Goodbye waiting rooms: How to get health care online
Too busy for a trip to see a health care provider, or live really far away from one? Using a telemedicine service (a.k.a. a “virtual visit” with a provider), you can skip the waiting room and communicate with a provider using your phone or computer—from home or any other private location. Although it doesn’t work […]
The 3-Month Itch: My battle with a recurring yeast infection
I sat on the toilet, ready to insert a clove of garlic into my vagina. A month earlier, the symptoms of a yeast infection had seemingly gone away after a 1-day suppository treatment. When I felt the symptoms coming on again, I texted a friend who has a degree in public health. “Do I need […]
How to get tested for HIV
Getting tested for HIV is a standard part of health care for U.S. adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all people between ages 13 and 64 be tested at least once. Your health care provider may recommend testing more often depending on your personal risks. The good news is that […]
BTW, you should get tested: How to tell someone you have an STI
Sex is awesome—sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not. Unfortunately, STIs (a.k.a. STDs) are pretty common , so it’s a good idea to get tested regularly. But what do you do if the test reveals that you have an STI? Step 1: Get on top of your health, Step 2: Share the (uncomfortable) news If you’ve […]
Is HIV treatable?
HIV is not curable, but it is treatable. If you catch it early, you can take anti-retroviral drugs (ARV) to help suppress the symptoms and reduce the chance of spreading the virus . One more reason to get tested regularly. original post
Should I get tested for STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have some nasty side effects that can range from sores to warts to discharge to pelvic inflammatory disease that can leave some women infertile. If you have sex, it’s a good idea to get tested for the STIs gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV . The test for gonorrhea and chlamydia is really […]
When should I get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is now recommended for people ages 11-26. original post
What is HPV?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common viruses. There are more than 40 different types (or strains) of it that prefer to hang out around genitalia , including the vagina, penis and around the anus. HPV can live in the mouth or throat and on skin or objects that have recently touched […]
Is bacterial vaginosis an STI?
Maybe. Traditionally bacterial vaginosis (BV) doesn’t make the sexually transmitted infection (STI) list, but two studies have found a link between BV and sexual activity. One of those studies also showed that women with BV were more likely to have gonorrhea or chlamydia, and vice versa. original post
How do I get tested for STIs?
The test for gonorrhea and Chlamydia is really simple; all you have to do is pee in a cup. (Another way to test for these sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a swab of the cervix, similar to a Pap test.) The test for HIV involves pricking a finger for a few drops of blood. You […]
