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Sexually Transmitted Infections

Posted on August 7, 2020 By tyronebattis
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Safe Sex, STI

An infection is when foreign microbes enter the body and begin to spread. When and if those microbes begin to inhibit normal body functions, the infection has become a disease. Sexually transmitted infections and diseases are those which are passed between people through sexual intercourse or related activites. Whether or not an infection progresses to a disease can depend on an individual’s biology, so even if you exhibit no outward symptoms of infection, you should take action to protect you and your partner during sexual activities!

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia (cla-MID-ee-ah) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It can spread from person to person during sexual intercourse (vaginal and anal) when a person’s mucous membranes come into contact with the vaginal secretions or semen of an infected person. It can be transmitted without complete insertion of a penis into the vagina or anus. It is less likely, although possible, to be transmitted to the throat during oral sex. It can also be passed from mother to newborn during childbirth. Chlamydia infections are treatable and curable with antibiotics.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Why worry about Chlamydia?

Untreated chlamydia can lead to severe reproductive health problems for women, including sterility. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common result of untreated chlamydia infection. In PID, the bacteria move from the vagina up through the cervix and into the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Blockage and scarring can damage the tubes, causing women who conceive to be more likely to have “tubal pregnancies.” In men, untreated chlamydial infections can lead to prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), urethral scarring, infertility, or epididymitis (inflammation of the cord-like structure at the back of the testes). If you are HIV positive and have chlamydia, inflamed genital tissues contain highly concentrated amounts of the virus, causing 8-10 times more HIV to be shed in your semen or vaginal secretions. If you are HIV negative and have chlamydia, your immune cells are especially susceptible to HIV if your partner is carrying the virus. Rectal chlamydia may increase chances of getting HIV ten to twenty-fold.

What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?

Symptoms usually appear from one to three weeks after infection, but then go away, even if left untreated. Many people infected with chlamydia never have any symptoms at all.

Women may experience pain and itching of the vulva or vagina; vaginal discharge; unusual vaginal or anal bleeding; pain with urination; and/or pain when having sex. 80% of infected women have no symptoms.

Men may experience discharge from the head of the penis or the anus; pain or itching at the head of the penis; and/or pain with urination. 50% of infected men have no symptoms.

What is a Chlamydia test like?

A complete examination for chlamydia includes taking a sexual history, examining any symptoms you might be having and testing a sample of your genital secretions with a swab. In addition, there is a chlamydia test that can be done on a urine sample. The exact test(s) done will depend on where you go for your exam.

Some providers recommend that you get tested for gonorrhea at the same time as your chlamydia test. Talk to your provider about the options available to you when you go to get tested.

How is Chlamydia treated?

Antibiotics cure chlamydia. It is very important to take all the pills you are given even if you feel better, so the bacteria is completely wiped out.

What should I do if I have Chlamydia?

Your sex partner(s) must be examined and treated too, because otherwise they can give the infection back to you and/or infect others. You need to abstain from sex for one week from when the antibiotics were started. If you still have symptoms after you’ve completed the treatment, it’s important to go back to your provider for a check-up.

Once you are treated and cured of chlamydia, you can be re-infected if you’re exposed to the bacteria again.

How do I avoid getting Chlamydia?

Abstinence is the only way to completely avoid getting chlamydia or other STIs. If you’re sexually active, using condoms consistently and correctly for oral, anal and vaginal sex is your best bet for staying sexually healthy. Since chlamydia can be passed even if the penis or tongue does not completely enter into the vagina or rectum, it’s important to use a condom from the very beginning to end of sexual contact.

The risk for chlamydia is directly related to the number of sex partners you have: The more sex partners, the greater the risk of contracting it. Having more sex with fewer partners reduces your risk of getting chlamydia.

If you have a new partner with whom you intend to be monogamous, consider having full STI checkups together before you start having sex. If you’re sexually active with more than one monogamous partner, regular STI checkups at least every six months is recommended. Chlamydia and other bacterial STIs are curable with proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

Lubricants

Posted on June 21, 2020 By tyronebattis
Lubricants
Lubricants

Who Uses Lube?

Everyone! At Sex Out Loud we suggest that everyone use lubrication because the wetter the sex is, the better the sex is. Lube is especially important for anal adventures because the anus/rectum is not self-lubricating like the vagina. When you think you have enough lube, just add a little lot more. Other than rectal roaming, lube can be used to get things slipping and sliding in the vagina even though it lubricates itself naturally—because what feels better, a back rub, or a back rub with massage oil? And speaking of massages, lubrication can also be used as an aid in foreplay, enhancing sensual massage. Lube also reduces friction and will help prevent condoms from breaking.

