8 Sexual Health Tips for Women who Have Sex with Women

 

While all women have certain risks to their overall wellbeing, women who have sex with women face an increased risk of specific health concerns; to do with sexual wellness. Certain sexually transmitted infections — such as human papillomavirus (HPV), bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas — can spread between women, and all forms of sexual contact – not just penetrative sex – can spread such STIs. Here are the Mayo Clinic’s sexual health recommendations for women who have sex with women:

 

1. Get Tested and Have Your Partner Get Tested: The Mayo Clinic warns, ‘Don’t have unprotected sex unless you’re certain you and your partner aren’t infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections — whether you have sex with a man or a woman. Testing is important because many people don’t know they’re infected, and others might not be honest about their health.’

 

2. Use a Condom or Other Protection: ‘During oral sex use a split-open condom, dental dam — a small piece of latex — or plastic wrap,’ the Mayo Clinic instructs. ‘Don’t share sex toys, and keep them safe by protecting them with a condom and cleaning them before and after every use.’

 

3. Be Monogamous: The Mayo Clinic notes, ‘Another reliable way to avoid sexually transmitted infections is to stay in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who isn’t infected.’

 

4. Consider Truvada: According to the Mayo Clinic, ‘In July 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the drug Truvada to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection in those who are at high risk. Truvada is also used as an HIV treatment along with other medications. When used to help prevent HIV infection, Truvada is only appropriate if your doctor is certain you don’t already have an HIV or hepatitis B infection. The drug must also be taken daily, exactly as prescribed. And it should only be used along with other prevention strategies such as condom use every time you have sex. Truvada isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in Truvada, talk with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits and whether it’s right for you.’

 

5. Stay Sharp: ‘Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and don’t use drugs,’ the Mayo Clinic advises. ‘If you’re under the influence, you’re more likely to take sexual risks. If you choose to use injectable drugs, don’t share needles.’

 

6. Get Vaccinated: The Mayo Clinic explains, ‘Vaccinations can protect you from HPV as well as hepatitis A and hepatitis B, serious liver infections that can spread through sexual contact.’

 

7. Remain Vigilant: ‘There’s no cure for HIV/AIDS and many sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV and genital herpes,’ the Mayo Clinic cautions. ‘The best way to stay healthy is to protect yourself.’

 

8. Tackle Depression: ‘Lesbians and bisexual women might be at higher risk of depression and anxiety,’ the Mayo Clinic points out. ‘In addition, youth who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender might have a higher risk of depression and attempted suicide. Contributing factors could include social alienation, discrimination, rejection by loved ones, abuse and violence. The problem might be more severe for lesbians who try to hide their sexual orientation and those who lack social support. Left untreated, depression can lead to risky sexual behaviour and a downward spiral of emotional, behavioural, health, and even legal and financial problems. If you think you might be depressed, talk to your doctor or seek help from a mental health provider. If you’re reluctant to seek treatment, confide in a trusted friend or loved one. Sharing your feelings might be the first step toward getting treatment.’

Categories: Bisexual Women, Lesbians, sexually transmitted infections

STIs at All-Time High: Experts Meet to Discuss Crisis

In this day and age, you would think we’d have a handle on sexual wellness issues. However, in recent years, rates of gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis in gay men have soared while new HIV infections have also reached record highs. This is according to official figures, so why are we dropping the ball on gay men’s sexual health? A leading expert has commented that this growing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which has been linked to a rise in unprotected sex and club drug use, represents “a crisis for gay men”, so what are we doing to tackle this crisis?

 

This week, health chiefs from around the UK will meet in London to look at the research and devise new strategies to tackle the problem, which has seen record highs in infection rates for several STIs. According to wellness writer Charlie Cooper, ‘Paradoxically, the rise of successful drug treatments for HIV has contributed to increased infection rates for other STIs. More men are having unprotected sex in the assumption that they no longer need to wear a condom to protect themselves from the virus, once considered a death sentence before the advent of effective anti-retroviral drugs. Other men are lowering their risk by ‘sero-sorting’, or ensuring partners have the same HIV status as them, but then having unprotected sex, risking the transmission of other infections.’

