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.

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.

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:

• FDA Consumer Update: STD Treatments That Don’t Work
• National Public Radio: Feds Crack Down on “Bogus” STD Remedies
• Washington Post: FDA Cracks Down on Unproven STD Treatments

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

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.

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:

• Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise
• WHO-UNAIDS HIV Vaccine Initiative

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month, and for good reason: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, viral hepatitis A, B and C infections all affect the liver and are a leading cause of cancer. About 4.4. million Americans have hepatitis, but many don’t even know they’re infected. And with an estimated 80,000 new hepatitis cases every year, hepatitis awareness isn’t to be taken lightly.

The good news is that hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are all preventable. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from catching or spreading hepatitis.

The ABCs of viral hepatitis

• Hepatitis A is the least threatening of the three hepatitis strains and it doesn’t necessarily require treatment. Risk factors for hepatitis A include ingesting contaminated food, water or feces, or close contact with someone who’s already infected. There’s also a chance that the virus can be spread through anal or oral sex if one partner has hepatitis A.

The best way to protect yourself from hepatitis A is to practice good hygiene (wash your hands often!) and properly clean all foods. If you do get hepatitis A, the infection can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months…but your body will eventually clear the virus on its own.

• Hepatitis B is more serious…about 5,000 Americans die every year from hepatitis B and complications from the virus, including liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). Risk factors for hepatitis B include unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex where you might come in contact with the semen, blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. Intravenous drug users who share needles with someone who’s infected can also get hepatitis B, and you should avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes with someone who’s infected or might be infected.

How else can you protect yourself? Practice safer sex! Using condoms and dental dams can help protect you and your partner from spreading hepatitis B.

The tricky thing about hepatitis B is that signs and symptoms of the virus can take up to 30 years to develop. So the only way to know if you’re infected is to get tested. And if you know you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B, call your doctor or go to the ER immediately. An injection of hepatitis B immune globulin within 24 hours of exposure might prevent you from actually developing the disease. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommend for newborns, children who have not been vaccinated and people of any age who are at risk for hepatitis B infection. Antiviral medications can also help fight the virus and slow its damage to your liver.

• What about Hepatitis C? This strain of hepatitis is primary transmitted through direct contact with the blood of an infected person (including blood transfusions). Like hepatitis B, there’s also a risk of hepatitis C transmission through unprotected sex, or sharing needles, syringes, razorblades and toothbrushes with someone who’s infected. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there’s no vaccination for hepatitis C.

If you have hepatitis C, your body might rid itself of the virus on its own; but most people will develop a chronic (long-term) infection, which can lead to serious health issues. That’s why getting tested, treated and managing hepatitis C is so important.

So while you’re smelling the flowers, swatting at bees and avoiding pollen this Spring, also take time to tune in to your health. Be aware of hepatitis risks…and remember to practice good hygiene and safer sex, and get tested for hepatitis and other STDs regularly.

Learn more about hepatitis:

• Hepatitis B Foundation
• American Liver Foundation

Sex is a constant influence in media, in politics and in our personal lives. Unfortunately, good information about STDs and sexual health isn’t as prevalent.

No matter who you are, if you don’t know the facts about STDs and STD risk factors, you’re probably living with a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety. Even actor Matthew Morrison – better known as Mr. Schu in the TV show “Glee” – said recently that he avoided sex when he was younger because of an irrational fear that any kind of sexual activity would result in an STD. Singer and songwriter Katy Perry also stated in an interview that her religious upbringing left her clueless about sex and STDs.

Being uninformed or misinformed about STDs leads to fear. So here are the basics of what you need to know to protect yourself and others from getting infected or spreading an infection:

1. Know your partner & communicate. With every new relationship, get tested for STDs. Give yourselves the peace of mind of knowing each other’s STD status. And don’t be afraid to share your concerns with each other…your sexual health is worth talking about!

Do you trust your sexual partner? Do you know if your partner has a history of STDs? Are you worried about whether your partner is having sex with other people? Ask away…you deserve to know.

2.  Use condoms & practice safer sex. You’ve seen the ads on buses and billboards: “No condom, no way.” Those ads are for real. Using latex condoms or dental dams every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex greatly lowers your risk of getting HIV or other STDs from someone who might be infected…or from spreading a sexually transmitted infection to others.