What Kinds of Lube Are There?

There are three main types of lubrication: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. Deciding which lube is the best is really a matter of personal preference and figuring out what you want to get out of your slippery sexual experience.

natural-lubricants

Water Based

Water-based lubrication is the most basic and generally the least expensive variety of lubrication. It is made by many different brands, so it is easy to find and it is a good place to start if you are just beginning your experimentation with lube. Simply add some lube to whatever you want and slip and slide away, but keep the lube bottle handy because water-based lubrication often requires reapplication. Water-based lubrication can be cleaned relatively easily with plain water, no soap required, and it also won’t stain sheets or clothing if a spill should occur.

One thing to keep in mind if you decide to use water-based lube is that many varieties—such as K-Y, Wet, and Astroglide—contain glycerin (sugar) and if you or whoever is going to be using the lube is prone to yeast infections, it will be worth your time to find a brand or type that is glycerin-free. Some water-based lubrications that do not have glycerin as an ingredient are Liquid Silk and Play. Other lubes that are water-based can be flavored. Flavored lube is for ORAL use only. There is a great deal more sugar in flavored lubrications, so it is in your best interest to keep them involved in oral situations only.

Silicone-based lubrication

is really great if you are looking for a lubricant that is going to last for a long time. This is an “apply it and it’s there until you wash it off” sort of lube. Silicone-based lube is great for anal sex because it is long lasting and you won’t risk a water-based lubricant drying up. Silicone lube is not for use with silicone toys because the enzymes that keep the silicone a liquid at room temperature will bind to the silicone toy and literally melt it. Silicone-based lubrication is also not the lube to use when you have your favorite sheets on your bed because this lube will stain if it gets onto fabric. But don’t let that deter you because silicone is a great lube to try, just lay a towel down and get to it!

Oil-based lube

is very long lasting. It will not come off unless it is washed off so if you are in need of a lube that is in it for the long haul then this could be for you. Oil-based lubrication is not for use with latex condoms; it degrades them and can literally erode a hole through them. The only condoms that are safe for use with oil-based lubricants are those made of polyurethane, but in general it is best to use other types of lubrication with condoms and other barriers. Oil-based lubes tend to be recommended more for use during masturbation do to an added risk of some residue remaining in the vagina or rectum, which can lead to irritation or even a bacterial infection. However, these infections and irritations are not of pandemic proportions. Basically, don’t use oil-based lube every day and you should be fine.

Sex Dams

Posted on April 22, 2020 By tyronebattis
Sex Dams
Safe Sex, Sex

What Are Sex Dams?

Sex dams, also known as dental dams, are a type of barrier method used for oral-anal contact, oral-vulvar contact, or any other type of oral contact on the surface of the body. They can be used by individuals of any gender or sexual identity. Sex dams are available in a variety of flavors.

How do you use Sex Dams?

Sex dams are easy to use. They are sheets of latex that are placed over whatever area of the body is being stimulated orally. They cannot be used more than once, moved to different parts of the body, or flipped over. This increases the chances a partner gets exposed to STIs. Remember to wash your hands before you use them, because oils can degrade a latex dam.

Sex Dams

How Effective are Sex Dams at Preventing STI Transmission?

Sex dams are highly effective at preventing the spread of STIs. Latex barriers, when used properly, are over 98% effective at preventing fluid-spread STIs. Sex dams prevent skin-to-skin contact and will also be highly effective at preventing contact-spread STIs.

What are Sex Dams made of?

Sex dams are usually made of latex. However, there are many alternatives to commercial sex dams. Any type of receptive or insertive condom can be used to make a sex dam—simply cut up the side of the condom and it will spread out and make a sheet which can be used as a dam. Latex gloves can also be used to improvise sex dams by cutting up the side of the glove and removing the fingers except the thumb and it will make a sheet with a small pocket, which can be used to place a tongue into. Non-microwaveable saran-wrap can also be used (microwavable wrap is porous, and will not be effective in preventing the spread of STIs.

What is Gonorrhea?

