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STIs are a Global Responsibility

 

STIs are a Global Responsibility

 

Sexually Transmitted Infections are a Global issue, and, subsequently, need to be a Global responsibility.  The epidemic rates of STIs around the world speak to the seriousness of the issue.  Strategies have been put in place since 2006 with a target date of 2030 that “sets out a vision, goals, targets, guiding principles and priority actions for ending the sexually transmitted infections epidemic as a public health problem.”

 

According to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report, Global HIV, viral hepatitis epidemics and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to pose significant public health challenges, causing 2.5 million deaths each year.  As well, four of the curable STIs – syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis – account for over 1 million infections daily.

 

So why do numbers keep increasing? Where are the issues and disconnects that are resulting in STIs remaining an epidemic for so many years?

 

Why are STIs Escalating?

 

When the world was faced with a Covid Epidemic, there were immediate responses worldwide.  Yet STIs continue to rise, some are becoming or have become antibiotic resistant, and many result in long-term health issues.  STIs were already at epidemic proportions years ago, and yet they continue to rise with little to no awareness from the general public.

 

New data shows that STIs are increasing in many regions. In 2022, WHO Member States set out an ambitious target of reducing the annual number of adult syphilis infections by ten-fold by 2030, from 7.1 million to 0.71 million. Yet, new syphilis cases among adults aged 15-49 years increased by over 1 million in 2022 reaching 8 million.  

 

The issues surrounding the escalation of STIs are multi-faceted. They encompass funding, stigma, social and economic issues, misconceptions, and a lack of resources that result in a shortfall in education and awareness.  In short, they are entwined in every aspect of our lives and impact all of us in some manner. If we are to see the reduction or elimination of STIs as a Global public health concern the world needs to overcome the many political, sociocultural, economic, and operational barriers.

 

Health Impact

 

Due to the asymptomatic nature of a number of STIs many individuals are unaware of being infected. This results in higher transmission rates, long-term or chronic health issues, and ultimately a higher cost of treatment.  The diverse complications from sexually transmitted infections have a serious impact on the sexual and reproductive health of many.  If we are to see a global reduction in case numbers, we then need to have a series of guidelines and steps for all to follow. Is the concept of a universal strategy even feasible knowing it would require the cooperation of all countries with regards to prevention, diagnostic, treatment and changing behaviors?  From a humanitarian perspective we all would like to hope so!

 

The WHO’s report Global Health Sector Strategy On Sexually Transmitted Infections 2016–2021 also speaks to the physical, psychological and social consequences of sexually  transmitted infections and how they severely compromise the quality of life of  those infected.

 

Human Rights Based Health Care

 

The right to comprehensive health care that encompasses all aspect of one’s well being should be something all people are able to access. Yet we know this is not the case, as well as being a large contributor to the epidemic status.  There needs to be strong partnerships developed between all other areas of health in order for this multi-faceted approach to work and offer all people access to basic health care.  We need interventions, policies and treatments that are built on human rights. Sexual wellness needs to be viewed as integral to one’s health as mental health, physical health, and emotional health are today.  Our sexual health directly impacts all of the other aspects of our health, so to continue to shroud it in stigma, shame, religious or political views negatively impacts our overall well-being.

 

The WHO recognizes that there is a gap in ensuring access to high-quality human rights-based and gender-sensitive services for STIs is essential. A greater focus is needed on implementing effective and efficient interventions, such as condom programming, comprehensive sexuality education and strengthened awareness around sexual health matters, targeted vaccination for HPV, hepatitis B virus and mpox, timely management of signs and symptoms of STIs, partner services, and population-focused and geographically focused screening and treatment, particularly for syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. This gap can only be filled by us all working together to take control of and eliminate the ongoing Global STI epidemic.

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Gonorrhea’s Rising Rates

What is Gonorrhea?

 

Gonorrhea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection. It is prevalent among young people between the ages of 15-24 and is transmitted through vaginal, oral and anal sex.  Gonorrhea can present asymptomatically, resulting in the increased spread of this STI and, if left untreated, can lead to infertility in women.  Gonorrhea can cause symptoms in the genitals, anus or throat and symptoms may present differently based on gender.  The World Health Organization (WHO) states that in 2020 there were an estimated 82.4 million new infections among adults globally.  So how do we reduce this number?

