How to Spot the Signs and Symptoms of Common STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can pose a serious threat to your sexual health, not to mention your overall wellbeing. But how do you know if an STI has affected your wellness? The Mayo Clinic warns, ‘You could have an STI and be asymptomatic — without any signs or symptoms. In fact, this happens with a lot of STIs. Even though you have no symptoms, you’re still at risk of passing the infection along to your sex partners. That’s why it’s important to use protection, such as a condom, during sex. And visit your doctor on a regular basis for STI screening, so you can identify a potential infection and get treated for it before passing it along to someone else.’ However, some STIs do appear with certain symptoms. So what do you watch out for?

 

1. Chlamydia: According to the Mayo Clinic, ‘Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of your genital tract. Chlamydia may be difficult for you to detect because early-stage infections often cause few or no signs and symptoms. When they do occur, they usually start one to three weeks after you’ve been exposed to chlamydia. Even when signs and symptoms do occur, they’re often mild and passing, making them easy to overlook.’ The signs and symptoms of chlamydia include:

• Painful urination


• Lower abdominal pain


• Vaginal discharge in women


• Discharge from the penis in men


• Pain during sexual intercourse in women


• Testicular pain in men

 

2. Gonorrhoea: ‘Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection of your genital tract,’ the Mayo Clinic explains. ‘The first gonorrhoea symptoms generally appear within two to 10 days after exposure. However, some people may be infected for months before signs or symptoms occur.’ You may have developed gonorrhoea if you experience:

• Thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina


• Pain or burning sensation when urinating


• Abnormal menstrual bleeding


• Painful, swollen testicles


• Painful bowel movements


• Anal itching

 

3. Trichomoniasis: The Mayo Clinic details, ‘Trichomoniasis is a common STI caused by a microscopic, one-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism spreads during sexual intercourse with someone who already has the infection. The organism usually infects the urinary tract in men, but often causes no symptoms in men. Trichomoniasis typically infects the vagina in women. When trichomoniasis causes symptoms, they may range from mild irritation to severe inflammation.’ Signs and symptoms may include:

• Clear, white, greenish or yellowish vaginal discharge


• Discharge from the penis


• Strong vaginal odour


• Vaginal itching or irritation


• Itching or irritation inside the penis


• Pain during sexual intercourse


• Painful urination

 

4. HIV: ‘HIV is an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus,’ the Mayo Clinic notes. ‘HIV interferes with your body’s ability to effectively fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause disease, and it can lead to AIDS, a chronic, life-threatening disease. When first infected with HIV, you may have no symptoms at all. Some people develop a flu-like illness, usually two to six weeks after being infected…These early signs and symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken for those of another viral infection. During this period, you are very infectious.’ The early HIV signs and symptoms may include:

• Fever


• Headache


• Sore throat


• Swollen lymph glands


• Rash


• Fatigue

 

The Mayo Clinic points out, ‘More persistent or severe symptoms of HIV infection may not appear for 10 years or more after the initial infection. As the virus continues to multiply and destroy immune cells, you may develop mild infections or chronic signs and symptoms.’ These include:

• Swollen lymph nodes — often one of the first signs of HIV infection


• Diarrhoea


• Weight loss


• Fever


• Cough and shortness of breath

 

The signs and symptoms of later stage HIV infection include:

• Persistent, unexplained fatigue


• Soaking night sweats


• Shaking chills or fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C) for several weeks


• Swelling of lymph nodes for more than three months


• Chronic diarrhoea


• Persistent headaches


• Unusual, opportunistic infections

 

Categories: bacterial infection, genital tract, HIV, hiv infection, lymph nodes, mayo clinic, painful urination, sexual intercourse, STIs, swollen lymph, Symptoms, vaginal discharge

The Most Common Sexual Health Myths Debunked

There are so many myths about sexual wellness and wellbeing that it can be hard to sort fact from fiction. We think it’s high time that we debunked some of these myths, so that you know exactly what is going on when it is necessary.

 

One rather dangerous myth is that you can’t get pregnant when you have sex for the first time. This leads to people not bothering to use protection, and this is a huge mistake because you can ALWAYS get pregnant when you have unprotected sex, be it the first time or the 10,000^th time. You should always use contraceptives no matter what the circumstances, unless you are actively trying for a baby.

 

Another dangerous myth is that all STIs are curable. Recent reports show that people are willing to risk catching and STI because they think they can simply deal with the consequences later. People get carried away by passion, thinking that if the worst comes to the worst they can always have a course of antibiotics later. The truth is that some STIs, such as genital warts and herpes, are not curable with antibiotics. These types of STIs spread by skin to skin contact from the affected area so are highly transmittable. Once again, use protection unless you know the full sexual health of your partner and are using alternative birth control.

 

People also believe that condoms don’t expire, and this leads to them using out of date and expired products. Condoms do have a time limit on them, and you should always make sure that they are within the expiration date. Condoms should also be stored in a dry and cool place, away from anything that may damage or distort them. You should also keep them away from drawers and wallets that may contain sharp things.

Categories: Condoms, health, Myths, nbsp, people, Sex, sexual health, STIs, time

The Big Screen: Do You Need to Get Tested for an STI?

STIs (sexually transmissible infections) are infections that affect your wellbeing through close body contact or the exchange of body fluids. One of the problems with STIs is that they often don’t come up with any obvious signs or symptoms, making them a major sexual health concern. Therefore, you need to know everything you can about how STIs can spread, how to avoid infection, the risks you face if you let an STI go untreated, and what to do if you think you may have one.

