TresSugar

Two Surprising STDs on the Rise

Colleen Barrett — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:45:16 PST

Yesterday the Centers for Disease Control announced two of the three STDs it tracks are on the rise. While gonorrhea continues its steady decline to all-time lows, dropping another 10 percent last year, chlamydia and syphilis rates are ticking up.

Chlamydia, which is rampant among young people but curable with antibiotics, surprises me far less than syphilis, which I thought was contained to Charles Dickens's novels and the crazy lady in the attic of Jane Eyre. But, actually, it rose 39 percent since 2006.

Unfortunately, STDs travel in subgroups as different races, ages, and sexual orientations are at different risks. While gonorrhea is on the decline among the whole population, the rate among blacks is 20 times higher than whites and almost 10 times higher than Hispanics. Young black women, 15 to 24, are most affected by chlamydia, while men who have sex with men account for nearly two-thirds of syphilis cases.

Whether you're in a high-risk group or not, it seems like concern about STDs has been on the decline for the last decade, even as people are more likely to get an STD from an ex or friend with benefits. Would you say you're more worried or less?

You Asked: I Don't Know What to Believe

DearSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 06:00:00 PDT

Dear Sugar,

My boyfriend of five months just told me that he has chlamydia. He swears he hasn't cheated on me, but after researching STIs, I found out that symptoms usually surface within a week or two. I talked to a doctor and was told that while it's possible for symptoms to show up months after being infected, they usually show up within seven to 21 days. We are together all the time, so his response to my accusations was, "When would I have had time to cheat on you?" As it turns out, he was out of town about a week and a half ago, visiting some college friends, which makes perfect sense time-wise. I am in love with him and things have been going really well so I don't want to mess things up by being jealous or paranoid; however, I won't tolerate cheating and/or lying - I just want to know the truth. What should I do (besides getting treated for chlamydia!)? - Skeptical Sasha

To see DearSugar's answer,

read more. Dear Skeptical Sasha, I'm really sorry to hear that your boyfriend has put you in this situation. Since I don't know anything about his character, I can't say if your boyfriend is lying or not, but the doctor you spoke with is correct - chlamydia doesn't necessarily appear right away and it can often be asymptomatic, which is probably how it got passed to you. With that said, it sounds to me like you're pretty certain that your boyfriend cheated on you (very irresponsibly, may I add), in which case you need to decide if you're willing to forgive him and rebuild the trust that's been lost. Your first order of business should be taking care of yourself and seeing your gynecologist. Once you've done that, sit down with your boyfriend and have a serious heart-to-heart. Ask him to flat out tell you the truth. If he swears yet again that he didn't cheat, you're going to have to make a judgment call. This could be a case of coincidental timing or he could be lying through his teeth. Unfortunately, you may never know the truth, so the only advice I can offer is to trust your instincts. Good luck.

Genital Herpes 101

DearSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 08:00:00 PDT

A couple days ago I posted Handle This: He Has Herpes and some of your comments let me know that we could all use a refresher course on this STI.

Genital herpes is highly contagious, and is passed on through sexual contact. It's caused by a strain of herpes simplex virus (HSV), which enters your body through small cuts in your skin or mucous membranes, and then causes outbreaks of painful sores on your privates.

You should know that a person can pass herpes on to someone else even if they have no visible sores. Although there is no cure for genital herpes, the outbreaks can be controlled with medication, so a person with herpes can still be in a relationship and have sex (with protection, of course), without passing it on to his or her partner.

Want to learn more about how this STI is tested and treated? Then

Oral Sex Doesn't Equal Safe Sex

DearSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:00:00 PST

I hate to bring up this not-so-fun topic, but I'm concerned. Many of my friends have dated guys that they wouldn't have sex because they were worried about STIs, but they didn't seem the least bit worried about having oral sex. When your mouth has contact with someone else's business, you can very well get a whole plethora of STIs - the problem is that many of these sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic, which means you can't tell if someone is infected just by looking at them. That also means an infected person may not realize they even have an STI so they let their partner perform oral sex on them while unknowingly and accidentally passing the infection on to them.

