The human papillomavirus is a family of more than 100 strains of viruses that can infect humans. The virus resides on a person's skin cells; 60 strains of the virus are known to cause warts on the extremities while 40 of these strains are found and can be spread through the genitals. These 40 strains can also infect the mucus membranes of the genital tract as well as the mouth and throat if they are transmitted through oral sex. The strains of HPV that are commonly seen in the genitals are HPV-6, HPV-11, HPVV-16 and HPV-18.

Diseases It Can Cause

The four strains of HPV that are commonly found in the genitals are classified into two groups: the low risk and the high risk. HPV-6 and HPV-11 belong to the low risk group because they can cause benign lesions or warts on the surface of genitals and in women, it can also cause changes in the cells of the cervix. Meanwhile, HPV-16 and HPV-18 belong to the high risk group because they can cause several types of cancers including cervical cancer in women and penile cancer in men.

Genital warts look like small bumps that are located in a person's genitals. These warts are not uniform in size; some people have small warts while others have large warts. Their shape is also different: some people have flat and raised warts while others have warts in the shape of cauliflowers. These warts are usually benign growths. These growths may not appear immediately after sexual contact with an infected person and other people have no idea that they are infected with the virus as well.

In serious cases, the HPV can cause several types of cancers and the most common of this is cervical cancer. The HPV affects the cells of the cervix, changing them causing them to become abnormal and multiplying them at an alarming rate. However, these abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix does not show any symptoms and women who have this cancer do not find out until the cancer is in its later stages.

HPV can also cause other rare form of cancers including penile cancer in men, anal cancer, cancer in the vagina, and cancer in the vulva. Often, these cancers do not show the onset of symptoms and once detected, they are very difficult to treat.

HPV Prevalence and Transmission

According to medical experts, there are more than 6 million people in the world infected with the human papillomavirus. It is also one of the most commonly transmitted virus among sexually active people and at least 50% of men and women get the virus during their lifetime. People with weak immune systems are also high-risk candidates for the HPV. Risk factors of HPV include having sex at an early age, having multiple sexual partners, and having sex with someone who has multiple partners.

HPV is usually transmitted through sexual contact including oral and anal sex. People can also get the virus from contact with infected mucous membranes or through fluids from the body. Moreover, even if a couple practices safe sex and use a condom, there is no guarantee that they will not get infected because the virus can also infect the exposed skin of a person.

engaging in risky sex can have serious health effects (photo courtesy of http://michaelhidalgo.blogspot.com)

The Pull Before Cum Scheme

So your partner told you that he'll pull out his package before he cums and you're almost convinced that nothing would happen right? Wrong! If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, the so-called “withdrawal method” is the least effective form of contraception you should trust. You have to understand that the drops of fluid that starts to come out from a guy's penis when it becomes erect contains sperm, and one sperm is enough to make you pregnant. Secondly, it's easy to lose all logic in the heat of the moment and your partner would likely be unable to pull out. Lastly, having unprotected sex makes you and your partner at risk of sexually transmitted diseases or infections, so make sure that you avoid this scenario and make use of condoms to keep yourself and your partner protected at all times.

Providing sexual favor to someone you just met

If someone is trying to get in your pants and you've just met that person for a couple of days, think again. You might feel some sort of chemistry between the two of you but that is not enough reason to jump in the bed with that person. You do not really know the person and you are not aware about his or her sexual history. He or she may tell you that he's or she's clean, but you will never know when that person is lying.

Believing in “I don't have a disease and I don't screw around.”

Even if you are in a stable and monogamous relationship, and have already been tested for STDs, there are still risks. There are numerous STDs that do not show symptoms and women, in particular, are at risk of acquiring such diseases. Likewise, if your partner have had sex with another person with an STD, he or she can lie about it and when you get into bed without using protection, he or she can pass it on to you.

The Hangover Effect

Nobody has the right to pressure you to having sex when you don't want to. However, if you completely lose it because of alcoholic drinks and drugs, then you are putting yourself at risk. It's easy to throw safe sex practices away if you have an impaired judgment, which in turn puts you at risk of acquiring sexually transmitted disease. Of course, bear in mind that STDs cannot be transferred by penetrative sex alone. You can also catch herpes, chlamydia, LGV, syphilis and gonorrhea through unprotected oral sex. The HPV virus that causes genital warts and some type of cancers can also be contracted through oral sex.

