STD Testing & Treatment
herpes
gonorrhea
syphilis
crabs
genital warts
cystitis
chlamydia
monilia
bacterial vaginitis
trichomonas
pelvic inflammatory disease
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HERPES
Herpes is an infection caused by a virus. There
are two types of herpes: Herpes Simplex Type I and Herpes Simplex
Type II. Herpes causes painful sores outside and/or inside the vagina,
on the cervix or on the mouth (cold sores).
Both types of Herpes are highly contagious through direct physical
contact with the open sores. In both types your symptoms will go
away and the virus will remain in your system. Herpes can return
again and again, even without another contact with an infected person,
although some people have only one outbreak of the infection.
You get Herpes from direct physical contact with
a person who has active herpes sores. This includes oral, anal or
vaginal sex or kissing. Sores are the most contagious from the time
just before they blister until the time they heal.
The symptoms of genital herpes usually appear from 2-20 days after
you have had contact with the virus. An outbreak of herpes usually
begins with a tingling, itching or burning of the skin in the genital
area and/or with one or more red bumps or a rash. These bumps or
sores are the "trademark" of herpes.
The bumps become water blisters in a day or two
and then burst, ooze, bleed and eventually form scabs. The sores
usually heal themselves in 3 or 4 days after they form scabs with
no permanent scars.
At the same time you may have some (or none) of
the following symptoms:
pain, fever and muscle aches, swollen glands, burning sensations,
pains in your legs or buttocks, painful urination
The first occurrence of herpes is usually the
worst, lasting for 2-4 weeks. Sometimes there are no symptoms so
you may not know you have it until you or your sexual partner develops
symptoms at a later time.
If you do have any of these symptoms, you should
see your practitioner who can look at the sores and may test a scraping
from them, to diagnose your infection.
Herpes is a painful but not a serious infection.
Here is what you can do to reduce your risk of infection:
When your sores are open and "active" they can become
infected as other germs enter breaks in your skin. Keep the area
clean and dry to help prevent this.
When your sores are open and "active"
you can infect other parts of your body. Be sure to wash you hands
after you touch a sore.
If you get pregnant, you can transmit herpes to
your baby only during delivery. This can cause the baby to become
seriously ill or die. It is important to tell your practitioner
that you have had herpes so that a problem can be prevented during
delivery.
As of now, there is no known cure for herpes.
But there are things you can do to treat it and which will give
you relief from discomfort and itching.
Betadine ointment, an iodine solution, can help
the sores heal. Xylocaine ointment can help relieve the itching.
Do not use any ointment unless your practitioner prescribes it.
Other ointments can prevent the sores from healing quickly.
When the sores first appear, take warm baths with
baking soda 3 or 4 times a day. In between, keep the sores clean
and dry. Sores heal faster when they are exposed to the air. Cotton
underpants are helpful.
You cannot prevent herpes from recurring again.
Most people have a second outbreak within 2-12 months after the
first. However, herpes seems to be "triggered" by stress,
other illnesses (particularly vaginitis, gonorrhea or a fever),
being "run-down", or by menstruation, pregnancy or ovulation.
So, taking care of yourself - eating well, resting, exercising,
avoiding drugs- may help reduce your risk of getting it again.
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GONORRHEA
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease which
affects both men and women. It is caused by bacteria which live
in warm, moist areas like the vagina or other sex organs. Women
who get Gonorrhea often have Chlamydia at the same time.
Gonorrhea is spread by genital, oral or anal sex
with an infected person. Mothers can also pass it to their babies
during childbirth. You can get Gonorrhea in your eye if you touch
it with a finger that is moist with infected discharge.
In the early stages of Gonorrhea, women often do not have any symptoms
and know they have it only after complications have set in. The
best way for you to know whether you should see your practitioner
is if your partner tells you that you may be infected.
You may, however, have some or all of the following
symptoms:
an unusual vaginal discharge
buring or pain when urinating
stomach pains
Your partner may have a burning sensation when
he urinates or a watery, milky discharge. If either of you have
symptoms, you should see your practitioner who will test you to
see if you have it.
If detected and treated early, Gonorrhea is not
a serious disease. But if you have it a long time before it is diagnosed
and treated, it can be very serious. It can cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory
Disease), permanent damage to your reproductive organs, the inability
to have children, or problems during pregnancy and birth.
Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. Your practitioner
can give you a pill or an injection of the antibiotic. You may also
be given a prescription for the antibiotic which you will take by
mouth for 7 days. It is important to take all of your medication,
even if you have no symptoms, and then return to your practitioner
for a follow-up exam to be sure that you are cured.
If the treatment does not cure you, you may have
a type of Gonorrhea which requires a different antibiotic. If so,
another will be prescribed and another follow-up exam will be necessary
to be sure that you are cured.
Your partner(s) should also be seen by a practitioner and tested,
even if there are no symptoms, to prevent your reinfection.
Avoid sexual intercourse until your treatment
is completed and your partner(s) have been checked.
The best way to lower your chances of getting Gonorrhea is to avoid
sexual intercourse with anyone who has it. You should also have
your sex partners use condoms whenever you have sex. Condoms help
to keep it from spreading.
You may also lower your risk of getting Gonorrhea
or any other sexually transmitted disease by limiting the number
of partners you have. Your risk of getting the disease is higher
the more partners you have.
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SYPHILIS
Syphilis is a serious sexually transmitted disease
which affects both men and women. It is caused by bacteria and usually
begins with the development of a painless sore called a chancre.
Once the bacteria enter your body, if left untreated, they get into
your bloodstream and can harm the organs of your body. The disease's
symptoms may disappear without treatment, but without treatment
the bacteria will remain in your body causing new and more serious
symptoms to appear later, as the disease advances.
Syphilis is most often spread by genital, oral or anal sex with
an infected person. But, if an infected person has a rash or open
sores, it can be spread by any physical contact with these sores,
including kissing or skin contact. Syphilis is highly contagious
when an infected person has these sores.
If you are pregnant and have syphilis, you can pass it to your unborn
child.
The first sign of syphilis is a painless sore,
a chancre, which appears at the spot where the bacteria enters your
body, usually in or around your genital area. The sore may also
develop in your anus, mouth or throat. It may not appear for several
weeks or even months after contact.
The sore may disappear without treatment, but the disease is not
cured. You will soon have new, more serious symptoms.
In this next stage, which can be 1 week to 6 months
later (usually about 6 months), a rash may appear on all of your
body, or just on your hands or feet. By this time, the bacteria
may have spread through your whole body and you may also have some
or all of the following symptoms:
swollen, painful joints, aching bones, sore throat, headache or
fever, loss of hair
You should see your practitioner at the first
sign of a sore, or if your partner has a sore. Your practitioner
may take a sample from the sore and perform blood tests to see if
you have syphilis.
If detected and treated early, syphilis can be
easily cured. If left untreated, it can damage your heart, bones,
and nervous system.
Syphilis is usually treated with an antibiotic.
It is important to take ALL of you medication and return to your
practitioner for a follow-up exam to be sure that you are cured,
even if your symptoms are gone.
Avoid sexual intercourse until your treatment
is completed and both you and your partner(s) have been checked.
The best way to lower your chances of getting syphilis is to avoid
sexual intercourse with anyone who has it. You should also have
your partners use latex condoms. Condoms help to prevent it from
spreading.
You may also lower your risk of getting syphilis
or any other sexually transmitted disease by limiting the number
of partners you have. Your risk of getting the disease is higher
the more partners you have.
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CRABS
Crabs are tiny animals the size of a pinhead,
yellowish gray in color and need human blood to survive. They like
to live in moist hairy spots, particularly pubic hair, but also
chest hair, armpits, eyebrows and eyelashes. They attach themselves
to the hairs near the roots and bite. They also lay eggs at the
roots which stick firmly unto the hair. Crabs cause terrible itching.
Because they need blood to survive, crabs cannot
live for more than 24 hours without human contact. Their eggs can
live up to 6 days without contact.
Crabs are very contagious. They will "hop"
from one person to another so you can get them by close contact
with someone who has them. They can also be spread by using infested
clothing, towels, bedding, or upholstered furniture.
The first sign of crabs is usually very bad itching in the area
of you body where they are living. Generally, crabs will be in your
pubic area, but as you scratch them they may move to other parts
of your body with hair. Some people do not itch and may only find
out they have crabs after they pass them to someone else.
You can see crabs without a microscope. Look closely.