Posted on February 5, 2020 By tyronebattis
What is Gonorrhea?
Safe Sex, STI

Gonorrhea (gon-or-e-uh) is a sexually transmitted disease (STI) caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoea. Gonorrhea can be transmitted to both male and female partners during vaginal, anal and oral sex from a partner infected in his or her throat, vagina, urethra or anus. Gonorrheal infections are completely curable with antibiotics.

Why worry about Gonorrhea?

If you are HIV+ and have genital inflammation due to gonorrhea, the inflamed tissues contain highly concentrated amounts of the virus. If the gonorrheal infection is in your penis, you can shed 8-10 times more HIV in your semen.

If you are HIV- but have gonorrhea, the disease-fighting cells of your immune system are especially susceptible to HIV if you have unprotected sex with an HIV-infected partner. Rectal gonorrhea increases the risk of contracting HIV by ten to twenty times.

In about 1% of people with untreated gonorrhea, the infection can spread beyond the genital area to the bloodstream, skin, heart or joints. This is called Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI). Symptoms include fever, multiple skin lesions, arthritis, infection of the inner lining of the heart, and meningitis. DGI can be treated with antibiotics.

PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), a serious pelvic infection in women, is a more common result of untreated gonorrhea. In PID, the bacteria move from the vagina up through the cervix and into the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Blockage and scarring can damage the tubes, making a woman who conceives more likely to have a tubal pregnancy. Left untreated, PID can cause infertility. Untreated gonorrhea can also cause chronic menstrual problems, postpartum endometritis, urinary tract infections, miscarriage, and cervical discharge.

Men with untreated gonorrhea can occasionally develop epididymitis, a painful infection of the testicles. Untreated gonorrheal infections can also cause inflammation of the prostate and urethral scarring, sometimes leading to infertility.

Gonorrhea

What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?

Most men develop symptoms of gonorrhea within two to five days after being exposed, with a possible range of one to thirty days. Although most women are asymptomatic (without symptoms), for those who do have symptoms, they usually appear within 10 days after being exposed.

Men who have gonorrhea in the penis or anal area may experience a discharge from the head of the penis or the anus; pain or itching of the head of the penis; swelling of the penis or testicles; pain and/or burning upon urination; frequent urination; anal or rectal itching; white anal discharge; and/or pain during bowel movements.

Women with gonorrhea may have a discharge from the vagina; lower abdominal pain, especially during or after sex; unusual bleeding with cramping; pain or burning with urination.

If you’re infected with gonorrhea in the throat, there are usually no symptoms, except possibly a sore throat.

What is a Gonorrhea test like?

There are several different testing options for gonorrhea. Your medical provider will decide which one is best given your situation and the lab facilities available at the clinic or medical practice. Some tests are done on a urine sample, and some on a swab of the secretions from the infected area.

How is Gonorrhea treated?

Your provider will give you antibiotics to kill the gonorrheal bacteria in your body. If you are prescribed antibiotics, take all of the pills, even if you feel better before you finish the dosage. Your sex partner(s) need to be examined and treated also, because if you have unprotected sex again, you can be re-infected. If you’re non-monogamous, your partner is also capable of infecting others until he or she gets proper treatment.

What should I do if I have Gonorrhea?

It’s important to talk to your partners to maintain your sexual health and that of our community. Also you must abstain from partner sex for one full week from when your antibiotic treatment is started.

How do I avoid getting Gonorrhea?

The risk for gonorrhea is directly related to the number of sex partners you have: The more sex partners, the greater the risk of contracting it. Having more sex with fewer partners reduces your risk of getting gonorrhea.

The only way to be 100% sure of eliminating your risk of contracting gonorrhea or other STIs is to abstain from sex. If you are sexually active, however, using condoms (male or female) for sexual activity is your best bet for protecting yourself. Since gonorrhea can be transmitted during oral sex, primarily mouth-to-penis or penis-to-mouth contact, it would be wise to use a condom when performing oral sex on a man or if you’re a man, having oral sex performed on you. Also, we recommend regular STI checkups at least every six months if you’re sexually active with more than one monogamous partner. Gonorrhea and other bacterial STIs are curable with proper diagnosis and treatment.

Barrier Methods

Posted on January 21, 2020 By tyronebattis
Barrier Methods
Safe Sex

Barrier methods are the most reliable way to prevent STI transmission between sexual partners, and can also be used as a form of contraception. Select a method below to learn more about it:

Insertive Condoms

What Are Insertive Condoms?

