It's Not Just HIV

source: doc check

 

source: new health guide

Happy New Year friends,

Do you know that engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse exposes you to a lot of diseases and viruses asides HIV? Have you heard of Human Papillomavirus ? What about Hepatitis B? I know most of us are aware of the common  STIs/ STDs.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that is passed via skin-to-skin through sexual intercourse or other forms of skin-to-skin contact of the genitals.It is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Most sexually active men and women are exposed to the virus at one point or the other during their lifetime.  It can be spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex. HPV results in genital warts and some types of cancer; cervical cancer in women. HPV HAS NO CURE but its symptoms can be treated.

Prevention

Safe and effective vaccinations recommended at age 11 to 12 years to reduce the risk of cervical and other cancers developing in future.

Test for HPV

Tests to check for HPV or HPV-related cervical cellular changes include a Pap smear, a DNA test and the use of acetic acid (vinegar) for women. 

There is currently no test available for men to check for HPV; diagnosis is made primarily through visual inspection.

Hepatis B (HBV) is 50 to 100 times easily transmissible through sexual intercourse than HIV( the virus that causes AIDS). HBV has been found in vaginal secretions, saliva and semen. This implies that if you engage in oral sex or anal sex, you are at risk of contacting HBV.

Symptoms

Some people especially young children may not have any symptom. The symptoms ranges from mild to severe and usually appears from about one to four months after the person has been infected. The symptoms include; 

• Fever
• Jaundice (Yellowing of your skin and the whitish part of your eyes)
• Joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and Fatigue
• Dark urine
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite

Complications

Chronic HBV infection can also lead to serious complications such as;

• Liver cancer
• Liver failure
• Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
• People with chronic HBV may develop kidney disease

Prevention

HBV vaccines are available and is typically given as three or four injections over six months.

General prevention measures from all forms of sexually Transmitted Infections / Diseases include;

• Practicing SAFE SEX
• Practicing ABSTINENCE (most effective)
• Being in a monogamous sexual relationship
• Not having sex while there are visible genital warts
• Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing
• Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex; even oral sex
• You and your partner should get tested for HIV, HPV and HBV
• Don't use illegal drug (or ensure use of sterile needles while injecting the illegal drug)

PLAY SAFE ALWAYS 

source: breitbart

source: stock fresh