Sometimes even if they are no longer there you will be able to see
their eggs. If you are not sure, see your practitioner.
Crabs are usually not a serious problem as they are easy to diagnose
and treat. Sometimes, however, they carry diseases like typhus which
can be serious. Also, scratching around your urinary tract may cause
infection.
Crabs are usually treated with Kwell, a prescription
cream or shampoo. Other drugs such as R.I.D., A-200, Vonce or Bornate
are almost as effective and can be purchased without a prescription.
One treatment of the infested area will usually kill the adult crabs
but may not kill all the eggs. A second treatment may be needed
24-48 hours later.
All your clothes, towels and bedding should be washed in hot water
with detergent or dry cleaned. Anything you do not or cannot wash
should not be used for a week.
There are lots of things that you can do to reduce
your chances of getting infected. These include:
Do not have sex or other physical contact with someone who has crabs
or who itches a lot but does not know why.
Do not borrow or share clothing, towels or bedding.
Check the infected area 48 hours after treatment. If you see any
crabs or eggs, re-apply the shampoo or cream.
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GENITAL WARTS
Genital Warts (also called Condyloma or Venereal
Warts) are bumps that develop on the inside or outside of sexual
organs or the anus, usually within 1-3 months of contact. Both their
number and appearance vary. Like other types of warts, Genital Warts
are caused by a virus.
They usually begin as small, painless hard spots
on the skin or genital area. If not treated they can grow large
and develop a cauliflower-like appearance. When they are inside
the vagina or anus, they are usually pink and wet and may not be
noticed.
Warts are highly contagious. They are passed by
direct physical contact with the infected area. During sex they
can be passed from the genital area of one person to the other.
Often a person can be infected without symptoms and can pass on
the virus without knowing it. Warts may also come back again after
they have been treated even without further physical contact.
You may see the warts around your genitals. If
they are inside the vagina, intercourse may be painful or itchy.
Often, however, there are no symptoms. If you suspect that you have
them, you should see your practitioner who will be able to identify
them either from their looks or by a biopsy.
If genital warts spread, removal can become difficult,
uncomfortable and costly. If they spread into the vagina and onto
the cervix they may cause changes in these cells which can lead
to cervical cancer. If you have Genital Warts you should have regular
PAP tests.
Small warts can be removed by using an ointment
or liquid called Podophyllin. You may have to use the medicine several
times before the warts are completely gone. Podophyllin should be
washed off 4 hours after placement to avoid burning your skin.
Larger warts can be treated in several different
ways: they can be removed by a practitioner freezing them with dry
ice; by surgery, using a local anesthetic; or by laser.
There are lots of things you can do to reduce your chances of getting
infected.
These include:
Do not have sexual relations with anyone who has genital warts until
they have been completely removed.
Always use a latex (rubber) condom when having sexual contact.
If you have genital warts: Avoid sexual intercourse
until they are removed.
Have your practitioner re-examine you a week after
they are removed to be sure they are gone.
Do not have sexual contact with the infected area
until you are cleared.
Get regular check-ups to be sure the warts have
not returned.
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CYSTITIS
Cystitis is an infection in your bladder that
is caused by bacteria. It is the most common type of urinary tract
infection in women.
If your urethra gets injured or irritated, bacteria
can enter your bladder causing Cystitis. This can happen after sex;
often a sudden increase in sexual activity will cause it. Bath oils
or even spermicides can also cause irritation. Pregnant women tend
to get it more frequently than other women. Poor diet or stress
may also increase your chances of getting it.
Cystitis is usually very uncomfortable. The symptoms
of Cystitis include:
a sudden need to urinate every few minutes
pain or burning when you urinate
a feeling that you need to urinate, but cannot
blood
pus in your urine
lower back pain
pressure or pain just above the pelvic bone
Your practitioner will give you a urine test to
help diagnose the problem.
Mild cases should be treated but are not serious.
More severe cases, if promptly treated, are not serious either.
However, if the infection spreads to your kidneys, it could become
a problem.
If the symptoms last for more than two days, or
if you have blood or pus in your urine, you should see your practitioner.
If you get chills, fever, vomiting or pain in your kidney with any
other symptoms, you should also see your practitioner.
If you continue to get urinary tract infections, your practitioner
will need to talk to you about other ways to prevent them.