Insertive condoms, also known as male condoms, are barrier methods that are used by the insertive partner during sex. They are the most common barrier method in use today. They can be used to prevent both pregnancy during male-female intercourse and the spread of STIs between any partners during anal, oral, or vaginal intercourse. They’re available in a variety of sizes, shapes, textures, materials, and also flavors for oral sex.

How do you use an Insertive Condom?

Insertive condoms are rolled over what is being inserted, such as a penis, toy, or fingers. It is important to know how to properly use insertive condoms, because not properly using them can lead to failure, increasing the chances of unplanned pregnancy or the spread of STIs.

There are three steps to follow before opening a condom:

  1. Wash your hands (oils—such as those found in lotion, pizza, and naturally on skin—degrade condoms).
  2. Check the expiration date.
  3. Feel for the air bubble in the package to ensure that the condom isn’t compromised.

Once you’ve done that, you can open the package (be careful not to tear the condom and practice if you plan on using your teeth).

To put on the condom, first make sure to do the thumb test. Condoms can only go on one way and there is an easy trick to make sure you put it on the right way the first time. To do the test, place the condom over both of your thumbs and try rolling the condom down over them. If it can go all the way down the thumb, it’s the right way; if not, then you just need to turn the condom inside-out. If you do happen to put it on the insertive object the wrong way, make sure to get a new condom and start over.

Once this is complete, begin rolling the condom onto the penetrative object. Make sure to leave room for fluids to collect inside the condom by pinching the tip while you roll it on. Leaving some extra room also decreases friction, lowering the chance of breakage.

Barrier Methods

If using a condom on a penis, make sure to pull out right away after ejaculation. If a penis goes flaccid before you pull out, the condom can slip off and expose you and your partner to unwanted fluids. Once out, turn away from your partner, slip the condom off, and throw it away. Condoms are one-time use only and should always be tossed in the garbage, as they will clog toilets.

Also, remember not to double bag: the increased friction between two condoms can increase the chance of breakage.

How Effective are Insertive Condoms at preventing Pregnancy and STI Transmission?

An insertive condom, when used properly, is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and fluid-spread STIs, such as chlamydia or HIV. However, they will be less effective at preventing contact-spread STIs, such as HPV or herpes, for which they are approximately 70% effective.

What are Insertive Condoms made of?

The most common material used for insertive condoms is latex. Other common materials include polyisoprene and polyurethane, which are safe for people with latex allergies.

It is important to remember that the material affects how you can use an insertive condom. Oils degrade latex and polyisoprene, increasing the probability of breakage. Therefore, make sure you are using a water- or silicone-based lube. Oil-based lubricants or massage oils can only be used with polyurethane condoms.

If you’re using insertive condoms with toys, it is also very important to consider what material the toy is made of. Many sex toys are made of silicone and cannot be used with silicone-based lubricants, as this will degrade the toy. Many condoms are pre-lubricated, so be sure to use condoms with water-based lubricants. There are also non-lubricated condoms available at the SOL office.

What is Hepatitis?

Posted on July 15, 2019 By tyronebattis
What is Hepatitis?
Safe Sex, STI

Hepatitis is the name for inflammation of the liver caused by several different viruses. The viruses are classified by letters of the alphabet – with types A, B, and C being the most common. Each of these viruses can be transmitted in a number of ways, some sexually. Hepatitis B and C viruses can cause inflammation of the liver, liver failure, liver cancer, and death. Hepatitis B is the most common cause of liver cancer in the world. Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) is the leading cause for liver transplants.

Why worry about Hepatitus?

HAV usually runs its course without treatment. Once infected, you cannot be re-infected. Both HBV and HCV can attack in acute or chronic forms. The acute forms resemble a bad illness that can last for a few weeks, up to a few months. If the illness turns chronic (long-lasting), both Hepatitis B and C can ultimately lead to liver failure and death

Hepatitis B infection in someone who is HIV+ is more likely to turn into chronic HBV. It is estimated that 5,000 people die each year in the United States due to complications of cirrhosis and liver cancer as a result of HBV.

How is Hepatitis spread?

HAV is highly contagious and is spread from person to person via contaminated food, water or stool. A person is most infectious in the two weeks after exposure, but before symptoms show up – which means people can spread the virus without even knowing they have it.

Poor hand washing and contaminated water supplies can easily transmit HAV, as well as many types of anal sex such as rimming, fisting, fingering, and anal intercourse. Contact with something that’s been in contact with the anus of an infected person can also transmit the virus. This means that sharing sex toys, kissing someone who’s been rimming, and sucking someone who’s just topped someone else can all be risky activities for transmitting HAV.

