Archive for 'Sexually transmitted disease'

Vaginal Itching Causes

Monday, October 17th, 2011 at 5:10 pm  
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Vaginal itching is itching of the vagina and/or the vulvar skin that surrounds the vagina. Almost all females experience vaginal itching at some point in their lives.

The causes of vaginal itching can vary. Here are a few other common ones:

Chemicals in certain products can cause irritation or allergic reaction that can result in itching. Such products include laundry detergent and fabric softeners; bath soaps and deodorants; ointments creams, and lotions; ; and foams and jellies used during intercourse. Vaginal infections, particularly vaginal yeast infections, frequently cause intense symptoms, including vaginal itching. Common causes of vaginal yeast infections include the use of antibiotics or the Pill, (with or without condom usage), menstruation, pregnancy, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.

Other and (STDs), including bacterial vaginosis (BV), genital herpes, trichomoniasis, and pubic lice, may also be to blame.

Women who have vaginitis, inflammation of the vagina, may also experience , vaginal odor, and inflammation along with their itching. Vaginitis frequently occurs in girls who have not yet reached puberty; however, it’s important to rule out STDs and to determine whether sexual abuse has occurred. Stress is a frequent contributor to the development of many health conditions, including vaginal itchiness. If you’re experiencing stress, learning some stress relieving techniques may help to reduce or prevent vaginal itching. Perimenopausal women approaching menopause and the post-menopause years frequently experience vaginal itching. Menopause-related vaginal itching usually occurs in association with vaginal dryness.

Other possible, but less common, causes of vaginal or vulvar itching include the presence of other skin conditions that may or may not be precancerous, and pinworms — a condition that primarily infects children.

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience vaginal itching accompanied by severe pelvic or lower abdominal pain, and / or a fever.

Sources:

Medline Encyclopedia; Vaginal Itching – Common Causes; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/003159.htm#Common%20Causes; accessed 06/11/09.
Women’s Health.gov; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Frequently Asked Questions; http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/sexually-transmitted-infections.cfm; accessed 06/16/09.

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Tags: inflammation of the vagina, causes of vaginal itching, laundry detergent, bath soaps, pubic lice

Vulvodynia

Monday, October 17th, 2011 at 12:44 pm  
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Vulvodynia is something that I, in one form or another, frequently get asked about. So, I spoke with Phyllis Mate, executive director of the National Vulvodynia Association to get expert answers to your questions. A. Vulvodynia, in the simplest of terms, means “pain of the vulva.”* It is defined by the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease as chronic vulvar discomfort or pain, characterized by burning, stinging, irritation or rawness of the female genitalia.

The cause of vulvodynia remains unknown. It may be the result of multiple factors. Physicians speculate that it may be caused by an injury to or irritation of the nerves that supply and receive input from the vulva; a localized hypersensitivity to yeast; an allergic response to environmental irritants; high levels of oxalate crystals in the urine; or spasm and/or irritation of the pelvic floor muscles.

There is no evidence that vulvodynia is caused by infection or that it is a sexually transmitted disease.

*Also defined as existing for at least 3 to 6 months. A. Burning sensations are most common, however, the type and severity of symptoms experienced are highly individualized. Some women describe their pain as stinging irritation or rawness. Vulvodynia may be constant or intermittent, [concentrated on one area or spread out]. The two major subsets of the condition, dysesthetic vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS), are quite different.

Dysesthetic vulvodynia is characterized by pain that is [spread out] throughout the vulvar region. It can be present in the labia majora and/or labia minora. Sometimes it affects the clitoris, perineum, mons pubis and/or inner thighs. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and it is not necessarily initiated by touch or pressure to the vulva. The vulvar tissue may appear inflamed, but in most cases there are no visible findings.

Women with VVS have pain when touch or pressure is applied to the vestibule (area surrounding the opening of the vagina). Women may experience pain with intercourse, tampon insertion, gynecologic exam, bicycle riding, horseback or motorcycle riding and wearing tight clothing, such as jeans. Most often, the vestibule of women with VVS is inflamed and red.

