They can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites and are often interconnected. Some of them are very similar in symptoms and are hard to distinguish, some favor the development of other sexually transmitted infections.

And although it is impossible to be 100 per cent certain about not contracting one of them at some point, everyone can take preventive measures that will help you reduce the chances of having an STD to the minimum. The basic recommendations are having safe monogamous relations, using condoms when not sure about your partner and having regular visits to a doctor for routine examinations. So here is the list of all most common sexually transmitted diseases.

• Chancroid

  

  Chancroid is an infection, uncommon in North America. Transmitted during sexual contacts or through skin contacts, it mainly affects men and causes sores and painful ulcers on penis and other genital areas. Easily cured with antibiotics, Chancroid can lead to complications if untreated. The chances of transmitting the infection get lower when using condoms, however, it should be remembered that it might be enough to touch the skin of an infected person to contract it.

• Chlamydia

  

  One of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections, Chlamydia can lead to serious complications if not treated timely and efficiently. The infection mainly affects women and may have no symptoms at all. In other cases the infected person may experience abnormal vaginal discharge or urinating discomfort. It is important to locate and take measures as soon as possible before Chlamydia damages the uterus, fallopian tubes, reproductive system, which may end in infertility. Pelvic inflammatory disease is also possible. Like most other STDs, Chlamydia is easily prevented by using condoms and having monogamous relations.

• Crabs (Pubic Lice)

  

  Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are small parasites residing on genital hair and skin. They may cause itching, irritation, mild fever or have no symptoms at all. It is often easy to spot white eggs or lice themselves with naked eye. They are typically spread during sex or other close skin contacts. It is important to know that condoms do not prevent from crabs’ transmission so it is always better to have a secure and permanent sex partner. Yet, pubic lice are relatively easy to get rid of with the help of medicines.

• Gonorrhea

  

  Gonorrhea is a widespread sexually transmitted disease, most common among young people under 24. Gonorrhea has few symptoms and is often difficult to diagnose. Men may feel burning during urination, have abnormal discharge from penis or pain in the testicles. Most women do not observe any symptoms, or may also have uncommon discharge and painful urination. The infection needs to be treated immediately as it might lead to genital, rectal or throat infections, as well as develop serious complications, especially in women, including obstruction of the fallopian tubes, infertility or ectopic pregnancy. Gonorrhea (The Clap) is easy to treat on early stages.

• Hepatitis

  

  Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C lead to liver inflammation and may end up in death. It is typically contracted through body fluids and blood, which makes it easy to contract during unprotected sex or while sharing injection needles with an infected person. The early symptoms may include general sickness, nausea, vomiting, fever or dark urine. If not treated, the disease can develop into chronic hepatitis, hide for a while and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis vaccines have become routine for children in many countries. Unvaccinated people, gay men, drug users and even people living together with an infected person are more likely to contract Hepatitis.

• Herpes

  

  Herpes is one of the most common diseases transmitted through all types of sexual contacts as well as simple touching. Oral herpes can cause blisters or cold sores on the lips, on or inside the mouth. Genital herpes can involve sores, blisters, itching in genital area or even urinating problems. However, most of the times the virus shows no symptoms at all and a person can be unaware of it. There are medicines keeping herpes symptoms subdued and limiting transmission. However, once in your body, there is no cure to get rid of it.

• HIV/AIDS

  

  Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or simply HIV, is definitely the most dangerous STD. Leading to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, the virus does severe damage to immune system which eventually leads to death from any other disease. It is transmitted through blood, vaginal and rectal fluids, semen, and breast milk. Male gay couples and drug users sharing needles are the people particularly exposed to the virus. More than 1.5 million people worldwide die from HIV every year and it is extremely important to take preventive measures to avoid the disease. Having sexual relations with safe and permanent partners and using condoms are the basic rules that will help you keep the virus at bay.

• Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts

  

  Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a group of viruses that can lead to warts, genital warts or even cancer. Yet, most HPV types do not cause damage to human body, go away shortly and remain unnoticed. Sexually active individuals are under danger of obtaining the infection with every second person having it at some point of life. Young people are encouraged to take HPV vaccines, preventing from dangerous types of the virus, while women are recommended to pass regular Pap smear tests to control their health.

• Lymphogranuloma Venereum

  

  Lymphogranuloma Venereum, or LGV, is a relatively rare sexually transmitted disease that becomes increasingly common among gay men in Western Europe, Australia and USA. Caused by several types of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria, LGV is typically transmitted during anal sex and affects the lymphatic system. The infection may be accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, rectum inflammation, ulcers, sores or abscesses in genital areas. LGV may be followed by complications if left untreated.

• Molluscum Contagiosum

  

  Molluscum Contagiosum is a virus, attacking skin, transmitted both sexually and through casual skin contacts, as well as through clothing and towels. Symptoms may include itching and small round bumps in the genital area. The infection is not particularly dangerous and may go away on its own in up to several years. However, it is recommended to treat it to prevent transmission to other people and other parts of your body.

• Nongonococcal urethritis

  

  Nongonococcal urethritis, or simply NGU, is a sexually transmitted urethra infection, caused by several bacteria, including Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma or Trichomonas. Typical symptoms include milky discharge from the penis, burning while urinating. At times there may be no symptoms at all. If left untreated, the infection may spread to testicles, causing pain or even sterility. Protected sex and monogamous relations are the best steps in preventing the disease.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

  

  Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or simply PID is a serious infection, coming primarily as a complication of untreated Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. The infection affects women’s reproductive organs, such as fallopian tubes, uterus or ovaries. PID may show no symptoms on early stages and, when untreated, can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy and other problems. Abnormal periods, vaginal discharge, painful sensations in vaginal area, vomiting and nausea may accompany the infection on later stages. It is essential to maintain safe sexual life and have yourself examined by a doctor on regular basis to prevent PID.

• Scabies

  

  Scabies is a skin condition, involving intense itching, rash or small bumps, and is caused by tiny parasites digging into skin. An infected person may be unaware of the problem and a visit to a doctor is required to identify the infection. Scabies are easily transmitted during sexual contacts and other skin-to-skin contacts, including sharing bedding or towels. Using condoms is not enough to stay away from scabies.

• Syphilis

  

  Syphilis is a very dangerous STD, caused by Treponema Pallidum bacterium. It is normally contracted during sexual contacts and often difficult to diagnose. The primary symptoms may include small sores, cuts or bumps on genitals or mouth. Body rash on palms, feet and other parts of the body may follow. When untreated for extensive period of time, syphilis can start destroying body functions and lead to mental, neurological problems, heart diseases, blindness and even death. Infected pregnant women can easily pass syphilis to their children. Moderate sexual life and protected sex are the basic ways to reduce the chances of contracting the infection.

• Trichomoniasis

  

  Trichomoniasis is another extremely widespread infection, affecting over 8 million Americans annually. It is difficult to diagnose as the infection often doesn’t show any symptoms, especially in men. Women might experience uncommon vaginal discharge, itching or swelling in the genital area, frequent and (or) painful urinating. Trichomoniasis is easily treated, but can also lead to complications, such as vaginitis. Use of condoms can significantly reduce the chances of transmission.

• Vaginal Yeast Infection

  
  The vaginal yeast infection is caused by a fungus in the vaginal zone. It is a very common issue. They produce a lot of noise with discomforts like rashes, tingle, soreness, and itching. However, most are not as severe as they feel. The yeast guilty of charge when you have a yeast infection is called Candida Albicans. When they proliferate above the regular levels, then the symptoms arise. The solution is to restore the balance inside the vagina. That way, those unwanted fungi get back to normal. You can get antifungal creams without prescription to get rid of the problem.