 

Signs & Symptoms

 

As mentioned, gonorrhea can often present without symptoms. This is problematic because without testing to confirm its presence, the infection is then spread unknowingly. So testing is a critical component of stopping the spread of gonorrhea. If symptoms are present,  they can vary as to how they present between genders. The WHO lists the symptoms as:

 

In men, common symptoms may include the following:

  • pain or burn when urinating
  • a white, yellow or greenish discharge from the penis
  • painful or swollen testes

Although most women with gonorrhea do not have symptoms or do not notice them, if they do present, they can include the following:

  • pain or burning when urinating
  • vaginal discharge
  • vaginal bleeding between periods or during sexual intercourse

Anal infections may present in any gender as the following:

  • discharge
  • bleeding
  • itchiness
  • soreness
  • painful bowel movements.

 

Throat infections are often asymptomatic. Otherwise, they may just present as a cold with pain, redness and a sore throat.

 

Treatment

 

Gonorrhea is one of the treatable and generally curable STIs. Yet it continues to rise. In 2021 a total of 710,151 cases of gonorrhea were reported, making it the second most common STD in the U.S. The CDC noted that rates of gonorrhea have increased 118% since a historic low in 2009.

 

Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics as it is bacterial in nature.  The biggest issue that has arisen over the years is that gonorrhea is becoming resistant to the medications available, resulting in less options for treatment.  This awareness has at least been the impetus behind the testing of new drugs to help treat this STI.  

 

Prevention

 

Condoms continue to offer the one of the most effective methods of prevention as long as they are used consistently and correctly for anal and vaginal sexual activity.  Oral barriers (aka dams) are the most effective prevention method for any oral/anal or oral/vaginal sexual activity when used consistently and correctly.

 

Another effective prevention path is through communication. Talk with your sexual partners about using condoms and dams, ask about testing and their health status, and be open about yours.  Although these conversations may seem daunting at first, discussing one’s health, any aspect of it, needs to be normalized. Removing the stigma and shame surrounding STIs and sexual wellness will aid in the transmission of the infections and normalize prevention activities.

 

And lastly, education needs to be expanded to include sexual health and wellness for all to increase the awareness of the prevention and treatment options available.  Increasing awareness, normalizing sexual health, and communicating and offering treatment and prevention options to all demographics, specifically any vulnerable demographics, will provide the necessary information and awareness of preventative options.

 

All aspects of our health are intertwined. Sexual health can impact one’s physical health, emotional health, mental health, and reproductive health.  Sexual health needs to be recognized as an integral part of our wellness so that everyone can make informed and comprehensive decisions.

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Syphilis is on the Rise!

Syphilis is one of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by bacteria. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems; however, treatment is available with antibiotics. Yet cases of syphilis are on the rise in USA.

 

From 2018 to 2022, reported cases rose 80% in the U.S. In 2022, cases of congenital syphilis among newborns were 10 times higher than in 2012, at 3,700 cases. The increase in case numbers is alarming.  What, then, needs to be done to reverse the rising rates of syphilis?

 

What is Syphilis?

 

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.  It is spread by unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex.  It is highly contagious when sores or the rash are present and can cause permanent damage without treatment.  It can also present asymptomatically and, therefore, be spread unknowingly, even through the sharing of sex toys.  This is why testing for syphilis and any STI is so imperative for prevention and treatment. 

 

Testing for Syphilis

 

Testing for syphilis is either a simple blood test or swab of a sore or chancre.  It is both easy to test and then to treat with antibiotics.  It is very important that you tell your sexual partners if you test positive so that they may get tested as well. In 2018 there were over 113,000 cases of syphilis in the US. And as of 2022 this number has almost doubled to over 200,000 cases.   This increase has also resulted in the resurgence of congenital syphilis, where the bacteria responsible for causing syphilis are passed through the placenta to a developing fetus.  The CDC states that the most alarming concerns center around the syphilis and congenital syphilis epidemics, signaling an urgent need for swift innovation and collaboration from all STI prevention partners.

