STD Testing Blog

Major Sexual Health Moments of 2011

January 20th, 2012

As 2011 comes to a close, the Sun Sentinel, a Florida news source, published an article looking back on some of the moments in sexual health this year. As it turns out, 2011 was an important year for sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention. For example, the journal Science named the discovery of the fact that HIV drugs may not only effectively control the disease, but can also reduce a person’s chance of spreading it, the biggest scientific breatkthrough of the year.

The first sexual health event that the news source pointed out was Columbia University being named by the Trojan condom company as the school with the best sexual health resources for its students for the second year in a row. This is due to the fact that students can easily gain access to contraceptives on campus, and have access to the interactive website “Go Ask Alice,” which allows students to anonymously ask sexual health questions.

Other important advancements made this year included the comprehensive study conducted by Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion. The results of its research, such as the fact that only 1 out of 4 acts of vaginal intercourse involve a condom, have lead to the development of more programs to promote safer sex.

“These data about sexual behaviors and condom use in contemporary America are critically needed by medical and public health professionals who are on the front lines addressing issues such as HIV, sexually transmissible infections, and unintended pregnancy,” said Michael Reece, director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion.

Finally, the Sentinel said that the biggest event in sexual health this year was the world population reaching 7 billion people. This milestone led to greater discussion about safer sex and reproductive education.

Here is a link to the full article.

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A doctor’s guide to understanding chlamydia

November 7th, 2011

How early detection and treatment reduce the risk of complications

by Medical Director Lisa Oldson, MD

Did you know that as recently as 5 to 10 years ago, I tested patients for chlamydia by inserting a long, thin Q-Tip into the penis for men, and into the cervix for women? For most men, that exam was seriously painful…and it was definitely uncomfortable for women, too.

Chlamydia testing has come a long way since then, and now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual chlamydia screenings for all sexually active adolescents and women age 25 and under. Why? Because, in the United States, there are approximately 2.8 million new chlamydia infections every year, most often diagnosed in young women and women of color.

Most patients have no symptoms with a chlamydia infection…which is why getting tested for chlamydia is so important. Those who do report symptoms of chlamydia infection may experience a discharge from the vagina or penis, burning with urination, pelvic discomfort or bleeding during sex.

Our team of sexual health counselors field questions on a daily basis about the “accuracy” of our tests. They understand that there isn’t a single figure to define accuracy…rather, we define accuracy in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

For example, the chlamydia test we offer is a urine test that’s called the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). Recommended by the CDC, this test is extremely specific…which means that, if it says you have chlamydia, you almost certainly have it. The test is 98.5% specific for men and 98.9% specific for women.

Sensitivity of the test is a bit lower, however, meaning that it picks up chlamydia in 94.7% of women and 97.7% of men who are infected. That said, the NAAT is highly effective and there’s no better, non-invasive chlamydia test available today.

If you get tested for chlamydia and it turns out that you’re positive, I have good news for you: chlamydia is curable.

If a chlamydia infection goes untreated, however, there’s a risk of complications. For example, some women develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a potentially serious infection of the female reproductive system. And, according to the CDC, PID causes up to 10-15% of these women to become infertile.

What about men and chlamydia? Although men are less likely to develop complications, epididymitis (an infection of the tubes that carry sperm from the testes) or prostatitis (an infection of the prostate gland) are possible complications from an untreated chlamydia infection.

The takeaway? The sooner you get tested for chlamydia ⎼ and treated, if necessary ⎼ the better. Do you know your STD status? If not, perhaps you’ll allow me to lead you through this quick and easy STD Test Recommender to help you decide if testing for chlamydia or other STDs makes sense for you.

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Hook ups…do they happen as often as you think?

October 17th, 2011

by Stephanie Brooks, Health Writer

College students talk a big game ⎼ but do they actually have as many hook-ups as they say? A new study in the August 2011 edition of Health Communication says no, they don’t.

In the study, researchers looked at the way college students talk about sex ⎼ especially casual sex or hooking up ⎼ and what that means for the way their classmates think about sex.

So, what did the researchers find?

While college students talk the talk, it seems that they don’t walk the walk…at least as much as they say. According to the study, students tended to have fewer casual sex encounters than their discussions indicated.

But there’s an extra note of caution here, too. The types of sex college students were most likely to talk about were high-risk situations, like having unplanned and drunken sex with someone they didn’t know. And talking about that kind of sex made their friends more likely to perceive high-risk sex as normal.