Which STIs can be passed on through oral sex? To find out

read more. Gonorrhea: I know this is gross, but if you perform oral sex on an infected person, you can get gonorrhea of the throat. Chlamydia: This can also infect the throat in the same way. Genital Herpes: This STI is passed by skin-to-skin contact with a developing or existing sore. Unfortunately, even when there are no sores present, an infected person can still pass it on to their partner. Genital Warts (HPV): This can be passed on when an uninfected person touches infected skin on their partner's genitals. So you don't even have to be having vaginal or oral sex in order to get HPV from someone else. Syphilis: If a person performs oral sex on someone who's infected, and they come in contact with an open sore or a skin rash, they can get syphilis, too. Since lesions can appear on the genitals and on the lips and mouth, that means you can even get it from kissing an infected person. HIV: This potentially deadly STI can be passed on through blood (including menstrual fluid), semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk. So if a person performs oral pleasure on an infected person, and if they have a cut or sore in their mouth or on their gums, then they can contract HIV, too. I know this is all very scary information, but knowing the facts will help keep you safe. Before becoming sexually active, you and your partner should get tested. It'll show that you respect one another, that you're responsible, and your sense of relief will make it all worth while when you do share that kind of intimacy. Dear's Advice: If you are planning on having oral sex even though you're not sure about your partner's STI history, using male and female condoms and dental dams can reduce your risk tremendously. Source

Chlamydia: What You Should Know

DearSugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:00:00 PDT

Talking about STIs isn't the most fun topic in the world, but as they say "knowledge is power," so the more you know, the better protected you'll be.

Chlamydia is one of those STIs I learned about in my high school sex ed class, but I seriously don't remember much about it. Do you? Let's find out!

Take the Quiz

STIs Explained: Chlamydia

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:30:00 PDT

Since Spring has arrived and romance is in the air, I thought I'd take the time to talk about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Not your favorite topic, I know, but definitely worth knowing about.

STI stands for "sexually transmitted infection." The reason this term is used instead of STD (sexually transmitted disease) is because the word "infection" is more accurate since many are actually curable (except for Genital Herpes and Genital Warts). Also, the word "infection" carries less of a negative social stigma than the word "disease."

STIs like chlamydia are 100% preventable, so you can either abstain from sex altogether (not realistic), or have you and your partner get tested before you have sex. Chlamydia can be passed through regular sex, and anal and oral sex, so being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone you know who is uninfected is also a great way to keep yourself safe. When latex or polyurethane condoms are used consistently and correctly, that can also reduce the risk of transmitting chlamydia.

Make sure you see your gynecologist annually to get tested because if chlamydia goes untreated, irreversible damage can occur to a woman's reproductive organs, causing infertility.

Want to know about chlamydia? Then

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
Chlamydia (The #1 STI in the U.S.)	Frequently asymptomatic (no symptoms) Vaginal or penile discharge Burning during urination Women may experience lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, and irregular bleeding between periods Men may experience pain or swelling in the testicles	Samples of the infected fluid must be taken. Urine tests are now available too (which is good news for guys) but because they're more expensive, they're not yet available at all health clinics.	Since Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, antibiotics taken orally can cure most infections, but another round of antibiotics might need to be taken to get rid of it completely.

Source

Modern Ways to Teach Today's Youth About Sexual Health

Annie Scudder — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:45:21 PDT

Deb Levine, the founder of Internet Sexuality Information Services (ISIS), kicked off the annual Sex::Tech conference today in San Francisco, an event dedicated to advancing sexual health of American youth. Deb unveiled the findings from ISIS's just-released white paper on how youth and young adults use technology for their sexual and reproductive health. While the teen pregnancy rate is dropping overall, rates among African American and Hispanic youth are much higher. And African American teens, for example, are nine times more likely than Caucasian kids to contract STDs like chlamydia. Deb said that "while we're reaching some youth with messages that work, we're not reaching our most vulnerable youth." Luckily, she proposed some solutions.

For today's youth, sex info is everywhere - on games, Google, Hulu, and in health class. Deb pointed out when it comes to hormone-infused young people, the sexier the information, the more they pay attention. What will they pay more attention to, she asked rhetorically, Our Bodies, Ourselves or Hot Bodies hosted by Mel B?

Obviously some of the information from sexier sources may not be correct, leading to bad decision-making and consequences. But adults and society need to respect youth as consumers; they will seek out the product they want. If sex can be used to sell cars and movies, why not sex health? Deb said adults need to talk to kids, not at kids. After all, they say themselves that not using a condom is "stupid." Deb explained: "Get more sophisticated about the realities of their sex lives. Saying 'use a condom' isn't good enough. If you infuse some humor, everyone ends up on the joke."