 

Let’s start with how STIs are caused. Much like any other infection or disease, STIs occur via the spread of organisms like bacteria, viruses or parasites. However, different STIs are caused by different organisms. If you contract chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis, this will be caused by the spread of bacteria, while viruses are responsible for STIs like herpes, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), HPV (human papillomavirus) and hepatitis B. The unfortunate truth is that STIs occur more often than you might think. In Australia, for example, the total number of STIs reported in 2009 came to over 70,000, including HIV, which can cause AIDS. That number is even more shocking when you think that this is just the number of cases that went reported and treated; many people who have had unprotected sex haven’t been tested for STIs. Another shocking statistic to consider is that three quarters of reported STIs occur in people aged between 15 and 29 years.

 

But why do STIs pose such a threat to your wellbeing? If left undetected and untreated, an STI can cause you to experience serious and painful health consequences, ranging from infertility to cancer. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea, for example, can cause inflammation and scarring in a woman’s fallopian tubes which, as a result, could mean you can’t have children. In men, the same complication can occur in the tubes leading from your testicles and, again, could cause you to become infertile, although this occurs less often in men. Then you have an STI like syphilis, which can cause you to develop blindness, brain damage and even heart disease.

 

The three infections we’ve just discussed do come with some scary health consequences, but the good news is that they are all easy to test for and to cure. Therefore, if there’s a chance you may have one of these infections, it’s absolutely vital that you get tested and diagnosed as early as possible so that you can get the treatment you need to prevent ongoing health problems and spreading the infection. As we’ve already covered, many people with an STI have no symptoms whatsoever, and they can only be diagnosed through testing. However, there are a few signs and symptoms you can watch out for, so ask yourself the following questions

 

1. Men and women:

• Do you get a burning sensation when you urinate?


• Have you experienced itchiness around the genital area?


• Have you felt any pain during sex?


• Do you have any flu-like symptoms, such as a sore throat, swollen glands, fever and body aches?


• Have you had any unexplained fatigue, night sweats or weight loss?

 

2. Just men:

• Have you had unusual discharge from your penis or anus?


• Can you feel a rash, sores or small lumps on or around your penis or anus?


• Has there been any pain and swelling in your testicles?

 

3. Just women:            

• Have you had unusual discharge from your vagina or anus?


• Can you feel a rash, sores or small lumps on or around your vagina or anus?


• Has there been any unusual bleeding from your vagina, such as after sex or between periods?

 

If you’ve answered yes to one or more of the above questions, or you’ve had unprotected sexual contact with someone, visit your GP immediately for an STI screening.

Categories: health, health consequences, nbsp, rash sores, screening, sexually transmitted infections, small lumps, STIs, stis occur, Symptoms, unusual discharge

Teen Sex: Protecting Your Kids against Pregnancy and STIs

As a parent, nothing wreaks havoc on your mental wellness more than the idea that your teenagers are having sex. Unfortunately, however, teen sexual health is a pressing issue, with research showing that many teenagers are sexually active by the time they reach high school. This means that your child’s wellbeing is at great risk to pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as the emotional consequences of having sex. Therefore, you have to get proactive with your teen, and discuss the importance of contraception before sexual activity begins.

 

When having “The Talk” with your teenager, abstinence is still a valid subject to discuss. Whether you feel strongly against the idea of sex before marriage, or you just want to make sure your son or daughter is ready to have sex, explain how you feel to your teen. It’s easy to fall into the trap of telling your teen what to do, without letting them know your reasons for doing so. Share the reasons behind your beliefs, rather than just laying down the law, and you’ll give your teenager something to think about and, hopefully, believe themselves.

 

That is not to say you should ignore your teenager’s own values – far from it. You should ask your teenager to think about their values and hopes for the future, and how sex might affect these things. Adolescents are particularly prone to risky sexual behaviours, and the only way to absolutely prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections – such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes and HIV – is to practice abstinence from all forms of sexual activity. Plus, having sex makes break-ups all the more emotionally damaging, so remind your teen that there are many nonsexual ways he or she can show feelings for someone.

 

That said, you can’t stop your teenager from doing what he or she wants to do. However, you can make sure they practise safe sex. It’s important for everyone to understand birth control, whether your teenager has decided to wait for sex or not. One day, he or she will need to know how to prevent pregnancy and protect himself or herself from sexually transmitted infections, and the only way to ensure they gain this knowledge is to give it to them. When talking about contraception, don’t be vague but go into all the methods available. This includes:

 

1. Condoms: While other contraceptives prevent pregnancy, your teenager needs a barrier method in order to guard their wellbeing against STIs. Make sure your teen understands the importance of always using condoms during sex, as well as the correct way of using them.

 

2. Prescription birth control: There are various contraceptive methods your teenager can get on prescription to prevent pregnancy. This includes combination birth control pills, the contraceptive patch (Ortho Evra), vaginal ring (NuvaRing) and contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera). Your daughter will need to visit a doctor, who will review her medical history, conduct a pelvic exam, and go over the risks and benefits of different types of birth control. While these methods can be extremely effective in preventing pregnancies, make sure your teen knows that prescription birth control doesn’t offer protection from STIs.

 

3. Emergency birth control: While it’s important for your teen to make a decision about birth control before having sex, emergency contraception — such as the morning-after pill (Ella, Plan B One-Step or Next Choice) — can help prevent pregnancy if your teen doesn’t plan ahead or contraception fails. You need to tell your teenager that emergency contraception must be started as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, and within 120 hours to be effective.