That’s a problem.

When people think high-risk sex is normal, they’re more likely to go for it. And, unfortunately, people who have drunken sex with strangers are more likely to catch an STD or have an unintended pregnancy.

To prevent STDs and unintended pregnancy, it’s important to use condoms. And it also helps to know the STD status of your sexual partner. Better yet, couples can get tested for STDs together before they have sex (including oral and anal sex, too). Remember, STDs don’t always caused obvious symptoms…testing is the only way to know if you or a potential sex partner has an STD.

So the next time you hear about a hook-up…take it with a grain of salt. And if you’re sexually active, take control of your sexual health by using protection and getting tested for STDs.

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Sex in the golden years

September 18th, 2011

Seniors enjoy sex, but lack knowledge of STD testing

by Ritter Rudesind, Care Advisor

A lot of people agree on the importance of educating young people about safer sex. We have sex education in schools, Public Service Announcements on TV and radio stations, and other forms of outreach aimed at young people to help them be responsible and protect their sexual health.

So why is it that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 24% of HIV positive people are 50 years or older? Not to mention, the CDC expects that percentage to double by 2015. That’s why today’s National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day is so important…to help shed light on this public health challenge and how to help prevent it.

What are some contributing causes of the rising number of HIV infections among older generations?

Age-based profiling

It turns out that many physicians don’t test older patients for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and many don’t even ask their older patients about their sex lives or intravenous drug use. According to Dr. Stacey Lindau, an Ob/Gyn at the University of Chicago, “Removing age-based profiling with respect to STD screenings is a good idea”…and a good first step in reversing the trend of new HIV infections among Boomers and older.

Lack of outreach and information

Many people in their 50s and above never had sex ed in their youth or adolescence, so they lack the knowledge that younger generations take for granted. When it comes to why and how to use condoms, and the importance of regular STD screenings and not sharing drug needles…some older folks just don’t know all the facts.

Seniors are living longer…and enjoying sex in their golden years

The good news is that people 50 and older are living longer, healthier, more socially active lives than ever before. They’re taking care of their bodies and continuing to enjoy sex…but they’re less likely to talk about sex and STDs with their partners, friends and doctors like a lot of younger people do.

So, if you’re 50-plus…remember that taking care of your sexual health is a critical part of taking care of your overall health (and your partner’s health). In other words, it’s important to take control of your sexual well-being at any age…we encourage you to talk to your doctor about HIV and STD testing, and your options for safer sex as you get older.

Related info:

The Basics About STDs

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FDA cracks down on phony STD treatments

September 6th, 2011

by Courtney Jones, Care Advisor

Let’s face it: we’re a society with seemingly infinite information at our fingertips. With a mouse-click, we can access Wikipedia articles and YouTube videos on just about any topic…posted by just about anyone who thinks of themselves as an expert.

But some things are best left to professionals…like getting tested and treated for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

That’s why, earlier this year, the FDA cracked down on 11 companies selling unevaluated cures and treatments for STDs. The FDA stepped in because STD treatments require a prescription from a real doctor. Without it, people could be putting themselves and others at risk.

Direct and to the point, the FDA summed up their efforts this way: “there are no over-the-counter or online drugs or dietary supplements available to treat or prevent STDs.”

Why is this reminder from the FDA important to you? I know that when I’m in pain or worried about my health, I want an answer yesterday. And I wish I could find a quick fix for my problem online…without needing to talk to a doctor. But that would be putting my health at risk.

Because when it comes to health, there’s no substitute for a doctor’s diagnosis.

That said, we understand that it can be feel uncomfortable to talk to your primary care doc about your private sex life…and the possibility of STDs. That’s why, if you test positive for an STD, we offer you a free and confidential phone consultation with one of our physicians.

I’m a Care Advisor here…and I’m human, just like you. And if you call me or another of our STD-certified advisors, there’s no need to be uncomfortable or embarrassed. We’re just here to listen to your situation, and we’re trained to provide you the answers you need for your peace of mind.

We’ll help you decide if STD testing makes sense for you. And if you test positive for an STD, we’ll make sure you’re connected to a real doctor to discuss your treatment options…and in a lot of cases, our docs can prescribe the treatment you need.

Remember, all common STDs are treatable and manageable…and some are even curable. Just be careful to heed the FDA, and don’t be tempted by any potentially bogus cures or treatments found online.