Say no to STD (photo courtesy of http://www.stdtestclinics.com)

Whenever people hear the term sexually transmitted diseases or infections, they often associate it with HIV, HPV, herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea. There are actually other kinds of STDs and STIs that are more common than the ones mentioned above. The problem is that they do not get the same level of attention as HIV, HPV, herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea, making some people assume that they do not pose any risk to their sexual health. This is not true. It should be understood that any type of sexually transmitted disease or infection can put one's health at risk. As such, it is important to get to know even the ones that are not frequently discussed to ensure that you protect yourself against them.

The Lesser-Known STDs and STIs

Pubic “crab” lice. Public lice usually attach themselves to the hair in the pubic area, but can also be found on coarse hair in different parts of the body. The infestation of pubic lice is a result of having either an intimate or sexual contact with an infected person. Pets do not play any role in the transmission of human lice. Luckily, there are over-the-counter medications available to treat pubic lice infestation. However, it is always best to practice clean hygiene to avoid catching such contagious parasite. As much as possible, avoid sharing towels as they can be infected. Nevertheless, refrain from having sex with someone who has them.

Trichomoniasis. This is actually one of the most common STDs that affect sexually active women, but can also be contracted by men. In fact, in the USA alone approximately 3.7 million people have the disease. It is caused by a protozoan parasite referred to as Trichomonas vagnialis, which is transferred through unprotected sex. Although the symptoms of the disease vary from person to person, about 70% of people who have contracted the disease do not develop any symptoms.

When trichomoniasis does develop symptoms, they are often characterized by mild irritation to severe inflammation. In men, the parasite may cause itching or irritation inside the penis, burning sensation after urination or ejaculation as well as penile discharge. In women, trichomoniasis can cause itching, redness, burning and soreness of the genitals, discomfort with urination, and a discharge that has a unusual smell that can be yellowish, greenish or clear white in hue.

Trichonomiasis can make it feel uncomfortable to have sex. If left untreated, it can last for several months or even years and can increase one's risks of acquiring other STDs or STIs. It can also cause preterm delivery among women.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is an infection that is a complication of STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. It usually occurs when the bacteria make its way from the vagina or cervix to the female's reproductive organs. Common symptoms of PID include abdominal, low back and pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, upset stomach, irregular periods, fatigue and difficulty while urinating. If left unaddressed, PID can lead to serious problems like ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV). This type of STD is caused by three strains of Chlamydia trachomatis. This is passed from one person to another through direct contact with ulcers, lesions or other areas where the bacteria is located. The transmission of the organism usually happen during sexual intercourse and skin to skin contact. Some of the visual symptoms of LGV include genital bumps or ulcers and swelling of the genital areas lymph gland. It can also cause bleeding, rectal ulcers and discharge.

LGV can be quite hard to diagnose and there is no vaccine available against the bacteria that causes it. However, it can be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, LGV can lead to a variety of complications including enlargement and ulcerations of external genitalia as well as lymphatic obstruction that can lead to elephantiasis of the genitals.

Molluscum contagiosum. A skin rash that can be contracted via sexual intercourse with an infected person. It is often characterized by tiny, itchy sores or rashes on the genitals, which may also appear on the nose, eyes and mouth. Although this is not as serious as other STIs, it can be uncomfortable and can also cause scarring. Treatment for molloscum is commonly recommended if the growths are found in the genital area.

Preventive Measures

In order to avoid any of the aforesaid STDs and STIs, it is vital that you and your partner make use of condoms while having sex. It is also important to limit the number of your sexual partners, or better yet remain in a monogamous relationship.

Should you notice any unusual signs or symptoms, it is your best bet to seek medical help. It would also be wise to have your partner tested to avoid acquiring STDs or STIs. When possible, get tested regularly. As it has been said, better safe than sorry.

sexual pain or dyspareunia

Sex is supposed to be fun as many would attest to, but for some women this is not always the case. Believe it or not, numerous women are having a hard time enjoying under the sheets because they feel pain or discomfort when they are having sex. Sexual pain or dyspareunia, to call it in its medical name, is a condition wherein a persistent or recurrent pain occurs before, during or after intercourse.

If you frequently experience pain or discomfort during sex, it can be frustrating for you and your partner. In many cases, when this issue is left unaddressed, the relationship could take a backseat. Hence, it is important that you sort the problem as soon as possible to avoid it from destructing your relationship.

The Culprits

There are numerous causes for dyspareunia and they differ based on whether the discomfort occurs at entry or with deep thrusting. Luckily, most of them are not serious, though all of them require immediate medical attention.