 

However, in the past five years a worrying new dimension has been added to the problem. Not only are more and more gay men having risky sex; a minority of gay men, particularly in London and other major cities, are taking up high risk sexual behaviour associated with the injection club drugs such as crystal meth. Infection rates of HIV itself have now reached an all-time high, rising to 3,250 new diagnoses in men who have sex with men the UK in 2012. Therefore, it’s not hard to see how David Stuart, substance use lead at the 56 Dean Street sexual health clinic, has come to the conclusion that the situation had reached crisis levels.

 

‘There’s been a flood of new drugs onto the market,’ says Stuart. ‘That has mixed with a lot of confusion about the changing HIV healthcare situation. Once upon a time the message was: “wear a condom and you’re safe”. Now if someone is taking their medicine it’s very hard to transmit the virus even if you don’t use a condom. Thirdly, there’s new technology – things like [gay networking site] Grindr and websites for hooking up online. There’s no training booklet for how to manage your sex life, your romantic life, using these apps.’

 

Cooper details, ‘There were 36,000 STI diagnoses in men who have sex with men in England alone in 2012, including 8,500 new cases of chlamydia, 10,800 for gonorrhoea and 2,100 cases of syphilis. Although improved testing and screening explains some of the rise, health experts agree that high risk behaviours have become much more common.’ Therefore, these experts will be gathering together on Friday at a meeting called by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) to try to tackle these behaviours. Gwenda Hughes, head of STI surveillance, asserts that a new holistic approach was needed to address the crisis. ‘We need a much broader strategy to look at the sexual health of men who have sex with men, looking at contextual factors behind their poor sexual health,’ she notes. ‘We want to understand why people are having risky sex. The idea is to look at broader issues around mental health, wellbeing, discrimination and broader health issues in this population.’

Categories: gay men, health, high risk, infection rates, record highs, Research, risky sex, sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, time high, unprotected sex

7 Dangerous Myths Surrounding Sexually Transmitted Diseases

You learn about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from a variety of sources; in sex education lessons, by word of mouth and from your friends. However, this wide range of fonts of information can potentially be damaging to your wellbeing; exposing you to a multitude of myths and urban legends surrounding in STDs. If you believe in such legends, you may be putting your sexual wellness at risk! To keep you and your partner safe and healthy in and outside the bedroom, we asked sexual health expert Lizette Borreli to debunk seven commonly-believed STD myths.

 

1. You Can’t Get an STD from Oral Sex: According to Borreli, ‘This myth is uttered by many teens, but it is 100% untrue. Unprotected oral sex — “blow jobs” or “going downtown” and whether you do it or it’s done to you, puts you at risk for an STD…If the partner is giving oral sex to a man, the risk increases if they have any cuts or scrapes in his or her mouth. These scrapes may include small ones caused by brushing or flossing before sex. Giving oral sex to a woman can increase the risk of infection if there is menstrual blood, if the woman has another STD in addition to HIV, or if the person performing oral sex has sores or cuts in his or her mouth.’

 

2. Pulling Out Prevents Pregnancy and STDs: ‘Better use protection,’ asserts Borreli. ‘The withdrawal or “pulling out” method does not prevent HIV or other STDs. Most disease-causing microorganisms are not contingent on ejaculation for transmission. This method is less effective at preventing pregnancy compared to condoms, the Pill, or shot.’

 

3. Birth Control Users Don’t Need to Worry About STDs: Borreli comments, ‘Birth control methods such as the pill are very effective at preventing pregnancy, but they do not protect against STDs. Condoms are the only method of protection against both STDs and pregnancy, says the Food and Drug Administration. Using a condom and also a birth control method like the pill will provide maximum protection for both partners.’

 

4. Douching After Sex or Having Sex in a Pool will Prevent STDs: ‘You’re still at risk,’ Borreli warns. ‘This classic urban legend has gained popularity under the belief that chlorine is a disinfectant that kills STD-causing bacteria or viruses. Chlorine is not a condom, and it will not kill sperm. If partners desire to have sex in a pool or hot tub, take extra precaution because latex condoms can easily break down in hot water temperatures.’

 

5. You Can Only Catch Herpes if Your Partner Has a Visible Outbreak: Borreli cautions, ‘Most people have no or few symptoms from a herpes infection. The majority of people with herpes are not aware that they have it, but symptoms such as itching or a burning feeling in the genital or anal area, swollen glands, or vaginal discharge, can last from two to three weeks. They commonly cause infections of the mouth and lips, also known as “fever blisters.”’