HBV is the most common sexually-transmitted type of viral hepatitis. People can be infected through anal and vaginal sex by sharing body fluids (blood, semen and vaginal fluids). It is possible, although rare, for Hepatitis B to be transmitted solely via oral sex. People who share or use needles with contaminated blood can be infected. Currently, blood transfusions are rarely the cause of HBV infections in the United States due to the improved screening of blood supplies. Although tattoo, body piercing, and acupuncture needles may transmit HBV, they account for only a small proportion of the total reported cases in the United States.

Hepatitis

People who share or use needles or injection drug equipment (works, cotton, cookers, spoons) contaminated with blood can be infected with HCV. Most cases of HCV in the general population today have been the result of blood transfusions in the past. Currently, proper screening for Hepatitis B and C is being done on all blood supplies in the United States.

The risk of transmission via oral and anal sex is unknown, but likely to be very low.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis?

Within all three types of hepatitis – A, B, C – the severity and type of symptoms vary greatly. Many people do not have symptoms at all. If you do have symptoms, they could include fatigue, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, light colored stool and/or fever.

In Hepatitis A, symptoms usually appear 2-6 weeks after infection. In Hepatitis B, symptoms usually appear 6 weeks to 6 months after exposure, if at all. Hepatitis C symptoms, if any, will show up 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure. Symptoms may be brief or last several weeks.

What is a Hepatitis test like?

Hepatitis is diagnosed via a blood test for hepatitis antibodies. HAV antibodies may be detected as early as the onset of symptoms. HBV usually takes between 3 weeks to 2 months to show up in the blood. The average time it takes for a person infected with Hepatitis C to develop antibodies is 8-9 weeks after exposure.

How is Hepatitis treated?

General treatment for all types of early hepatitis is bed rest and fluid intake. Fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration. Avoidance of alcohol is strongly encouraged to reduce further liver damage. Hepatitis A and acute forms of B and C will eventually run their course, although recovery may take several months.

Chronic HBV can be a fatal disease. There is no cure, although treatments are available to help stop virus replication. Interferon, an antiviral agent, has been 40 percent effective in eliminating chronic HBV infection. It is most effective for people who were infected as adults.

New prescription drugs are now also available including Lamivudine (Epivir) and Adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera). Talk to your health care provider for more information and to see whether they may be right for you.

HCV is treatable. New studies have shown that up to nearly 50% of people who undergo one year of therapy can be cured. Treatment will differ depending on the stage of illness at the time you seek treatment. Your health care provider can help you make the best decisions about your treatment based on your personal needs and health status.

What should I do if I have Hepatitis?

The most important thing is to avoid alcohol and other drugs like acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol and Vicodin) because it can further damage your liver. In general, you want to eat healthfully, get plenty of rest, and exercise moderately. You need to see your medical provider on a regular basis to work together on your treatment plan. Don’t take any new medications, including herbal or over-the-counter drugs, without talking to your provider first.

If you know you have HBV, you can protect others by using condoms during sexual activity.

If you know you have HCV, you can protect others by not donating blood, body organs, tissue or semen; covering any cuts or sores you have to prevent spreading infectious blood or secretions; not sharing personal hygiene items such as razors or toothbrushes and not sharing needles or any other works. Currently there are no recommendations for condom use with HCV infected partners, however there are many other reasons to use condoms regularly for sexual activity.

How can I avoid getting Hepatitis?

Effective vaccinations are available to protect you against Hepatitis A and B. Both are recommended for those at high-risk of infection including men who have sex with men and health workers. Currently there are no shots to protect you against Hepatitis C.

A new combination vaccine called Twinrix has been approved for protection from both HAV and HBV in people who are 18 and older. It reduces the total number of injections for vaccination from both viruses from five to three.

If you have not yet been vaccinated and you engage in anal sex activities, using condoms for intercourse and cut-up non-lubricated condoms, household plastic wrap or dams (square pieces of latex) for oral-anal sex can significantly reduce your risk of contracting hepatitis. In addition, wash your hands and sex toys as soon as possible after anal contact.