Regardless of the type of vulvodynia a woman has, the disorder imposes serious limitations on a woman’s ability to function and engage in normal daily activities. The pain can be so severe and unremitting that it forces women to resign from career positions, abstain from sexual relations, and limit physical activities. Not surprisingly, these limitations negatively affect a woman’s self-image; many women become depressed because of the physical pain itself and the associated psychological and social implications.

A. The diagnosis of vulvodynia is made by ruling out other conditions that can cause vulvar pain, such as , infections, skin disorders and human papillomavirus. A patient’s medical history needs to be reviewed carefully, and a complete vulvar and vaginal examination is necessary.

A culture is [often] taken from the vagina to rule out [things like] and infections. A “q-tip” test is often administered during the exam. During this test, different areas of the vulva and vestibule are touched with a [cotton swab] to determine the location and severity of a woman’s pain. If the doctor sees areas of skin that look suspicious during the exam, a biopsy of the skin may be required. Additionally, physicians may recommend a colposcopy, a procedure that uses a specialized instrument to examine the vulva more closely.

The National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) was founded by Mate and three other vuvoldynia patients.

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Tags: Human papillomavirus, major subsets, environmental irritants, normal daily activities, dysesthetic vulvodynia

Vaginitis

Monday, October 17th, 2011 at 5:24 am  
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Vaginitis is a condition that occurs in the vagina causing , inflammation, and irritation, as well as vulvar or vaginal itching. The three most common and diseases are also the most frequent causes of vaginitis. The three common include:

Other types of vaginitis include:

CervicitisSexually transmitted diseases including genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.Atrophic vaginitis, often found in breastfeeding and menopausal women because of low estrogen levelsVulvar vestibulitisLichen simplex chronicusLichen sclerosisAllergic reactions to items used vaginally including spermicides and feminine hygiene spraysForgetting to remove a tampon or other foreign body from the vagina[/ul] Diagnosis of vaginitis begins with a visual inspection of any , the vagina, and the cervix. Your doctor collects a sample of your vaginal discharge for microscopic evaluation. The color, viscosity(consistency), and the presence or absence of odor helps your doctor determine the type of vaginitis you may have.

A visual inspection of your cervix helps to rule out cervicitis as the cause of your vaginal discharge. When the three common causes of vaginitis are not present, your doctor will consider other causes including hypersensitivity, irritant, and allergic vulvovaginitis, as well as physiologic leukorrhea.

Other diagnostic tools your doctor may utilize include a DNA probe, vaginal pH testing, and in some cases, vaginal cultures.

As you may guess, due to the large number of possible causes for vaginitis, the treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause. Treatments range from a number of different drugs to estrogen applied vaginally for vaginal dryness or atrophy.

You can help reduce your risk of vaginitis by following the tips, on the next page of this article, to prevent vaginal infections, as well as by practicing safe sex unless you are in a long-term monogamous relationship. Anytime you experience unusual vaginal symptoms such as vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, vaginal itchiness, or vaginal dryness, contact your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Source:

Self-Study STD Module – Vaginitis. CDC. http://www2a.cdc.gov/stdtraining/self-study/vaginitis/vaginitis1.asp. Accessed 09/24/09.

