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STD Testing & Treatmentherpes **************************** HERPESHerpes 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). 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 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: 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" 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.
GONORRHEAGonorrhea 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. You may, however, have some or all of the following
symptoms: 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. Avoid sexual intercourse until your treatment
is completed and your partner(s) have been checked. 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.
SYPHILISSyphilis 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. 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. 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: 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. 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.
CRABSCrabs 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. 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 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. There are lots of things that you can do to reduce
your chances of getting infected. These include:
GENITAL WARTSGenital 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. These include: 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.
CYSTITISCystitis 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: 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. 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. There are lots of things that you can do to reduce your chances of getting infected. These include:
CHLAMYDIAChlamydia 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. You may, however, have some or all of the following
symptoms: 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. 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.
MONILIAMonilia 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. The symptoms of a yeast infection are: 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.
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. These include:
BACTERIAL VAGINITISBacterial 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. The symptoms of Bacterial Vaginitis include: 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:
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: - Always wipe from front to back when going to
the bathroom.
TRICHOMONASTrichomonas 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:
PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASEPelvic 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.
You may also have one or more of these symptoms:
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 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: 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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