HPV

Posted on May 2, 2019 By tyronebattis
HPV
Safe Sex, Sex, STI

HPV is the virus that causes genital and anal warts, also sometimes called condyloma. It also causes cervical and anal cancer. There are over 100 types of HPV. The virus may cause wart-like bumps to form on the penis, in and around the vagina, on the cervix (opening to the uterus), and/or around the rectum. The virus is passed via skin-to-skin contact from one person to another during anal or vaginal sex. Warts caused by HPV are not the same warts commonly found on hands and feet, and one type of wart can not be passed from one body part (hands and feet) to another (genital area).

HPV is considered to be the most common STI in the U.S. People who have had unprotected sex with more than two partners in their lifetime have probably been exposed to the virus. It’s possible to have been exposed to the wart virus months or years before warts appear, or for symptoms never to appear at all after exposure.

Why worry about HPV?

There are many different types of HPV. Most are harmless – especially the ones which cause the external warts you can see. There are a few types, classified as high risk, which can cause changes in the cells of the cervix (opening to the uterus) or the cells of the anus and could lead to cancer. For this reason, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women have their first Pap smear at age 21 and continue over other year until age 30. Women age 30 and over who have had three consecutive negative Pap smears may be screened once every three years. Federal health officials are currently considering recommending yearly anal pap smears for sexually active gay and bisexual men.

HPV

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Not everyone who has the wart virus will have visible warts. Warts may appear as wart-like growths or may be flat and only slightly raised from the skin. They may be single or multiple, small or large. They tend to be flesh-colored or whitish in appearance. Warts usually do not cause itching or burning

Sometimes genital warts are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. This is sometimes called “subclinical HPV.” This means that a person may not even know he or she has the type or types of HPV that cause genital warts.

What is an HPV test like?

A complete examination for HPV includes taking a sexual history and examining any symptoms you might be having. Sometimes, warts can be very hard to see, even for a trained clinician. Also it can be hard to tell the difference between a wart and normal bumps on the genital area. Your medical provider may use a magnifying lens called a colposcope to see smaller warts. A biopsy is not necessary for diagnosing genital warts. This would only be done if the bump looks unusual or discolored.

Some medical providers put acetic acid (vinegar) on your genital area to check for warts. This would cause any warts present to turn white, making them easier to see, especially if they are viewed through a colposcope. However, the vinegar can sometimes cause normal bumps to be highlighted, so this method of diagnosis is not exact.

There are no blood tests available to diagnose HPV.

How is HPV treated?

Currently, there is no treatment to cure HPV. If you have it, it may live in your body forever. Treating the warts may help reduce the risk of transmission to a partner who has never been exposed to the types of HPV you are carrying.

There are several treatment options available for removing warts. The goal of any treatment should be to get rid of annoying symptoms. No one treatment is best for all cases. When choosing what treatment to use, your health care provider will consider the size, location and number of warts, changes in the warts, your preference, cost of treatment, convenience, adverse effects, and their own experience with the treatments. Some treatments are done in a clinic or doctor’s office; others are prescription creams that can be used at home.

Treatments done in the doctor’s office include:

  • Cryotherapy: Freezing off the wart with liquid nitrogen.
  • Podophyllin: A chemical compound to get rid of the warts. This is an older treatment and is not widely used today.
  • TCA (trichloracetic acid): Another chemical compound applied to the surface of the wart.
  • Cutting off warts: This has the advantage of getting rid of warts in a single office visit.
  • Electrocautery: Burning off warts with an electrical current.
  • Laser therapy: Using an intense light to destroy warts. This is used for larger or extensive warts, especially those that have not responded well to other treatments. Laser can be very expensive and is not available in all providers’ offices.

At-home creams available by doctor’s prescription:

  • Imiquimod cream (Aldara): A self-applied treatment for external genital warts. Although expensive, it is safe, effective and easy to use. Aldara boosts the immune system to fight HPV.
  • Podofilox cream or gel (Condylox): A self-applied treatment that destroys the tissue of external genital warts. It is inexpensive, easy to use and safe. The treatment period is about four weeks.

Over-the-counter wart treatments should not be used in the genital area. They will not be effective.

What should I do if I have HPV?

Some people have only one outbreak of warts, while others have recurrences over time. Genital warts are most likely to be transmitted to your sex partners when the warts are actually present, but sometimes warts are too small to see with the naked eye. Very little is known about passing subclinical HPV to sex partners.

How do I avoid getting HPV?