Categories: Birth Control, Emergency contraception, pregnancy, prescription birth, prevent pregnancy, sexual activity, sexually transmitted, STIs, teen, teenager, Teenagers, transmitted infections

Teen Sex: Protecting Your Kids against Pregnancy and STIs

As a parent, nothing wreaks havoc on your mental wellness more than the idea that your teenagers are having sex. Unfortunately, however, teen sexual health is a pressing issue, with research showing that many teenagers are sexually active by the time they reach high school. This means that your child’s wellbeing is at great risk to pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as the emotional consequences of having sex. Therefore, you have to get proactive with your teen, and discuss the importance of contraception before sexual activity begins.

 

When having “The Talk” with your teenager, abstinence is still a valid subject to discuss. Whether you feel strongly against the idea of sex before marriage, or you just want to make sure your son or daughter is ready to have sex, explain how you feel to your teen. It’s easy to fall into the trap of telling your teen what to do, without letting them know your reasons for doing so. Share the reasons behind your beliefs, rather than just laying down the law, and you’ll give your teenager something to think about and, hopefully, believe themselves.

 

That is not to say you should ignore your teenager’s own values – far from it. You should ask your teenager to think about their values and hopes for the future, and how sex might affect these things. Adolescents are particularly prone to risky sexual behaviours, and the only way to absolutely prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections – such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes and HIV – is to practice abstinence from all forms of sexual activity. Plus, having sex makes break-ups all the more emotionally damaging, so remind your teen that there are many nonsexual ways he or she can show feelings for someone.

 

That said, you can’t stop your teenager from doing what he or she wants to do. However, you can make sure they practise safe sex. It’s important for everyone to understand birth control, whether your teenager has decided to wait for sex or not. One day, he or she will need to know how to prevent pregnancy and protect himself or herself from sexually transmitted infections, and the only way to ensure they gain this knowledge is to give it to them. When talking about contraception, don’t be vague but go into all the methods available. This includes:

 

1. Condoms: While other contraceptives prevent pregnancy, your teenager needs a barrier method in order to guard their wellbeing against STIs. Make sure your teen understands the importance of always using condoms during sex, as well as the correct way of using them.

 

2. Prescription birth control: There are various contraceptive methods your teenager can get on prescription to prevent pregnancy. This includes combination birth control pills, the contraceptive patch (Ortho Evra), vaginal ring (NuvaRing) and contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera). Your daughter will need to visit a doctor, who will review her medical history, conduct a pelvic exam, and go over the risks and benefits of different types of birth control. While these methods can be extremely effective in preventing pregnancies, make sure your teen knows that prescription birth control doesn’t offer protection from STIs.

 

3. Emergency birth control: While it’s important for your teen to make a decision about birth control before having sex, emergency contraception — such as the morning-after pill (Ella, Plan B One-Step or Next Choice) — can help prevent pregnancy if your teen doesn’t plan ahead or contraception fails. You need to tell your teenager that emergency contraception must be started as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, and within 120 hours to be effective.

Categories: Birth Control, Emergency contraception, pregnancy, prescription birth, prevent pregnancy, sexual activity, sexually transmitted, STIs, teen, teenager, Teenagers, transmitted infections

What Should You Be Aware Of When It Comes To STIs?

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are passed between people during sexual contact, and they’re increasing in prevalence. They can be passed during vaginal, anal and oral sex, as well as mere genital contact with an infected person. The only way to ensure that you’re limiting yourself from infections is to use a condom every time you have sex. There are many categories for STIs. Bacterial infections include syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Viral infections include HIV, hepatitis B, herpes and genital warts. Fungal infections include thrush, and parasitic infections include public lice and trichomonas vaginalis. These all have a variety of symptoms to look out for, and vary in terms of severity to your health. In women, the symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, genital lesions, bleeding between periods or after sex, and lower abdominal pain. In men, these symptoms involve discharge from the penis, pain or discomfort when passing urine, genital lesions and testicular pain. However, not all STIs carry symptoms, so you could be infected and not realise. This is why getting regular check-ups is so vital to your sexual health – they help you spot infections you may not be aware of.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI in the UK, and regularly infects people under 25 yrs. Both men and women contract this infection, and there are rarely symptoms which is why it spreads so easily. This is a particularly dangerous infection to have left untreated, as it could lead to serious long-term problems in the reproductive tract and abdomen, potentially leaving people infertile.

HIV

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It infects and gradually destroys the immune system, lowering the victims protection against cancers and infections. If it is left untreated, HIV will damage the immune system and develop into AIDS. This stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, and is a collection of illnesses which is caused by an ‘acquired’ virus. You can’t develop AIDS unless you are already HIV Positive. There may be no symptoms in someone who is living with HIV in the early stages, but eventually the individual will need medication to control it.

Genital warts

Most people who get the virus which develops into genital warts don’t show any specific symptoms, and this is why the virus remains un-diagnosed for a long time. But if there are symptoms present, they show as small white spots or lumps inside and around the vagina or anus. These are easily treated, but usually require a number of treatments.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is found in both men and women, and can affect the anus, genitals, rectum and throat. Around half of the women infected with this disease and around 90 per cent of men show symptoms, which is often a thin, watery discharge from the vagina or penis, and pain when urinating. A simple test or swab can diagnose this infection, and it can be treated with antibiotics. However, if complications occur, further treatment may be needed.