Your practitioner will prescribe an antibiotic,
sulfa drug or another type of anti-bacterial medication, for you
to take to cure your Cystitis. It will be taken by mouth. The type
of medicine will depend on which type of bacteria is causing your
infection.
It is important to take all of your medicine because
although your symptoms may disappear before you have finished, the
infection itself will not be cured. If the infection is not cured,
your symptoms may come back.
While you are taking your medication it is important
to: Avoid alcohol and coffee.
Drink at least one glass of water or other liquid
every two hours or more. It may also be helpful to drink cranberry
juice to help fight your infection.
Urinate often.
There are lots of things that you can do to reduce
your chances of getting infected.
These include:
- Always wipe yourself from front to back when going to the bathroom.
- Do not wear pants that are too tight in the crotch or thighs.
Drink lots of liquids.
- Urinate every 3 to 4 hours. Do not hold back if you feel a need
to go. Urinate after you have intercourse.
- Do not go from anal intercourse to vaginal intercourse unless
your partner washes his penis.
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CHLAMYDIA
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted
disease. "Chlamydia" are actually tiny organisms which
live in warm, moist areas like the sex organs, and cause infections
in both men and women.
Chlamydia is spread by direct sexual contact.
Mothers can also pass it to their babies during childbirth.
Many women have no symptoms of Chlamydia and know they have it only
after complications have set in. The best way for you to know whether
you should see your practitioner is if your partner tells you that
you may be infected.
You may, however, have some or all of the following
symptoms:
an unusual vaginal discharge
vaginal or anal itching
burning when urinating
frequent urination
stomach pains
nausea and fever
repeated cervical infections
bleeding after intercourse or between periods
Your partner may have a burning sensation when
he urinates or a watery, milky discharge. If either of you have
symptoms, you should see your practitioner and get a Chlamydia culture.
It is the only way to accurately diagnose Chlamydia. The test is
safe, quick and is not painful.
If detected and treated early, Chlamydia is not
a serious disease. But if you have it for a long time before it
is diagnosed and treated, it can be very serious.
Chlamydia can cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease),
permanent damage to your reproductive organs, the inability to have
children, or problems during pregnancy and birth. If a pregnant
woman passes Chlamydia to her babies when they are being born, it
may cause the babies to have eye, ear or lung infections.
Chlamydia is usually treated with an antibiotic
taken by mouth. You will be given a prescription to take for 7 days.
It is important that you take all of your medication and return
to your practitioner for a follow-up exam to be sure that you are
cured, even if all of your symptoms are gone.
Your partner(s) should be seen by a practitioner
and tested, even if there are no symptoms, to prevent your reinfection.
Avoid sexual intercourse until your treatment is completed and both
you and your partner(s) have been checked.
The best way to lower your chances of getting
Chlamydia is to avoid sexual intercourse with anyone who has Chlamydia.
You should also have your sex partner(s) use condoms whenever you
have sex. Condoms help keep it from spreading. Spermicidal foams,
creams and jellies may offer additional protection.
You may also lower your chances of getting Chlamydia
or any other sexually transmitted disease by limiting the number
of partners you have. Your risk of getting the disease is higher
the more partners you have.
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MONILIA
Monilia is a very common, minor vaginal infection.
Normally, many different kinds of bacteria and organisms grow inside
the vagina, just as they do in the mouth. Sometimes these organisms
or fungi multiply, upsetting the healthy balance and causing and
infection.
Monilia can develop in several ways. Sometimes
your system gets "out of balance." This can be caused
by pregnancy, use of antibiotics, diabetes, a high sugar diet, or
stress.
It can also start if you wear pants that are too tight or nylon
panties; or from a dye in colored toilet paper, a bath oil or a
vaginal deodorant. Yeast infections can also be passed to a partner
during genital or oral sex.
The symptoms of a yeast infection are:
itching and burning in the vagina, especially when you urinate
a white, cottage cheese-like discharge
pain or redness around the vagina
a yeast-like smell in the genital area
You may have all or some of these symptoms. If you do, you should
see your practitioner who will look at a sample of your discharge
under a microscope to diagnose your problem.
Monilia is not a serious infection. Some women
get yeast infections often. If you do, check with your practitioner
to be sure that it is not a symptom of some other problem.
Monilia is usually treated with creams or suppositories.
