What if you left Gonorrhea untreated?
Here are the long-term effects of Gonorrhea.
Gonorrhea is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (an STD) caused by the bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium mainly spreads through any kind of sexual contact- vaginal, anal, or oral (usually unprotected). It is one of the most common types of STDs, especially among the younger generation. Like many STDs, Gonorrhea is one that rarely shows symptoms. Therefore, when a person takes an STD test and finds out that they have Gonorrhea, it may come as a shock, something completely unexpected. However, the sad news is that many do not even know they have Gonorrhea. The unawareness can lead to many complications and health disasters, which can potentially be life-threatening.
This blog gives you the various long-term effects that Gonorrhea can cause if left untreated.
How one can catch Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can spread through sexual contact, whether anal sex, oral sex, or vaginal sex. The chances of an infected person spreading it to their partner are higher if they have unprotected sex. With oral sex, Gonorrhea can spread from the genitals to the throat. Apart from sexual contact, there is also a possibility of Gonorrhea transferring to a baby. Unfortunately, if a pregnant woman has Gonorrhea, she can pass it down to her newborn at the time of birth. The baby may have to suffer from serious health complications because of the STD.
Another possible (but extremely rare) situation is getting a gonorrheal infection in the eye. This can happen if the eyes come in contact with infected semen or vaginal fluids. If left untreated, Gonorrhea can be damaging to the health of both men and women.
Long term effects in Women
If Gonorrhea is left untreated, the infectious bacteria can cause significant damage to the female reproductive organs. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, more commonly known as PID, is one of the most common diseases that a woman might have to deal with. Gonorrhea-causing bacteria can spread through the entire reproductive tract, causing infections and inflammations. As a result, PID causes abdominal/ pelvic pain and high fever. Moreover, PID can block fallopian tubes, infect the uterus and possibly make a woman infertile (the inability to have children). PID can also increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (where the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus). Ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening.
Long term effects in Men
Like in women, the bacteria that cause the bacteria travel up the entire male reproductive tract, which causes infections. Gonorrhea can infect the urethra, causing immense pain. Another painful condition, epididymitis, is when the tubes attached to the testicles get infected. Epididymitis can result in high fever, swelling, and pain in the scrotal area. In some cases, untreated Gonorrhea can inhibit the male to father children- in other words, it can cause infertility.
Other complications that affect both men and women
Although it is rare, Gonorrhea can spread through the entire body if not treated on time. The joints in the body may swell up, and the inflammation can cause immense pain. Skin infections may also arise due to the bacteria, which can cause redness and rashes. In some rare cases, the infection may enter the bloodstream too. If the bacteria infect the bloodstream, it can cause disseminated gonococcal infection. All these conditions may be life-threatening if ignored.
Prevention
Many often get confused about whether they have Gonorrhea or if they have a urinary tract infection. The reason for this is that the symptoms for both these diseases are pretty similar. However, testing yourself regularly for an STD significantly reduces the chances of you ignoring them. Therefore, even if you have Gonorrhea, you will get treatment on time, reducing the risks of life-threatening situations. Of course, there are plenty of ways in which you can prevent it- or any STD, for that matter. Having safe, protected sex, wearing condoms the right way, and avoiding having sex with multiple partners are some of the most common yet effective ways of preventing STD.
Get tested today.
Now that you are familiar with the long-term effects of Gonorrhea, your next step should be to get an STD test today. To put you at ease, the test is simple and painless. However, if your test comes out to be positive, do not panic under any circumstances! Instead, you should consult your doctor immediately and talk about the next best steps to treat Gonorrhea. Usually, antibiotics do the trick. Also, make sure that you finish your treatment. Finally, to stay safe, make sure to abstain from sex for at least a week after treatment. By following these steps, you can be sure that you never suffer from the long-term effects of Gonorrhea. Also read: All You need to know about menstrual cups.
- Published in STDs
Chances of you getting an STD: Are the odds in your favor?
A Sexually Transmitted Disease (also known as an STDs) is a disease when certain types of bacteria and viruses infect a body through any sexual contact. Therefore, if you are sexually active, you may want to be extra careful of these bacteria and viruses. However, if you are reading this article, chances are that you might be afraid of getting an STD. But, what are the odds of you actually contracting one? The answer to that lies in many different factors. Depending on your personal lifestyle, the degree to which each factor affects you might vary.
The city of Oldsmar in Florida saw a hike in STD infections between 2015 and 2019. Luckily, taking an STD test in Oldsmar is not very difficult. Therefore, if you feel you are at risk, take an STD test immediately.