Entry Pain

Vaginal dryness or lack of lubrication. This occur due to lack of foreplay, nervousness and failure to relax. Lack of lubrication can also be caused by decreased estrogen levels due to menopause, childbirth or during breastfeeding. It has also been found that some medications (i.e. antidepressants, sedatives, high blood pressure medications, birth control pills, antihistamines, etc.) can inhibit a woman's desire or arousal, making sex painful.

Vaginal injury, irritation or trauma. Vaginal problems are among the primary causes of painful sex and these may include injury from an accident, surgery in the pelvis, female circumcision and congenital abnormality. Products that contain irritants can also irritate the vagina, causing pain or discomfort during intercourse. These products include creams, foams, or jellies; allergic reactions to condoms, latex glove and diaphragms; vaginal spray; scented tampons; laundry detergents; and excessive vaginal douching.

Skin disorder, inflammation or infection. An infection or inflammation in a woman's genital area or urinary tract can also make sex painful. Problems like eczema and other skin issues within or around the genital can also cause dyspareunia.

Vaginismus. Characterized by involuntary spasms in the muscles of the vaginal walls, which in turn makes penetration painful.

Deep Pain

Deep pain occurs when the woman's partner thrusts deeper and may also happen at certain positions. Such a pain can be caused by:

Certain illnesses or conditions. This may include problems with the cervix, womb disorders, endometriosis, ovary problems or cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), problems in the uterus, hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome.

Medical treatments and surgeries. The scar/s left behind by surgeries, especially in the pelvic area, can cause discomfort during sex. Nonetheless, some medical treatments, like the ones used to treat cancer like chemotherapy and radiation, can also lead to changes that cause painful sex.

Emotional causes

There are also emotional factors that can cause dyspareunia. These include psychological issues like depression, anxiety and fear of intimacy and stress; all of which can contribute to low levels of arousal as well as the tightening of pelvic floor muscles, causing sex pain. A history of sexual abuse can also make it difficult for some women to have sex, and when they do they often feel pain.

What You Can Do

If you have been experiencing pain while having sex, do not put up with it and seek medical help. It would be best to see an IPM- trained doctor, so as to address the issue at hand. The treatment that your doctor will give you will depend on the underlying cause of the discomfort or pain. He or she can give you medications if an infection is found to be the cause of the problem, or prescription cream, tablet or flexible ring if the problem is brought about by the lack of lubrication or decreased estrogen level. However, if emotional causes are involved, it is likely that you will be suggested to undergo a desensitization therapy or sex therapy.

Of course, it also pays to do some tweaks in your sexual routine to minimize the pain. You can ask your partner to switch positions, especially if you are feeling pain. It would also be wise to communicate with him to let him know what feels good and what does not. Using lubricants while having sex can also make things more comfortable for you, but make sure to read labels before use. Veer away from products that has glycerin as it can cause yeast infections.

Brown underwent a series of bone marrow transplants in 2006 for his leukemia. The transplants came from a man whose cells were resistant to HIV. It should be noted that only one in 100 Caucasians have this unusual genetic mutation that make the cells capable of resisting HIV. After the said transplants, Brown's HIV was reportedly eradicated, leading his doctors to declare in the journal “Blood” in 2010 that a cure for HIV has been found.

The latest debate over Brown's true condition sparked after Steven Yukl, a virologist from the University of California, San Francisco, gave a presentation during the International Workshop on HIV and Hepatitis Virus held in Spain last week (June 8).

The Science Insider blog noted that Dr. Yukl and his team had found some signals of the virus, though they are not certain if it is due to laboratory contamination, making it difficult for them to conclude if Brown is indeed free of the disease or not.

The main point of the presentation was to raise the question of how the medical community defines a cure for HIV at such level of detection and how to determine if a signal is real, Yukl added to his statement to Science Insider.

Some scientists have a different interpretation of the presentation, however, believing that a real cure was not achieved. One in particular was Alain Lafeuillade, a French AIDS researcher from the General Hospital in Toulon, who issued a press release following Yukl's presentation saying that the data collected in the study raises the possibility that Brown has been reinfected.

In an interview with NPR, however, AIDS researchers and Brown himself pointed out that this isn't the case. They believe that even if HIV signals were found in his system, there is no evidence that the virus is able to replicate. Hence, researchers speculate that Brown is “functionally cured.”

