Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Say Before For Precautions

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: say before! Be better informed to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections or make other aware, your friends, your children become teenagers...

1) A person who has a cold sore can transmit genital herpes to your partner:

Yes, but only during the infectious period of cold sores.

No, definitely not.

Typically, the cold sore is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1) and HSV 2 genital herpes. However, one can give an HSV1 and HSV2 vice versa. Thus, a partner who has a cold sore can transmit the genital herpes and vice versa.

2) The morning-after pill is free:

For everyone.

Only for minors.

Emergency contraception is available at pharmacies without a prescription.

It is offered free only to minors.

3) Condoms and HPV, the virus family involved in cancer of the cervix:

The condom does not protect any of papillomavirus.

It protects some, but not enough.

The HPV virus is transmitted through semen or genital secretions, but the mucous membranes. But condoms do not prevent contact between mucous membranes, which prevents transmission of HPV very inadequate.

The only way to protect against HPV and prevent cancer of the cervix is the vaccination of young girls and to conduct regular smears.

4) In case of risk capital, the AIDS test should be done:

Immediately

Three months later.

If you think you have been exposed to a risk of infection unprotected intercourse, condom failure, injury with an object contaminated blood, sharing of injecting equipment ..., go to the emergency room of a hospital in a screening anonymous and free screening center.

Otherwise, within 15 to 90 days after exposure, can detect whether or not you are infected with the AIDS virus after a screening test.

5) Some sexually transmissible virus can cause:

Cancer.

Diabetes.

Papillomaviruses are viruses that cause cancer of the cervix.

6) The morning-after pill is effective:

In the condition should only be taken no later than the next day (within 24 hours maximum).

Even more than 24 hours after sexual relation of risk is still worth the shot to take.

Note that the effectiveness of morning after pill (or emergency contraception) is not 100%. It is about 95% when taken within 24 hours and then decreases rapidly to reach.

7) After several months of condom use with a single partner, we can stop the condom:

Only if one has confidence in your partner.

Not without each screening test for AIDS.

We may be living with HIV without knowing it. They may also underestimate their risk. This is not a matter of trusting or not. There is no doubt stop the condom (which is the only way to protect against this very serious illness), with each partner has been tested for the AIDS virus. Then, each partner shows the result for the other.

8) The HPV can also cause disease in humans, such as:

Genital warts.

Testicular cancer.

Papillomavirus are not only responsible for cancer of the cervix. In women as in men, they can cause the mucous membranes of the genital warts or crest, a kind of small warts.

9) There is a preventive treatment against AIDS?

Yes, provided it is taken within 48 hours of taking risks.

No, there is a treatment that can prevent AIDS.

There is actually a preventive treatment should be taken within 48 hours of taking risks. It reduces the risk of infection after exposure to HIV. It consists of several drugs active against HIV and should be taken for 4 weeks.

10) When is a screening test for AIDS, the result is known:

Immediately.

Within 3 to 7 days.

The test requires only a simple blood test, but the result is not immediate. Will be communicated within 3 to 7 days, during a second consultation.

adrianna smith - About the Author:

Read more on how to prevent AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. And more on sexually transmitted infections treatment.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/sexually-transmitted-diseases-say-before-for-precautions-1889943.html

The Diagnosis of STDs Can Adversely Impact Relationships - Find Out What You Can Do About It

Frequently I have encountered patients who are understandably concerned about when or where they were exposed to the HPV virus (or other STD's) and are anxiously desiring answers. I have spent many hours counseling patients on this subject and what is most disturbing to me is that I will often find patients wanting answers to “their" concerns only so they can call their partners who are awaiting an explanation.

I see women burdened with the task of trying to find a plausible explanation for an abnormal finding on a routine exam or a “symptom" that brought them to their health care provider. It is tragic to see this, since in many cases the problem should no more be a concern of hers than her partner's.

Women are often times more involved with the health care system starting at an early age ......menstrual problems , birth control issues, pregnancy and most notably: routine screening procedures (ie. pap smears , STD testing). This can inherently make women appear to be the origin of problems in a relationship, when in fact, they are simply the first one to bring a medical problem in a relationship to the attention of a health care provider..... an abnormal test result (pap smear) or the clinical manifestation of a medical condition (pelvic infection).