 

Prevention

 

As with all STIs, the only absolute way to prevent transmission is to abstain from any sexual activity.  But there are things that can be done to help reduce the risk of transmission when engaging in sexual activity.

  • Get tested regularly, after new sexual partners or if a condom or barrier breaks during use
  • Use a Dam (Oral Barrier) every time you have oral/vaginal or oral/sex
  • Use a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex
  • Don’t share sex toys or clean them before sharing
  • Condoms should be used to cover the penis during oral sex
  • Talk with your sexual partners about both of your sexual health

Some of the biggest roadblocks in prevention are the following:

 

  • Removing the stigma surrounding STIs
  • Increasing awareness of testing and treatment options
  • Navigating socio-economic barriers for ease of access to healthcare options
  • Having health practitioners integrate screening for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections into routine medical care

Next Steps

 

The good news is that syphilis is both preventable and treatable.  So, what are next steps to make sure the messages surrounding prevention and treatment are shared across the nation?  A recent John Hopkins article states the following:

 

“We have good diagnostics, we know how it’s transmitted, there’s no animal reservoir, and we know how to treat it. 

But there are wider public health challenges. Screening is inadequate: While some women get routinely tested for STIs at their annual exam, men are far less likely to get routine screenings. And because many people with syphilis have no symptoms, they won’t seek out screening. Plus, many at-risk patients don’t have access to health care, and a lot of sexual health clinics have closed over the last decade.

Also, the stigma of STIs doesn’t just happen from the patient side, it also comes from clinicians —many physicians think, “my patient doesn’t have syphilis.”

Finding patients’ partners has also become more difficult in the online dating era—partners are often identified with an online handle, not a physical location.”

 

We need to take a multi-faceted and cooperative approach to address the current public health crisis that the US is experiencing with the growing numbers of syphilis.

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Syphilis & the Stages of Infection

Syphilis & the Stages of Infection

 

Syphilis is an STI that presents in many different stages.  It can be asymptomatic to start but can develop into life threatening issues if left untreated.  How then do you know if you have syphilis???  You get tested regularly. Your sexual wellness is important to all aspects of your health and requires attention and prevention to maintain its wellness.

 

What is Syphilis?

 

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.  It is spread by unprotected vaginal, anal, and even oral sex.  It is highly contagious and can cause permanent damage without treatment.  Syphilis is spread from skin-to-skin contact by someone with a sore or chancre.  It is often spread unknowingly as not all infected individuals are aware of its presence. This is why testing for STIs is so important. 

 

Stages of Syphilis

 

There are four main stages of syphilis each with its own set of symptoms:  Primary, Secondary, Latent, and Tertiary.

 

Primary Stage:

 

  • A sore or sores at the original site of infection.
  • These sores can be found on or around the genitals, the anus or rectum, or in or around the mouth.
  • These sores are usually firm, round, and painless.
  • They heal within 3-6 weeks even without treatment

 

Secondary Stage:

 

  • Skin rashes may appear on palms of hands and bottoms of feet.  They are not always itchy
  • Mucous membrane lesions can appear in the mouth, anus, or vagina
  • Can also have a fever, swollen lymph glands and sore throat
  • Other symptoms may include patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and/or fatigue

 

Latent Stage:

 

  • This stage is when you have no visible signs or symptoms of syphilis
  • If you did not have any treatment, you can continue to have syphilis without any signs or symptoms for many years

 

Tertiary Stage:

 

  • This is a rare stage but very serious. It presents with damage to organs and body systems
  • This stage can result in death

The different stages can all present with secondary complications from the systemic impact on one’s overall health.  These complications can present in many different ways dependent upon the stage of the infection.

 

Testing and Treatment

 

Testing for syphilis is simple with either a blood test or swab of a chancre.  Syphilis is easy to test and treatable with antibiotics.  It is very important that you tell your sexual partners if you test positive so that they may get tested as well.  According to the CDC reported cases of syphilis (all stages) have increased 74 percent since 2017, totaling more than 176,000 cases in 2021.

 

Prevention

 

As with all STIs, the only way to prevent transmission is to abstain from any sexual activity.  But there are things that can be done to help reduce the risk of transmission when engaging in sexual activity.

