past.

 

Researchers from the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute found that this reservoir in the gut of benign chlamydia is the most common source of reinfections. This is a breakthrough in the world of sexual health treatment, as, although reinfections are common, the source has previously been unknown.

 

Another source of reinfection could be continued intercourse with a partner who is carrying an active infection. This often occurs because chlamydia in men usually doesn’t have any symptoms.

 

This new study was carried out on mice, where it was shown that even those who had eradicated chlamydia from their genitals still carried the disease in their gut.

Categories: Chlamydia, common, Disease, gut, nbsp, previously, sexually transmitted, stomach, transmitted disease

Could You be at Risk of Getting the STD Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is the most commonly transmitted type of sexual infection. If you have not been careful about your sexual health, then this is one type of disease that you should be worrying about. In order to protect your sexual wellness and wellbeing, you should ensure that you always use protection when having intercourse with a new partner. If you have any concerns about your sexual health, the first and most important thing is to seek help from a medical professional.

 

Chlamydia itself is a bacterial infection that is usually spread through unprotected sex – either vaginal or oral. Not everybody who has chlamydia gets symptoms, so you should get checked out even if you are not suffering from any unusual symptoms.

 

Signs of chlamydia to look out for if you are a man include a white, watery or cloudy discharge from the penis, pain when you are passing urine and a painful swelling of the testicles. If you are a woman, the symptoms can include pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse, bleeding after sex, pain when you are passing urine, any unusual discharge from the vagina or bleeding in between your periods or suffering from  heavier periods than is usual for you.

 

After having unprotected sex with someone suffering from chlamydia, symptoms will take around two or three weeks to appear (although bear in mind that around a quarter of those affected will not get any symptoms at all). The only way to be sure about chlamydia is to have a test.

 

Your local genitourinary medicine clinic (GUM) or doctor’s surgery can give you a free STI test, and it will all be done in complete confidence.

 

People aged under 25 can also get tested for chlamydia as part of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (in England). Ask about it at your local clinic or doctor’s surgery.

Categories: bleeding, Chlamydia, chylamydia, nbsp, passing urine, Sex, sexual, sexual health, STD, Symptoms, unprotected sex

Can Your Daughter Talk to You About STIs and Protection?

As a mother, nothing can be more daunting than approaching the topic of your daughter’s sexual health. You want to assure your little girl that she can always talk to you, without letting on that it’s a little bit heartbreaking every time she mentions having sex. However, it’s important to look out for her wellbeing, as many teenagers today are uninformed about sexual issues, so what do you need to talk about?

 

Let’s start with contraception. Obviously, the condom is the best protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as pregnancies, but your daughter may not be aware that things don’t always go to plan in the moment. Paul Fine, MD, associate professor of gynaecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, notes, ‘A couple may not put on a condom until the last minute, and in the heat of passion, he might not have the control he usually has, so that’s never foolproof.’

 

Therefore, you need to educate your daughter about other contraceptive methods that are less dependent on calm, clear thinking in the midst of a passionate clinch. The Pill is a classic choice for most women and your daughter may not be aware that it does so much more than prevent pregnancies. Depending on the type of Pill she chooses, the Pill can help to clear up her acne, lessen her risk of uterine infection and ovarian cancer, and reduce period problems such as heavy bleeding, pain and PMS mood swings.

 

Still, the Pill alone won’t protect your daughter from STIs, and she’s in a very high-risk group for them. Even though 15-24 year olds only represent 25% of the sexually active population, they are the victims of 50% of new STD cases. Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, an STD specialist at the University of Washington medical school, advises annual chlamydia screenings for younger women, while Hunter Handsfield, MD, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Washington, says, ‘Young people ought to get tested once a year for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.’ This is because the symptoms of STDs aren’t always apparent. You can have gonorrhoea, chlamydia, hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis without having any obvious symptoms, but these diseases can be very destructive to your wellness over a long period of time. Dr Handsfield adds that women under 26 should consider getting the HPV vaccination.

Categories: Chlamydia, daughter, nbsp, Pill, Protection, STIs, talk, the talk

Guide to Three Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a growing and serious problem. One of the worst things about them is that people don’t understand too much about them, which can leave them untreated for a long time and this can make them worse. With that in mind here is some useful information about three of the most damaging STIs.