• Bacterial Vaginosis

  
  The vagina is full of bacteria. When everything is ok, it is mostly good bacteria. However bad bacteria can turn things upside down, causing Bacterial Vaginosis. This kind of problem usually occurs to women who have sex on a regular basis, and with different partners. Most times it is asymptomatic, and when it has symptoms, it is just a vaginal discharge with a particular smell. Sometimes it is so slight that women don’t notice it. The lightest problems disappear in few days without any treatment. Severe issues require a treatment that is given in the form of an antibiotic.

• Yeast Infection in Men

  
  Yeast infections are common in women, but men can also suffer from a yeast infection in the genital area. The Candida Albicans yeast is responsible for such problems. They can occur when you practice unprotected sex with a woman who has a vaginal yeast infection, which is produced by the same fungus. However, there are other risk factors. There is a certain amount of yeast that is normal. An over development is what causes problems. The symptoms are itchiness and redness in the penis area and even some pain. Treatment is easy, but you need an accurate diagnose.

• Balanitis

  
  Balanitis is a disease that affects your penis. This problem is common in men who are not circumcised. The flaps of the skin covering the penis tip should be clean to prevent the disease. This infection attacks commonly people who have diabetes, reactive arthritis, or the Reiter’s syndrome. It can also be the result of an allergic reaction to certain drugs like aspirin or tetracycline. The infection manifests itself with swelling, itching, and redness. Pain is also common and discharges at the tip with smegma and a bad smell. The worse cases cause pain when peeing and erection problems.

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

  
  The Cytomegalovirus or CMV is an infection transmitted through a virus. Anybody is at risk. It can be infected through all sorts of fluids, from saliva to urine, semen, blood, and breast milk. Once you get the CMV virus, there is no turning back. If you are in perfect health, it usually remains dormant, and you will experience no problems at all. However, when your defenses are weak, or if you suffer other health conditions, the Cytomegalovirus can cause further complications. Even newborns could grow perfectly fine. Go to your doctor to get proper treatment and get plenty of rest.

• Mycoplasma

  
  Mycoplasma is a form of bacteria attack. There are several types of Mycoplasma (over 100), depending on their development area. Their modus operandi is to get into the membrane of each cell. As a one-cell organism, they live by feeding on their carrier cell. One of the most common types of Mycoplasma is the Mycoplasma Genitalia. It infects the genitourinary tract of both men and women. When it is combined with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, the consequences affect the whole body. It is the root cause of severe infections in the respiratory system. Other issues include heart problems, prosthetic issues, joint pain, and upset of the central nervous system.

• Mononucleosis (Mono)

  
  Mononucleosis or simply Mono is a disease caused by the EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus). It is spread through the saliva, nose fluids, and tears. This is not a serious problem, except for those who have a weak immune system. Most people have it, and few know it. The symptoms are vague and commonly confused with the common flu. They include tiredness, sore throat, swollen glands, general weakness, fatigue, and at times even a high fever. A blood test can confirm the diagnosis. The most common way of contagion is to kiss other people. Other ways to get it is by sharing glasses, toothbrush, or spoons.

Further Reading

• The list of curable & incurable STDs
• STD Treatment

The post STDs list and their Symptoms appeared first on STD.

Chlamydial Infection Prevention and Risk Reduction

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease. This means that it is transferred by different types of sexual intercourse that includes oral, anal and vaginal intercourse that involve the exchange of body fluids.

Unfortunately most of the time chlamydia will not have strong or noticeable symptoms and this means that most of the time it will go unnoticed and untreated. But if you feel pain during sex, if you notice abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal discharge if you are a woman then it is time to get tested for chlamydia.

Men will notice pain while urination and will have some discharge from the penis. They could also some pain and swelling in the testicles. Chlamydia is not transmitted by kissing, sharing towels or personal products, toilet seats or touching infected people.