A detailed information of the report can be read at NPR's Health Blog, Shots

superbug gonorrhea is spreading fast in Europe

The European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC) in Stockholm reported last Monday, June 11, 2012, that the number of people infected with the untreatable strain increased more than two-fold from the past year.

They have also warned that the “superbug” – which had already spread to 17 countries in Europe in 2010, seven times higher than the year before and had infected 33,000 people – is showing no signs of stopping.

Gonorrhea, which is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases around, can lead to infertility for both men and women if left untreated. It can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy among pregnant women and severe eye infection in newborns.

The ECDC issued the report following the World Health Organization's announcement that untreatable forms of gonorrhea are starting to spread around the world. The report also covered data and trends on four other sexually transmitted infections – chlamydia, syphilis, congenital syphilis and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) – that have been present in the EU and European Economic Area from the year 1990 to 2010.

According to Marc Sprenger, director of ECDC, the fast-increasing presence of the said STD is a clear manifestation that it has become resistant to antibiotics. He fears that gonorrhea may actually turn into an untreatable sexually transmitted disease in the near future.

In his statement, Sprenger also called for both public health experts and clinicians to be more cognizant the current alarming situation and that they should be keenly watchful of any treatment failures.

The emergence of the “superbug” gonorrhea is blamed on the unregulated use of antibiotics, thereby accelerating the genetic mutation in the bacteria.

Experts noted that the best possible solution to reduce the risk of further resistance from developing – beyond the need to come up with new drugs – is through the early and accurate diagnosis of the disease and treat it using a combination of two or more kinds of antibiotics simultaneously. The same technique is employed to treat other infections such as tuberculosis. With such treatment, experts believe that the bacteria will have more difficulty learning how to overcome the drugs.

Professor Francoise Barre- Sinoussi

Since it was first identified in 1981, the disease has claimed the lives of more than 30 million people.

The professor cannot specifically put a timescale when scientists may actually be able to find the cure, though she said that they [scientists] have already been underway developing promising new tools.

Barre- Sinoussi told Tim Frank's on BBC's HARDtalk programme that there are actually evidences to support her belief that finding an HIV cure might be achievable. The Nobel prize winner is referring to the experiences of two patients: one referred to as the “Berlin patient” and the other a man from Trenton, New Jersey.

Proof s of the possibility of an HIV cure

A man, who is only known as the Berlin patient, has cleared his HIV infection through an arduous series of bone marrow transplants.

Barre- Sinoussi said of the Berlin patient's case that after the man underwent two bone marrow transplants, they cannot detect the presence of the virus in his body. She added that this is a proof of concept that is not actually available before.

A more recent findings that involved a 50-year-old man from Trenton, New Jersey underwent a gene therapy procedure. Although he was not totally cured, his body managed to briefly control the virus after he stopped the using antiviral drugs.

Two main approaches are used to find a cure for HIV. The first is to seek the complete eradication of the virus from the body. The other, which is a functional cure, would not totally eradicate the virus but will allow those who are afflicted to remain health even without taking antiviral drugs.

At the moment, HIV patients are required to take antiviral drugs on a daily basis – a costly treatment that is not readily available for poorer countries.

Promising tools

According to Barre- Sinoussi, the main reason why they are pushing to find the cure for HIV is because the disease requires life-long treatment and such a treatment is not accessible for available for everyone. She also said that a small proportion of HIV patients who have been receiving long-term treatment are developing complications, which means there is a strong need for new tools that can be used in the future.

While funding for research is believed to bring the cure for HIV closer, Barre-Sinoussi is still reluctant to say as to how close the moment of the cure discovery will arrive.

The new strain of sexually transmitted infection, which is treated as a “super bug,” is a strain of gonorrhea – one of the most common STDs – which is transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Current records show that the said STD is infecting about 106 million people worldwide each year.

Biologists have identified the superbug in Japan in 2008, though the disease has not been confined in the said country. Along with Japan, France, Sweden, Australia and the United Kingdom are the other industrialized countries that have reported cases of gonorrhea that is resistant to the antibiotics (cephalosporin) being used to fight off gonorrhea. Considering that these countries have good health care systems in place, international health officials noted that less well off countries are even more at risk for a health crisis.

Scientist Dr. Manjula Lusti-Narasimhan of WHO said to CNN that the bug have been developing resistance against every medication they have thrown at it. Once the organism develops a full resistance against the last antibiotic they have, there is nothing else left to provide to patients. Even more troubling is that the gonorrhea caused by the new superbug does not present easily identifiable symptoms unlike its treatable predecessors, Lusti-Narasimhan added.