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Tags: genital herpes, practicing safe sex, vaginal infections, allergic vulvovaginitis, visual inspection

Vulvitis

Monday, October 17th, 2011 at 1:58 am  
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Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva (the visible external genitalia). Vulvitis is not a condition or disease; it is a symptom that results from a number of different causes including allergies, infections, injuries, and other external irritants. Other such as vaginitis or genital herpes often accompany vulvitis. Women who experience excessive stress, whose nutrition is poor, or who have poor hygiene may be more susceptible to vulvitis. Several factors may contribute to the development of vulvitis: Oral sex. Scented or colored toilet tissue. Bacterial or fungal infection. Hot tubs and swimming pools. Horseback riding. Leaving a wet swimming suit on for a long period. Bicycle riding. Allergic reactions to products such as: soaps, shampoos, bubble baths, powders, deodorants, sanitary napkins, non-cotton underwear, pantyhose, , topical medications. Diabetic women face increased risk of developing vulvitis because the high sugar content of their cells increases susceptibility to infections. As estrogen levels drop during perimenopause, vulvar tissues become thinner, drier, and less elastic increasing a woman’s chance of developing vulvitis, or other infections such as vaginitis. Young girls who have not yet reached puberty are also at possible risk due to the fact that adequate hormone levels have not yet been reached. Any woman who is allergy-prone, has sensitive skin, or who has other infections or diseases can develop vulvitis. While each woman may experience vulvitis symptoms differently, some of the most common symptoms are: Itching. Redness. Swelling. Fluid-filled, clear blisters that break open, and form a crust (sometimes mistaken for herpes). Soreness. Scaly appearance. Thickened or whitish patches.

It’s important for women with these symptoms to remember not to scratch as this can lead to further irritation and/or infection. Although it may seem like a good idea to wash repeatedly over the day, the fact is that over washing the affected area can lead to further irritation. It’s best to wash just once a day with warm water only when symptoms of vulvitis are present.

Several diagnostic tools such as blood tests, urinalysis, testing for (STDs), and Pap smears help your doctor diagnose vulvitis. The treatment for vulvitis varies according to cause. Your clinician will consider several factors before determining which treatment is the right one. Some factors your clinician will consider include: Your age, general health, and medical history. The cause of your symptoms. The specific symptoms you are experiencing. The severity of your symptoms. How well you tolerate certain medications, procedures, or therapies.

Once these factors are considered, several methods of treatment are available including both self-help measures, and prescribed medications. Low-dose hydrocortisone creams may be prescribed for short periods. Anti-fungal creams are sometimes helpful for treatment of vulvitis. Post menopausal women may find topical estrogen relieves their symptoms. Self-help treatments include: Baths containing soothing compounds such as Aveeno baths or comfrey tea baths. Stopping the use of any products that may be a contributing factor. The vulva should be kept clean, dry, and cool. Always remember to wipe from front to back. Hot boric acid compresses. Cold compresses filled with plain yogurt or cottage cheese help ease itching and irritation. Calamine lotion. Using sterile, non-irritating personal lubricants such as K-Y Jelly, or Astroglide during sexual activity. Learning to reduce stress. Eating an adequate and nutritious diet. Making sure you get enough sleep at night. Things you can do to help prevent vulvitis include wearing white cotton panties, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding . Vaginal sprays and powders should also be avoided, as should tight pants. Unless you’re in a long-term monogamous relationship, always use condoms during sexual activities to reduce your risk of vulvitis, STDs, and other .

Source:

Vulvitis. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001445.htm. Accessed 08/26/09.

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Tags: Several diagnostic tools, vaginal infections, oral sex, toilet tissue, Hot tubs

Vaginal Itching

Sunday, October 16th, 2011 at 10:18 pm  
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Vaginal itching can be caused by or infections. If you’re pregnant when you experience vaginal itching, you should know that the most common reason for vaginal itching during pregnancy are the normal changes to the vaginal PH level which can cause topical irritations. Vaginal yeast infections also are notorious for persistent vaginal itching.