Assessing the risk factors
Generally speaking, a person who is sexually active and has unprotected sex is at a higher risk than a person who uses some kind of barrier. Even if you sleep with only one person, the chances of getting an STD do not reduce. It solely depends on the previous sexual activity of the person.
Having a one-stand stand can be even riskier because you do not know much about the person’s sexual history. (Not to mention, it might be a bit weird to ask a stranger if they have an STD.) If you hit a stroke of bad luck, then you might contract an STD because of this person. To add on, these are the other risk factors:
- The type of STD
- For how long the person has the disease
- If you have open pores or cuts that make the transit for bacteria and viruses easier.
Likelihood of getting an infection: Condoms
Unfortunately, condoms do not provide 100% protection against STIs and STDs. However, you must use a condom whenever you have sex to significantly decrease the chances of getting an STD. Here are some cases when a condom cannot provide complete protection:
- When the condom does not fit properly
- When the condom slips out or tears
- When condoms have large pores in them, making it easy for bacteria and viruses to seep through (this is especially the case for organic condoms)
Ways in which you can reduce the chances of getting an STD is by using the condom well. Moreover, use a lubricant and choose a condom that says it can prevent the disease on the package. Also, remember never to reuse a condom. In addition, getting tested for STDs can be the best way to be safe and plan for future treatment if you do contract one. Moreover, if you live in Oldsmar and want to test yourself for any STDs, you can get an STD Test in Oldsmar by getting STD kits at your doorstep.
Likelihood of getting an STD: Oral Sex
Oral sex is when you sexually stimulate your partner’s vagina, penis, or anus using the mouth, tongue, or throat. It is common among many people. However, unlike popular belief, doing oral sex does not reduce the chances of getting an STD. Ultimately, it is the bacteria and viruses that cause STDs, which can easily spread through the fluids in the mouth. STDs like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Herpes and even HIV can spread through oral sex. Therefore, it is important to know the factors that are likely to increase the chances of getting an STD while performing oral sex. Some of them are:
- If you have bleeding gums, tooth decay, or oral cancer
- Open wounds or sores on the lips or in the mouth
- If you are performing oral sex without a condom
Likelihood of getting an infection: Non-sexual contact
Although most people incur an STD through sex, we cannot rule out the possibility of getting an STD without any sexual contact. For example, sharing needles can cause STD-spreading pathogens to infect the body. Furthermore, when it comes to blood transfusions and organ transplants, the probability of a person getting HIV is never null. In addition to these, using unsterilized needles and having cuts and wounds all increase the chances of contracting STDs. Therefore, you must test yourself for an STD, especially if you are sexually active.
Get an STD test done today.
The ominous feeling you get, especially after a one-night stand, can be unsettling and overwhelming. Some may also feel a sense of panic and fear. However, it would help if you stayed as calm as possible. It is true that if you do not treat an STD on time, it can cause complications in the future. However, you can always get an STD test done quickly and safely. You can also find out the best diagnostic centers to visit in your city. If you happen to live in the city of Oldsmar, getting an STD Test in Oldsmar is very easy- you can even get your own STD kit delivered to your home. Unfortunately, you cannot control what might happen to you in the future. Hence, taking precautions in the present is the only way you can stay safe from STDs.
- Published in STD Testing
The efficiency of barrier method
The prevention of pregnancy stands as a crucial part of modern practice. Also, it is of major public health interest. Method for controlling fertility is necessary and desired. It is known as barrier method. Traditionally, the method of birth control centered almost exclusively on the deterrence of unwanted conception. Now, the goal of recent birth control has shifted towards delivering more complete health to women. Primarily reproductive health, providing women with effective contraceptives. Considerably of on-contraceptive benefits and lifestyle advantages of various methods. There stands very little information to authorize a comparison about how effective the barriers would be. Therefore, the research on this matter continues.
Barrier contraceptives stand as devices that physically prevent the dissemination of sperm within the vagina. Similarly, it obstructs the access of spermatozoa to the upper genital tract. Again, there are numerous that lists the chemical as well as physical barrier methods of contraception. Also, these can be used independently or in combination.
Some physical barrier methods are:
- Male condom
- Female condom
- Diaphragm
- Cervical cap
- Contraceptive vaginal sponge
Some chemical methods are:
- Spermicidal gels
- Jellies
- Creams
- Vaginal foams
- Films
- Suppositories
- Tablets
We can barely mark concrete differences in the effectiveness of these barrier methods. We can even find some similarities. Also, these methods are associated with the sexual behavior of the user. As each sexual manner provides a particular situation. Then, the partner decides whether to use the method or not. Both partners should decide before encountering sexual intercourse. Therefore, the barrier method expects a necessity for motivation as well as cooperation from the partner.