Syphilis

Syphilis usually begins with a small sore on the penis or vagina, and up to six months after the initial symptoms develop, you may experience aching and shivering, or other flu-like symptoms. It’s usually detected with a blood test and can be treated easily in the early stages. However, in later stages, it can cause damage to the nervous system or heart that can be irreversible. Regular check-ups are vital in order to spot this early, as you may be spreading infection without realising.

Categories: Check Ups, Early Stages, genital lesions, genital warts, Infections, infections include, left untreated, regular check, Sex, STIs, Symptoms

The Birth Control Injection: How it Works and Side Effects

It’s important to take control of your sexual health and wellness, but the more obvious choices, such as the Pill, don’t always appeal to some women. If you have trouble swallowing pills or you won’t remember to take the Pill at the same time every day, you might like to consider protecting your wellbeing against unwanted pregnancies by using the birth control injection. While medical or other conditions – including blood clots, certain types of cancers, certain types of migraine headaches, unexplained vaginal bleeding and suspected pregnancy – make the use of the injection less effective or more risky, the birth control injection can be a great option for those unable to follow a birth control routine, and it’s even safe for breastfeeding mothers.

 

However, before you rush out for your prescription, you need to know a little bit more about the birth control injection. The injection works as a long-acting form of progesterone, a hormone that is naturally manufactured in your ovaries. Once every three months, you will be given the injection in your arm or buttocks, and this prevents you from becoming pregnant. The progesterone works to prevent the ovulation process, or the release of your egg during your monthly cycle. If you don’t ovulate, you cannot get pregnant because there is no egg to be fertilised.

 

As birth control methods go, the birth control injection is very effective – with a success rate of about 97%. Over the course of a year, fewer than three out of 100 typical couples who use the birth control injection every the months will have an accidental pregnancy. In general, how well each type of birth control method works depends on a lot of things, including your individual health concerns and on how accurately you use the contraceptive. When it comes to the birth control method specifically, your risk of getting pregnant increases if you wait longer than three months to receive your next injection.

 

Unfortunately, the birth control injection will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – only condoms or complete abstinence are able to offer this kind of protection. In fact, research has shown that the birth control injection may possibly increase your risk of getting certain STIs, although as to why this is, scientists aren’t entirely sure. Nonetheless, if you choose the birth control injection as your method of contraception, you will also need to use condoms to protect against STIs. If you’re in a committed relationship and you want to stop using condoms, you and your partner should both get tested for STIs and get the all-clear from a doctor.

 

There are some possible side effects to the birth control injection, albeit some more common than others. Many young women will find that their periods change when they start having birth control injections. The other, less common side effects include irregular or no menstrual periods, depression, weight gain, headaches, and breast tenderness. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is potentially unsafe to use the long-acting progesterone injection, as studies have linked it to a loss of bone density in women, although your bone density may recover when you stop getting the injection. However, doctors aren’t sure as to how this happens, so if you are considering the injection as a method of birth control, consult your doctor and make sure you get enough calcium in your diet to prevent any bone loss. You may find a decrease in fertility for up to a year after you stop getting the birth control injection. However, this fertility decrease is not permanent and most women can get pregnant once they stop getting the injection.

Categories: birth, Birth Control, bone density, control, control injection, control method, Injection, long acting, Side Effects, STIs, The Injection

STI Testing: The Who, What, Where, When and Why

Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an absolutely vital part of sexual health, both for the sake of your wellbeing and that of anyone you come into sexual contact with. When you have an STI, there are often no symptoms to alert you to the fact that you have been infected, meaning that you could be passing it on to others and letting your own wellness deteriorate without even realising. Therefore, you need to take control of your health by using condoms and getting tested for STIs.

 

Once you begin having sex, it’s a good idea to have regular sexual health check-ups. Whether you have multiple sexual partners or you’re starting a new relationship, you and your partner need to be tested – and recently tested – before you stop using condoms. If you have had unsafe sex, or some of the symptoms of STIs such as pain, discharge or itching in your genital area, you should consult your doctor. Most STIs are treatable but, if left untreated, you may end up experiencing some unpleasant symptoms and even long-term problems such as infertility.

 

Having a test is simple and painless, and easily available from your local GP, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic. There is no single test to detect all STIs, which means you’ll have to have a chat with your doctor about your specific symptoms. Your doctor will also want to discuss your sexual history, so be prepared to talk about that. It can be tempting to lie about or paint a rosier view of your sexual history, but you need to be completely truthful. Even if you’re embarrassed, your doctor will need to use the information from your conversation to work out the tests you should have.

 

If you have an STI such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, a simple test will be able to pick up the STI soon after you have been infected, even if you haven’t shown any obvious signs or symptoms. However, other STIs – like HIV – won’t show a positive result as quickly and your doctor will advise you on when to be re-tested. As a general rule, the testing will involve a blood sample, urine sample, swab or just a physical examination – depending on which STI is being looked for. Lots of places provide low-cost or even free STI testing for young people, but you’ll need to ask when you make your appointment, and maybe look online for the most price-efficient option in your local area. The cost also depends on the tests required.

 

If you’re worried or embarrassed about someone else finding out about your STI test, you don’t need to be concerned. Your doctor will be legally obliged to keep information that you give him or her confidential, regardless of how old you are. The only exception would be if you are under the age of 16 and an issue of your safety arises. However, the results of STI testing are completely confidential. The results are stored in your medical files and sexual health clinics normally keep separate records to the files kept by your doctor or local hospital. That said, if you do test positive for an STI, you absolutely need to tell your recent sexual partners so that they can be tested too. One of them may have passed it on to you unknowingly, and may be doing so with other people. To help minimise the embarrassment of getting in touch with former partners, many clinics will provide you with letters or other ways to ease the process.

