Archive : Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Chlamydia Signs and Symptoms and who is at risk for contracting Chlamydia Chlamydia is a common STD caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. According to the CDC, there are approximately 2.86 million chlamydia infections reported annually, making it the most frequently reported bacterial STD in the United States. Many individuals are not aware that they have chlamydia because it is considered a “silent” STD, meaning that its symptoms are usually mild or completely absent.   Signs and symptoms of chlamydia When chlamydia symptoms do appear, they typically present themselves...

HIV – Is HIV Transmitted Through Tattoos or Body Piercings? How is HIV transmitted? HIV is most commonly transmitted through unprotected vaginal or anal sex or shared drug injection equipment. HIV is only transmitted through bodily fluids like blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluid and/or vaginal fluid. These fluids have to come in contact with a mucous membrane, damaged tissue or be directly injected into the bloodstream for transmission to occur. Involvement in high-risk behavior, like drug use and unprotected sex, can significantly increase your chances of spreading or transmitting...

HIV – Rashes are One of the Most Common Symptoms of an Acute HIV Infection What causes an HIV rash? A rash is a raised or flat inflamed area of skin that typically results in reddened, itchy and/or painful skin patches. Rashes are a common occurrence for individuals with HIV. For HIV-positive people, a rash can be caused by many things, including– A rash can be a symptom of an HIV infection A rash can be a symptom of another infection or illness someone with HIV is trying to fight off A rash can be a side effect of HIV medications A rash may be a side effect of other medications being...

HIV – HIV is Transmitted with Infected Blood, Semen, Vaginal Fluid and its Symptoms in Women HIV is transmitted from person-to-person from contact with infected blood, semen and/or vaginal fluid. Having unprotected sex vaginal or anal sex (or oral sex if you have a cut or open sore in your mouth) with an infected partner greatly increases the risk of contracting HIV. HIV can also be transmitted via unsterile drug use, from using infected needles, syringes or drug equipment. Most women contract HIV during vaginal sex, however, anal sex is the riskiest type of sex for getting or spreading...

HIV – HIV is Transmitted from Person-to-Person and its Symptoms in Men HIV is transmitted from person-to-person from contact with infected blood, semen and/or vaginal fluid. Having unprotected sex vaginal or anal sex (or oral sex if you have a cut or open sore in your mouth) with an infected partner greatly increases the risk of contracting HIV. HIV can also be transmitted via unsterile drug use, from using infected needles, syringes or drug equipment.   HIV and men In 2014, the CDC reported that there were 44,073 new cases of HIV in the United States. Of those cases, 35,571 were diagnosed...

HIV – Symptoms of HIV and Effects of Uncontrolled or Untreated HIV The Symptoms of HIV How long it takes HIV symptoms to appear differs from person to person. For some individuals, it may take several years or more before an HIV symptom presents itself. For others, symptoms may appear soon after initial infection. Unfortunately, often times a person living without symptoms will spread HIV to others unknowingly. The only sure way to know whether or not you have HIV is to take an HIV Test. For people who participate in high- risk activities, such as having unprotected sex or sharing drug...

HIV – Destroys Specific Immune Cells Needed to Fight off Diseases and Infections What is Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV)? HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. When HIV attacks the body, it destroys specific immune cells needed to fight off diseases and infections. HIV resembles many other common illnesses, but there is a difference; the body is not able to get rid of HIV once it infects the immune system’s CD4+ or T-Cells. HIV can replicate over time –killing the host cells– if not managed properly. HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), but...

Oral Herpes (Herpes-1) Test Uses A Small Blood Sample To Conduct The Test Our physicians use the type-specific Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test to look for the specific antibodies that fight the herpes-1 virus in your blood. The technicians in our CLIA-certified labs take a small blood sample to conduct the test. No undressing or uncomfortable swabbing is necessary. What will the test results say? If your results are negative, there are no signs of oral herpes in your body. If positive, oral herpes was found. Can oral herpes be cured or treated? No. There is no cure for the oral...