Internal creams come in a tube with an applicator. Fill the applicator
with cream, insert it into your vagina, and push the plunger to
release the cream. Suppositories come with an applicator. Place
one suppository into the applicator and insert it into your vagina,
and push the plunger to release it. You may also insert a suppository
with your fingers (be sure to wash your hands first!). Wash the
applicator after each use.
A few minutes after you insert the medication
it will begin to melt, causing a "runny" feeling. To protect
your clothing when you use creams or suppositories, use sanitary
pads or mini-pads. Do not use tampons as they absorb the medication,
leaving nothing to fight the infection.
Sometimes an ointment may also be prescribed to
be used on the outside of the vagina to relieve swelling or discomfort.Warm
sitz baths with Epsom salts or Burrow's solution may also help relieve
your discomfort.
There are a lot of things you can do to reduce your chances of getting
infected.
These include:
- Wear cotton instead of nylon underwear.
- Do not wear pants that are tight in the crotch or thighs.
- Keep the genital area clean. Wash with soap and water at least
once a day.
- Do not use perfumed powders, deodorants or bath oils on your genital
area.\
- Use a condom, foam and/or a diaphragm during intercourse.
- Do not eat too much sugar.
- Use plain white, unscented toilet paper.
- Always wipe from front to back when going to the bathroom.
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BACTERIAL VAGINITIS
Bacterial Vaginitis is a common vaginal infection.
Normally, many different kinds of bacteria grow inside the vagina,
just as they do in the mouth. Sometimes these bacteria multiply,
upsetting the healthy balance and causing an infection.
You can get Bacterial Vaginitis in several ways. If your system
gets "out of balance" due to pregnancy, stress, use of
antibiotics or birth control pills, the bacteria which cause Vaginitis
are more likely to multiply and overgrow, causing infection. You
can also get Bacterial Vaginitis from sexual intercourse and sometimes
from infected toilet seats, washcloths or towels.
The symptoms of Bacterial Vaginitis include:
a gray-white discharge with a strong fishy smell
a heavy vaginal discharge
irritation or itching in the vaginal area
You may have all or some of these symptoms. If
you do, you should see your practitioner who will look at a sample
of your discharge under a microscope in order to diagnose your problem.
Bacterial Vaginitis is usually not a serious infection,
but it will not go away unless it is treated. Untreated it may cause
more serious problems including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
Antibiotics taken by mouth, such as Flagyl, are
the most common treatment for Bacterial Vaginitis. It is important
to take all of the pills prescribed because although the symptoms
may disappear before you have finished, the infection itself will
not be cured. If the infection does not get cured, the symptoms
will probably come back.
If Flagyl is prescribed it is very important to:
Stay away from alcohol. Even one drink of beer or wine can make
you feel dizzy, nauseous or cause cramps. Do not drink the day before
you start taking it. Wait 3 days after you finish your prescription
before having a drink.
Take your pills with meals to help prevent getting
sick to your stomach.
In addition to the pills, you may get a prescription
for a vaginal cream or suppositories to help relieve the burning
and itching. The cream comes in a tube with an applicator. Fill
the applicator with the cream and push it gently into your vagina.
Push the plunger on the applicator to put the cream inside your
vagina. Wash the applicator after each use.
You may need to wear sanitary pads or mini-pads
while you are using the cream or suppositories. Do not use tampons.
These will absorb the medicine leaving none to relieve your discomfort.
There are lots of things you can do to reduce
your chances of getting infected. These include:
- Use a condom with foam during intercourse.
- Always wipe from front to back when going to
the bathroom.
- Do not put anything into the vagina or anus without washing it
first.
- Wear cotton instead of nylon underwear.
- Do not wear pants that are tight in the crotch or thigh.
- Keep your genital area clean. Wash with soap and water at least
once a day.
- Do not use perfumed powders, deodorants or bath oils on your genital
area.
- Do not eat too much sugar.
- Use plain, white, unscented toilet paper.
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TRICHOMONAS
Trichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted
disease caused by a single-celled microscopic parasite that lives
both in the vagina and inside the penis. The male's symptoms may
be limited to burning during urination. The female's symptoms include
urinary burning, greenish-yellowish discharge, and vulvar irritation.