Categories: Costs, doctor, sexual, sexual health, sexual history, sexual partners, sti testing, STIs, Symptoms, tested, Testing

Sex and Pregnancy: What Do You Need to Know?

If you’re trying to conceive, or you’re already pregnant, you’re probably taking steps to look after your wellbeing. However, one thing you may not have considered is that you need to take care of your sexual health. Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can go undetected for years, which means your wellness may be affected without you realising, and this can affect your baby. Some STIs, such as gonorrhoea, can cause infertility while others, like syphilis, can be passed onto your baby during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s a very wise idea to get tested and treated for STIs before you become pregnant, and even if you’re pregnant already.

 

When you’re trying to get pregnant, you obviously stop using contraception. So, if you or your partner has an STI without realising, you or he might pass it on, which can affect your fertility or your future baby’s wellbeing. This is why it’s absolutely essential to get tested for STIs if you’re thinking of starting a family with someone. If you have contracted HIV or syphilis, you can pass these infections onto your baby, either in the womb or at birth. However, if your doctor knows that you have an STI, he or she can take steps to help protect your unborn child. You may still be able to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child.

 

If you have an infection that cannot be completely cured, such as HIV or herpes, your doctor can still lessen your chances of passing on the virus to the baby – as long as you get tested! This doesn’t just mean that you need to prevent passing on the virus during pregnancy or when giving birth – although that is vitally important – but you may also need to take extra care to make sure you don’t pass any STIs to the child after birth. You should speak to your doctor or midwife you about any precautions you might need to take. Moreover, you can still catch an STI during pregnancy, which can cause problems for both you and your child. You might pass on this infection during pregnancy, labour, or during childhood, so tell your midwife or doctor immediately if you are pregnant and suspect you may have caught an STI.

 

However, if you and your partner are both STI-free, you can enjoy sex together even when you’re pregnant. Some couples can be worried about having sex during pregnancy, but some women find that pregnancy increases their sex drive for a time and both men and women often find pregnancy quite sexy. After all, this is the last chance you’re going to have to be alone and intimate together before a little interruption comes along, so you’d better grab it before you’re stuck changing nappies and too-tired for foreplay. The baby is well-protected in the womb, and won’t have any idea as to what’s going on. It’s good to have a chat to your partner about your turn-ons and turn-offs, as these can change as your hormones change during pregnancy.

 

Plus, when the baby is ready to be born, having sex can help get labour started (as anyone who’s seen Friends can attest). There are substances called prostaglandins in semen which help to soften your cervix, while nipple stimulation causes your body to release hormones that encourage your womb to contract. However, if you’ve had a miscarriage or early labour in the past, you may need to speak to your midwife or doctor about when it might be safest to avoid sex. Also, when having sex, you should still use a condom or practice safe sex alternatives unless you’re both 100% sure you’re free of STIs.

Categories: Baby, conception, doctor, pregnancy, Pregnant, STIs

How to Take Care of Your Sexual Health on Holiday

When you’re on holiday, it feels like all bets are off with regards to your wellness, and so your judgement goes out the window. Sure, it’s ok to indulge in good food and a cheeky cocktail – you are here to enjoy yourself – but taking care of your sexual health is a different story. When you have unprotected sex on holiday, the sun, sea and sand don’t change the fact that you can contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or become pregnant. This is why it’s important to protect your wellbeing when having sex on holiday, and know where to go for help if you need it.

 

In England, 427,000 new cases of STIs were diagnosed in 2011, rising by 2% from the previous year. Your in the highest risk groups for getting an STI if you’re a straight (heterosexual)15-24 year-old, or a man who has sex with men (MSM). According to sexual health consultant Dr O’Mahony, who sees a clear increase in the numbers of patients during the summer at Chester Sexual Health GUM clinic, ‘People usually get symptoms a week to two weeks after they get back from holiday. People let their guard down on holiday, and some drink and then do things they wouldn’t dream of at home.’

 

The problem with STIs is that not everyone develops symptoms, and so your wellness could be affected without you even realising. Chlamydia, for example, doesn’t cause symptoms in 50% of men and 70-80% of women who are infected. Similarly, if you get HIV you tend to experience a short, flu-like illness that occurs two to six weeks after infection, but then HIV often causes no symptoms for several years after this. Still, there are some symptoms you should watch out for – whether you’re on holiday or not – including unusual discharge from the vagina or penis, pain when urinating, bleeding after sex or between periods and itching, sores, blisters or lumps on or around the genitals. As STIs are more common in some countries, having unprotected sex could increase your risk of these nasty symptoms and infections.

 

As you probably already know, using a condom can greatly reduce your risk of pregnancy and STIs, so it’s important to include protection when you’re packing. You might not be able to find condoms when you’re on holiday, and they may not have the CE mark which indicates that they have been tested to the high safety standards that are required in Europe. Buy a pack of condoms before you go away, and keep then away from any oil-based products in your suitcase. Condoms can be damaged by moisturiser, lotion (including sun cream), baby oil and even lipstick, and heat can also be a problem so you should store your condoms in a cool, dry place when you get there.