 

  • Get tested regularly, after new sexual partners or if a condom or barrier breaks during use
  • Use a Dam (Oral Barrier) every time you have oral/vaginal or oral/anal sex
  • Use a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex
  • Don’t share sex toys or clean them before sharing
  • Condoms should be used to cover the penis during oral sex
  • Talk with your sexual partners about both of your sexual health

There are many ways to effectively help prevent the transmission of syphilis and maintain one’s sexual wellbeing. Using condoms and oral barriers, either latex and non-latex for those with allergies, are an important part of safer sex practices. Regular testing as needed is also a responsible and healthy practice to implement into one’s life.  Sexual health is important to maintain throughout all the stages of one’s life.

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National Dam Day

 

November 22 is National Dental Dam Day!  Dams, otherwise known as Oral Barriers, are gaining awareness for their important role in helping prevent STIs during oral sex.

 

What exactly is an oral barrier?   An oral barrier or dam is a sheet of latex or polyisoprene (non-latex) that is used as a barrier when performing oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex.  They are used to help reduce the transmission of infections that can occur during any oral sex activities.

 

Dental Dams vs Dams?

 

Dental Dams were originally used to isolate a tooth from the rest of the mouth during dental procedures.  They were, and still are for that purpose, a simple 5- or 6-inch square sheet.  Folks began to use them as a barrier during oral sex as they were a better option than cling wrap or cut up condoms (neither of which meet the regulatory requirements)!  But these were not exactly conducive to the sensual aspect of oral sex due to their thickness nor met regulatory standards as an oral barrier due to their smaller size.  Enter today’s oral barrier! 

 

Why Give a Dam?

 

The late 1980s saw an increased openness in speaking about sexual wellness, safer sex practices, and sexuality in general. And more people started asking about dams.  The sheer number of STIs and the continually growing rates around the world today necessitate a variety of safer sex products.  Oral Barriers are definitely an important part of safer sex practices. 

 

It is also extremely important that you use a dam that meets the ISO 29942 Standards for Dams.  Yes, there is a comprehensive regulatory ISO Standard regarding dams that includes proper sizing, viral barrier testing, biocompatibility testing, tear and tensile testing and a number of other requirements.  Nobody wants to, or should have to, worry that any product being used for safer sex practices is not going to do what it should.  And in order for that to be the case it is imperative to make sure the products you use, specifically condoms and dams, are fully licensed by your country’s governing body. 

 

Dams that are for oral sex have a set of requirements that must be met for proper licensing as they are considered a medical device.  According to the regulatory standard all dams need to be 6 x 10 inches in size to ensure maximum coverage.  They need to have some flexibility in their tensile strength without tearing. They need to be the correct thickness to ensure they act as a viral barrier to help prevent the transmission of an STI.  They need to be made with products that are approved and meet biocompatibility standards.  They also need to be registered with either the FDA or Canada in North America. These requirements have specific parameters that MUST be met to be FDA approved or Health Canada Licensed.

 

Safer Sex Practices

 

Oral sex still has the risk of spreading infections.  The use of an oral barrier helps to reduce the risk when used consistently and properly.  There are many different factors that determine the risk of transmitting an STI.  According to the CDC, “Many STDs, as well as other infections, can be spread through oral sex. Anyone exposed to an infected partner can get an STD in the mouth, throat, genitals, or rectum. The risk of getting an STD from oral sex, or spreading an STD to others through oral sex, depends on several things, including:

 

  • The particular STD.
  • The sex acts practiced.
  • How common the STD is in the population to which the sex partners belong.
  • The number of specific sex acts performed.

Dams and condoms are considered medical devices in North America. This is to ensure that if they claim to help prevent STIs they have the testing and regulatory background to support that. ALWAYS make sure the products you are using are licensed or approved so that you can spread a dam, not an infection! 

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Latex Allergy & Sensitivities

What is a Latex Allergy or Sensitivity?