You can rely on the fact that barrier methods are safe.
Pros:
- Unlike IUD, you can utilize them as per your necessity.
- You can purchase most barriers without a prescription.
- Also, the barriers that need a prescription can be utilized multiple times.
- Sometimes spermicides and condoms exist unrestricted as well as available at the clinic very easily.
- Also, these non-hormonal barriers can be used by everyone.
- Again, you need not have to worry about breastfeeding while accepting them.
- Moreover, there appears no impact on your other health problems. For instance, blood pressure.
- These are extremely reasonable than hormonal birth control methods.
- Furthermore, condoms offer bed protection against STDs during P-in-V intercourse, anal sex as well as oral sex.
- Diaphragms perform 80-90% beneficial while preventing pregnancy. Also, when you use a spermicide along with the diaphragm, the effective percentage increases. As it kills sperm on contact.
Cons:
- The first and foremost is to remember to use them before sexual intercourse.
- There remains a lot of complaints about condoms that interfere with the sensation.
- Again, various people are allergic to spermicides. As a result, condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps regimes.
- Although they assure effectiveness yet they still lack efficiency from the non-barrier method.
With the correct and consistent use of barrier methods effectiveness in STDs as well as HIV stands enhanced. Also, recently these methods are overlooked. Even not prescribed. Hence, people frequently fail to use them and change to alternate methods. Sometimes they abandon using them with no contraception that leads to more disappointments. On the contrary, some of the barrier methods are more acceptable by the users as they provide more privacy. Particularly the women who do not want to reveal their sexual activity.
It is also helpful for women who do not want to consult a doctor. Overall, the preferences of the users are critical considerations recommending a contraceptive method. Because obtaining the correct use of these barrier methods can keep you safe from STD transmission. Again, the barrier methods assure you with the prevention of infertility. Sometimes we counter the occurrence of TSS (toxic shock syndrome) that is rare. It is however associated with the diaphragm and sponge as researched.
The bottom line
Use them! If you are planning for sexual intercourse, use them to prevent the above-mentioned issues. As you can see, all the methods are most effective. Not only effective but also affordable birth control measures. Barrier methods have come a long way from the past 50 years and science made them informative as well as easy to utilize. The most common scenery in sexual intercourse is that the male is responsible for organizing condoms. While the women are responsible for not getting pregnant out of it. However, they should stimulate both to protect themselves against STDs. Contraception methods are available for both sexes.
- Published in STDs
When In Doubt, Get Yourself Tested!
What are STIs?
STIs refer to sexually transmitted infections that are acquired through sexual contact. They are also known as Reproductive tract infections or venereal diseases. AIDS, Gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes and warts, chlamydiosis, and hepatitis-B are some commonly known STDs. Bacteria or virus that causes STIs can be transferred from person to person hence, it is an infectious disease.
Transmission of STIs
STIs are usually transmitted by sexual contact that includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However, some STIs can spread by non-sexual methods, i.e, by blood and blood products, or by reusing the needle of injections. Organisms that are carriers of the diseases may pass disease from one person to another in blood, semen, vaginal, and other bodily fluids. Sometimes these infections can pass from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth. In addition, infections or diseases may be passed on during unprotected sex with an infected partner.
Symptoms of STIs
In most cases, symptoms are not visible earlier but symptoms vary as the disease progresses. Here are some common symptoms-
- Unusual Vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex.
- Lower abdominal pain
- Rashes over the hands or feet.
- The smell in vaginal discharge
- Discharge from the penis.
- Painful or burning urination
- Sores or bumps may appear on the genital, or oral area.
Diagnosis of STIs
24/7 labs provide you with approximately 10 tests for STIs.