Abstinence is the only way to completely avoid getting HPV and other STIs. If you’re sexually active, using condoms consistently and correctly for anal and vaginal sex is your best bet for staying sexually healthy. However, using condoms will only reduce your risk of getting warts from an infected partner because the wart virus can be on the skin near the vagina, rectum or penis – areas not always protected by a latex condom. Some data suggest condoms reduce the risk of cervical cancer in women who have certain types of HPV. Also, condoms can reduce the risk of recurrent HPV in those who already have the virus.

What is Herpes?

Posted on April 8, 2019 By tyronebattis
What is Herpes?
Safe Sex, Sex, STI

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by two herpes simplex viruses (HSV type I and type II). Herpes is transmitted from person to person via direct skin-to-skin contact during unprotected oral, anal and vaginal sex. HSV I usually causes fever blisters and cold sores on the mouth, but can also cause sores on the genitals. HSV II usually causes sores on the genitals (vagina, penis, anus) and the skin around those areas but is not usually transmitted to the mouth area. IN college students, most genital herpes is actually caused by HSV-I, transmitted during unprotected oral sex. HSV is different from other common viral infections because once it is introduced into your system, it lives there forever, often with periodic symptoms or without symptoms at all.

Why worry about Herpes?

Genital herpes is seldom a severe or dangerous infection by itself, although it can cause psychological distress because of the nature of the sores and the length of time the virus stays in your system.

The open sores of herpes do play a role in the spread of HIV. A person with a herpes sore is three to five times more likely to acquire HIV if exposed to an HIV-positive sex partner. Also, people with HIV and herpes have an increased amount of HIV fluid in their open herpes sores, which increases the risk of transmitting both diseases to a partner during unprotected sex.

Pregnant women who have a first episode of genital herpes near delivery may transmit herpes to their infant, which could be a serious, even deadly, problem. Fortunately, infection of infants is rare among women with recurrent genital herpes.

Herpes

What are the symptoms of Herpes?

Many people have genital herpes but don’t know it because they have no symptoms. Others have very mild symptoms. For people who do have symptoms, who are symptomatic, the first outbreak is usually the worst. It lasts the longest, is most severe and often very uncomfortable. The initial sores can last five to ten days, first “weeping”, then scabbing over, then healing. In addition to blisters or open sores, a person may have swollen glands, fever, and body aches. Women tend to have more severe symptoms than men.

Genital recurrences after the first outbreak seem to be linked to stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, menstruation, and genital friction (new sexual partner after a time of no sex), although more research is definitely needed about this subject. Usually recurrences are more frequent in the first year after the initial outbreak. Some people have tingling or itching at the site of the sores before they appear, which can help them prepare for an upcoming outbreak. For some people, the recurrences are so mild that they have been mistaken for jock itch, razor burns, insect bites, ingrown hairs, and the like. Outbreaks can appear in different locations over time.

What is a Herpes test like?

Even experienced clinicians cannot reliably diagnose an initial herpes outbreak by its appearance alone. There are good viral culture tests available that can tell if herpes is present and which type (HSV I or HSV II). These tests use fluid from an open sore and are most accurate during initial outbreaks and when blisters are present.

There are several new blood tests that are very accurate for diagnosis. These tests also distinguish type (HSV I or HSV II). Speak to your medical provider about these tests if you’re interested.

How is Herpes treated?

There is no cure for herpes. However there are currently three FDA-approved antiviral medications available to treat herpes: Zovirax (acyclovir), Famvir (famciclovir) and Valtrex (valacyclovir). Using medication to treat genital herpes can help speed the healing process of an outbreak or be used as a preventative (when taken daily) to help reduce the frequency of future outbreaks.

Valtrex has also been proven effective when taken daily to reduce the risk of herpes transmission to sex partners. The most common short-term side effects of these drugs are nausea and headaches. Thus far, no long-term side effects have been found.

What should I do if I have Herpes?

In order to reduce outbreaks, keep your stress levels low, eat well, exercise regularly and get lots of rest. Learn to recognize the symptoms that occur during the period before the lesions appear. People often describe a tingling or burning feeling during this time. Taking medications in this time period before an outbreak can abort or reduce its duration. In order to avoid transmission of the virus to your sex partners, we advise discussing your herpes diagnosis with a prospective partner before you have sex. A potential partner would need to understand that it’s possible for him or her to become infected even if you’re using condoms since not all affected areas can be covered by a condom. Most good relationships can weather the news. Your partner may want to gather information and take some time to adjust to the fact that you have herpes. If you’re in a serious, long-term relationship, your partner might want to test for herpes as he or she might already be infected, but without symptoms.