 

Latex Allergy Awareness Week

 

October 1-7 is Latex Allergy Awareness Week.  This week is focused on bringing an increased awareness surrounding latex allergies and sensitivities.  Latex allergies can range from mild to life threatening, and continued exposure has been shown to increase the severity. This is called sensitization.  The Mayo Clinic explains this process as your immune system identifying latex as a harmful substance and triggering certain antibodies to fight it off. The next time you're exposed to latex, these antibodies tell your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. This process produces a range of allergy symptoms. The more times you are exposed to latex, the more strongly your immune system is likely to respond.

 

What is Latex

 

Latex is a naturally occurring substance that is found beneath the bark of the rubber tree.  This milky white substance is harvested by tapping the trees.  The bark is scored and peeled back to create a channel that allows the sap to run into buckets attached to the trees.  The sap is collected and then processed  into latex that is used in many common day-to-day items.  Latex possesses a great many attributes that allow it to be used for a wide variety of items from gloves to balloons to condoms and dams.  But it also can be life threatening to people who have a latex allergy.

 

What are you allergic to in latex?

 

A latex allergy is actually an allergic reaction to the proteins present in the milky sap of the rubber tree.   Simply put, your body views the latex as something harmful.  This response causes a release of histamines to fight the “intruder”. Histamines and other chemical responses are what trigger the allergic reactions and symptoms.  It is the latex protein that creates this allergic reaction, one that can worsen over repeated exposure.  This protein is very similar to proteins in some nuts, fruits and vegetables.  It is not uncommon for people who have a latex allergy to also have allergies or sensitivities to the following foods:

 

  • Avocado
  • Banana
  • Chestnut
  • Kiwi
  • Apple
  • Carrot
  • Celery
  • Papaya
  • Potatoes
  • Tomatoes
  • Melons

What is Polyisoprene?

 

Interestingly enough, polyisoprene is created either by removing the allergy producing protein from natural rubber or as a totally synthetic product created in a laboratory setting.  But polyisoprene retains the many attributes that natural latex has with its softness, tear and tensile strength, and comfort.  Polyisoprene condoms and dams are a safer option for anyone who has latex sensitivities or allergies.  They provide a necessary alternative for the growing number of individuals who suffer from latex allergies.

 

Pros & Cons of Polyisoprene

 

There are far more pros than cons when it comes to polyisoprene condoms and dams!  The pros are obvious!  You can enjoy safer sex without the concerns of a latex allergic reaction to the condoms or dams being used.   Polyisoprene condoms and dams are a safe replacement for any latex condom or dam.   The cons are very few and far between!   The one that first comes to mind is that they are a bit more costly than their latex alternatives.

 

Protect Your Health!

 

Protection is available for everyone, even those with a latex allergy or sensitivity.  The options are growing for access to polyisoprene condoms and dams.  Harmony Polyisoprene Dams are available in both retail and bulk options.  Your health, all aspects of it, is worth protecting. 

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Choice – A Necessity in Contraception

Choice

 

Choice is something everyone should have the right to when it comes to making decisions about one’s sexual health and wellness, including contraception.  Choice can be defined as the following:

  • an act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities.
  • the right or ability to make, or possibility of making, such a selection.
  • a range of possibilities from which one or more may be selected
  • a course of action, thing, or person that is selected or decided upon.

 

September 26 is World Contraception Day and the theme for this year is “The Power of Options”. It is absolutely crucial to be empowered when it comes to one’s sexual health. And empowerment comes through choice, education and knowledge. 

 

Education is Key

 

Education is a key component of empowerment.  It is only through awareness and knowledge that one can make an informed decision regarding the best options for one’s health.  When you have access to correct, informative and useful information, then you can make decisions based on how best to fill your needs.  This also means you must always make sure that the sources you are accessing are credible. Information is available from health practitioners, clinics, and sexual wellness facilities.

 

Types of Contraceptives

 

Contraceptives are available in many different formats, offering options based on factors such as lifestyle, health considerations, availability, future plans, and, ultimately, preference.  These include different hormonal options, IUDs, assorted barrier methods, and surgical options to name a few.   The good news is that there are options to choose from that best fit one’s lifestyle. Even within each group of contraceptives there are choices available, allowing one to further tailor their contraceptive needs.  One very important thing to remember is that not all contraceptives aid in the prevention of STIs. Always make sure to use a condom or dam (oral barrier) when engaging in penetrative or oral sex.