- Basic Kit: Chlamydia &Gonorrhea At-Home Test – $ 59.00
- Gonorrhoea- It is a sexual infection caused by a bacterium called Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, that infects male and female both. It mostly affects the urethra, rectum, or throat. Testing involves urine samples. -$80.00 – $89.00
- a/b HIV-It destroys the vital cells that fight against disease and infections and hence weakens the immune system. Getting tested can help you to get assurance. Testing may involve either the blood, urine, or oral fluid. – $50.00 – $60.00
- Chlamydia- It is a common sexual disease that is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis. This disease is mostly asymptomatic but has a higher risk of passing the disease to another person. Testing involves a simple urine test and is painless in both men and women. – $80.00 – $89.00
- Comprehensive sexual health panel- This panel tests for the nine most common sexually transmitted diseases:
- HIV
- Herpes 1
- Herpes II
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Urinalysis
$228.00 – $318.00
- Hepatitis B surface antigen- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis, a contagious liver infection. Its testing involves the collection of blood samples. – $49.00 – $50.00
- Herpes- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 cause STI herpes. It leads to genital pain and sores. The most common test used to diagnose the disease is the PCR blood test and it is very accurate. HSV 1 is an oral STI whereas HSV 2 is a genital STI. – $79.00 – $89.00
- Sexual Health panels- $139.00 – $219.00
- Syphilis- Treponema pallidum causes syphilis that can lead to long-term complications if left untreated. Testing involves the collection of a blood sample. – $42.00 – $49.00
- Trichomonas- Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite causes trichomoniasis. Women get more affected than men. Testing involves a urine sample. – $159.00 – $169.00.
Treatment
Many effective treatments are currently available:-
- Three bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis) and one parasitic STI (trichomoniasis) can be easily cured by effective single-dose regimens of antibiotics.
- The most effective medications available for herpes and HIV, are antivirals that can modulate the course of the disease but cannot cure the disease.
- Antiviral medications can help to fight the virus of Hepatitis B and slow damage to the liver.
Conclusion
Various bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause venereal diseases. Untreated sexual infections may lead to dangerous health problems. Most STDs are asymptomatic. So, it is good to have tests regularly if you are sexually active. So, to prevent the infection, everyone should know about the proper use of condoms, and not keeping monogamous relationships. If you feel any symptoms of the genitals infections, you must get tested. All STIs are not deadly such as Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, and Chlamydia can be cured by antibiotics. However, HPV, Herpes, and HIV cannot be cured fully. Also, you should not be shy of consulting your doctor if you are sexually active. In addition, you should visit your doctor regularly regardless of your age if you are sexually active.
- Published in Basic Wellness, STDs
What Is A Comprehensive Sexual Health Panel?
According to the World Health Organization, sexual health is the overall well-being of individuals, couples, and families. Sexually Transmitted Infections can lead to health problems such as infertility, blindness, severe organ damage, and even cancer of the genitals. Therefore, the topic of sexual health needs proper consideration and guidance.
Every person must achieve sexual health depending on their accessibility to standard quality information about sex, sexuality, sexual health care, and sexual orientation. So, people need to be aware of the complications of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, abortion, sexual violence, sexual dysfunction, and harmful sexual practices.
Comprehensive Sexual Health Panel
The comprehensive sexual health panel is a test panel comprising 10 tests for STDs. The test is ideal for individuals who have engaged in sexual intercourse or similar activities. The test involves the examination of genital fluid. In other words, blood tests, plasma tests, and urine tests help in the diagnosis of STIs. No fasting is required for a comprehensive sexual health panel test. The list of 10 STIs diagnosed by a comprehensive sexual health panel are-
Syphilis
A plasma test is used to test the presence of syphilis virus- Treponema pallidum. In addition, the test displays accurate results after 3 to 6 weeks of exposure. Following are the symptoms of syphilis.
- Presence of bumps or tumors on genitals
- Dementia
- Headaches and impairing concentration
- Vaginal discharge.
- Development of sores in oral, anal, and genital areas
- Presence of painless ulcers
Hepatitis A, B, and C
A blood test helps to diagnosis hepatitis. For hepatitis A, 2 to 7 weeks are required after testing after exposure. Whereas, hepatitis B and hepatitis C require testing after 3 8 and 8 to 9 weeks after exposure respectively. Following are the signs and symptoms associated with hepatitis.
- Discharge of dark-colored urine
- Presence of yellow eyes and skin
- Unexplained fatigue and tiredness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Abdominal pain and spasm
HIV 1 and HIV 2
For testing the presence of human immunodeficiency virus, blood samples are collected from the patient’s body giving results within 9 to 11 days post possible exposure. Following are the signs and symptoms associated with HIV.
- Development of ulcers in the mouth and genital regions, oral thrush, sore throat,
- Prolonged fever
- Unusual lesions
- Unexplained fatigue
- Persistent skin rashes
Herpes-type 1 and type 2
Blood samples are collected from the patient’s body giving results within four to six weeks after possible exposure to detect the presence of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes-type 1 causes oral herpes resulting in the development of cold sores and fever blisters on the face and mouth. Herpes-type 2 is genital herpes causing pain, discomfort, and inflammation of genital areas. Following are the signs and symptoms associated with herpes.