 

Genital warts

Genital warts are caused by the HPV virus. They are small fleshy growths or skin changes that appear around the genital or anal area. They are actually the second most common infection after chlamydia. Warts can appear on their own or in large groups. To treat them there are a number of things that you can do. Applying creams or lotions is usually enough for most forms of the infection. Some harder warts can require laser treatment.

 

Chlamydia

While chlamydia can be a serious problem for men, it is actually much more of a danger to women. Untreated chlamydia can lead to infertility and miscarriage, and as 70 to 80 per cent of women don’t show symptoms this can be very alarming. Fortunately, 95 per cent of cases can be treated with antibiotics, so if you fear that you might be infected with chlamydia it is worth going to see a sexual health doctor.

 

Genital herpes

This STI is caused by the herpes simplex virus (which can also cause sold sores on your mouth), and infected people may get red blisters in the genital area, thighs and buttocks. Common symptoms are pain when urinating, vaginal discharge, fever and aches and pains are also very likely. Antiviral tablet can be prescribed.

Guide to Three Sexually Transmitted Infections

Categories: Chlamydia, genital warts, nbsp genital, sexual health, sexually transmitted, sexually transmitted infections, STIs, transmitted infections

Six Facts to Include When Giving Your Daughter “The Talk”

Having ‘the talk’ with your daughter can be awkward, but not knowing what to include in that talk can have a huge impact on her sexual health and wellbeing. Here are six facts about sexual wellness that you should talk about with your teenage daughter.

 

1. Using a condom isn’t as easy or as effective as you think. According to Paul Fine, MD, associate professor of gynaecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, ‘A couple may not put on a condom until the last minute, and in the heat of passion, he might not have the control he usually has, so that’s never foolproof.’ You can get pregnant before he ejaculates, Dr Fine adds, as pre-ejaculate is ‘loaded with sperm.’

 

2. Emergency contraception is available if you have unprotected sex or the condom breaks. You might want to purchase it in advance of needing it, just so you have it on hand in an emergency.

 

3. The young adult age group has a high risk for STDs. 15-24 year olds represent 25% of the sexually active population, but 50% of new STD cases. STD expert H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Washington, says, ‘Young people ought to get tested once a year for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.’

 

4. The symptoms of STDs aren’t always apparent. You can have gonorrhoea, chlamydia, hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis without having any obvious symptoms, but these diseases can be very destructive to your wellness over a long period of time. Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, an STD specialist at the University of Washington medical school, advises annual chlamydia screenings for younger women.

 

5. More than 30 types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) are sexually transmitted, and chances are, if you’re a sexually active adult, you’ve contracted several of them without realising. Dr. Handsfield notes that all women should get annual Pap smears to screen for precancerous abnormalities, and women under 26 should also consider getting the HPV vaccination.

 

6. There’s more to the Pill than pregnancy prevention; it also – depending on the form of medication – can reduce menstrual bleeding and painful periods, clear up acne, treat PMS mood wings and lessen your risk of uterine infection and ovarian cancer.

Categories: Chlamydia, Condom, Condoms, human papillomavirus, nbsp, sexually active, talk, The pill

New Figures Show Which UK City has the Highest STI Rates

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are a big problem in the UK. In particular it is a problem for Sheffield, which has recently been given the worrying title of ‘sex infection capital’ of Yorkshire. An online study carried out by HealthExpress has found that the men of Sheffield needed the most advice about the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections, so far in 2013. 101 men sought information, whereas the runner-up city, Leeds, only had 68 enquiries. In the UK in total Sheffield came 9^th however. Though it may cause the most concern for sexual health in Yorkshire, in the UK, Birmingham has proved the most in need of help, with 142.

 

The most common sexually transmitted infection was chlamydia, and the second most common was gonorrhoea. In Sheffield health chiefs and professionals criticised the study, saying that the sample was too small and specific to be truly representative. Sheffield’s Director of Public Health, Dr Jeremy Wight, stated that the majority of people sought help and information from GPs or sexual health clinics and services offered by local hospitals. He criticised the data, whereas some have said that it may show that more people are attempting to seek help and making themselves aware of sexually transmitted infections. The conductors of the study, HealthExpress, are an online clinic offering confidential consultations, and if needed are able to dispatch medication. Wight advised the people of Sheffield against using these kinds of services, and to seek help from established NHS clinics.