When I am asked about the various “mutually-at-risk conditions" between partners ( herpes, HPV, chlamydia etc.), I explain to the patient what the condition is , as best I can, and give supporting literature to share with her partner. When there is any indication that the findings are affecting her relationship or being construed as her fault I will encourage an appointment along with her partner to address any disagreements or “misunderstandings" in the relationship that might have come about as a result of this finding.

There are patients who are truly shocked and devastated about their diagnosis and clearly are lacking the emotional support they need once they leave the office. It is stressful in itself to find out about any medical condition and when this is compounded by the fact that one is being unfairly accused of being the source of the problem it is even more difficult to deal with.

It is imperative for anyone dealing with this situation to get the answers that best explain her personal set of circumstances. This effort is well worth the time and leads to a far better mutual understanding in the relationship.

Lastly, one should not overlook a very important clinical matter relating to any new findings of this sort. It is important that the patient's partner be evaluated and treated when indicated. I have seen patients treated on more than one occasion for the same problem because the partner would not get evaluated/ treated. This should never happen and should prompt the patient to address any concerns in the relationship that might contribute to this problem.

This article is a general statement about the “burden of proof" often placed on women when dealing with STD's . I will deal with more specifics in the near future.

Douglas Penta MD

http://womenshealthcareinformation.com

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HPV - the Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer

HPV is the abbreviation used for human papilloma virus. HPV causes the disease known as genital warts but it also causes cervical cancer. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world today.

There are many different types of HPV and not all types cause the wart like lesions to appear in the genital area. In fact most people who have this sexually transmitted disease do not know they have it.

Statistics suggest that up to 50% of sexually active adults will aquire HPV in their lifetime. A robust immune system will most likely be able to take care of the initial HPV infection so you may never even know that you had it. If you were infected with the type of HPV that causes genital warts you may see the wart like lesions around the genital area, including on the shaft of the penis and the anal area. Women with genital warts may not see any lesions at all if they are confined to the vagina.



The strains of HPV that cause genital warts are classed as low risk viruses whereas the strains that cause cervical cancer are classed as a "high risk".
The link between cervical cancer and sexual activity was first suspected when the observation was made (1841) that nuns were never diagnosed wtih cervical cancer. At the same time it was noted that cervical cancer was more common in women who were prostitutes. A link between pappilloma viruses and cancer was found in research on rabbits but it was not until the human papilloma virus was identified that the link to HPV and cervical cancer was made. This occurred in the late 1970's.

Both the Canadian and American Cancer Society lists other risk factor for cervical cancer as long term exposure to female hormones such as those found in birth control pills, smoking, HIV infection, exposure to certain hormones such as diethylstilbestrol (DES), and genetic factors.

Cervical Cancer


The cervix is the opening of the uterus. When infected with the high risk human papilloma virus strains these cells can become cancerous. Women over 30 are at more risk to develop cervical cancer suggesting that it takes some time for the cancerous changes to occur after the HPV infection. Not all women who are infected with the human papilloma virus will go on to develop cervical cancer.

In the United States cervical cancer is more prevalent among the Hispanic and Black populations who also have a higher mortality from the disease. In Canada higher rates of cervical cancer are seen among the older (ages 40-59), immigrant, aboriginal, and lower socio-economic populations. In both countries it is thought that rates are higher among these populations because of lack of screening, which results in detection at a much later stage of the disease.

The number of deaths from cervical cancer in the last 50 years has decreased dramatically because of the ability to diagnose the disease early with the Pap test. This test bears the name of its originator George Papanikolaou. It is a simple test that requires a sample of cells from the cervix. The tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination under a microspope. Cancerous changes can be detected very early this way and early diagnosis improves success rates for treatment.

Treatment

When diagnosed early enough cervical cancer can be treated by removing the cancerous cells. This may range from removal of cells confined to the cervix to a complete hysterectomy depending on how advanced the cancer is and whether or not it has spread to lymphatic tissue.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of developing cervical cancer by limiting the number of sexual contacts and knowing your partner's HPV status. If you are sexually active and not in a monogamous relationship you should use a barrier method of protection with every sexual encounter and undergo regular screening as part of your routine health examination. It is recommended that sexually active women should have a gynecological exam with a Pap smear every three years to age 69.