If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause infertility for both men and women. Up to half of newborns whose mother were infected with gonorrhea where found to have severe eye infections, which can lead to blindness. Pregnant women may also suffer from ectopic pregnancies. When the bacteria spread to other parts of the body, it can cause swelling and stiffness.

The WHO does not have a solid data yet pertaining to the extent of the drug-resistant gonorrhea. Officials said that more surveillance globally is necessary in order to fully assess how widespread the infection are. They are also looking into new antibiotics and other treatment methods to immediately address the emerging threat. The organization also encourages greater awareness of the disease and is calling on individuals to practice safe sex – consistent and correct usage of condom use and limit the number of sexual partners.

The plaintiff (49), said she met the defendant (69) about two years ago on a dating website. On their fourth date, the two had a consensual sex. The woman said that the man – who was also found to be a dentist from Portland – agreed to wear protection upon her request, but later on had second thoughts and removed the condom. After the intercourse, the man revealed he had genital herpes.

Some days later, the woman had a series of painful outbreaks, which she said she continues to experience periodically. While she took anti-viral medications prescribed by her doctor, she said that the treatment caused her to lose massive amounts of hair. She also noted that she gained weight from taking medications for anxiety and depression brought about by the herpes.

It should be noted that STD lawsuits are rare since it can be difficult to prove such a claim. However, the woman had presented her medical records to the jury showing that she was free from the disease two months prior to having sex with defendant.

Randall Vogt, the defence attorney who represented the woman in court, said that her client was a “heroine” as she still pursued to bring her case to the court despite the embarrassment that it would bring to her.

Shawn Lilligren, defence attorney, did not agree, however, saying that the plaintiff was just in it for the money and knew about the risks involved, The Oregonian reported.

Unpersuaded by the points presented by the defendant, the jury declared that the incident had been the man's fault and awarded the plaintiff $900,000 in damages.

One of the jurors noted that they strongly felt that it was the man's responsibility to tell to the woman about his condition.

This case only goes to show how important wearing a condom is in preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and how it can avoid expensive STD-related lawsuit.

Photo courtesy of http://stdregistry.info

Social media has brought a lot of convenience to people, but it can also be dangerous. Health officials noted that the online activities of people may actually put them at risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Just last year, the health department has reported 8,100 cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia – an increase of one percent from 2010. At an average, 32 cases were reported everyday, most of which involved women between the ages of 15 and 24 who acquired chlamydia.

The Health Department investigators believe that social media is playing a significant role in the increasing figures of STD cases.

According to Dain Weiter, representative from the Orange County Health Department, technology provides various channels for people to easily hook-up and most of the time these individuals do not think about the likely consequences. He also added that because most of them are only looking at the gratification as well as the satisfaction they will get from engaging in risky online activities, they usually disregard the likelihood of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases. The result of such complacency is almost 70% of chlamydia cases in Orange Country which involve people between 15 and 24 years old.

Jade Collins, a Life Coach from Total Life Counseling, said that many young women feel comfortable hooking up with guys online because they are given attention and they easily fall prey for a wide variety of sexual advances that they have never experienced before.

In a similar study carried out in Birmingham, Alabama, Health Officials also believe that social networking has a role in the increasing number of HIV cases.

According to Lee Eakins, Jefferson County Health Department's program manager, the anonymity fostered by social networking sites lets a person go online and have sex without disclosing any basic information.

It should be noted that Jefferson County has one of the highest number of HIV cases in the US and the rates of HIV and STD cases are spiking because it is now easier for people to find a random partner to hook up with using social networking platforms.

Arthur Wynn, a staffer at AIDS Alabama, noted that some people are easily encouraged to find random partners online just by seeing a great picture accompanied with a great description. The AIDS Alabama staffers also found that many people who engage in random encounters take less responsibility for their actions.

Eakins also added that unlike when people have a face-to-face conversation – wherein the individuals involved aren't easily mislead because they can easily tell if someone is lying or there is something suspicious about a person – doing things online allows a person to easily pretend and cover up everything.

br>In order to combat the rising ca es of HIV, the Health Department together with AIDS Alabama are also using social networking to warn individuals about the risks of having sex with a person they have met online.

Health Department leaders are also encouraging people to get screened for STDs, especially if they have put themselves at risk.