 

If you’re on the Pill, patch or implant, your holiday could make this pregnancy prevention less effective. If you can a stomach bug, the vomiting or diarrhoea can interfere with the pill, while some antibiotics and anti-malaria drugs can get in the way of all kinds of contraception (barring the condom). However, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, such as the injection, intrauterine system (IUS) and intrauterine device (IUD), are not affected by illness or medication. Still, if you are on the Pill, patch or implant and need prescription medication while you’re away, you should tell the doctor about your contraception and make sure you use a condom while taking the meds, and for 28 days afterwards. Dr O’Mahony adds, ‘Try to avoid having injections in developing countries if you can. Most antibiotics for STIs can be taken orally. Ask for a copy of your drug leaflet [the leaflet that comes with your medication and for details of tests and results, and bring them with you when you have your check-up at home.’

Categories: Condoms, contraception, holiday, nbsp, pill patch, Sex on Holiday, sexual health, STIs, Symptoms, unprotected sex

Men: Are You Doing Enough to Protect Your Sexual Health?

Sexually transmitted infections cause a vast number of health concerns, and can be passed on through either vaginal, oral or anal sex. The symptoms of STIs can include rashes, pain, unusual discharge or itching, but sometimes they have no symptoms whatsoever and cause silent damage to the wellness and wellbeing of your genitals and reproductive system. It is very important to avoid STIs, and the only way to ensure that you don’t catch one (or pass one on) is to practice safe sex.

 

Men who have male sexual partners should be especially careful as there are some infections that are most easily transmitted via anal sex, and are more commonly found in the gay community. That does not mean that straight men can afford to relax, though, as infections are common amongst straight and gay men. Unless you are in a long-term relationship (where you are both monogamous), it is extremely advisable to get tested for STIs on a regular basis. You can either choose to do this once a year or before having sex with a new partner.

 

When it comes to prevention, condoms are the best way to protect you against STIs, and they should be worn for vaginal, oral or anal sex. Don’t use condoms which are described as ‘natural’ as they do not protect against STIs – stick to the latex kind (or polyurethane if you are sensitive to latex) and make sure that you use the condoms correctly, following the instructions on the box. Remember that other methods that protect against pregnancy (such as spermicides, the coil, the pill etc.) do not guard against STIs.

 

Men should look out for symptoms such as pain during urination or the need to urinate more frequently. They may also discover blood in their urine. Discharge from the penis is also a danger sign, as are any bumps, sores or blisters on the penis.

Categories: anal sex, Condoms, health, nbsp, nbsp men, Protect, sexual, STIs, Symptoms, vaginal oral

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

How to Spot the Signs of Common STIs among Gay Women

As a lesbian or bisexual woman, you may not be so concerned about your sexual health with regards to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), however, according to Ruth Hunt at the charity Stonewall, gay and bisexual female wellness is not immune from STIs, and yet you can be complacent about getting tested for them. Moreover, as a lesbian or bisexual woman, you may have been told you don’t need to be tested for STIs, which is a severe threat to your wellbeing.

 

Hunt explains, ‘Women can catch STIs such as herpes, genital warts and chlamydia when exchanging bodily fluids. Any one-on-one contact, such as oral sex or using the same hand when touching yourself and then your partner, can put you at risk. Two women that are both menstruating are at a higher risk, too.’ Sex toys can spread infections unless you use a new condom for each partner or between penetration of different orifices. You should also wash sex toys with soap and water between sessions. If either of you has any cuts or sores in the mouth or on the lips, use a dental dam or avoid oral sex altogether. Remember to wash your hands before and after sex, and wear latex gloves and use plenty of water-based lubricant for vaginal and anal fisting. It’s vital you follow these tips, or you could be at risk for one of the following STIs:

 

1. Thrush: This STI is caused by an overgrowth of yeast called candida, and can cause symptoms such as vulval and vaginal itching, pain and soreness on penetration, burning when you pass urine and a thick, white discharge. You can transmit thrush through sexual touching and sex toys, but you can treat it with medicated cream, pessaries and tablets from the chemist. However, if your symptoms persist you should consult your doctor.

 

2. Genital herpes: Vaginal, anal or oral sex can spread this virus, as well as sex toys and cold sores on the mouth and nose. You may experience painful blisters and ulcers around your genital area, but some women have no symptoms. You can help the healing process along and shorten the length of the episode by taking anti-viral tablets.

 

3. Genital warts: These usually painless fleshy growths can appear in the vulval and anal region, and may be a bit itchy. Certain strains of human papilloma virus (HPV) cause genital warts, which you spread sexually through skin contact, such as rubbing vulvas together. Luckily, there are a variety of treatment options, including freezing and medicated creams.

 

4. Trichomonas vaginalis (TV): You can pass TV to another female partner through any sexual activity that involves the exchange of vaginal fluid. Although some women don’t have any symptoms of TV, you may experience a frothy discharge, discomfort when passing urine, vulval soreness, and/or an unpleasant vaginal odour. The treatment for TV is antibiotics.

 

5. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea: Both of these STIs are caused by bacteria that infect your cervix, rectum, throat and urethra. Usually there are no symptoms by you might find discharge. These conditions are important to get tested for on a regular basis, because if they go untreated you could develop an infection in your fallopian tubes, which may lead to infertility. You need to exercise caution when using sex toys, hands and rubbing vulvas together, as this is how chlamydia and gonorrhoea spread. Treatment is with antibiotics.

 

6. Syphilis: This bacterial infection causes a painless ulcer, usually in the genital area, but it will disappear on its own. However, other symptoms, such as a rash and swollen glands, may appear in its place. Syphilis is extremely infectious in the early stages and can be passed on by close skin contact during sex, so early detection and treatment with antibiotics is key. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious nerve and body organ damage later in life.

