FitSugar

Have You Ever Used a Female Condom?

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:45:19 -0700

Condoms may not be the sexiest thing, but when compared to the sexually transmitted illnesses they protect against, they seem infinitely cooler. There are choices to be had in the wide world of condoms - there are his and her models available. While the female condom may not be quite as effective as the male versions (female condoms are 75 to 80 percent effective and male condoms are 85 percent effective), the female version gives the ladies more control in the birth-control department. I am curious about you . . .

STIs Explained: Trichomoniasis

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:30:30 -0700

Since things are heating up everywhere these days, I thought it might be the time to tell you to cool down a little bit and play smart. Yep, it is time to fill you in on a fairly common STI (sexually transmitted infection - it not a disease since it is curable), Trichomoniasis. Tricky to say maybe, but not tricky to prevent!

STIs are considered 100% preventable if you abstain from sex, but let's be reasonable here, that seems pretty unlikely. However you and your partner can both get tested for STIs before you have sex, so you both know you are in the clear.

Since trichomoniasis, also known as trich, is transmitted through genital contact, using latex or polyurethane condoms can greatly reduce your risk in contracting the infection. On the other hand, being in a mutually monogamous relationship is an awesome way to keep yourself safe.

While this may not be a pretty subject, it is good to know what is out there so you can make good decisions and hopefully avoid having to deal with the organ and tissue damage trich can cause. In women, if left untreated trich can cause the fallopian tubes to become inflamed and can also potentially damage your cervix. If your man needs some convincing to get tested tell him that in men, prolonged infection of trich can potentially damage the bladder as well as the prostate. Hopefully that caught your attention!

So for more details about trichomoniasis, then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
Trichomoniasis	Can be asymptomatic yellow-green vaginal discharge Vaginal odor Discomfort during intercourse Painful urination or ejaculation	Samples of vaginal discharge or secretions from the penis are examined under a microscope - these protozoan can be seen swimming (eww).	This parasitic infection can be cured with the prescription drug, metronidazole (a pill you take orally)

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STIs Explained: HIV and AIDS

FitSugar — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Since today, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day, I thought I could dispel some myths and lay out the facts about HIV and AIDS. It is a serious issue so let's get down to business.

HIV - the human immunodeficiency virus - is a virus that kills your body’s "CD4 cells," (also called T-helper cells), that help your body fight off infection and disease.

HIV can be passed when an infected person's bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk) come in contact with an uninfected person's mucous membranes. The HIV virus can be passed during any type of sexual contact - including oral and anal sex. Sharing needles can also transmit HIV from one user to another. HIV-positive mothers can also pass it onto their babies when they are pregnant, when they deliver, or if they breastfeed.

AIDS - the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - is a disease you get when the HIV virus destroys your body’s immune system. That means that viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that usually don't cause any problems can make you very sick since your immune system is damaged.

To prevent HIV and other STIs in the first place abstaining from sexual contact is your best bet, but the likelihood that happening is rare. So always use a latex or polyurethane condom when having sex. Or better yet, have you and your partner get tested before you get intimate.

Fit's Tips: Many people who have HIV do not show symptoms for many years, so the best thing to do is get tested just to make sure.

Want to know more about HIV and AIDS? Then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
HIV and AIDS	rapid weight loss dry cough extreme fatigue swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck diarrhea that lasts more than a week white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders pneumonia	Anonymous HIV testing is available in many places and it's usually free You can have a blood test, or a simple oral test that checks for HIV antibodies. People who have HIV antibodies are called HIV-positive.	There are treatments to help HIV symptoms, but there is no known cure yet

STI

Symptoms

How do you test for it?

Treatment

HIV and AIDS

rapid weight loss
dry cough
extreme fatigue
swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
diarrhea that lasts more than a week
white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders
pneumonia

Anonymous HIV testing is available in many places and it's usually free

You can have a blood test, or a simple oral test that checks for HIV antibodies.

People who have HIV antibodies are called HIV-positive.

There are treatments to help HIV symptoms, but there is no known cure yet

Source and Source

More Popular Than Gonorrhea?

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:15:00 -0700

I just read about a relatively new STI that I've never heard of, known as Mycoplasma genitalium. It was first discovered in the 1980's and is now becoming more prevalent that Gonorrhea! I just read about it on That's Fit and thought I should share some of the details with you.

Mycoplasma genitalium is one of the tiniest free-living organisms, and it can cause a number of common diseases.

It can cause respiratory infections, as well as inflammation of the urethra in men, and inflammation of the cervix and the lining of the uterus in women, possibly leading to infertility. You may notice cloudy discharge when urinating, stinging, or burning. However, many people are symptom-free.

It can be passed just like other STIs - when an infected person's bodily fluids like blood, semen, or vaginal fluid comes in contact with the mucus membrane of an uninfected person.