 

6. You Only Get STDs from Semen: ‘Think again,’ says Borreli. ‘Although semen and blood can spread STDs, some like herpes and syphilis can be transmitted by skin on skin contact. If a partner has herpes and experiences visible “fever blisters,” the sore can spread when it comes into contact with someone’s skin in areas like the mouth, throat, and cuts or rashes. A partner may become infected even before blisters begin to form.’

 

7. Lesbians Don’t Need to Worry About STDs: Borreli points out, ‘Women who have sex with other women may rarely get HIV, but the risk increases if a woman has sex with an HIV-positive woman, or injects drugs or has sex with a man who has HIV…This could happen because soft tissues, like those in the mouth, can come into contact with the vaginal fluid or menstrual blood of the woman infected with HIV. Women can spread a number of STDs to one another during oral sex, manual sex, or frottage.’

Categories: Birth Control, fever blisters, giving oral, menstrual blood, Myths, oral sex, preventing pregnancy, risk increases, sexually transmitted, sexually transmitted infections, stds borreli

10 Sexually Transmitted Infections You Need to Spot

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can really take their toll on your sexual health, but how do you know which is which? We’ve rounded up the main STIs that may threaten your wellbeing – could you spot them all if you needed to?

 

1. Chlamydia: This is a bacterial infection that affects the wellness of your genital tract. Award-winning wellness writer Hope Gillette notes, ‘Chlamydia in its early stages is often without symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, when symptoms do manifest they appear one to three weeks after infection and include painful urination, vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, discharge from the penis, and painful intercourse…It is transmitted primarily through vaginal intercourse though rarely it can also be transmitted through oral sex and from mother to child.’

 

2. Pubic lice: Also known as crabs, these small parasites can live in your pubic hair, armpits, eyelashes and facial hair. According to Gillette, ‘Anyone can get pubic lice, and sexual contact is not necessarily required. Contact with infested bed sheets and clothing can also spread the parasite. Pubic lice do not usually cause significant health issues though a secondary infection may occur from excessive itching of the area.’

 

3. Gonorrhea: Gillette details, ‘Symptoms generally occur around 10 days after exposure and include discharge from the vagina or penis, burning sensation while urinating, swollen testicles, abnormal menstrual bleeding, anal itching, and painful bowel movements. Symptoms are more common in men than in women.’

 

4. Herpes: ‘It is possible for someone with oral herpes to give a partner genital herpes through oral sex (and vice versa),’ Gillette warns. ‘Although most of the time genital herpes is caused by HSV-2 after anal or vaginal sex. Symptoms are usually mild and can go unrecognized; approximately 90% of people with herpes do not know they have the virus. The most common symptom is the appearance of small sores in the genital area.’

 

5. Hepatitis: Gillette explains, ‘Each hepatitis virus spreads in different manners; however, all forms can be spread through sexual contact…All forms of hepatitis damage the liver, and while many cases offer no major health complications, some can lead to liver failure and death. Symptoms vary and can manifest as innocently as fatigue or progress to serious illness and mental confusion.’

 

6. HIV/AIDS: ‘HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS,’ Gillette comments. ‘This STD can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, sexual secretions and breast milk. Many people do not know they are infected with HIV, as the vast majority only experience mild flu-like symptoms approximately two weeks after infection.’

 

7. HPV: ‘The human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the STDs that can cause serious negative health effects down the road,’ says Gillette. ‘It is the leading cause of cervical cancer for women and the virus responsible for genital warts…HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, not just through contact with sexual organs or secretions. In some people, HPV never presents symptoms, and those people can go on to infect others unknowingly.’

 

8. Syphilis: Gillette points out, ‘Syphilis is curable, though if left untreated it can cause severe organ damage over time…Symptoms of syphilis vary depending on the stage of infection but include a single sore, a rash of the palms of the hands or on the feet, or white sores around the mouth or genital area.’

 

9. Trichomoniasis: ‘Most men with trich remain asymptomatic, but women can experience painful urination, strong vaginal odor, discharge from the vagina, pain during sex, and itching or irritation of the genital area,’ Gillette asserts. ‘Trich can cause low birth weight in babies and can also make an individual more susceptible to HIV infection.’