Categories: bisexual woman, Bisexual Women, genital warts, Lesbians, oral sex, rubbing vulvas, Sex Toys, STIs

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

STIs on Rise in Gloucestershire, but at Least Tests are Too!

If you live in Gloucestershire, chances are that you’re better at taking care of your sexual health problems than those in neighbouring counties – once they’ve arisen. This is according to new figures from Public Health England, which have revealed that Gloucestershire has the highest number of people being tested for HIV in the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area.

 

According to the findings, of the 80% of new genitourinary medicine patients whom were offered the test, almost all of them (91%) went through with it. While getting tested is absolutely vital if you think your wellness has been affected by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the high rate of testing implies that prevention of STIs in the area is poor. The Public Health England report also showed that the wellbeing of more and more people in the region is being impacted by chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes.

 

In Gloucestershire last year, more than 16,000 people, aged between 15 ad 24, were tested for chlamydia, and 7.9% tested positive for the disease. From 2011 to 2012, and the number of herpes cases has gone up by 7%, while gonorrhoea in Gloucestershire has risen to 14.2 cases per 100,000 people. On the plus side, syphilis rates in the region have demonstrated a dramatic decrease, going from 41% to just 1.3 cases per 100,000 people. Gloucestershire cases of genital warts have also decreased, going from 104.1 cases per 100,000 people in 2011 to 99.3 in 2012 – that’s an annual decrease of 5%.

 

Cllr Dorcas Binns, cabinet minister for public health and communities, commented, ‘We shouldn’t be complacent. Free condom distribution for those at risk, genitourinary medicine services being introduced across the county and more STI testing for patients through GP practices will all play their part in bringing infection rates down even further in the future.’ While there are already four specialist GP practices in Gloucestershire that offer enhanced sexual health services, there are plans to increase their provision later this year. Health officials are also implementing initiatives to bring the number of STIs in the area down, such as operating a C-Card Scheme which distributes free condoms to all people under 25.

Categories: Gloucestershire, Research, STIs

What Would You Do If You Suspected You Had an STI?

When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you think it’s never going to happen to you. However, as many people with STIs don’t get symptoms, it’s worth getting checked out even if you feel completely healthy. The important thing to remember is not to panic if you think you may have a STI, and that there’s plenty you can do to look after your sexual health now, and guard your wellbeing against STIs in the future.

You can pass on, or contract, an STI through sexual contact. It’s a myth that STIs can only pass between people during vaginal sex; STIs can occur through any form of sexual contact – including oral and anal sex. If your wellness is affected by an STI, the chances are that it can be treated with a course of antibiotics. STIs like HIV, on the other hand, have no cure. The infections tend to become worse over time so it’s very important you get tested and treated as soon as possible.

The reason why STIs are so easily spread is that, more often than not, people don’t notice symptoms. However, it’s vital you learn to recognise the warning signs. If Chlamydia, for example, goes unnoticed or untreated it can affect your fertility. This STI in particular often presents with small or no symptoms at all – especially in women. Therefore, it’s essential that you see your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms.

In men and women, symptoms of STIs include pain or discomfort when passing urine; itching, tingling or burning around the genitals; blisters, spots or lumps around the genitals or anus and black power or tiny white dots in your underwear – which is often a sign of public lice. In addition, women may experience yellow or green vaginal discharge; discharge that smells; bleeding after sex or between periods; pain during sex and lower abdominal pain. Men may also have symptoms of discharge from the penis and irritation.

So where do you go to get tested for an STI? Luckily, there are plenty of options:

1. Your GP surgery


2. A local sexual health centre or GUM clinic


3. Some pharmacies


4. Young people’s services – call 0800 567123

Categories: STIs, Symptoms, Testing

Should You Get Your Child a Human Papillomavirus Vaccine?

Human papillomavirus is known to cause cervical cancer, but many people forget that it’s a sexually transmitted disease, and so can easily put your wellbeing at risk. According to a hospital release from Dr Katharine O. White, chief of general obstetrics and gynaecology at Baystate Medical Centre, ‘I can’t think of any better way to observe STD Awareness Month than for parents to consider getting their child the Gardasil vaccine to prevent them against the human papillomavirus.’

There is no treatment for human papillomavirus, which, as it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide, is a major wellness concern. More than half of sexually active men and women will become infected at some time in their lives, and White noted, ‘While the vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys ages 9 to 11, studies tell us that women up to age 26 will also benefit from being vaccinated, which is covered by insurance up to that age.’

In March, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new analysis of eight common STIs; chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B virus (HBV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis and trichomoniasis. The CDC report showed that up to half of all new infections each year affect the wellness of young people ages 15 to 24. White commented, ‘While this age group is the most vulnerable, anyone with a new partner or with multiple partners is also vulnerable.’

Dr. Patricia Bailey-Sarnelli, director of paediatric and adolescent gynaecologic services at Baystate, added that the need for prevention is greater than ever, but part of the problem has to do with normal adolescent psychological development. ‘Adolescents go through a phase of magical thinking where, basically, they have a sense of invulnerability, that nothing can hurt them,’ she explained. ‘For that reason, they tend to be less consistent about condom use, so that puts them at greater risk.’

Bailey-Sarnelli noted that ‘the girls I am seeing now are somewhat better informed and most talk about learning about sex in their health class at school.’ However, the CDC statistics show that more needs to be done for teen sexual health. ‘I always like to tell them that we are all sexual beings, and that the most important part of that is being a responsible sexual being – responsible to themselves, to their partners, their family, and community – and part of that includes using protection against sexually transmitted diseases.’