Of course the best way to stay away from chlamydia is to prevent it in the first place. Here are the best ways that you can use to stay free from chlamydia.

• Limit your sexual activity
  
  Having sex with multiple partners puts you in higher risk for chlamydia. This is because a lot of people might have the infection and will not show any symptoms. This means that you should be careful about who you are having sex with. The infection can get to you even if you have bodily fluids from an infected person on your hand and they somehow get to your genitals.
• Use latex condomsThese will not eliminate your risk completely but will definitely help. You should put on the condom correctly leaving enough space at the tip to catch the semen. If a man is performing oral sex on a woman, he can use a dental dam for protection. You should be careful about the quality of condoms you are using because if they break during sex, your infection risk will increase. Condoms should be used for vaginal or anal intercourse. Condoms could also be applied to sex toys if they are shared between users as they can spread the infection.
• Use water-based spermicidesThis will help with condoms in reducing the risk for chlamydia but only if you are having vaginal sex. In case of anal or oral sex these are not very effective.
• Avoid douchingDouching is an unnatural practice that disturbs the natural bacteria found in the vagina. Women who practice douching think that they are keeping their vaginas clean while they are actually disturbing the natural PH balance of the vagina. The vagina is self-cleaning and douching does more harm than good. Women who practice douching are usually more prone to STDs like chlamydia.
• Get regular checksSome people are in more risk for chlamydia than others. This includes young people and people who engage in sex with multiple partners without using enough or regular protection. The high risk requires regular screening as most of the time there will be no symptoms. Pregnant women should also be tested for chlamydia since the infection could be passed on to their babies. This is important if the mother or the father is infected.
• Having sex with only one uninfected partner whom only has sex with you (mutual monogamy).
• If you have an STD, don’t have sex (oral, vaginal, anal) until all partners have been treated.
• Prompt, qualified and appropriate medical intervention, treatment and follow-up are important steps in breaking the disease cycle.
• Know your partner(s). Careful consideration and open communication between partners may protect all partners involved from infection.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

The doctor will generally use a swab to collect a sample from the urethra in men or cervix in women to test for the causing bacteria if they report some of the symptoms. In some cases a urine analysis will be used to see if the bacteria are present in urine. There are a few symptoms that show that you might have chlamydia and will encourage you to seek medical help fast:

1. Burning sensation while urinating.
2. Abdominal pain.
3. A discharge from the vagina, penis or anus.
4. Pain after sex in women.
5. Blood between periods in women.
6. Heavy bleeding during periods.

How is chlamydia treated?

Usually the doctor will prescribe antibiotics that will treat your chlamydia like azithromycin or doxycycline and this will make the condition clear in a matter of a week or 2. You should still take your antibiotics even after you have felt better.

What happens if chlamydia is left untreated?

• Chlamydia like other STDs will increase the risk of acquiring HIV so early diagnosis is very important.
• Chlamydia can cause reactive arthritis that causes inflammation of the eyes, joints and urethra. Even if the symptoms and pain go, this doesn’t mean that the infection is gone.
• Infected men might have reduced fertility when the chlamydia infects their testicles and the passages inside their penises.
• Chlamydia can infect the uterus and the ovaries which will reduce the fertility of women. The infection can lead to pain and inflammation in the pelvis and might increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
• Chlamydia also increases the risks of premature birth, stillbirth or miscarriage. The child might suffer from lung or eye infection if the mother has chlamydia.

Follow-up

• Take all medications-even if you start to feel better before you finish the bottle.
• Treat all partners.
• Treat gonorrhea if it is not ruled out.
• Inform all partners.
• Abstain from sex until all partners are treated.

Further Reading

• Chlamydial Infection Symptoms, Treatment;
• STD Treatment;
• STD Symptoms.

The post Chlamydial Infection Prevention appeared first on STD.

What does dark urine mean?

