Women's Health- The Truth About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

 Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise and it is important to know the signs, so you can seek treatment if you are infected.
  Chlamydia is a very common STD that can cause a discolored or yellowish discharge. Burning and itching in the genital area is common. Some people do not have any symptoms for quite some time, which can delay diagnoses.
  Gonorrhea is another type of STD. It usually causes a discharge that can be purulent and greenish in color. It too can cause burning and itching. Like Chlamydia, sometimes symptoms are mild or absent.
  Other types of STD's are Herpes, Trichomonas(trich), Syphilis, and HIV/Aids. Human Papilloma Virus, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C can also be spread through sexual contact.
 It is important to see a doctor right away if you experience any vaginal/ penile discharge, burning or itching around the genitalia or rectum, or any sores or bumps in the genital area.
  There are other vaginal infections that may be mistaken for an STD that are very common. These are bacterial vaginosis and candida(yeast). Bacterial vaginosis causes a thin, watery discharge that can have a foul odor. Yeast infections usually cause a white,cottage cheese-like discharge and there is usually no odor. Burning and itching are common in yeast infections.
 Abstinence is the only way to completely prevent STD infection. Barrier methods, such as codoms, are very good for protection if used properly.
 It is important to see a doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above. Proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary for your health and safety. Always remember that you must let any sexual partner know if you are diagnosed with an STD so they, too, can seek immediate treatment.

Some facts about Herpes

 There are many things that people are unaware of about herpes simplex. Working in a gynecology clinic, I had many patients that were affected by the disease. Initially, they were very upset at the diagnosis. When they learned the facts and that good treatments were available, they seemed relieved.
 Herpes can involve the other areas of the body, the mouth, and the genitalia. Herpes Simplex 1 is the type that causes cold sores/ fever blisters. Herpes Simplex 2 affects the areas below the waist, such as the genitalia. Chicken pox and shingles are also types of herpes infections.
 Herpes is very contagious. It can easily be spread through physical skin-to-skin contact, including oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It usually causes very painful blisters, rashes and bumps. Sometimes, the only symptom is a watery discharge. Many patients don't have any symptoms at all, but they are still contagious.
 In recent studies, it has been suggested that 1 in 5 people in America are infected with herpes. As many as 90% of those infected are unaware they have the condition. Anyone that is sexually active can have herpes.
 There are treatments available for herpes. There are medications that can treat outbreaks. Patients can even take medication daily to prevent outbreaks. It does not keep a person from spreading the disease but can prevent the uncomfortable symptoms.
 It is very important to talk to your doctor if you have the symptoms of herpes, or think you may be infected,so you can begin proper treatment. There are many people living with herpes today and leading normal, productive lives. Remember, if you are diagnosed with herpes, you are not alone.

Some facts about HPV

While working in a gynecology office for many years, I was often confronted with questions about HPV ( Human Papilloma Virus ). With the disease being so prevalent in today's society, it is amazing how little the public really knows about it.
It was once thought that HPV was only transmitted through sexual intercourse. In recent studies, it appears that it may also be passed through any sexual contact.
There are vaccines to protect against certain types of the disease. The problem is that not many patients are asking for it yet.
Through annual pap smears, HPV can be detected. If the disease has caused abnormal cervical cells, there are treatments for them. Many times, a person's own immune system can rid the body of the virus. For some, however, treatment is required.
Many patients are afraid that they have cancer when they are told that they have abnormal cervical cells. I always try to reassure them that most cases of abnormal cervical cells are pre-cancerous and at an early stage. Some of them do have a little more severe dysplasia, which requires more invasive treatment. On some occasions, it can lead to cervical cancer, especially if not treated.
 There are also types of HPV that can cause genital warts ( condyloma ). These can be treated by cryotherapy, chemical products, or any other approved method that the patient and doctor agree on. If left untreated, the condyloma can get worse and eventually lead to vulvar cancer. With treatment, they usual go away in time, however, sometimes several treatments are required.
The best way to prevent HPV is to use barrier methods during sexual activity and by receiving the vaccine. Annual pap smears remain the best way to detect the disease.