Should You Get Your Child a Human Papillomavirus Vaccine?

Categories: bailey sarnelli, HPV Vaccine, human, human papillomavirus, papillomavirus, sexual, sexually transmitted, STIs, Teenagers, Virus, White

Rise in STIs Gives Women New Reason to be Put off Waxing

If you shave or wax your bikini line, you may be at an increased risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This is according to French researchers, who have warned that ‘Brazilians’ and other pubic hair removal may increase the risk of a highly contagious viral skin infection, known as Molluscum contagium.

This viral infection can be caused by the ‘micro trauma’ of waxing and shaving, and can easily spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected, or with the touching of contaminated objects, such as a flannel or towel. Molluscum contagium commonly affects child wellness, and the wellbeing of those whose immune systems are compromised by illness or medication. However, sexual transmission is also possible, and the number of cases in which this is the cause has risen over the past decade.

The sexual health study, which was published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, looked at whether the rise in the number of such infections might be connected to the increasing popularity of pubic hair removal among patients who, between January 2011 and March 2012, visited a private skin clinic in Nice, France. During this time, 30 people were infected with Molluscum contagiosum, six of whom were women, and the average group age was 29.5.

Molluscum contagiosum causes small flat circular skin lesions, which may be flesh coloured, white, translucent or yellow. In four of the cases, signs of the infection – pearly papules – had spread up to the abdomen, and in one it had spread to the thighs. 10 cases demonstrated other associated skin conditions, such as ingrown hairs, warts and folliculitis – a bacterial skin infection, cysts and scars. 93% of the 30 infected patients had had their pubic hair removed, 70% of whom opted for shaving, whilst 13% went for clipping and the remaining 10% for waxing.

The researchers suggested that hair removal – as popularised in the UK, along with vajazzles, by the TV programme The Only Way is Essex, may facilitate transmission because the resulting scratching could cause ‘micro trauma’ to the skin, causing self-infection. This is supported by research from the University of California San Fransisco, who warned last year that the growing trend for Brazilians and vajazzles has led to a five-fold increase in the number of women admitted to hospital with injuries to their genitals.

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Rise in STIs Gives Women New Reason to be Put off Waxing

Categories: Hair Removal, Research, STIs

STIs: Is it Time for Older People to Talk Frankly About Sex?

Age is no barrier to sex but it’s also no barrier to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). And the apparent inability of both older people and their physicians to discuss the subject of active sex lives openly could be putting some people at risk.

The middle-aged and elderly have the lowest rate of STIs but in Australia, for example, STIs in older people are increasing at a faster rate than for any other group. This has led sexual health expert Dr Catherine Barrett, of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, to call for a wider and more open discussion in society around sexuality and older people.

The infections most likely to be passed between and to older people are herpes, syphilis and HIV with middle-aged men most at risk of the latter two STIs in Australia.

Women approaching the menopause or who have gone beyond the menopause have also been shown to be less likely to use condoms, believing that as they have no need for contraception any longer, condoms are pointless. Older men, many using drugs that help with erectile dysfunction, are also less inclined to use condoms. However, condoms are the most effective barrier against STIs with a 98% success rate.

An increase in the divorce rate, a more laidback attitude towards casual sex and even the rise in online dating are all adding to the rise in STIs among older people across the developed world.

Intimacy and sexual activity in older people is a topic from which many people shy away, embarrassed by the thought of parents or even grandparents indulging in such behaviour. But this reluctance to accept that sexual desire doesn’t end with the first grey hair or the advent of the menopause could be putting lives at risk. And no red face is worth that.

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STIs: Is it Time for Older People to Talk Frankly About Sex?

Categories: older people, risk, STIs

The Shocking Stats and Facts about Sexual Health and STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) most commonly affect the wellbeing of people aged 15-24, as one in two sexually active young people will get an STI by the age of 25. When it comes to sexual health, knowledge is power and it’s important to equip yourself against these diseases, especially if you fall into this age category.

Nancy Jansen, director of Graham Health Centre, Oakland University, says that beside abstinence, male condoms are the best way to reduce the risk of infection. She urged, ‘Always, always, always wear a condom’ and ‘limit your partners’. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, condoms are particularly effective against infections transmitted by genital fluids, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and HIV.

A condom may not guard your wellness completely against infections that are transmitted through skin to skin contact, like human papilloma virus, genital herpes or syphilis, but Melissa Reznar, a visiting assistant professor in OU’s health sciences department, commented that, if used correctly, the failure rate of condoms in protecting against STIs is only 2%: ‘People need to be careful and know how to use them correctly because the failure rate can reach up to 15% if they are not used properly.’

Further, males who have sex with other males are at an increased risk for several STIs, including HIV, due to the nature of the intercourse. ‘Just by nature of the tissues that are involved, transmission from males to males is easier. With anal sex, you’ve got more potential for ripping of tissues and more exchange of bodily fluids that can occur,’ Reznar said. She added that, when it comes to HIV, ‘some of the treatments today are better, but it’s not a perfect world. You do have to take medications on a regular basis and there are still side effects associated with them.’

Jansen added that, as many STIs don’t have strong symptoms, ‘You need to get tested on a regular basis. Depending on how many different partners you’ve had, that type of thing would determine the frequency.’ In both men and women, some common symptoms are painful urination, discharge from the penis/vagina, bumps or sores on your genitalia, and vaginal soreness or itching. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

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The Shocking Stats and Facts about Sexual Health and STIs

Categories: Condoms, STIs, Testing