How do I avoid getting Herpes?

Condoms provides some, but not complete, protection against transmission of the herpes virus. If you or your partner has herpes, abstain from sexual activities when sores are present. Communication is a wonderful tool to help you and your partner(s) make decisions about what’s right for each of you at any given time. However, be aware that herpes can be transmitted to a partner even when there isn’t a current outbreak.

Receptive Condoms

Posted on September 14, 2018 By tyronebattis
Receptive Condoms
Condoms, Safe Sex

What Are Receptive Condoms?

Receptive condoms, also known as female condoms, are a barrier method used by the receptive partner during sex. They can be used to prevent both pregnancy during male-female intercourse and the spread of STIs between partners during anal or vaginal intercourse.

How do you use a Receptive Condom?

Receptive condoms are inserted into the vagina or the anus of the receptive partner during intercourse. It is important to know how to properly use receptive condoms, because not properly using them can lead to failure, increasing the chances of unplanned pregnancy or the spread of STIs.

There are three steps to follow before opening a condom:

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Check the expiration date.
  3. Feel for the air bubble in the package to ensure the condom isn’t compromised.

Receptive Condoms

Once this is complete the receptive condom can be inserted into the vagina or anus. Receptive condoms include a ring on the inside for vaginal use. This holds the condom in place against the cervix. To insert into the vagina, twist the ring into a figure-eight and begin feeding it into the vagina. Once inserted, there will be material left outside of the vagina, covering the vulva. To use anally, the ring should be removed. After this, the condom can be inserted into the anus using a finger or two to feed it in. Some material will remain outside the anus covering the area around it.

There are some things to consider when using a receptive condom. One is that you should “shoot for the hoop.” Make sure the penetrative object is being inserted into the opening of the condom. If it goes outside the opening of the condom, that defeats the purpose of using a barrier method in the first place. Also, if the condom is being used anally, but also vaginally, make sure it is not being pushed to far into the anus or vagina to the point at which it either needs to be fished out or fluids are able to escape the condom.

Once you’re done, the condom can be removed by twisting the material left outside the vagina or the anus so that fluids inside the condom cannot escape, after which is can be slowly pulled out and thrown away. Receptive condoms are one-time use only and should be thrown in the garbage. They will clog a toilet.

Also, remember not to double bag: the increased friction between two condoms, even between an insertive and receptive condom, can increase the chance of breakage.

How Effective are Insertive Condoms at preventing Pregnancy and STI Transmission?

A receptive condom, when used properly, is 95% effective at preventing pregnancy or fluid-spread STIs such as chlamydia or HIV. However, they will be less effective at preventing contact-spread STIs such as HPV or herpes. Usually, then they are only about 70% percent effective, but in theory they will be slightly more effective at preventing contact-spread STIs than insertive condoms because of the additional material covering the vulva and area around the anus.

What are Receptive Condoms made of?

The only brand of receptive condom available at Sex Out Loud (FC2 Female Condom) is made of polyurethane. It can be used by people who have a latex allergy, and is actually safe to use with oil-based lubricants.

Latex Golves

Posted on August 11, 2018 By tyronebattis
Latex Golves
Condoms, Sex

What Are Latex Gloves?

Well, latex gloves are exactly what they sound like: they’re much like the ones you would find at the doctor or dentist’s office.

How do you use Latex Gloves?

Latex gloves can be used for a variety of things. They can be used for any form of manual sex, including fingering or fisting. They’re especially good if one partner has a cut or open sore on their hands or fingers, but would like to finger or fist without exchanging bodily fluids. In addition to that they can be used during kink play that may include exposure to bodily fluids that can transmit STIs. Finally, they can be used as a “do-it-yourself” sex dam. Simply cut the fingers off (not the thumb) and cut it along the side and you get a sheet of latex similar to a normal sex dam. They thumb will even create a little pouch that can be used to integrate food into your play; you can make a game of eating any sort of food (such as honey or chocolate sauce) out of the pouch.

Latex Golves

How Effective are Latex Gloves at Preventing STI Transmission?

A latex glove will be 98% effective at preventing fluid-spread STIs and contact-spread STIs.

What are Latex Gloves made of?

The gloves provided by Sex Out Loud are all latex, however non-latex gloves are available in materials such as nitrile, vinyl, and neoprene.

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