 

The Power of Options

 

The theme of 2023’s World Contraception Day is The Power of Options.  This theme is based on more than just the varied contraceptive options. It also focuses on the power those options allow to be formative in choosing one’s life path. These could include family planning, child spacing, increased reproductive health, gender equality and continuing to aid in open communication around sexual wellness.  When there are options and choices that allow individuals to choose what works best for them, then the odds of healthy practices being implemented rise.  In order for something to work, it needs to work for the individual. Offering choices in contraception simply allow everyone to choose what will work best for them.

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Sex & Aging

Sex and Aging!

 

Sex through all stages of life

 

Yes – your grandparents are probably still having sex!  As are your parents.  And the truth is, age does not have to stop anyone from enjoying having sex.  Our sexual health is an important part of our lives regardless of age.  But the natural aging process does impact our physiological make up, which then can impact some aspects of sexual activity.

 

How does aging impact sexual health?

 

The many physical changes that aging can bring may impact one’s sexual activity. This can include everything from age related illness, lower libidos, hormonal changes, muscle loss/weakness, to the many side effects of medications.  But there are ways to navigate these changes to continue to have an active and healthy sex life into one’s later years. 

 

The reality is that as we age our bodies change. This is true of our reproductive organs and hormones as well. These changes may bring about new obstacles that may include the following:

 

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Decreased testosterone or estrogen levels
  • Changes in the structure of the vagina
  • Reduced production of vaginal lubrication
  • Mental health concerns regarding body image related to aging
  • Decreased libido due to hormonal changes
  • Sleep issues that could impact sexual desire

Many of these concerns can be dealt with through speaking with your health practitioner for assistance. There are medications, creams and naturopathic options to help alleviate many age-related sexual health concerns. 

 

Communication is Key

 

As with so many things in our lives, communication is the key!  As we deal with the many changes aging brings into our lives, we need to maintain open discussions with our partners.  This will allow both parties the opportunity to express their changing needs, if any, that are the result of age-related changes.

 

It may be as simple as more intimacy before any sexual activity, using lubricant, discussing any shame related to body changes or sexual activity so everyone can move forward within a trust-filled relationship, or simply acknowledging that things are different.  But different does not have to mean bad. Different can be exciting and fun as you find new ways to express your sexual lives together.

 

Safer Sex Practices are for All Ages!

 

The Mayo Clinic states that an ongoing interest in sex, as well as satisfaction with the frequency and quality of sexual activity, is positively associated with health in later life.  Older adults can continue to enjoy an active sex life.  This can be with a long-term partner or, due to divorce or the death of a spouse, with new partners.  With this in mind, sexual activity at any age requires one to continue to implement safer sex practices to aid in the prevention of STIs. This includes the use of condoms, oral barriers (dams) and lubricants.  STIs can be transmitted at any age!

 

Many older adults view prevention from a pregnancy point of view only.  This results in a false belief that one does not need to use prevention.  This becomes apparent when we see that overall STIs are on the rise in North America, with infections among adults age 65 and older more than doubled between 2007 and 2017.  Regardless of one’s age, safer sex practices need to be incorporated so that one can stay sexually healthy while having a viable and healthy sex life.

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STIs and Testing

STIs and Testing

 

How to Begin the Testing Path

 

We have all heard how testing is an important component of our Sexual Health, but often times we do not know where to get tested.  Testing is available in many places within North America. You can begin by asking your doctor, going to a clinic or public health facility for guidance. Testing is free at many facilities including family doctors’ offices, walk-in clinics, sexual health clinics, and other public health units and community centres. 

 

What Types of Testing Do I Need?

 

The type of test needed is directly dependent upon what you are being tested for.  There are a few different types of STI Test procedures; most of them are simple and easy to have done.

  • Blood tests are done for the following: hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis and herpes (HSV).
  • Urine tests or genital swabs can be done for the following: gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis.
  • Oral swabs can be done for the following: gonorrhea, chlamydia, HSV and HPV.
  • Anal swabs can be done for the following: anal chlamydia, gonorrhea and HPV.
  • Lesions swabs can be done for the following: HSV, HPV and syphilis.