And use common sense: avoid contact with open cuts or sores.

Being smart about your sexual health also means understanding how STDs can’t be spread. For example, you can’t get HIV through everyday contact with people who are infected with the virus…or through contact with their urine, sweat, tears, coughs or sneezes. And you can’t get HIV by “dry” kissing an infected person…or from toilet seats or eating utensils.

STDs aren’t taboo like they used to be…so if you have questions, ask us and put your fears to rest. Our knowledgeable, STD-certified Care Advisors are just a call away: 866.660.2593 (toll-free).

It’s the month that ushers in Spring…and Spring flings. It signals new beginnings in nature and, oftentimes, in our love lives too. But before you embark on a new romance, be sure to know the facts about STDs and how to take care of your sexual health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate as many as 19 million new cases of STDs in the United States each year. So, to help focus public attention on STDs and sexual health, April has been declared STD Awareness Month.

While STDs cross racial and ethnic lines, African-Americans – especially women – are also disproportionately at risk for such common STDs as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. New data from the CDC also show that women in general are more likely to get herpes (HSV-2) than men.

But statistics aside, untreated STDs can eventually result in serious health problems…no matter who you are. So there’s no better time than now to get educated about STDs, get tested, and talk with your partner about STDs and what it means to have safer sex. And if you test positive for an STD, it’s vital to let your partner(s) know, so they can get tested, too.

Speaking of testing and talking – both are smart steps to take before you have a fling or start a new relationship. It takes just one sexual experience to get an STD, so it makes good sense to play it safe and give yourself peace of mind.

Put aside any embarrassment and insecurities you may be feeling, and make April the month for STD testing, talking and treatment (if necessary). If you don’t know you’re infected, you can’t get treated…and, as the CDC points out, all STDs are treatable and many are curable.

Related:
There are lots of STD awareness resources available for anyone wanting to get tested, or educate others about the importance of testing, STD prevention and safer sex practices.

Type 1 herpes (HSV-1) often causes cold sores or blisters around the mouth…most often around the border of the lips. When HSV-1 shows up on the mouth area, it’s referred to as oral herpes. In fact, many people get infected with HSV-1 during childhood through light mouth-to-mouth contact, such as an infected relative kissing you when you were young.

In other words, HSV-1 isn’t necessarily a sexually transmitted disease, but rather a disease that can be easily transmitted through skin-to-skin sor mouth-to-mouth contact…especially when sores or blisters are present. However, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes which is most commonly spread when someone who has HSV-1 on the mouth performs oral sex on his or her partner.

After an initial outbreak, HSV-1 genital herpes outbreaks tend to recur less frequently over time, compared to type 2 (HSV-2) genital herpes…but you might continue to have symptoms or flares intermittently. If you see any sores on your genitals, I urge you to see your regular doctor in order to confirm your herpes diagnosis and treatment plan (if any). Condoms can reduce your risk of spreading the virus to others, but it’s important to remember that herpes is also spread through skin-to-skin contact…a condom or dental dam only covers part of the genital area, so there’s still a risk of transmitting the virus.

According to the CDC, about one out of every six people have genital herpes, but most of them don’t know they’re infected because they either have mild symptoms or no symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get tested, so you know your status. If you test positive, you can take steps to avoid infecting others…and you’ll be able to avoid potentially serious complications from herpes down the road by getting proper treatment with antiviral medications, if needed.

Bottom line? While HSV-1 most commonly causes oral herpes and HSV-2 most commonly causes genital herpes, you can have either virus in either place (your genitals or your mouth area). I recommend type-specific testing if you’re worried that you may have been exposed to genital herpes.

Also, keep in mind that if you or your partner is pregnant, genital herpes can be harmful to the baby…especially in the last trimester. For that reason, be cautious about any activity that could lead to transmitting either HSV-1 or HSV-2 herpes during late pregnancy.

If you already have herpes and you’re pregnant, check with your regular doctor to be sure you’re doing everything possible to keep your baby safe. With open communication and a little planning, you and your baby should be fine.