ISIS decided to do just that. It partnered with Funny or Die and made a pretty hilarious video of adults giving bad sex advice. "If you run out of condoms, it's OK to use a plastic bag." Or, "Pregnancy only happens if you secretly want it to." It definitely caught my attention.

Based on the research, ISIS also suggests getting smart about Internet search. Teens don't search sexual health, but "I have a rash down there." Sex educators will reach them if they optimize Google search. The goal is to be ubiquitous, reaching youth on Google, games, via text, or on Facebook, to guarantee they get good information.

If you want to see the Funny or Die video just read more.

DrSugar: Testing For STDs?

DrSugar — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:00:48 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions.

DrSugar,
I have no specific reason to believe that I have an STD, nor do I have any symptoms. I've been in a monogamous relationship for almost four years. I've been to the gynecologist for exams (including pap) on an annual basis since I was 18 (eight years), and have had my blood tested by my general practitioner as part of routine physical exams twice in the past few years, with nothing to report. I'm wondering whether or not STDs would show on a blood test or during a gynecological exam or if it's possible that I could have one and not know. Thanks.
- Concerned About Testing

I think this is a fantastic issue to discuss as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to be a cause for concern in sexually active individuals, whether in monogamous relationships or not. First, I'd like to applaud you for seeing your gynecologist and primary care physician on a yearly basis to get pelvic exams/pap smears and routine blood tests. I cannot stress enough the importance of having at least a primary care physician and seeing him or her on a routine basis for yearly physicals and screening.

To learn more about screenings for STDs, keep on reading.

DrSugar Answers: Birth Control and Trying to Conceive

DrSugar — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 07:00:10 PDT

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions.

DrSugar,
I just read your post about getting off of the pill and having irregular periods afterward. I am thankful for your article as I had experienced two to three months of no period! I am looking to conceive possibly in the next three to four years and wondering if you were able to do so after being on the pill for an extended period of time . . . I understand that irregular ovulation will certainly make conceiving more challenging but I'm interested to know your experience with this. Thanks!
- Baby on the Brain

I received this question from a reader after my recent post on what to expect when stopping oral birth control pills. I thought it was a great topic to discuss, and I will also share my personal, ongoing struggle with trying to conceive, so

read more. Assuming you have started menstruating again, it will be important for you to start keeping track of your cycle lengths. Because you are interested in conceiving in about three to four years, this gives you a long period of time to determine if there are any problems with irregular ovulation and menstruation. Should you determine that you have irregular ovulation, you should consult with a gynecologist or your primary care physician to determine the cause. First and foremost, infertility is a very common problem. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, about 10 percent of women in the United States ages 15 to 44 have difficulty getting or staying pregnant. But infertility is not always a woman’s problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, in about 20 percent of cases, infertility is due to a cause involving the male partner. For women, the most common causes of infertility include fallopian tube damage or blockage, endometriosis, ovulation disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), early menopause, or benign uterine fibroids. Fallopian tube blockage or damage usually results from inflammation of the fallopian tube; chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, is a common cause. Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue implants and grows outside of the uterus, often affecting the ovaries or fallopian tubes; the condition can lead to chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Ovulation disorders generally include problems that affect the hormones involved in ovulation. This can include injury or tumors of the pituitary or hypothalamus in the brain or excessive exercise and starvation. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) develops when a woman’s body produces an excess of male hormone (testosterone), which in turn affects ovulation. Early menopause (or premature ovarian failure) is the absence of menstruation and the depletion of ovarian follicles before the age of 40. Other causes of infertility in women include thyroid problems, cancer and its treatment, excessive caffeine intake, and medical problems such as diabetes and kidney disease. There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to infertility. Age is an important factor. According to WebMD, the number of infertile couples rises with increasing age. The chances of having a baby decrease by three to five percent per year after the age of 30. The reduction in fertility is seen to a much higher extent after age 40. Tobacco smoking can also affect fertility in both males and females, and among American women, infertility is often due to a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight. Conversely, women who are underweight (especially due to eating disorders) are also at higher risk for infertility. Too little or too much exercise has also been shown to increase the risk. Whew. I know that was a lot of information all at once, so I’ll slow things down and share with you my journey with trying to conceive. I'm 31 and I was on the pill for 12 years. I stopped the pill about one and a half years ago as my husband and I were hoping to begin trying to conceive. After I stopped the pill, I had very irregular cycles that were five to 12 weeks in length. I finally decided to see a doctor about nine months after stopping the pill. After lab tests and a pelvic ultrasound, I was diagnosed with oligo-ovulation (which means that I did ovulate, but it was a rare occurrence). My lab tests showed a slightly elevated testosterone level, and the pelvic ultrasound revealed possible PCOS. Although my gynecologist did not feel that I truly met the diagnosis for PCOS, he prescribed a common medication for women who have PCOS. I was started on Clomid, which stimulates ovulation by causing the pituitary gland to release the hormones needed for egg growth. I have been on this medication for the past four months, three of which have resulted in ovulation. I have also modified my lifestyle by gaining some weight (I always had a very healthy diet and active lifestyle), stopping caffeine intake, and undergoing acupuncture not only for fertility but also to reduce stress. I remain hopeful that I will conceive in the near future. I encourage any of you who are thinking of or are already trying to conceive to see your primary care doctor or gynecologist for preconception evaluation and planning. Also, if you have been trying to get pregnant for six months or longer, it is recommended to seek consultation for evaluation and workup. Have a question for DrSugar? You can send to me via private message here, and I will forward it to the good doctor.

DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

What's the Deal With Pink Eye?

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:31:04 PST

Pink eye has been oddly popular in pop culture lately: first, as a plot point in Knocked Up and, more recently, befalling Vinny on MTV's Jersey Shore. As a result, contracting pink eye - officially known as conjunctivitis - could elicit snickers from your friends.

The stigma attached to pink eye is that it's caused by - as Jason Segel's character so eloquently states in Knocked Up - "poo particles making their way into your ocular cavities." But really, anyone can get pink eye from many different causes, so

read more. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that lines your eyelids. Most often, the infection is caused by a virus, but it can also result from chlamydia, allergies, and bacteria. Since fecal matter is pretty much guaranteed to contain bacteria, coming into contact with it could cause pink eye, but so can encounters with other common bacteria and viruses. Viral versions of conjunctivitis are highly contagious and tend to spread, particularly among children; bacterial pink eye can also be contagious, but allergy-prompted pink eye isn't. Symptoms include redness, pain, itching, sensitivity, blurry vision, watering, and a gritty feeling in the eyeball. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually cured with antibiotics like eye drops, but viral and allergic conjunctivitis should clear up on its own. Use a warm compress over closed eyes to soothe the discomfort. As with most things, pink eye prevention starts with good hygiene; be sure to wash your hands, especially after a chance of contamination and before handling contact lenses. You can also prevent pink eye by changing pillowcases frequently and not sharing eye makeup, towels, or handkerchiefs with other people. It's also a good idea to keep the hand-eye contact to a minimum. Have you ever had pink eye? If so, tell us how you dealt with it.

Symptoms	Small, painful blisters or open sores. After they ooze, they'll scab and then heal within one to three weeks. For women, sores may appear in the vagina, on the outside genital area, cervix, anus, or rear end. For men, sores may appear on the penis, scrotum, rear end, anus, thighs, or inside the urethra. Along with an outbreak of sores, a person may have flu-like symptoms including headache, muscle aches, and fever. Many people have no symptoms at all, or they'll have one bad outbreak of sores and then never experience another. Others can experience outbreaks up to 40 years after they first contract herpes.
How do you test for it?	A blood test can detect a herpes infection. If you have present sores, your doctor can take a fluid or tissue sample and test that, too.
Complications	Herpes will not cause death, but it can increase your risk of contracting other STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV. A pregnant woman with sores can pass genital herpes on to her baby during delivery, which could cause brain damage, blindness, or death to the newborn. In this case, a C-section is usually performed.
Treatment	There is no cure, but oral, antiviral medications taken including Zovirax, Famvir, and Valtrex can help heal sores faster and prevent recurrent outbreaks. If taken every day, these meds may also help reduce your risk of passing it on to anyone else. If you have herpes, wait until all sores are healed before resuming sexual activity. Always use a condom to prevent passing it on to your partner, since this virus can be spread even when no symptoms of herpes are present.