Before trying any self-treatments or over-the-counter medications for vaginal itching, especially during pregnancy, you should see your healthcare provider to be sure you don’t have any STDs or STIs. If vaginal itching is found to be caused by the normal PH changes of the vagina that occur during pregnancy, there are a number of self-help treatments that you can try to relieve the itching and lower the PH of the vagina. Vaginal PH can be lowered by taking baking soda baths. You can make a paste of baking soda and water and apply the paste to the area that itches. There is a possibility that having may help due to the lower PH levels of the male semen. Some women find that cold compresses help relieve vaginal itching. Practice good hygiene. Keep the vulvar / vaginal area clean and dry. Always wipe from front to back after a to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina. Don’t use . Use only fragrance-free soaps, laundry detergents, and fabric softeners. Practice good hand washing habits. Wear clothing that is not tight or binding especially in the crotch. Wear white cotton panties and avoid wearing nylon panties or hose that decrease the airflow to the vaginal area. Wear a nightgown with no underwear to encourage airflow to the vagina during the night. Use warm bath water and do not add bubble baths or other fragrant products which can irritate the vagina and urinary tract. Use a bath soap for sensitive skin. Although you might think that Ivory soap is gentle, it is not! In fact, Ivory soap is one of the most drying and thereby itch causing bath soaps on the market. The use of hydrocortisone creams is not usually recommended since it can contribute to the breakdown of the skin, causing continued itching. Lidocaine gel is good for relieving vaginal itching because it is a pure anesthetic. If you have a genital yeast infection, one of the over-the-counter yeast infection creams or vaginal suppositories should quickly relieve the itch, as well as the other symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. Some women find relief from vaginal itching just by using a yeast infection cream externally once or twice a day. To your bath add:

Source:

Vaginitis: Causes and Treatments. ACOG Education Pamphlet.http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp028.cfm. Accessed 08/26.09.

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Tags: cold compresses, bubble baths, Vaginal itching, nylon panties, bowel movement

Vaginal Douching – To Douche o

Sunday, October 16th, 2011 at 9:14 pm  
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A vaginal douche is a process of rinsing or cleaning the vagina by forcing water or another solution into the vaginal cavity to flush away or other contents. Vaginal douches are available over-the-counter and are made in a variety of fragrances by several manufacturers; they are also available by prescription to treat certain conditions or prepare for certain procedures.

Women choose to use douches for a variety of reasons. Many of these are related to myths or misinformation about what can do. A woman may use a douche to: Rinse away any remaining menstrual blood at the end of the monthly period. This is not necessary since the body will clean itself. Avoid pregnancy or following . However, douching is neither a contraceptive nor a preventatives measure against STDs or other infections. It can, in fact, increase the risk of developing an infection. Reduce vaginal odors. Women who have an unusual vaginal odor need to see their clinician for proper diagnosis since extreme odor may be sign of an infection or other serious problem, and using a douche may only complicate the condition. Feel “cleaner.” The vagina actually cleans itself so vaginal douches are not necessary. Follow a doctor-prescribed treatment for chronic yeast infections or chronic bacterial infections. Douching for this purpose should be done only under your doctor’s supervision using the special solution provided. Simply stated, the answer is “No.”

According to a study published by the American Journal of Public Health, douching may reduce a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant during a particular month by approximately thirty percent.

Regular vaginal douching changes the delicate chemical balance of the vagina and can make a woman more susceptible to infections. Douching can introduce new bacteria into the vagina which can spread up through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Researchers have found that women who douche regularly experience more vaginal irritations and infections such as bacterial vaginosis, and an increased number of .

Furthermore, regular users of vaginal douches face a significantly higher risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — a chronic condition that can lead to infertility, or even death, if left untreated. Bacterial vaginosis and PID can have serious adverse affects on pregnancy including infections in the baby, labor problems, and preterm delivery.

For these reasons, douching is no longer recommended as a safe or healthy way to routinely clean the vagina. The only safe and healthy way to clean the vagina is to let the vagina clean itself. The delicate chemical balance of the vagina is very sensitive and easily disrupted by routine vaginal douching.

The vagina cleans itself naturally with its own mucous secretions. When bathing or showering use warm water and gentle unscented soap to cleanse the outer areas of the vagina. Feminine hygiene products such as soaps, powders, and sprays are not necessary and may lead to irritation of sensitive tissues.