HPV vaccine

Vaccines have recently come on the market that provide protection from two strains of high risk HPV. Health officials are recommending all young women be vaccinated before they beome sexually active. The vaccine is provided free of charge to girls in most provinces in Canada. Many states in the US are attempting to pass legislation requiring the vaccine but to date only 3 have been successful in getting legislation passed.

Beverly OMalley - About the Author:

Beverly Hansen OMalley is a nurse who is passionate about health promotion. Visit www.registered-nurse-canada.com where Bev explores the uniqueness of the nursing profession in Canada including comparison of nurse salary across the country, preparation for the Canadian nursing entrance test and how to become a nurse in Canada if you graduated in another country.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/hpv-the-human-papilloma-virus-and-cervical-cancer-853146.html

Defining Genital Warts, the HPV Virus and how it Affects You!

We have found that the best way to explain to you just what this HPV virus is, and how it functions in your system, is by directly quoting the experts. So we went searching around on the web to find the best and most reliable sources of information that we could, and of course, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) are the experts on disease control, including knowing everything that there is to know about the HPV virus.

Here is all that you ever needed to know about HPV and how it can affect you.

*The CDC (Center for Disease Control) cites on their website (http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm) that HPV is defined as the following:

“Genital human papillomavirus (also called HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of males and females. These HPV types can also infect the mouth and throat. Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it.

HPV is not the same as herpes or HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). These are all viruses that can be passed on during sex, but they cause different symptoms and health problems.

What are the signs, symptoms and potential health problems of HPV?

Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems from it. In 90% of cases, the body’s immune system clears HPV naturally within two years.

• But sometimes, certain types of HPV can cause genital warts in males and females. Rarely, these types can also cause warts in the throat -- a condition called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis or RRP.

• Other HPV types can cause cervical cancer. These types can also cause other, less common but serious cancers, including cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and head and neck (tongue, tonsils and throat).

The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types that can cause cancer. There is no way to know which people who get HPV will go on to develop cancer or other health problems.

Signs and symptoms of HPV-related problems:

Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or groups of bumps in the genital area. They can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower. Health care providers can diagnose warts by looking at the genital area during an office visit. Warts can appear within weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected partner—even if the infected partner has no signs of genital warts. If left untreated, genital warts might go away, remain unchanged, or increase in size or number. They will not turn into cancer.

Cervical cancer usually does not have symptoms until it is quite advanced. For this reason, it is important for women to get regular screening for cervical cancer. Screening tests can find early signs of disease so that problems can be treated early, before they ever turn into cancer.

Other HPV-related cancers might not have signs or symptoms until they are advanced and hard to treat. These include cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and head and neck. For signs and symptoms of these cancers, see www.cancer.gov.

RRP causes warts to grow in the throat. It can sometimes block the airway, causing a hoarse voice or troubled breathing.

How do people get HPV?

HPV is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. HPV may also be passed on during oral sex and genital-to-genital contact. HPV can be passed on between straight and same-sex partners—even when the infected partner has no signs or symptoms.

A person can have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sexual contact with an infected person. Most infected persons do not realize they are infected or that they are passing the virus on to a sex partner. It is also possible to get more than one type of HPV.

Very rarely, a pregnant woman with genital HPV can pass HPV to her baby during delivery. In these cases, the child can develop RRP.

How does HPV cause genital warts and cancer?

HPV can cause normal cells on infected skin to turn abnormal. Most of the time, you cannot see or feel these cell changes. In most cases, the body fights off HPV naturally and the infected cells then go back to normal. But in cases when the body does not fight off HPV, HPV can cause visible changes in the form of genital warts or cancer. Warts can appear within weeks or months after getting HPV. Cancer often takes years to develop after getting HPV.

How common are HPV and related diseases?

HPV (the virus). Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV. Another 6 million people become newly infected each year. HPV is so common that at least 50% of sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives.

Genital warts. About 1% of sexually active adults in the U.S. have genital warts at any one time.

Cervical cancer. Each year, about 12,000 women get cervical cancer in the U.S.

Other cancers that can be caused by HPV are less common than cervical cancer. Each year in the U.S., there are about:

• 3,700 women who get vulvar cancer

• 1,000 women who get vaginal cancer

• 1,000 men who get penile cancer

• 2,700 women and 1,700 men who get anal cancer

• 2,300 women and 9,000 men who get head and neck cancers. [Note: although HPV is associated with some of head and neck cancers, most of these cancers are related to smoking and heavy drinking.]