Normal urine is clear in appearance and has a straw-yellow color which comes from a pigment called urochrome. When you take more water, the urine gets diluted and takes a lighter color. On the other hand, when you take less water urine has less fluid content leading to a darker color. However, urine color can vary depending on your choice of foods, health conditions, or medications.
Certain types of foods and medications have the ability to change the color of urine.

Carotene containing foods, food colorings, berries, aloe, fava beans, rhubarb, beets, laxatives, vitamin B complex, drugs ( example: Pyridium, anti malarial drugs, iron supplements, levodopa, methocarbamol) etc. can change the urine color leading to darker urine.

Some disease and health conditions also changes the urine color into a darker one. These include- bleeding into the urine, liver disorders, kidney disorders, hemolytic anemia , porphyrias, urinary stone, melanoma, urinary tract infection etc.

If you see any change in urine color, don’t panic and check whether it is due to your food habit or medication. If the color change is not related to foods or medication, then you should consult with a doctor immediately.

Common causes of dark urine

Here is a list of causes of dark urine in order from the most common to the least ones:

1. Jaundice
   Jaundice is term which is used to describe yellowish discoloration of skin and sclerae . jaundice occurs due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment. In jaundice, the body fluids may also turn into yellow color.
2. Dehydration
   Dehydration occurs when your body loses more amount of fluid than you take in, as a result the organ , cells and tissues of your body can not carry out their normal function because there is insufficient amount of water. People of any age group can get dehydrated, but younger children and older people are more vulnerable to dehydration because they suffer from more complications.

   The commonest cause of fluid loss from the body is excessive sweating , commonest cause of dehydration in younger children is severe diarrhea and vomiting. Every day an average non-active person should take 8 to 10 glasses of water in order to avoid dehydration.

   Physically active person such as athletes, construction workers, people exposed to more temperature etc should drink more water than an average non-active person. Dehydration can be mild or severe. Severe dehydration causes serious complications. Mild dehydration can be corrected at home but severe dehydration needs to be treated immediately under special care settings.

3. Hepatitis
   Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver. There are several causes of hepatitis, but the most common cause of hepatitis is viral infection.

   The viral infection of liver that is called hepatitis is classified into five types. They are hepatitis A,B,C,D & E.

   • Hepatitis A is mild type of hepatitis. It is commonly transmitted by hepatitis A virus contaminated food or drink.
   • Hepatitis B is transmitted through infectious body fluids such blood , semen , saliva etc. wound caused by injection syringe, razor etc which is contaminated with hepatitis B virus can also transmit this disese. Currently 350 million people all over the world is suffering from this chronic disese.
   • Hepatitis C is a severe form of hepatitis. It is transmitted by using contaminated syringe or having unprotected sex.
   • Hepatitis D is also a severe viral infection. It is a rare disease and it can’t occur without the help of hepatitis B virus.
   • Hepatitis E is transmitted through contaminated water. It is found in those areas which have poor sanitation. Hepatitis E is a common disease all over the world.
4. Cirrhosis
   Liver cirrhosis is characterized by loss of normal hepatic architecture due to diffuse hepatic fibrosis with nodular regeneration. Morphologically cirrhosis is of two types. They are micronodular cirrhosis and macronodular cirrhosis.

   Chronic hepatitis C infection and alcohol abuse are the commonest cause of liver cirrhosis. Obesity is also a risk factor for developing liver cirrhosis.

   The common symptoms of cirrhosis include

   • decreased appetite
   • Epistaxis
   • weight loss
   • anorexia
   • weakness
   • jaundice
   • etc.

   In more severe state the following symptoms can be seen. They are confusion, abdominal swelling, swelling in the legs, gynecomastia, breast atrophy in female, impotence etc.

5. Porphyria
   Porphyrias are a group of rare hereditary disorders of blood. People having porphyrias lack some specific enzyme and can not make heme which is a component of hemoglobin. As a result porphyrin accumulate in the blood.