- Presence of blister sores
- Pain and discomfort while urinating
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Unexplained and prolonged fatigue, tiredness, and fever
- Loss of appetite
- Eye pain and eye discharge
Chlamydia
A urine test helps to determine the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacteria responsible for causing STI chlamydia. The accurate results are available within two to five days after possible exposure. Following are the signs and symptoms associated with Chlamydia.
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Pain in testicles (in men) and cervix (in females)
- Pain during sex
- Continuous vaginal discharge
- Greenish-yellow discharge from the penis
Gonorrhea
A urine test helps to diagnose gonorrhea, STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. After that, the accurate results are available within two to six days after possible exposure. Following are the signs and symptoms associated with gonorrhea.
- Redness and swelling of the penile tissues
- Prolonged sore throat
- Pus-like discharge from the penis (in men) and vagina (in females)
- Changes in frequency of urination
- Pain and inflammation in testicles
It’s Important To Consult A Doctor
Therefore, if any individual is facing any problems during intercourse, while urinating, or experiencing discomfort in the genital areas, it is advisable to consult a doctor. In addition, patients must communicate following things with the doctor.
- If your partner had other sexual partners
- Medications consumed by the person (for instance- birth control pills or hormone regulation tablets)
- Any suspected exposure to sexually transmitted infections
- Types of protections used while having oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse
Conclusion
To sum up, sexually transmitted infections can cause severe health problems if left unintended. The topic of sexual health needs proper consideration and guidance. So. every person must achieve sexual health depending on their accessibility to standard quality information about sex, sexuality, sexual health care, and sexual orientation. Furthermore, individuals must seek professional and certified medical help in case of any suspicion regarding the presence of STIs. To conclude, the comprehensive sexual health panel test helps in the diagnosis of 10 STIs- Syphilis, HIV 1, HIV 2, Hepatitis A, B, and C, Herpes type 1 as 2, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia.
- Published in STDs
Chlamydia 101 – All You Need To Know
What does Chlamydia mean? Have you ever come across this word? Well, Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacteria, that causes Chlamydia in human beings, a sexually transmitted infection.
This disease does not show any symptoms at its early stage. But, if not treated, it can cause severe health problems. Thus it requires regular treatment with the guidance of the doctor. Due to no symptoms at an early stage, the infection spreads easily. This means that the infection passes to the sexual partners with no knowledge about it. According to a survey, 75% of women and 50% of men infected do not experience any symptoms at the early stages.
Chlamydia Symptoms
Chlamydia is diagnosed should be treated as soon as possible because they show symptoms late. Generally, they show the symptoms within 1 to 3 weeks after contact. Women and men may experience different symptoms, which are:
Symptoms in Men
- Swelling and pain around the testicles
- Cloudy or clear discharge (yellow or green) from the tip of your penis
- Burning sensation while urination
- Itching and burning around your penis opening
Symptoms in Women
- Vaginal discharge, with odor
- Painful periods
- Pain while having sex
- Burning or itching around the vagina
- Lower abdominal pain and fever
Apart from these, it can affect other parts of the body. Such as the anus being discomfort and discharge, redness, pain, and discharge in the eyes, and more.
How is Chlamydia caused?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection and having sex without a condom, and unprotected oral sex might lead to transmission. Even touching the genitals together transmits the infection. Newborn babies might acquire Chlamydia during their month from their infected mother. However, most pregnancy tests include a Chlamydia test. Often, people get Chlamydia infections when they have sex with multiple partners.
Treatment for Chlamydia
Chlamydia sounds like a huge bacterial infection. However, it is easy to treat. Thus, you need not panic. Being bacterial, it can be cured with antibiotics. The test for Chlamydia will ensure the level and dosage for the treatment or antibiotics. The doctor will ensure the full diagnosis and treatment of the infection from the body through proper testing and treatment.
Apart from the medicines, it is important to refrain from having sex during the treatment time. It is possible to be affected by Chlamydia again, if exposed, no matter if you have been treated for the previous one. You should test yourselves every 3 months after the treatment for the disease. Also, try to avoid sex for one week of the final dose for the infection. Since Chlamydia can be cured, it is important to stay protected and prevent yourself from recurrence.
Conclusion
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. It passes through one person to the other through sexual contact. They do not show any danger or symptom at their early occurring stage, but one might experience serious medical complications if they are not treated. However, it is important to have a test for Chlamydia, as it is a growing concept. Whenever you experience any suspecting moment, get your tests and start treating it. You should have regular tests for sexually transmitted infections with the new partner. While having sex, and oral sex always use proper protection.
- Published in STD Testing, STDs
