You are currently browsing the category archive for the 'Sexually Transmitted Disease' category.
Women, who were participating in a trial to test if a topical microbicide used during sex would prevent HIV infection, were found to be at an increased risk of getting HIV when using the microbicide gel than the women who used a placebo gel.
Two full-scale trials were stopped yesterday after this huge setback. For the safety of the women involved, the tests could not be continued when and independent scientific committee found there was an increased risk using cellulose sulfate. The tests were done in Africa and India.
The motivation to find a product that a woman can use to protect herself from infection is a high priority. In some countries where HIV/AIDS is rapidly increasing, the men still refuse to wear condoms. There is a push to provide the women in these countries affordable protection the form of an insertable gel, cream, film, tablet, or sponge.
Until a vaccine is found, it is hoped that a safe microbicide can be discovered. The ideal one would kill the virus in the vagina and cervix, prevent viruses from attaching to a woman’s cells, and keep the enzyme that HIV needs to replicate, from being available to do so.
Tags: HIV/AIDS, medical trials, STD
Gonorrhea is a common sexually treated disease. Before HIV/AIDS, it was among the most feared to contract.
One of the symptoms of gonorrhea is local inflammation. This can affect the complete emptying of the bladder in men. It is not known if it’s the symptoms of gonorrhea or the disease itself, that increases the risk of bladder cancer in men. Being infected with gonorrhea can double a man’s risk of getting bladder cancer. Smoking also increases the risks, 65% of men who have bladder cancer, also have a history of smoking.
Tags: bladder cancer, Gonorrhea, smoking, STD
With increased healthy lifestyles and medication to assist with the natural decline in the ability perform sexually, people are still sexually active into their 80’s and beyond. With the fear of pregnancy passed and not growing up with rampant sexually transmitted desiase, safe sex is not being practiced as often as it should be among the active seniors. While young adults fear pregnancy and getting HIV which could turn into AIDS down the road, the retirees know other health issues associated with advance will end their life before AIDS. Some of the symptoms like dementia and wasting syndrom are the same for HIV as well as other illnesses relating to advanced aging. Often an retiree will not be open about their sexual activity with their doctor, so the doctor won’t test for STD. The older sexually active adult grew up in a time when those things were kept very private.
Today is World AIDS Day. It’s no secret that there is an unprecedented epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Africa. One of the reasons HIV and AIDS has become an epidemic is because of the lack of food. Yes, the lack of food. The battle in Africa isn’t being lost just not because the “cocktail” of pills is very expensive. It’s because even if it was given away for free, many would still receive no treatment because they lack adequate food. To receive the current medications available to fight this AIDS epidemic, certain weight and health criteria must be met. The reason is, these medications are so harsh that they can kill a weak patient instead of improving their quality of life. The poverty stricken are unable to eat properly and are unable to receive treatment.