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Tags: healthy way, sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases, proper diagnosis, journal of public health

Vaginal Yeast Infections

Sunday, October 16th, 2011 at 7:59 pm  
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Seventy-five percent of all women will experience at least one vaginal yeast infection during her life and many are plagued by recurrent yeast infections. Learning to recognize the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection is vital before women attempt self-treatment.

Symptoms of yeast infection include itching, burning, redness, and irritation of the vaginal area. Severe yeast infections may cause swelling of the vulva and in some cases women experience painful and/or frequent urination which is caused by inflammation of the urinary opening.

Excessive which is thicker than normal, appears whiter and curd-like (almost like cottage cheese) will be apparent in women experiencing vaginal yeast infections. Sexual intercourse may be painful due to the inflammation and dryness of the .

Canidida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that is often found in the mouth, vagina, and intestinal tract; it is a normal inhabitant of humans that usually does not cause any adverse effects. Canidida of the mouth is known as thrush and is often found in infants and people with a variety of health conditions. When canidida is found in the vagina it is known as yeast infection or monilial vaginitis.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the normal fungi that lives in the vaginal area. The most common fungi is Canidida albicans. Overgrowth of Canidida is often a result of recent use of antibiotics, or by wearing clothing such as nylon or lycra that traps moisture and heat. Other factors that often contribute to yeast infections include pregnancy, obesity, PMS, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.

Yeast infections are common among women infected by HIV and women who suffer from recurrent episodes of yeast infection should be tested for HIV infection. Other possible causes include the use of , and consuming large amounts of sugars, starch, and yeasts.

Bacterial vaginitis is a far more prevalent vaginal infection than yeast infection and is characterized by a foul odor which is not present in yeast infection. Untreated bacterial vaginitis can result in pelvic inflammatory disease and lead to future infertility. It is imperative that a woman who is self-treating what she thinks is a yeast infection be positive that her vaginal infection is actually caused by yeast and not some other infection or STD.

Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and herpes can be mistaken for yeast infections because some of the symptoms are similar — there is discharge associated with gonorrhea, and herpes may often cause itching. Unless a woman is absolutely positive that her vaginal infection is yeast, she should seek the advice of her physician before self-treatment begins.

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Tags: Untreated bacterial vaginitis, Canidida albicans, normal fungi, vaginal yeast infections, foul odor

Trichomoniasis

Sunday, October 16th, 2011 at 1:43 pm  
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Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as “trich,” is a common STD that affects 2 to 3 million Americans yearly. It is caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the urogenital tract; the urethra is the most common site of infection in man, and the vagina is the most common site of infection in women.

Symptoms – Treatment – Complications – Prevention

Reprinted from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH)

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Tags: single-celled protozoan parasite, National Institutes of Health, urogenital tract, United States, Infectious diseases

The Human Papillomavirus HPV: More Common Than We Can Imagine and Deadly

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 at 12:41 am  
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is among the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the world. Experts estimate that up to 24 million Americans infected with HPV, and the occurrence of infection and disease seems to be escalating. More than 60 kinds of HPV have already been discovered by researchers.

Several forms of the virus cause typical skin warts.

About one-third of the HPV kinds are passed via and dwell only in genital tissue. Low-risk types of HPV produce genital warts, by far the most recognizable indication of genital HPV contamination. Other high-risk sorts of HPV cause cervical cancer along with other genital cancers.

Just like most sexually transmitted microorganisms, HPV usually results in a quiet infection, that is, without visible symptoms. One particular research sponsored through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) documented that almost half of the women infected with HPV had absolutely no obvious symptoms.

Because the viral infection persists, individuals may not be conscious of their illness or the the risk of transmitting to others as well as suffering complications. If you are unsure whether or not you have HPV, I strongly encourage you to get tested – especially if you have been promiscuous at any time in your life. This is very important for women who could develop cervical cancer if the HPV is not properly diagnosed and treated. Get check out!

