Sexual Health | Sexual Health and Reproduction Information

Common Tests Used to Diagnosis STDs

If you suspect that you may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease is important that you seek medical attention immediately. Many sexually transmitted diseases can be controlled or treated when treatment is sought in the early stages. When you bring up the possibility of sexual transmitted diseases to your healthcare provider they will likely order a number of different tests to narrow down what sexually transmitted disease you may have contracted. Here’s a look at the various types of testing that can be ordered by healthcare professionals in order to diagnose STDs.

Pap smear. The Pap smear is commonly used to diagnose any type of disease in women. Pap smears can be used to diagnose pelvic cancer or sexual transmitted diseases like chlamydia. Most healthcare professionals require a Pap smear yearly for those that are sexually active.

Blood Test. Your healthcare provider will order a routine blood test to determine a number of sexually transmitted diseases. sexually transmitted diseases that can be diagnosed through blood tests include HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and even genital herpes.

Biopsy of Fluid. For sexually transmitted diseases that have sores the healthcare provider may order an analysis of the fluids that are found in the soars. This is usually done to diagnose HPV or the human papiilomavirus, genital herpes or syphilis.

Tissue Samples. Tissue samples of other sexually transmitted diseases. Tissue samples are often used to diagnose gonorrhea and chlamydia, genital herpes and sometimes HPV. Tissue samples are usually taking on the inside of the pelvis and are part of a routine Pap smear.

Although testing can help narrow down the number of sexually transmitted diseases many sexually transmitted diseases require that the testing be done when there are flare ups which makes the diagnosis a sexual transmitted diseases a difficult task. It is important to go to a health care provider when you notice any strange discharge or lumps and bumps.

Filed Under: Health, Sexual health Tagged With: Human papillomavirus, Pap test, Sexually transmitted disease

Common Myths Regarding STDs

There are many common myths about sexually transmitted diseases. Almost everyone has heard the belief that you can catch sexual transmitted diseases by hunting someone, shaking hands or even sharing a towel or toilet of a person who has a sexually transmitted disease. Here’s a look at some of the common myths that surround sexual transmitted diseases and the facts regarding this belief.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are Transferred Through Contact of a Person Who Has a Sexually Transmitted Disease. This is a myth. Sexually transmitted diseases are not spread by everyday contact. Shaking hands and hugging someone will not spread a number of sexual transmitted diseases. Socially transmitted diseases can only be transferred through the sharing of bodily fluids. Shaking hands and hugging do not swap these bodily fluids.

Sexual Transmitted Diseases are Transferred Through the use of Towels and Kissing. This is partially true. Almost all sexual transmitted diseases cannot be contracted through kissing or sharing of towels. However, genital warts can be transferred through this way. Usually it is transferred when a person is suffering the genital wart outbreak. Syphilis can also be transferred by kissing if there is a sore in the person’s mouth. This is why it is recommended if you have an outbreak genital warts or syphilis you use your own towel and avoid contact with others. This limits the spread of sexually transmitted diseases from one person to another.

Using the Toilet Of Someone Who Has a Sexually Transmitted Disease Will Result in the Transfer of the Sexually Transmitted Disease. This is a myth. Using the toilet or the phone of a person with a sexual transmitted disease will not result in you contracting a sexually transmitted disease. The only way sexual transmitted diseases can be spread through the sharing of bodily fluids such as saliva, blood and semen.

Filed Under: Sexual Education, Sexual health Tagged With: Sexual intercourse, Sexually transmitted disease

Improving Your Chances of Starting a Family

Image via Wikipedia

Starting a family with a significant other can be a lot of work. While a lot of families start out naturally, some families take a little planning and extra help to get started. If you are considering starting a family with your significant other, here are some things you should keep in mind that can help improve your chances of becoming pregnant.

Dietary Needs. It might be surprising to find out that what you eat can really affect your chances of becoming pregnant. It is important to try to avoid processed foods or foods that are high in fat or sodium as they can reduce your chances of becoming pregnant.

Exercise Regularly. Research shows that those who exercise regularly and are fit have a better chance of becoming pregnant than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. If you are trying to become pregnant you should try to increase the amount of exercise you do. This can include relaxation methods like yoga, breathing methods or cardio workouts.

Avoid Stress. It is important to reduce the amount of stress that you experience if you are trying to get pregnant. Research has shown that those that lead a relaxing lifestyle will improve their chances of becoming pregnant. Relaxation methods can include taking a warm bath in the evening or taking part in yoga or meditation. As long as the body is relaxed, you’ll be able to improve your chances of becoming pregnant.