 

10. Molluscum contagiosum: Gillette details, ‘It is a benign infection and usually resolves on its own, but symptoms include skin lesions in the genital and rectal area which last from two weeks to four years.’

Categories: area nbsp, genital area, gillette details, Herpes, HIV, infection nbsp, oral sex, painful urination, Pubic Lice, sexual contact, sexually transmitted infections, transmitted infections

10 Sexually Transmitted Infections You Need to Spot

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can really take their toll on your sexual health, but how do you know which is which? We’ve rounded up the main STIs that may threaten your wellbeing – could you spot them all if you needed to?

 

1. Chlamydia: This is a bacterial infection that affects the wellness of your genital tract. Award-winning wellness writer Hope Gillette notes, ‘Chlamydia in its early stages is often without symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, when symptoms do manifest they appear one to three weeks after infection and include painful urination, vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, discharge from the penis, and painful intercourse…It is transmitted primarily through vaginal intercourse though rarely it can also be transmitted through oral sex and from mother to child.’

 

2. Pubic lice: Also known as crabs, these small parasites can live in your pubic hair, armpits, eyelashes and facial hair. According to Gillette, ‘Anyone can get pubic lice, and sexual contact is not necessarily required. Contact with infested bed sheets and clothing can also spread the parasite. Pubic lice do not usually cause significant health issues though a secondary infection may occur from excessive itching of the area.’

 

3. Gonorrhea: Gillette details, ‘Symptoms generally occur around 10 days after exposure and include discharge from the vagina or penis, burning sensation while urinating, swollen testicles, abnormal menstrual bleeding, anal itching, and painful bowel movements. Symptoms are more common in men than in women.’

 

4. Herpes: ‘It is possible for someone with oral herpes to give a partner genital herpes through oral sex (and vice versa),’ Gillette warns. ‘Although most of the time genital herpes is caused by HSV-2 after anal or vaginal sex. Symptoms are usually mild and can go unrecognized; approximately 90% of people with herpes do not know they have the virus. The most common symptom is the appearance of small sores in the genital area.’

 

5. Hepatitis: Gillette explains, ‘Each hepatitis virus spreads in different manners; however, all forms can be spread through sexual contact…All forms of hepatitis damage the liver, and while many cases offer no major health complications, some can lead to liver failure and death. Symptoms vary and can manifest as innocently as fatigue or progress to serious illness and mental confusion.’

 

6. HIV/AIDS: ‘HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS,’ Gillette comments. ‘This STD can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, sexual secretions and breast milk. Many people do not know they are infected with HIV, as the vast majority only experience mild flu-like symptoms approximately two weeks after infection.’

 

7. HPV: ‘The human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the STDs that can cause serious negative health effects down the road,’ says Gillette. ‘It is the leading cause of cervical cancer for women and the virus responsible for genital warts…HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, not just through contact with sexual organs or secretions. In some people, HPV never presents symptoms, and those people can go on to infect others unknowingly.’

 

8. Syphilis: Gillette points out, ‘Syphilis is curable, though if left untreated it can cause severe organ damage over time…Symptoms of syphilis vary depending on the stage of infection but include a single sore, a rash of the palms of the hands or on the feet, or white sores around the mouth or genital area.’

 

9. Trichomoniasis: ‘Most men with trich remain asymptomatic, but women can experience painful urination, strong vaginal odor, discharge from the vagina, pain during sex, and itching or irritation of the genital area,’ Gillette asserts. ‘Trich can cause low birth weight in babies and can also make an individual more susceptible to HIV infection.’

 

10. Molluscum contagiosum: Gillette details, ‘It is a benign infection and usually resolves on its own, but symptoms include skin lesions in the genital and rectal area which last from two weeks to four years.’

Categories: area nbsp, genital area, gillette details, Herpes, HIV, infection nbsp, oral sex, painful urination, Pubic Lice, sexual contact, sexually transmitted infections, transmitted infections

Girl Power: Why Your Sexual Health is In Your Hands

Becoming a teenager is a very turbulent time in more ways than one. Not only are you going through all these physical changes, but your emotional wellness also takes a major hit. Does any girl suddenly grow breasts, start periods and get hair in weird places without being a little bit affected by it? You’re becoming an adult – both physically and emotionally – and that’s a pretty scary thing. There’s also a certain amount of responsibility attached to this new body you’re developing. Kids don’t have to give much thought to taking care of their wellbeing – especially considering the fact their parents do it for them – but as a teenager you need to start thinking about your body and how to take care of it.