 

One of the most important things people can do to prevent the spread of STIs is to make themselves aware of the causes, symptoms and treatments for them. Seeking online information from credible sources, such as the NHS website, can be an important tool for protecting yourself and others from the spread of STIs. Some other, active steps to take is to use condoms and limit the number of sexual partners you have, as well as being open and honest to your past and current sexual partners about any health concerns you have. If you think you have received a sexual infection from someone, or given one to someone else, make sure that all parties involved are made aware and seek treatment immediately.

Categories: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Sexual Infection, STI

Get the Facts: Everything You Need to Know About Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and therefore it’s important to know where it comes from, and how you can guard your wellbeing against it. The bacterial infection is found in semen and vaginal fluids, and so it’s often passed from one person to another during vaginal, oral or anal sex, or by sharing sex toys. However, if you’re pregnant, you can also pass chlamydia on to your baby, and the infection can live inside the cells of anyone’s cervix, urethra, rectum and sometimes in the throat and eyes.

So that’s chlamydia, but how do you know if you have it? Unfortunately, chlamydia has been dubbed the ‘silent infection’, because it often doesn’t present any obvious signs or symptoms, or they’re so mild they go unnoticed. However, there are symptoms that can indicate you have the infection, and these arise from a week after you’ve come into contact with chlamydia, or many months later, or not until the infection spreads to other parts of your body.

If you’re a woman, you should be wary of unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods or during or after sex, pain with sex or when passing urine and lower abdominal pain, whilst guys need to look out for white or cloudy watery discharge from the tip of the penis and pain when passing urine or painful testicles. Chlamydia in the throat is uncommon, and usually has no symptoms, but if it’s in your eye or rectum, you may experience discomfort, pain or discharge.

So what do you do if you think you might have chlamydia? Quick, testing is of the utmost importance and, luckily, this is simple swab-test is free on the NHS from genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, sexual health clinics, many contraception clinics, your GP and pharmacies. You may even be able to receive a testing kit in the post, or be tested in other settings such as youth clubs and colleges. Whilst home testing kits are available, make sure you get good advice from a pharmacist as the accuracy of these tests varies.

The infection is easily treated with antibiotics, either as a single dose or longer course for up to two weeks, but if you think you might be pregnant, or you are on the pill or the contraceptive patch, you need to tell your doctor or nurse as this might affect the type of antibiotic you’re given. Your sexual partners also should be treated; as if the infection goes untreated it can cause permanent damage, including infertility.

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Get the Facts: Everything You Need to Know About Chlamydia

Categories: Chlamydia, Symptoms, Testing

Gap in treatment of STD among Teens

For treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) the partner needs to be treated to prevent re-infection of the patient with STD.  Indeed, even after receiving antibiotics to clear their infections, 40 percent of teenage Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia patients are diagnosed with a second bout of the same illness within a year. About half of all sexually transmitted infections in U.K. occur in teenagers.

Golden is the senior author of a study published Sept. 17 in Paediatrics that examines whether California paediatric residents –

New physicians receiving specialty training in paediatric medicine — know about expedited partner therapy, which helps doctors stop sexually transmitted diseases from bouncing back and forth within a couple.  Knowledge of expedited partner therapy is better in physicians enrolled in the state’s three residency programs that offer fellowships in adolescent medicine.

Expedited partner therapy laws, which were introduced in California, have since been adopted in 30 other states, to allow physicians to prescribe antibiotics to the sexual partners of Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia patients without seeing the partner. Earlier, laws authorized state health departments to contact sexual partners of people diagnosed with these infections and to test and treat the partners. However, most health departments lack the resources to offer this service widely. Expedited partner therapy has been shown to be an effective alternative, especially in cases where the patient says his or her partner is unlikely to visit a Doctor.

The Research study results suggest that the lack of familiarity with Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) extends beyond residents to more experienced paediatricians, the research team said. It may be that many of the paediatrician mentors don’t know about these laws.  The findings underscore the need for a more systematic approach to incorporating EPT information into paediatricians’ training.

The best way for adolescents to deal with STDs is to avoid getting them in the first place.  Parents of teenagers should be encouraged to talk to their kids about sexual health. If parents can speak to their children about protecting against sexually transmitted infections, that’s very useful.  Obviously, using protection such as condoms is the best way to prevent these infections.

The best person other than a parent for teens to talk to about these issues is the paediatrician.  Regardless of whether parents weigh in, it’s the responsibility of paediatricians to broach the subject with teens, and parents should ensure that their adolescent children have time to have confidential conversations with their paediatricians, without mom or dad present.

Gap in treatment of STD among Teens

Categories: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, STD