It is important to get tested if having multiple sexual partners, the condom or dam breaks or slips, you are not sure of the status of your partner, at an annual checkup, if showing symptoms or know of recent exposure, and/or as part of your routine ongoing health care.

 

The bottom line is that folks of all genders and sexual orientations should be tested once a year, after unprotected sex, or in between new partners — whichever comes first!

 

Exposure to different STIs also come with different timelines for testing.  There are different incubation periods for the different STIs.  This incubation period means the time between infection and the appearance of symptoms.  This ranges between a couple of days to a few months. This is something to discuss with your healthcare provider to get specific answers about in order to test within the appropriate time to avoid false negative results.

 

How Long Before I Get Results?

 

Most of the test results are completed between 2-5 days.  But never assume you are negative if you do not hear back from your test provider. Always call and confirm the results before engaging in sexual activities.  Tests are also available for use within the privacy of your home.  These ones are generally something that requires payment.  The in-home testing is an alternative for folks who are uncomfortable going to a healthcare provider for testing. 

 

Results and Next Steps

 

Once you have received your results, the next steps depend upon what they were.  If you are positive, then there are steps that need to be taken. These are dependent upon the diagnosis, and often times involve medication, sharing your diagnosis with past sexual partners and/or a host of treatment options to help manage symptoms and future outbreaks.  The reality is that 1 in 2 people will experience an STI within their lifetime.  With that representing 50% of the population, we need to continue to remove the stigma from STIs, create awareness about them and the prevention options available, make testing easily accessible and known, and work together to lessen the epidemic proportions of STIs worldwide.

Together we can make a difference!

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Safer Sex Can Still be Fun!

Safer Sex Can Be Fun!

 

Sometimes we may feel that safety is all about restricting what we view as our enjoyment of some things.  But when it comes to sexual activities, that is absolutely not the case!   There are many different products that can assist in everyone having safer sex that can also be fun.  The products for safer sex have expanded over the years to incorporate many unique aspects that help to meet many different individual needs.

 

What Is Safer Sex?

 

Safer sex is quite simply anything we do to help lower the risk of transmission of infection during sexual activities for all participants.   The terminology is SAFER because nothing is 100% due to some extenuating circumstances, a big one being user error.  So, if you are going to engage in any sexual activities make sure you use products that help keep it safer and could also make it more fun.   This can include latex or polyisoprene condoms, latex or polyisoprene dams, or nitrile female condoms. All of these acts as a barrier to help prevent the exchange of bodily fluids that may cause an infection.  And to reduce usage issues, always read the instructions.

 

Practicing Safer Sex

 

If engaging in sexual activities, there are things to do to help practice safer sex:

 

  • Use a condom for vaginal or anal sex
  • Use a dam for oral/vaginal or oral/anal sex
  • Mutual Masturbation
  • Use a condom with sex toys
  • Use a new condom/dam every time you switch sexual activities
  • Do not re-use a condom or dam
  • Use lubricants with condoms and dams
  • Read the instructions for use

Learning to implement the usage of condoms and dams into foreplay can also help increase pleasure as well as safety. 

 

Condom Styles

 

There truly is a condom style to meet everyone’s needs!  Condoms come in many options, a few of which are the following:

 

  • Straight walled
  • Lubricated or Non-lubricated
  • Colored
  • Flavored
  • Ribbed & Studded
  • Glow in the Dark
  • Tattooed
  • Super Sensitive
  • Extra Large
  • Hyper Thin
  • Snugger Fit
  • Pleasure Shaped
  • Tingling Condoms
  • Edible Condoms

Most of today’s condoms are meant to be used for safer sex purposes but there are some that are strictly for enjoyment and are not a form of protection.  Make sure you know what you are using before you engage in any sexual activity.  Also make sure your condoms and dams are FDA approved.  Always purchase or obtain your condoms and dams from credible suppliers including licensed Health Distributors, Public Health, your doctor, and pharmacies.

 

Safer Sex can be still be fun.  Actually, perhaps more fun when you know you are taking precautions to help reduce your risks of an unintended pregnancy and the transmission of STIs.

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