If you suspect you have this infection, see your doctor right away. They can take a swab of the infected area, test it, and prescribe antibiotics to treat it if necessary.

Fit's Tips: Since this is an STI, being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone you know is uninfected is a great way to keep yourself safe. Also, when latex or polyurethane condoms are used consistently and correctly, that can also reduce the risk of transmitting Mycoplasma genitalium.

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Brides: Finding the Right Birth Control

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Now that you are getting married, you might find that your birth control needs are changing. Since you are in a monogamous relationship, you don't have to worry about contracting an STI, so birth control methods that weren't an option before may suddenly be perfect for you. Plus, you may want to think about more suitable options depending on whether or not you are planning on having kids.

If you are thinking about starting a family soon, you can continue using condoms - because they are easy. If you don't want to be bothered IN the moment the Pill or other hormonal methods are great options. The monophasic birth control pills, the Patch, an IUD like Mirena, or the Nuvaring are effective at preventing pregnancy, and you'll begin ovulating soon after you stop using them.

If kids are in your near future, and you are using a long-term method of birth control such as the Depo-Provera shot, or the Implanon insert, you may want to consider going off of these soon after you get married. It can take up to a year for your body to get back to its normal cycle. You can use one of the above forms of birth control such as the Pill or condoms, until you know you're ready to start your family. You have talked about whether the two of you want kids, right?

Of course after you say "I Do," if you and your husband are planning on getting pregnant right away, you'll want to get off any form of birth control and possibly work on charting your cycle using the Fertility Awareness Method. That way you'll know which days are the best for getting preggers.

Fit's Tips: Now that you are entering this new stage in your life, if you aren't seeing one already, than switch to a gynecologist who's also an obstetrician. It's good to build a relationship with a doctor who could deliver your future children. They'll also be able to give you advice about birth control methods that will fit with your married lifestyle.

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STIs Explained: Syphilis

FitSugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Since Spring has arrived and romance is in the air, let's talk more about STIs.

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

STIs like Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes, and Genital Warts are 100% avoidable, so your best bet is to abstain from vaginal, anal, or oral sex altogether. Since that's not much fun (and not going to happen), it's a good idea for you and your partner to get tested for all STIs before you have sex.

Using latex or polyurethane condoms is also a great idea, but not completely effective. Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone you know is uninfected will keep you safe and STI-free.

Make sure to see your gynecologist annually to get tested, because early detection of syphilis (in the first stage) can help prevent permanent organ damage to the heart, eyes, brain, nervous system, bones and joints.

Want to know about Syphilis? Then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
Syphilis	Stage 1: One or more painless reddish-brown sores (called chancres) appear on or near the genitals. Sores can also appear on the lips, mouth and fingertips. Stage 2: A skin rash develops anywhere on the body. Flu-like symptoms such as mild fever, fatigue and sore-throat appear. Stage 3: Late stage symptoms include brain damage, mental illness, blindness, organ damage, heart disease and death.	There are 3 ways to test: a doctor's recognition of its symptoms microscopic identification of syphilis bacteria and blood tests	Since syphilis is a bacterial infection, a single injection of Penicillin or other antibiotic will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than 1 year. Additional doses are needed for someone who's had it longer.

STI

Symptoms

How do you test for it?

Treatment

Syphilis

Stage 1: One or more painless reddish-brown sores (called chancres) appear on or near the genitals. Sores can also appear on the lips, mouth and fingertips.
Stage 2: A skin rash develops anywhere on the body. Flu-like symptoms such as mild fever, fatigue and sore-throat appear.
Stage 3: Late stage symptoms include brain damage, mental illness, blindness, organ damage, heart disease and death.

There are 3 ways to test:

a doctor's recognition of its symptoms
microscopic identification of syphilis bacteria
and blood tests

Since syphilis is a bacterial infection, a single injection of Penicillin or other antibiotic will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than 1 year.

Additional doses are needed for someone who's had it longer.

Source

Online STD Screening Tool

FitSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Quite simply, and unfortunately, if you've had unprotected sex, you may be at risk for an STD. The hard part is that most people with STDs have no symptoms so it's hard to know if you're infected.

There is a new online tool that sort of acts as a pre-screening tool before you head to the doc's office. Through a series of questions and answers, STD Wizard will tell you what you should get tested for when you do see the doc. I really like that you can print your results out and bring it with you so that you don't have to remember all the crazy names of things you may want to get tested for if need be. Also, if you're too embarrassed to tell your doc that you want to be tested for herpes, you can just hand over the sheet without H-E-R-P-E-S having to ever cross your lips.

Wondering what the heck all of this means? Then check out my posts that explain several STIs.