 

This is no more true than when it comes to your sexual health, especially with regard to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Young people aged less than 25 years experience the highest rates of STIs in the UK, with the peak age for girls being between the age of 19 and 20. The worst news is that not only are people your age getting infected, but it’s happening to individuals more than once! Official statistics show that, of all 16-19 year olds diagnosed with an STI in 2009, at least 11% of women and 12% of men will become re-infected within a year. It’s really important to look after your body and this includes looking after your sexual health by staying free from STIs.

 

But why are STIs such a big deal? If you have an STI and you let it go untreated, this may lead to some serious health consequences and even prevent you being able to have children in the future. The problem with STIs is that they don’t often present with any obvious symptoms, meaning that you could have one without even realising. As we’ve already discussed, this is something you’ve never had to deal with before, which is why teenagers don’t give much thought to their sexual health. However, just like the rest of your body, your vagina can be affected by infections, sickness, stress or antibiotics.

 

With regards to infections, it’s easy to catch an STI off someone who has already been infected. Like I’ve said, the symptoms of an STI aren’t always obvious, and so your partner may not know he has one, and could pass it on to you through oral, vaginal or anal sex. That said, there are a few signs for women that an STI might be present. These include itching, soreness, unusual discharge, swelling or pain. Sometime even cold and flu symptoms may indicate an STI. Therefore, if you experience any of the above symptoms, or you have unprotected sexual contact with someone else, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible, and get tested for STIs.

 

Another important sexual health strategy to take up is to get a Pap smear on a regular basis. You should start having Pap smears two years after the first time you have sex, AND after you turn 18, and then every two years after that. During the Pap smear test, your doctor will take a sample of cells from your cervix so that he or she can detect if there are any changes to the tissues or cells in your cervix or womb. Human Papillomavirus is one of the most common causes of these changes, and is also responsible for causing genital warts. Pap smears are done by doctors and nurses all the time, so there is no need to feel embarrassed.

Categories: pap smear, Screening and Testing, sexually transmitted infections

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

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

Safe Sex: How to Avoid the Risks of Gonorrhoea

A common sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. There are a number of different strains of this germ, but antibiotic-resistant ones have become far more common as the number of cases of this disease have risen in the 21st century. As such, the way in which it is treated has had to change – during the late 20th century, the disease rose and became more common as a result of freer and more casual attitudes towards sex. In 2010, the number of cases in UK rose to 18,600 – up by 5,700 for women and 12,900 for men. Of the men, around 30 percent of these were men who had sex with other men. Gonorrhoea generally affects people aged between 15 and 30 years old. This disease is more common in other parts of the world, so casual sex overseas could be a big risk. It’s contracted via sexual contact, such as vaginal or anal intercourse. You can also pass on the disease via oral sex, with some people developing a sore throat due to gonorrhoeal infections – sex workers and other people may have this bacterium in their throats without actually realising. Studies show that mothers who are infected with this germ can actually pass it on to their children during delivery – if they were untreated, infants would develop a severe inflammation in their eyes, which could even develop into blindness. However, it’s common for antibiotic eye drops to be given rapidly to such children to avoid this.

 

Only around half of the women and a handful of men will ever show symptoms of gonorrhoea. In men, the most common symptom is painful urination. They may also have a white, green or yellow discharge from the top of the penis. In people who practice anal sex, it may be a recurring disease. While anal gonorrhoea is usually symptom-free, some people do experience irritation, pain or discharge from the anus. Women don’t often experience symptoms, but in men painful urination and discharge may occur. In both sexes, a throat infection is common as a result of oral sex with someone who is infected with the disease. This might be connected with a fever, as well. You can avoid developing gonorrhoea by avoiding sex with multiple partners, practicing safe sex by using a condom throughout all sex, and if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs avoid having sex with anyone – this can lead to you making poor choices with regards to how safe you are. Oral sex can also lead to this problem so it’s important to use a condom here too. Gonorrhoea can be diagnosed by the bacterium found in the urethra, cervix, throat or rectum. When you’re being tested, you will be asked to give a urine sample so don’t urinate for a couple of hours before going to your appointment. You may also have to have a swab so that the doctor can test drops of moisture from these areas, but it is a quick and relatively painless procedure. If you do have gonorrhoea, you will be given the medicines to combat the infection. If it is left untreated, it can lead to an inflammation of the sexual organs or blockages in the fallopian tubes in women, and can lead to an inflammation of the epididymis in men – this is a tightly-coiled tube which is situated by the testicle. It can also cause chordee, which is a painful bending of the penis. A constant practice of safe sex procedures, as well as regular check-ups at your local GUM clinic will ensure that you avoid the risks of STDs or catch them early if you do develop them.