   Porphyria is a genetic disease. It ia caused by an abnormal gene which is inherited from one of the parents. There are some risk factors for porphyrias. They are drug, sunlight, infection, alcohol abuse etc.

   Porphyrias are of two types. They are hepatic and erythropoietic.
   Symptoms of porphyrias include

   • abdominal pain
   • light sensitivity
   • neuropathy
   • hypertension
   • etc.
6. Hemolytic anemia
   Hemolytic anemia can be described as a condition in which red blood cells are removed from circulation blood before completing their normal life span. Hemolytic anemia is of two types. They are Extrinsic and Intrinsic hemolytic anemia.

   In extrinsic hemolytic anemia, the red blood cells are trapped and destroyed in the spleen. Some infections and tumors also can destroy these RBCs.
   In intrinsic hemolytic anemia, defective red blood cells are produced in the body.

   Sign and symptoms of hemolytic anemia include-

   • pale skin
   • fatigue
   • fever
   • confusion
   • dizziness
   • lethargy
   • lightheadedness
   • etc.

   The common methods for treating hemolytic anemia are- blood transfusion, intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroid therapy and surgery.

7. Gallstones
   Gallstones are not exactly stones, they are some solid materials which deposit in the gallbladder. Many people have gallstones and they might never know it until it blocks their bile duct and cause severe pain.

   Gallstones consist of cholesterol, salt or bilirubin. Gallstones may vary in their size. Their size can range from size of a grain to the size of an apricot. 80% gallstones are made of cholesterol and 20% gallstones are made of calcium salts & bilirubin.

   Risk factors for gallstones include

   • being overweight or obese
   • eating high fat or cholesterol diet
   • low fiber diet
   • diabetes mellitus
   • cirrhosis of liver
   • being female
   • age 60 or above
   • family history of gall stones
   • etc.
8. Glomerulonephritis
   Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation of glomeruli of your kidneys. Glomerulonephritis can be life threatening and it may damage your kidney glomeruli which will eventually lead to kidney failure.
   Acute glomerulonephritis can be caused by
   • strep throat
   • tooth abscess
   • systemic lupus erythematosus
   • goodpasture syndrome
   • polyarteritis nodosa
   • etc.

   Chronic glomerulonephritis does not have a clear cause.

   Symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis are

   • puffy face
   • less micturition
   • hematuria
   • high blood pressure
   • etc.

   Symptoms of chronic glomerulonephritis are- blood in urine, hypertension, nocturia, swelling in ankle and face, abdominal pain, frequent epistaxis etc.

9. Rhabdomyolysis
   Rhabdomyolysis can be defined as a condition in which damaged skeletal muscle breakdown occurs. As a result of muscle breakdown, myoglobin is released in the bloodstream. Too much myoglobin can damage your kidneys.

   Sign and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are

   • muscle weakness
   • low urine output
   • bruise
   • fatigue
   • dark urine
   • fever
   • malaise
   • nausea
   • vomiting
   • etc
10. Urethral Stricture
    Normally the urethra is wide enough for free passage of urine. But, if the urethra narrows , it obstruct the urinary outflow. This medical condition is known as urethral stricture. This condition mainly affects men.

    Cause of urethral stricture- tissue inflammation, presence of scar tissue, having penile implant, a straddle injury, pelvic fracture, catheter insertion, radiation injury etc.
    Sign and symptoms of urethral stricture

    • less urine volume
    • reduced urine outflow
    • frequent micturition
    • burning sensation during urination
    • urinary incontinence
    • urethral discharge
    • penile swelling
    • inability to micurate (requires immediate treatment)
11. Biliary Obstruction (Bile duct obstruction)
    It is a medical condition which is characterized by blockage of blie ducts. If the blockage remains untreated for a long time , it may lead to life threatening liver disese.