Certain populations are at higher risk for some HPV-related health problems. This includes gay and bisexual men, and people with weak immune systems (including those who have HIV/AIDS).

RRP is very rare. It is estimated that less than 2,000 children get RRP every year in the U.S.

How can people prevent HPV?

There are several ways that people can lower their chances of getting HPV:

• Vaccines can protect males and females against some of the most common types of HPV. These vaccines are given in three shots. It is important to get all three doses to get the best protection. The vaccines are most effective when given before a person's first sexual contact, when he or she could be exposed to HPV.

o Girls and women: Two vaccines (Cervarix and Gardasil) are available to protect females against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. One of these vaccines (Gardasil) also protects against most genital warts. Both vaccines are recommended for 11 and 12 year-old girls, and for females 13 through 26 years of age, who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. These vaccines can also be given to girls as young as 9 years of age. It is recommended that females get the same vaccine brand for all three doses, whenever possible.

o Boys and men: One available vaccine (Gardasil) protects males against most genital warts. This vaccine is available for boys and men, 9 through 26 years of age.

• For those who choose to be sexually active, condoms may lower the risk of HPV. To be most effective, they should be used with every sex act, from start to finish. Condoms may also lower the risk of developing HPV-related diseases, such as genital warts and cervical cancer. But HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom - so condoms may not fully protect against HPV.

• People can also lower their chances of getting HPV by being in a faithful relationship with one partner; limiting their number of sex partners; and choosing a partner who has had no or few prior sex partners. But even people with only one lifetime sex partner can get HPV. And it may not be possible to determine if a partner who has been sexually active in the past is currently infected. That's why the only sure way to prevent HPV is to avoid all sexual activity.

How can people prevent HPV-related diseases?

There are ways to prevent the possible health effects of HPV, including the two most common problems: genital warts and cervical cancer.

• Preventing genital warts: A vaccine (Gardasil) is available to protect against most genital warts in males and females (see above).

• Preventing Cervical Cancer: There are two vaccines (Cervarix and Gardasil) that can protect women against most cervical cancers (see above). Cervical cancer can also be prevented with routine cervical cancer screening and follow-up of abnormal results. The Pap test can find abnormal cells on the cervix so that they can be removed before cancer develops. An HPV DNA test, which can find HPV on a woman's cervix, may also be used with a Pap test in certain cases. Even women who got the vaccine when they were younger need regular cervical cancer screening because the vaccine does not protect against all cervical cancers.

• Preventing Anal and Penile Cancers: There is no approved screening test to find early signs of penile or anal cancer. Some experts recommend yearly anal Pap tests to screen for anal cancer in gay and bisexual men and in HIV-positive persons. This is because anal cancer is more common in those populations. These tests are not routinely recommended for anal cancer screening because more information is still needed to find out if they are effective.

• Preventing Head and Neck Cancers: There is no approved test to find early signs of head and neck cancer, but tests are available by specialized doctors for persons with possible symptoms of these cancers. [see www.cancer.org]

• Preventing RRP: Cesarean delivery is not recommended for women with genital warts to prevent RRP in their babies. This is because it is not clear that cesarean delivery prevents RRP in infants and children.

Is there a test for HPV?

The HPV tests on the market are only used to help screen for cervical cancer. There is no general test for men or women to check one’s overall “HPV status,” nor is there an HPV test to find HPV on the genitals or in the mouth or throat. But HPV usually goes away on its own, without causing health problems. So an HPV infection that is found today will most likely not be there a year or two from now.

Is there a treatment for HPV or related diseases?

There is no treatment for the virus itself, but there are treatments for the diseases that HPV can cause:

Visible genital warts can be removed by the patient him or herself with medications. They can also be treated by a health care provider. Some people choose not to treat warts, but to see if they disappear on their own. No one treatment is better than another.

Cervical cancer is most treatable when it is diagnosed and treated early. But women who get routine Pap tests and follow up as needed can identify problems before cancer develops. Prevention is always better than treatment. [see http://www.cancer.org/]

Other HPV-related cancers are also more treatable when diagnosed and treated early. [see http://www.cancer.org/]

RRP can be treated with surgery or medicines. It can sometimes take many treatments or surgeries over a period of years.”

For more information about the HPV virus, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm
*(Source: Internet, 2009; http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm.)