Categories: avoid, common, Disease, Gonorrhoea, oral sex, painful urination, people, safe sex, sexually transmitted infections

What are the Infection Risks from Oral Sex?

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Categories: infection, oral sex, sexually transmitted infections

STI Diagnoses Have Increased by 500,000, Study Warns

Sexual health is a bigger concern than ever before, with a new study finding that the number of people whose wellness was affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rose by almost 500,000 last year. According to the Public Health England (PHE) researchers, STI diagnosis rose by 5% in 2012 from the previous year, with cases of chlamydia and gonorrhoea seeing the biggest increase and the wellbeing of people under the age of 25 most at risk.

In the case of gonorrhoea, new diagnoses increased by 21%, which health officials warn is particular cause for concern antibiotic resistance is on the rise. There were an even greater number of chlamydia infections, with cases amounting to 46% of the total diagnosis. When chlamydia goes unnoticed and untreated – as it often does – it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and damage in women’s reproductive system. People under the age of 25 contributed 64% of all chlamydia and 54% of all genital warts diagnoses in heterosexuals in 2012, while new gonorrhoea diagnoses rose 37% in the MSM (men who have sex with men) population.

Dr Gwenda Hughes, PHE head of STI surveillance, commented, ‘There have been significant improvements in screening in recent years, particularly for gonorrhoea and chlamydia among young adults and men who have sex with men, so we are diagnosing and treating more infections than ever before. However, these data show too many people are continuing to have unsafe sex, put themselves at risk of STIs and the serious consequences associated with infection, including infertility. Ongoing investment in programmes to increase sexual health awareness, condom use and testing, particularly for groups at most risk, is vital.’

According to Lisa Power, policy director at the Terrence Higgins Trust, the 21% rise in gonorrhoea was a particular concern. She noted, ‘It is vital that people, particularly young people starting their adult lives, understand how to prevent sexual ill-health. This includes using condoms and going for regular check-ups as well as valuing the importance of healthy relationships.’ Hughes added, ‘We must also ensure chlamydia screening remains widely available. Local authorities should continue to integrate chlamydia screening into broader health services for young adults. This will also help this age group develop positive relationships with services, enabling them to develop and maintain good sexual health throughout their lives.’

Categories: Research, sexually transmitted infections, young people

Why Is Sexual Health Worse than Ever in Oxfordshire?

The sexual wellbeing of Oxfordshire residents is more at risk than ever, according to the latest statistics from Public Health England. In 2011, there were 93 cases of gonorrhoea in the county, but last year there were 157. Cases of herpes have also risen from 298 to 313, and incidences of syphilis have more than tripled, from six to 22. The only sexual transmitted infection (STI) to fall was genital warts, dropping from 889 to 859. As a result of these statistics, health campaigners are calling for better sexual wellness measures in Oxfordshire.

 

Grace Hinde, centre manager for the county branch of the Terrence Higgins Trust sexual health charity, noted that we need more investment in improving schools’ sex education, and in screening campaigns. ‘Work still needs to be done. We are going to have more increases until we get more investment. We need more local investment,’ she urged, adding that STIs could seriously affect your wellness, and even cause infertility, but people are too embarrassed to talk about them.

 

‘I cannot remember a time when we haven’t been told the numbers are going up,’ said Abingdon GP Prit Buttar, a family doctor since 1991. ‘It is always a disappointment when people fall ill for avoidable reasons. But humans will do irrational things. There is nothing like alcohol and sex to make people act irrationally.’ He added that Oxford’s high student population probably had nothing to do with the rise in infections, as the city had always had a lot of students and more middle-aged people are known to be contracting sex diseases.