Related info:

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New treatments offer hope for people with hepatitis C

July 28th, 2011

by Courtney Jones, Care Advisor

When it comes to STDs, there are some that everyone knows about…and some that are lesser known.

Hepatitis C can be transmitted through sexual contact, but also through exposure to the blood of an infected person: for example, unsterilized tattoo needles, razorblades, blood transfusions, IV drugs…even toothbrushes. So a lot of people don’t think of hepatitis C as an STD, but they should.

Hepatitis C kills almost 10,000 people every year in the United States alone, causing liver cancer or other severe liver damage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further estimate that about 3.2 million people have hepatitis C in the United States…but they don’t know it. Interestingly, an estimated two-thirds of hep C carriers are so-called Baby Boomers.

Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band recently spoke out about his battle with hepatitis C. Like most people with the virus, he didn’t find out that he had the infection until decades after he’d contracted it from an unsterilized tattoo needle. Following 30 years’ damage to his body and ineffective interferon treatments, Allman needed a liver transplant to keep fighting the disease.

Two decades ago when hepatitis C was first discovered, Allman’s circumstances would likely have been fatal. While interferon treatments can suppress hep C symptoms, it wasn’t until recently that a cure for hep C (in up to 21% of hep C cases) was known. With celebrity figures like Allman speaking up and taking action to fight the virus, and given the thousands of people with liver damage in need of transplants, the medical community was hard-pressed to find a solution…and find a solution they did in the form of new medical advancements that bring new hope for a cure.

In the last few months, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved two new drugs – Incivek (telaprevir) and Victrelis (boceprevir) – to help treat and cure hepatitis C. Either one, in combination with the two standard treatment drugs (peginterferon and ribavirin), has shown a cure probability of 70% in half the time (24 weeks) of the original therapies. A recent article in The New England Journal of Medicine also notes the effectiveness of the new treatments in cases where previous therapies have failed.

If you’ve never been screened for hepatitis C…testing online is one way to do it, ensuring a quick, painless and reliable process. Especially when the virus is caught early, the new treatments are likely to cure the infection.

Of course, preventing a hepatitis C infection in the first place is the best option for your health. So if you’re sexually active – especially if you’re not in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone whose STD status you know – annual testing and safer sex practices go along way to avoid spreading infections.

And if you’re wondering about your hepatitis C risk, check out our interactive Test Recommender. Lisa Oldson, MD, will help guide you through a set of easy questions to determine your risk and whether you should consider testing.

And remember, we’re available 7 days a week to answer your questions and help you choose which tests are right for you.

So don’t be a statistic…be smart, know your STD status, and help eradicate hepatitis C!

Related info:

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Managing your sexual health: think of it as an oil change

July 14th, 2011

by Courtney Jones, Care Advisor

There are lots of things we do on a schedule….we go to work, pay our bills, and change the oil in our cars. If you’re sexually active – especially if you have multiple partners or if you take other sexual risks – you might want to add regular STD testing (every six months to a year) to your list of to-do’s.

It’s standard practice to get an oil change for your car every 3 months or every 3,000 miles. Without it, you can burn out your engine and seriously damage your car. So, why do a lot of people seem to value their car’s health more than their own sexual health?

Sure, you might be feeling fine. And maybe you haven’t noticed anything unusual. But remember: many of STDs don’t show any symptoms. So you’re not necessarily infection-free, just because you’re not experiencing any signs or symptoms of disease for a long time.

Why is it important to get tested for STDs regularly? Well, if you’re sexually active and not in a mutually monogamous relationship in which you know each other’s STD status, getting tested for common STDs on a schedule is the only way to stay on top of your sexual health.

And if it turns out that you do test positive for an infection, early detection is key. Why? Because if an STD is left unchecked for years, it can eventually result in serious damage to your body…including pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID), cancer, infertility and other health conditions.

If you’re a woman…
Hopefully you’re seeing your gynecologist once a year for a Pap test and pelvic exam. But that annual check-up doesn’t automatically include STD testing. We encourage you to be proactive about including STD testing in your routine health maintenance plan.

And if you’re a man…remember, ”annuals” aren’t just for girls! In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend annual screening for HIV for anyone (ages 13-64) who is sexually active, and has had one or more partners since their last test. If you have questions about what tests are right for you, the Test Recommender on our site is a great starting point.