Reprinted from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Tags: sexually transmitted, recognizable indication, sexual contact, hpv types, cervical cancer

HIV/AIDS Symptoms In Women

Monday, November 1st, 2010 at 5:02 pm  
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Symptoms which could serve as alert indicators of HIV infection often go ignored because most females do not view themselves as being at risk. Symptoms can include recurrent yeast bacterial infections, pelvic inflammatory, irregular shifts or dysplasia (growth and presence of precancerous cells) in the cervix, genital sores, genital growths, and significant mucosal herpes infections could also go with HIV infection in females.

It is possible for a person afflicted with HIV to exhibit absolutely no indicators of infection. For women, the most typical symptoms of exposure to the HIV disease are repeated breakouts of severe , irregular PAP smears, or pelvic infections (PID) that are difficult to treat.

Inside of 2-3 weeks of having been infected, lots of people acquire flu-like symptoms. However, in some cases, signs and symptoms do not appear for quite some time. As the disease progresses, some symptoms range from 1) swollen lymph glands on the throat, under the arm, or crotch region, 2) recurrent fever which includes “night sweats,” 3) rapid weight loss for no apparent reason, 4) continuous tiredness, 5) diarrhea as well as reduced hunger, 6) white-colored spots or abnormal spots in the mouth.

Given that women amount to one of the most rapidly rising segment of the HIV-infected populace in the united states, AIDS prevention is specially essential for women’s wellbeing. HIV is carried through bodily secretions, like blood and semen. Utilizing injection drugs, participating in unprotected sex with someone who has utilized injection, and having multiple sexual partners all increase the likelihood of acquiring HIV.

As per the FDA, the simplest way to protect oneself against HIV is to abstain from sexual activity and use of illicit drugs. For those who have sex, be sure it is with one uninfected partner or use protection such as condoms and dental-dams to protect the tongue during oral sex. Currently, there isn’t any recognized cure for HIV/AIDS. The most effective remedy today appears to be doctor prescribed “cocktails,” or mixtures of medications.

These types of medications incorporate those for antiviral treatment and other drugs, like oral antifungals to fight yeast infections, which fight illnesses that make use of the weakened defense response of those infected. Additionally it is essential for HIV-infected women and their doctors to look out for pelvic inflammations or other .

Likewise, cancer of the cervix may be more prevalent and progress more quickly in afflicted women; for this reason, females with HIV must have Pap Smears twice a year to be sure cancer tumors are detected and treated early.

Not many women with HIV were included in early research of this pandemic, but in the early 90′s, women totalled 18% of adult contributors inside of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Studies is focusing on clinical indicators of HIV contamination in women and also on the associations between being pregnant and HIV.

Scientists are investigating “female-controlled” types of protection by developing creams or gels that women would utilize prior to sexual intercourse to be protected from HIV as well as other . There is no conclusive evidence on the potency of contraceptive tools as a way to prevent infection. Most babies born to HIV-infected women are spared from being afflicted.

However, 1 in 4 do become infected prior or during birth or through breast-feeding, even though nobody is certain exactly when the virus is transferred to the child. Transmission or a lack thereof may also be tied to the mother’s health throughout the pregnancy or birth. There are more viruses during the earliest phases of AIDS compared to the later sates. For example:

Right now, physicians may prescribe the medication Retrovir (AZT) for infected women that are pregnant to lessen the number of children that are born afflicted. The effectiveness of this therapy is increased if the HIV is in its early phases and soon after pregancy.

HIV is passed from one person to another through most types of sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, and anal) whenever one or both of the partners infected with the illness. Oral sex with no latex condom places you at risk of contact with HIV. It should also be observed that pre-ejaculation fluid can transport HIV also it can be absorbed into the thin mucous linings in the mouth. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises that during oral sex, a latex condom ought to be used to decrease danger of exposure.



Tags: hiv aids, Infectious diseases, continuous tiredness, effective remedy, uninfected partner

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