STIs Explained: Genital Warts (HPV)

FitSugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Ahh Spring is here. With all the flowers and love blooming around me, it reminds me how important it is to talk about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

You need to know about Genital Warts (HPV) since it is a viral infection, there is NO CURE. For most women, the visible infection goes away on its own, but once you get it, you have it forever. This means an infected person can pass it on to her or his sexual partner. HPV can cause mild Pap test abnormalities, and 10 out of 30 cases can lead to the development of cervical cancer.

To prevent Genital Warts and other STIs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Genital Herpes in the first place, abstain from sexual contact if you can. Since that's pretty unrealistic, the best thing to do is to have you and your partner get tested before you have sex.

Although using latex or polyurethane condoms is an excellent idea, the HPV virus can occur in areas that are NOT covered by condoms. Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone you know is uninfected is an even better way to keep yourself safe.

Make sure you get yearly Pap tests to ensure that pre-cancerous changes in the cervix caused by HPV infection do not develop into life threatening cervical cancer.

Want to know more about Genital Warts? Then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
Genital Warts (HPV)	Genital warts are soft and usually flesh colored. They can be flat or raised. They appear alone or in clusters, and are usually painless, but can cause itching, pain or bleeding. They can appear on the vulva, vagina, anus, cervix, penis or scrotum. They appear one to eight months after infection, so you can be infected and not even know it.	A visual diagnosis or Pap test	If you are a woman age 9-26, being vaccinated with Gardasil may help prevent Genital Warts and cervical cancer If you have small visible warts, these can be treated with topical creams, or by freezing, burning, or laser treatment. If they are large, you may need surgery to remove them.

STI

Symptoms

How do you test for it?

Treatment

Genital Warts (HPV)

Genital warts are soft and usually flesh colored. They can be flat or raised.
They appear alone or in clusters, and are usually painless, but can cause itching, pain or bleeding.
They can appear on the vulva, vagina, anus, cervix, penis or scrotum.
They appear one to eight months after infection, so you can be infected and not even know it.

A visual diagnosis or Pap test

If you are a woman age 9-26, being vaccinated with Gardasil may help prevent Genital Warts and cervical cancer

If you have small visible warts, these can be treated with topical creams, or by freezing, burning, or laser treatment. If they are large, you may need surgery to remove them.

Source

STIs Explained: Genital Herpes

FitSugar — Thu, 03 May 2007 17:15:00 -0700

They say love is free, but having unprotected sex in this day and you might be paying the price forever. Did I get your attention? Well I am talking about some serious business since as I learned in high school - Genital Herpes is FOREVER. There is NO cure, so it's really important to take all precautions to prevent getting it.

STIs like Genital Herpes, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are 100% avoidable, and having no sexual contact would be ideal. Since that might not work, before becoming sexually active with anyone - make sure you and your partner get tested for all STIs before having unprotected sex.

Using latex or polyurethane condoms when having sex is also a great idea, but since a condom can't cover all the infected areas, it's no guarantee that you are 100% protected. Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone you know is uninfected is also a great way to keep yourself safe.

Want to hear all about Genital Herpes? Then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
Genital Herpes	Small, painful blisters - these can go away after 1-3 weeks but another outbreak can occur weeks or months after Itching or burning before blisters appear	Blood test, or fluid is taken from the blisters and tested	There is NO cure, but antiviral medications can shorten or prevent outbreaks. Although it's rare for a pregnant woman to pass Genital Herpes onto her baby during delivery, a C-Section is usually performed.

STI

Symptoms

How do you test for it?

Treatment

Genital Herpes

Small, painful blisters - these can go away after 1-3 weeks but another outbreak can occur weeks or months after
Itching or burning before blisters appear

Blood test, or fluid is taken from the blisters and tested

There is NO cure, but antiviral medications can shorten or prevent outbreaks.

Although it's rare for a pregnant woman to pass Genital Herpes onto her baby during delivery, a C-Section is usually performed.

Source

STIs Explained: Gonorrhea

FitSugar — Tue, 01 May 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Warm weather has arrived and since Spring Fever is in the air, I thought I'd take the time to talk about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Fun stuff, I know.

STIs like Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are 100% avoidable. Abstaining from sex altogether is the surest way to keep yourself STI-free, but since that's not realistic, definitely have you and your partner get tested before you have sex.

Gonorrhea is spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus, so being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone you know 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 gonorrhea.

Make sure to see your gynecologist annually to get tested, because if left untreated, gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or arthritis.

Want to know about Gonorrhea? Then read more

STI	Symptoms	How do you test for it?	Treatment
Gonorrhea (The #2 STI in the U.S.)	Frequently asymptomatic (no symptoms) Discharge from vagina, penis, or rectum Burning or itching during urination Sore throat	Samples of the infected fluid or urine must be taken	Since gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, several antibiotics can successfully cure it. However, drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are increasing in many areas of the world, including the United States.

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