As a Care Adviser, I talk to people all the time in their 30s and 40s who have never been tested…even though they’ve had multiple sexual partners. While it’s never too late to start taking care of your health, you’re potentially risking your health (and that of your partner or partners) the longer you wait to get tested.

Ideally, if you test positive for a sexually transmitted infection, you can nip it in the bud early…with proper treatment, if needed. And you can share your diagnosis with any affected past or current partners so they can get tested and treated, too.

A lot of people are scared when they call us to get tested…but don’t be. People are often worried about what their results might be, or they’re concerned about how a partner might react to their test results, or they think they’ll have to strip down and go through a painful procedure to get tested.

But our testing service is quick, painless and compassionate. Our doctors have chosen the most reliable and convenient tests for you…no dreaded “swabbing” required! And if you test positive, remember that all STDs are treatable, and some are curable. One of our doctors will walk you through your test results and next steps, and even prescribe treatment in some cases.

Finally, if you’re getting tested for the first time, and you’re confused or overwhelmed about your testing options, call us toll-free at 888.398.5393. We’re standing by 7 days a week to take your call, listen to your circumstances, and help you choose the right test or tests for you.

Think of STD testing as a tune-up…for your health!

Related info:
CDC: STD Fact Sheets

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Condoms…for women?

July 4th, 2011

by Emily Gangwer, Care Advisor

When I was first asked to write about female condoms, I realized I knew absolutely nothing about them. Turns out, I wasn’t alone.

Asking around, I was surprised that most 20-something women don’t even know that female condoms exist. But they’ve been around awhile. The original version of the female condom (FC) was introduced in the 90s…and in 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the FC2, a new, more comfortable version of the female condom.

How does the FC2 work?
The FC2 is a thin sheath or pouch that’s inserted into the vagina. At each end of the sheath, there’s a ring. One ring keeps the condom in place inside the vagina, while the other – outside, at the entrance of the vagina – helps “guide” penetration and keep the sheath from being moved up into the vagina during intercourse.

What’s in it for you?
When used correctly, the FC2 helps prevent pregnancy and most sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. And according to AVERT, an international HIV/AIDS prevention group, female condoms like FC2 allow women to share the responsibility for safer sex with their partner(s).

Carole Brite, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, puts it this way:
“The female condom is one of the only forms of barrier contraception that allows women to be in control over their own sexual health…allowing them protection against unwanted pregnancies as, well as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. It is a vital tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”

Indeed, with women accounting for more than half of HIV cases worldwide, HIV prevention initiatives for women are still desperately needed. The female condom is the only female-initiated HIV prevention method currently available, empowering women to protect themselves from the virus that causes AIDS.

Where can you buy the FC2?
Recently, 400 Walgreens locations across the country stocked their shelves with FC2s. The cost of a pack of three condoms ranges from $5.99 to $7.99. You can also purchase female condoms at Walgreens.com.

“Limited access to female condoms has long been a barrier. [We] commend Walgreens for making a business decision that will help women and men across the U.S. access the prevention tools they need to stay healthy,” says Jessica Terlikowski, co-founder and chair of the Chicago Female Condom Campaign. “We urge other commercial pharmacies to follow Walgreens’ commitment to reduce new HIV and STD infections, and make the new female condom available in their stores.”

Here’s hoping that the FC2 will soon be as mainstream and commonly-used as the male condom because, well…why not? It is time to take control, ladies!

Learn more about female condoms…
…and how to connect with efforts in Chicago, Houston, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, DC:

More information:

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What’s new in HIV testing and prevention?

June 27th, 2011

by Lisa Oldson, MD, Medical Director

There’s always something new in the world of HIV research…and in recognition of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, I’d like to tell you about a fascinating new study that was recently published about HIV screening for MSM (men who have sex with men).

The research project began three years ago when the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System interviewed and tested more than 7,000 men for HIV…in the year prior to the study, 61% of those men had tested negative for HIV, and the remaining participants had not been tested at all. Based on their interview responses, participants were divided into groups depending on whether or not they participated in high-risk sexual behaviors (e.g., MSM who have multiple or anonymous sex partners, sexual activity in conjunction with illicit drug use, etc.).

It was found that 7% of those who reported high-risk sexual behaviors were HIV positive, while 8% of those who practiced safer sex were also HIV positive. What does that tell us?