 

According to Dr James Mapstone, interim director of the Thames Valley Public Health England Centre, ‘There have been significant improvements in screening in recent years, particularly for gonorrhoea and chlamydia among young adults and men who have sex with men, so we are diagnosing and treating more infections than ever before. However, this data shows too many people are continuing to have unsafe sex, put themselves at risk of STIs and the serious consequences associated with infection, including infertility. Ongoing investment in programmes to increase sexual health awareness, condom use and testing, particularly for groups at most risk, is vital.’

Categories: Oxfordshire, Sex Ed, sexually transmitted infections

The American Epidemic: 20 Million STI Cases

It is considered the oldest form of modern protection in the book, but for the sexually active individual, a condom may be the best method of preventing a sexually transmitted disease.

Practice safe sex: This is the message broadcast by researchers that estimated that almost 20 million Americans are suffering from a sexually transmitted disease. Young people between the ages of 15 to 24 make up 20 percent of overall cases, both new and old.

Out of all of these strains, 72 percent of people were affected by the human papillomavirus (HPV) – also known as genital warts. Alongside this disease, the remaining that also sat commonly with other cases were infections such as hepatitis B, HIV, trichomoniasis (genital inflammation), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes.

The lead researcher of these new findings, Catherine Lindsey Satterwhite, told NBC News that the United States has an, “ongoing, severe, STI epidemic.”

What was problematic about the discovery was that the number of STIs were higher in the year 2008 than they were in 2000. In 2008, there were 19.7 million new cases as opposed to the 18.8 million new cases in 2000. Researchers are wary however, as the data from the year 2000 was not necessarily from the same source as the data in 2008.

For those in the UK, the strain is not necessarily something to be ignored, as people across the country – young and old – are annually affected by STDs across the country.

Whilst some contraceptives will prevent pregnancy, the best way to lower the risk of sexually transmitted disease is to slip on a condom during sex. You may not believe that you are at any risk, but bearing in mind that STDs do not necessarily have to be transferred by sexual contact; it never hurts to be cautious whilst maintaining a good, healthy and happy relationship.

The American Epidemic: 20 Million STI Cases

Categories: cases, Disease, Epidemic, HIV, million, sexually, sexually transmitted, sexually transmitted infections, sexually-transmitted disease, STDs, transmitted, transmitted disease, warts

Could You Develop a Smallpox-Like Virus through Sex?

After having sexual contact with someone who’d recently been vaccinated against smallpox, a man in San Diego was infected with the vaccinia virus, which is found in the smallpox vaccine. This is according to a new report from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, who say that the man was infected in June, 2012 and also passed the virus along to another unvaccinated individual during sexual activity, known as tertiary transmission.

The live vaccinia virus, contained in the vaccine, is similar to smallpox but doesn’t actually cause the disease. In the US, the disease was eradicated in 1972, and so members of the public were no longer vaccinated against smallpox. However, smallpox vaccination was resumed in 2002 by the Department of Defence, for its military personnel and civilian employees.

If you touch the vaccination site on a person who has been vaccinated, or you come into contact with clothing that has been contaminated with the virus, you can become infected with the vaccinia virus, and experience symptoms such as a rash, a fever, and head and body aches. According to a review published in 2011, there have been 115 reports of vaccinia virus transmission between vaccinated and unvaccinated people since 2002, mostly occuring through intimate contact, such as sexual relations, or contact between a mother and child. Transmission at gyms has also been reported.

However, the researchers said that the new case is the first to report tertiary transmission through sex. In this case, the recently vaccinated man did not keep his vaccination site properly covered, and so his male sexual partner became infected. This caused the infected man to experience a rash in his anal area and on his lip, as well as fever, fatigue and nausea. He later had sex with a different man, who, in turn, also caught the disease, and developed a rash on his penis and forearm.

Both men were treated and recovered within a few weeks, and study researcher Rachael Joseph, of the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, said that they are now immune to smallpox, because they were infected with the vaccinia virus. However, the researchers added that the study, which appeared in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, underscores the importance of covering the vaccination site, as vaccinated people are instructed to do.

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Categories: sexually transmitted infections, Smallpox vaccine, Vaccinia virus