August 23, 2010

Microbicide Gel Reduces Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Women

Filed under: sexually transmitted diseases,STI,unprotected sex — Tags: AIDS, aids prevention, HIV, HIV infection, HIV prevention, microbicide, STD, STI — Nicole @ 2:14 pm

HIV prevention, AIDs prevention, HIV infection Microbicides are intended to serve as a preventative option for sexually transmitted infections for women who are unable to reason their partners to the use of condoms or mutual monogamy. Researchers are working with manufacturers to develop microbicides in the form of suppositories, gels, films, creams or as sponges or rings that release active preventative ingredients over time in the same way as certain birth control products, which allows for a preventative option that can be controlled by a woman, independent of her partner. Though this product is still in the developing stages and not yet ready for public use, the idea of a microbicide has tremendous potential, as researchers forecast that microbicides are to be the greatest innovation in reproductive health since the Pill.

The results of a recent study conducted by the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) have made a breakthrough for AIDs and HIV research, in a vaginal microbicide that was shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by thirty-nine percent. This vaginal microbicide was distributed in the form of a gel containing tenofovir to several South African women, while several other South African received a placebo gel. The study was conducted from a minimum of one year to a maximum of two years, and concluded that the use of this gel not only reduced HIV infections during sex by thirty nine percent, it additionally reduced the occurrence of herpes infections by fifty-one percent.

These positive study results mark a new era in HIV and AIDs prevention, especially for women in difficult circumstances who do not have the social or economic power to invest in other preventative options. As researchers continue to explore the options surrounding microbicides, including a microbicide that prevents pregnancy as well as protecting against HIV infection, North American consumers can expect to see microbicides on the market any time from five to seven years from now.

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July 19, 2010

How to Prevent HPV and Cervical Cancer

Filed under: HPV — Tags: cancer, cervical cancer, gardasil, HPV, STI, virus — Amanda @ 12:20 pm

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection that infects 75% of young women before the age of 50 if they aren’t vaccinated. There are more than 40 types of HPV but the most common ones type are type 6, 11, 16, and 18. HPV infects the genital area and causes genital warts, abnormal pap tests, and cervical cancer. Since HPV is a virus, there is no real cure for it and it is often undetectable until a herpes infection flares up. This means that the virus can be passed on to many partners before you know you have it. Once you contract HPV you can have it for your whole life; however it tends to get worse or flare up when your immune system is compromised.

Preventing HPV

Unfortunately you are never completely safe from HPV – you are always at risk of contracting the virus. The best defense is to always use condoms during every sex act – from start the finish. HPV can infect the mouth and throat as well. Condoms aren’t always a reliable defense, and HPV can still be passed on during condom use if a woman’s labia touch the base of a man’s penis, but they are the best physical defense.

Vaccines are available that protect males and females agasint the most common types of HPV and cervical cancer. It is recommended that girls and boys between 11 and 26 get the Gardasil vaccine. This is to be given in three doses over a six month period. Though Gardasil is highly effective at preventing HPV, it is not a cure, and it only protects agasint the most common types of HPV.

People in a faithful relationship with one partner, people who limit their number of sex partners, or people who choose a partner who has had few or no other sex partners can reduce their chances of contracting HPV. But even people who have only had one lifetime sex partner can get HPV, and it is hard to determine if a partner who has had previous partners is currently infected.

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June 2, 2010

Ultrasound is a Male Contraceptive

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,contraceptive,male contraceptive,STI,the Gates family,ultrasound — Tags: birth control, contraceptive, male contraceptive, STI — Candace @ 12:37 am

Researchers in the University of North Carolina are pushing for further research into the new idea that an ultrasound can be used as a reversible contraceptive for men. The idea is that a blast of ultrasound to the testes may be able to stop sperm production for approximately six months. Once the sperm production has been stopped, all the sperm in the sperm reserves must be used up before this contraceptive method is effective.

This would offer another method of birth control for couples. It is thought that these sperm impeding ultrasounds would be affordable to most people. The plan in the long-term for the University team is to use an ultrasound from instruments found in sports medicine or physical therapy clinics. One of the best things about this contraceptive method is that it is thought that the sperm production will continue as normal after the approximate six months of infertility is up.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation sponsored this research with a $100,000 grant (one of seventy-eight grants by this foundation). This financial help will support the pursuing of clinical trials to prove this method. One warning issued about this contraceptive is that although it will prevent pregnancy (if it is proven), it will not protect against the transmissions of STI’s.

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May 28, 2010

5 STI Risk Factors

Filed under: alcohol,birth control,condoms,contraceptive,STD,STI,Uncategorized — Tags: birth control, condoms, contraceptive, STD, STI — Amanda @ 1:01 am

At least one in every four Americans will contract and STI at some point in their life. STI’s are a serious health problem to adults and if they go untreated, they can cause permanent damage. Certain factors in your life will determine your risk of contracting an STI, so here are the top 5 STI risk factors –

1. Unprotected Sex – This one is a given, but it is very important. You’re more likely to contract a sexually transmitted infection if you do not use barrier methods of birth control like condoms.

2. Being Young – People between 18 and 29 are more likely to be infected with an STI than an older person. Women and men in their 20’s have the highest rates of STI’s out of any age group. This could be because young women are more susceptible to them. Their cervix’s aren’t fully developed and they are more likely to experience tearing during intercourse. Young people in general are less likley to practice safe sex by using condoms, and are more likely to have multiple partners.

3.Alcohol and drug use – People who use alcohol and drugs on regular basis may have lowered inhibitions and may be less “picky” about who they choose for a partner. Those under the influence of alcohol and drugs may be more stubborn about condom use.

4. Having multiple partners – The more partners you have the more likely you are to be exposed to STI’s. Usually people with multiple partners choose partners who have also had multiple partners. This increases the risk of your partner having contracted an STI from a different partner. Your risk increases even higher if you hire a sexual professional because the truth is they aren’t being paid to enforce safe sex with partners.

5. Relying only on Birth Control Pills – for most sexually active people their main concern is pregnancy. Lots of couples choose birth control pills as their only contraceptive method. This is 99% effective against pregnancy, but this does not protect against STI’s. Once a couple is established in using the pill as their only form of protection, they will become reluctant to use condoms. This can be because they have gotten used to a sexual routine without condoms, or perhaps because they just don’t like using them. The safest option is to use birth control pills AND condoms.

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