The organism ferments the carbohydrates in the vagina, producing
a foul smelling gas. A strawberry-red colored vagina, or cervix
with deep red spots are signs of trichomonas. In more advanced cases,
inflammation may spread, causing pelvic pain and a general feeling
of malaise.
Trichomonas can be diagnosed based on its green
discharge. It can often be seen under a microscope or detected on
special cultures or a PAP smear. It is also possible to have trichomonas
without having symptoms. There is increased evidence that trichomonas
can burrow itself into cells and can recur at intervals - even after
treatment.
It is important that the condition be treated
in both partners to prevent re-infection. The only medication that
can treat trichomonas is metronidazole (brand name - Flagyl). You
and your partner must take it at the same time.
DRINKING ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICATION
WILL CAUSE NAUSEA AND VOMITING.
Trichomonas should always be treated - even if
there are no symptoms. Trichomonas has been associated with chronic
irritation of the cervix, making the cervix and/or vagina more susceptible
to infection with other organisms (yeast, condyloma, chlamydia,
etc.). When prescribed, the entire course of medicine should be
finished or else regrowth of the organism can occur. With recurring
or persistent infection, longer courses of therapy may be necessary.
TRICHOMONAS DOES NOT CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE FALLOPIAN
TUBES AND THEREFORE HAS NO EFFECT ON FERTILITY OR PREGNANCY.
There are lots of things you can do to reduce
your chances of getting infected. These include:
- Use a condom with foam during intercourse.
- Always wipe from front to back when going to the bathroom.
- Do not put anything into the vagina or anus without washing it
first.
- Wear cotton instead of nylon underwear.
- Do not wear pants that are tight in the crotch or thigh.- Keep
your genital area clean. Wash with soap and water at least once
a day.
- Do not use perfumed powders, deodorants or bath oils on your genital
area.
- Do not eat too much sugar.
- Use plain, white, unscented toilet paper.
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PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection
in your fallopian tubes and sometimes in your ovaries. It is caused
by a bacteria. It can be sudden and severe ("Acute PID"),
or more commonly, moderate and less severe ("Subacute PID").
Some women get "Chronic PID" which is a low-grade inflammation
that can last from several weeks to many months.
As PID is caused by the same tiny organisms which
cause sexually-transmitted diseases (STD's) like Gonorrhea or Chlamydia,
you get PID through sexual intercourse with an infected person.
PID symptoms vary, they may be so mild that you don't notice them
or so strong that you have to go for immediate help. The most common
symptom is pain in the lower part of your stomach.
You may also have one or more of these symptoms:
lower back pain
abnormal vaginal periods
bleeding between periods
need to urinate often and urgently
high fever or chills
painful intercourse or bleeding after intercourse
stomach cramps
nausea or vomiting
feeling tired, depressed or weak
swelling of your lymph nodes
If you have any of these symptoms you should see
your practitioner. Your practitioner will perform a pelvic exam
and test a sample of your discharge to see if you have an infection.
If diagnosed early, PID can usually be effectively
treated without serious side effects. However, complications from
PID can be very serious, even life-threatening. It can harm your
fallopian tubes and cause infertility or an ectopic pregnancy.
Your practitioner will treat PID usually by prescribing an antibiotic
for you to take by mouth. You will have to take this medication
for 1-2 weeks. You may also have to try different medications if
your test shows that they might work better. While you are taking
your medication, you should avoid sexual intercourse and avoid vigorous
activity, like aerobics or dancing.
Your sexual partner(s) should also be seen by
a practitioner and tested even if there are no symptoms.
If after your treatment you are still not cured,
your practitioner may recommend hospitalization or other forms of
treatment.
A heating pad on your stomach may help relieve
the pain while you are being treated. Your practitioner may also
suggest Tylenol or another medicine to help ease the discomfort.
There are lots of things that you can do to reduce
your chances of getting PID.
These include:
- Wait two weeks after an abortion, D & C, miscarriage or childbirth
before putting anything in the vagina. This includes fingers, a
penis, tampons or any kind of douche.
- Take showers rather than baths during this period.
- Always wipe yourself from front to back.
If you think you may have been exposed to Gonorrhea
or Chlamydia, get tested and treated right away.
Always use a condom, foam, cream or jelly when
having intercourse.
Limit your number of sexual partners and avoid
having sex with someone who has multiple partners.
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