Well, until now, we thought that high-risk sexual behaviors correlate to a higher risk of becoming HIV positive…which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people who participate in risky behaviors get screened for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections more frequently (every 3 to 6 months) than those who don’t.

But the current research shows us that MSM who engage in risky sexual behaviors are at the same risk of contracting HIV as those who play it safe…and that more frequent testing may be a good idea for all sexually active MSM, regardless of the sexual behaviors.

A significant number of participants in the study were found to be HIV positive…even those who had tested negative within the past 12 months. So it follows that, by being tested more often, MSM can reduce the time from HIV infection to diagnosis, which helps reduce overall transmission of the virus.

What’s the bottom line? Although this study hasn’t led to a change in the CDC’s current guidelines just yet, it conveys a very important message: all MSM can benefit from being tested for HIV more frequently, even those who do not engage in risky sexual behaviors.

What’s new in HIV prevention?
It turns out that Truvada, a drug approved in 2004 as part of a multidrug regimen to treat HIV, may also be effective in preventing HIV infection in high-risk populations. A recent study by Dr. Robert Grant of the Gladstone Institutes of Virology and Immunology showed that – when taken as instructed – daily use of Truvada alone stopped HIV in over 70% of cases.

Asa  a result, the CDC issued new guidelines stating that Truvada should be prescribed to men who are at a high risk of contracting HIV. While this is exciting news, Truvada costs about $13,000 a year…which leaves condoms as the #1 way to help prevent HIV.

HIV remains a serious public health challenge. The CDC reports that there are 1.1 million Americans living with HIV and as many as 21% don’t know they’re are infected. Let’s work together to improve those statistics…use condoms and, if you think you might have been exposed to HIV, don’t delay testing. Because the earlier HIV is diagnosed, the better it can be treated and managed.

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Be a star in the fight against AIDS!

June 6th, 2011

by Courtney Jones, Care Advisor

We hear about HIV a lot, and in lots of different ways: know your risks, protect yourself, get tested, and so on. And for good reason. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS – a chronic, often life-threatening condition.

But we rarely hear about the significant strides in the fight against AIDS, and that not everyone who’s HIV-positive has AIDS…in fact, some people with HIV never develop signs or symptoms of the disease.

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mark 30 years of HIV/AIDS awareness this month, celebrities around the world are lending their star power to give voice to pioneering efforts in AIDS research.

In the 80s, when the general public knew very little about HIV, people were terrified that even a handshake could spread the virus. So in one AIDS awareness campaign, the late Princess Diana posed with an HIV-positive man, holding his hand…the result was a greater understanding about how HIV is – and isn’t – transmitted. Other celebrities, like Latoya Jackson and her late brother Michael, are long-time AIDS activists, and campaigns like (RED) and the HBO documentary film “The Lazarus Effect” drive home the life-restoring effects of ever-improving treatments for people with HIV.

Multimedia blitzes and star-studded efforts like these are helping people realize that being HIV-positive isn’t a death sentence…and that highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can help manage and suppress the virus, reducing and slowing its damage on the body.  Multi-drug regimens can keep HIV at bay for decades, paving the way for a good quality of life for a long time.

In the latest celebrity video featuring Bono, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Jane Lynch and many other favorite personalities, we’re reminded that – while 40 cents a day doesn’t buy much – it can get you the meds you need to effectively manage HIV. Endorsements like these help bring to the forefront how far pharmaceutical technology has come.

For example, researchers have made amazing progress with a vaccine for SIV, an HIV-related virus that’s found only in monkeys. Strong results in treating SIV are advancing HIV research. And anti-HIV drugs are showing promise in preventing HIV transmission in couples where one person is already positive for the virus. Plus, we’ve known for a while now that anti-HIV meds can dramatically reduce the risk of HIV transmission from pregnant women to their babies.

An HIV vaccine would have a monumental impact on the global HIV pandemic…and it’s not a pipe dream. Think about it: once upon a time, the measles, polio and chicken pox struck terror into the hearts of parents…but now, vaccines exist to ward off these conditions before they have a chance to develop. Hopefully someday soon, the same will be true for HIV.

In the meantime, there’s reason for hope. And now it’s your turn to be a star…take charge of your health and get tested for HIV and other STDs if you think might have been exposed. The sooner you know your STD status, the sooner you can get treated, if necessary. Early detection is key to your sexual well-being and overall health.

Related info:

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