By following these steps you can improve your chances of becoming pregnant. It is important to remember that the moment you notice the first signs of pregnancy you should take a pregnancy test to confirm the results. Regardless of what the test results show, it is a good idea to consult with a health care provider as they can recommend what to do next or better ways to improve your chances of becoming pregnant.

Filed Under: Sexual Education, Sexual health Tagged With: Family, Pregnancy

Increasing Male Libido Through Vitamins

Many men as they age experience a decrease in sexual desire. This is known as a decrease in male libido. While there are many prescription drugs such as Viagra that work to increase male libido there are many natural ways that you can increase the male libido. This is usually done by increasing vitamins and supplements but the male takes. Here is a look at some of vitamins that can increase a male’s sexual desire and libido.

Zinc. Zinc is known to produce a higher amount of hormones that increase testosterone and can also increase the sperm count. Having a low amount of zinc in the body can result in lower sperm count, infertility problems and decreased in sexual drive. Zinc can be increased by taking supplements or by eating certain foods that are high in zinc such as chicken, beef, peanut butter and raw oysters.

Vitamin E. Increased male fertility and a higher amount of testosterone is often attributed to vitamin E. Low amounts of vitamin E can often lead to a decrease in sexual drive. Vitamin E can be increased by eating certain foods such as asparagus, brussels sprouts and broccoli.

The B vitamins. There are several B vitamins that are known to increase the male sexual drive. These vitamins include B5, B6 and B12. All of these vitamins are known to increase testosterone and can help the male reproductive health. Foods that are rich in the B vitamins include avocados, eggs, salmon and other types of fish. However the B vitamins can also be increased by various vitamins and supplements.

Filed Under: Reproductive health, Sexual health Tagged With: Libido, Vitamin

Questions to Bring Up On Your Gynocological Exam

Many women will only visit the gynecologist once a year. It is important to make the most out of your gynecological visit. This can be getting the proper testing done, asking the right questions and making sure that you are prepared with the proper medications and birth control. Here’s a look at some of the questions and concerns you should bring up on your next gynecological visit which would make sure that you are getting the most out of your healthcare visit.

STD testing. Many STDs can be treated or cured when caught early. It is important for you to bring up any potential STDs you may have been exposed to in the recent year. Your gynecologist may order a complete STD panel to make sure that there are no hidden STDs that you may not be aware of.

Incontinence. Incontinence is an issue that you can bring up with both your healthcare provider or your gynecologist. Many gynecological problems can often result in incontinence in women. Gynecologist can recommend exercises or even a prescription medicine which can help with incontinence.

The Morning After Pill. The morning after pill is used by many women as an extra level of protection against pregnancy. Consider bringing up with her gynecologist whether or not you would like to have the morning-after pill as an extra precaution against pregnancy.

Birth Control. You should also bring up the type of birth control that you use with your gynecologist. They will help you evaluate whether or not your current birth control is effective and whether you should make any switches to the type of birth control that you are using.

Filed Under: Reproductive health, Sexual health Tagged With: Birth control, Emergency Contraception

Her “G Spot”

The study of sexology began with the landmark Masters and Johnson study of human sexual response, which started in 1957. Their extensive studies lasted until 1991 and still form the fundamental basis of the entire field of sexology.

As part of their laboratory experimentation, Masters and Johnson worked to determine levels of sensitivity of various parts of the female genitals. Their methodology consisted of lightly touching various parts of the vagina, clitoris, and vaginal lips with a Q-tip. Based upon this study, they determined that the woman’s vagina was not sensitive, but only the clitoris and vaginal lips.

In 1981, the German gynecologist Ernst Gräfenberg published his discoveries, which came in conflict with the Masters and Johnson study, stating that part of the interior of the vagina was in fact sensitive. The G Spot (short for Gräfenberg spot) is a bean shaped area, located between 2 to 3 inches inside the front side of the vagina. It is actually a gland, which is sensitive to pressure.

Masters and Johnson missed the G Spot in their studies, because they were using a light touch for all their contact. The G Spot is not sensitive to light pressure, as the gland is located about 1/2” below the surface of the vagina. It requires firm pressure against the G-Spot to stimulate it.

However, once stimulated, the G Spot increases sexual sensitivity, excitement, and can independently cause vaginal orgasms. Many women never experience these orgasms for lack of proper stimulation. Certain sexual positions are much more likely to provide stimulation to the G Spot than others.

Vaginal orgasms caused by pressure on the G Spot can be so strong as to cause female ejaculation, a phenomenon in which the Skene’s gland (the G Spot) produces excessive vaginal lubricant very quickly. This fluid gives the appearance of an ejaculation.

Filed Under: Sexual health Tagged With: Sexual health