    The causes of biliary obstruction are

    • gallstones
    • inflammation in the bile ducts
    • trauma
    • biliary stricture
    • enlarged lymph nodes
    • pancreatitis
    • hepatitis
    • cirrhosis
    • etc

    Symptoms of biliary obstruction

    • dark urine
    • light colored feces
    • jaundice
    • itching sensation
    • pain in the upper right quadrant of abdomen
    • fever
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • weight loss
12. ABO incompatability Reaction
    This is a medical condition which occur if you get wrong type of blood during blood transfusion. It is a very rare condition, but if it occurs, it may be fatal. This type of reaction occurs due to the response of your immune system.

    Cause of ABO incompatability – transfusion of wrong type of blood.

    Sign and symptoms

    • fever and chill
    • breathing difficulty
    • muscle aching
    • nausea
    • chest pain
    • pain in the back and abdomen
    • jaundice
    • hematuria
    • etc
13. Heat emergencies
    It is an emergency condition that occurs due to exposure of a person to hot weather and sun. heat emergencies have three stages. They are – heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

    Sign and symptoms of heat emergencies

    • muscle pain
    • tightness
    • muscle cramps
    • dizziness
    • confusion
    • fast breathing
    • tachycardia
    • headache
    • extreme thrust
    • nausea
    • heavy sweating
    • fainting
    • hallucinations
    • rapid but weak pulse
    • dry skin
    • seizures
    • etc.
14. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
    Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA) is a group of disorders in which antibody from your body mistakenly attach to your own red blood cells and destroy the RBCs by the action of own immune system. As a result the RBCs can’t complete their normal life span.

    Causes of autoimmune hemolytic anemia – half of AHA are idiopathic. Some illness can cause AHA.

    They are

    • leukemia
    • systemic lupus erythematosus
    • infectious mononucleosis

    Sign and symptoms

    • excessive fatigue and weakness
    • pale skin
    • tachycardia
    • jaundice
    • dark urine
    • abdominal fullness
    • headache
    • muscle pain
    • diarrhea
    • vomiting
    • etc
15. Chlamydia Infection
    It is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by bacteria. In early stages Chlamydia infection does not exert symptoms. It causes health in the later stages.

    Causes of Chlamydia infections – unprotected sex, newborn baby can get this infection from infected mother during the borth process.

    Symptoms

    • burning sensation during micturition
    • yellow or green discharge from penis or vagina
    • lower abdominal pain
    • testicular pain
    • dyspareunia
    • etc
16. Alcoholic liver disease
    If a person consumes excessive amount of alcohol for an extended period of time, an inflammatory condition occurs which is known as alcoholic liver disease. Continuous alcohol consumption may lead to cirrhosis , or even liver failure.

    Symptoms of alcoholic liver disease

    • changes in appetite
    • dry mouth
    • weight loss
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • abdominal swelling
    • pain in the abdomen
    • jaundice
    • confusion
    • fever
    • fatigue
    • etc
17. Renal cell carcinoma
    Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common cancer of kidney found in adults all over the world. RCC is a very fast growing cancer. It can spread to the lungs and other surrounding organs.

    Common causes & risk factors for RCC

    • family history of RCC
    • hypertension
    • obesity
    • dialysis
    • smoking
    • PKD (polycystic kidney disease)
    • Von Hippel-Lindau disease
    • chronic drug abuse
    • etc

    Symptoms of RCC

    • Hematuria
    • a lump in the abdomen
    • loss of appetite
    • unexplained weight loss
    • fatigue
    • visual disturbance
    • pain in the renal angle
    • excessive hair growth in females
    • etc
18. G6PD Deficiency
    G6PD is a genetic abnormality that is characterized by inadequate amount of G6PD ( glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) enzyme in circulating blood. Without this enzyme the RBCs break down prematurely leading to hemolytic anemia.

    Causes of G6PD Deficiency

    It is mainly a genetic disease. This disease is inherited from one or both parents.

    Symptoms

    • tachycardia
    • shortness of breath
    • dark urine
    • fever
    • fatigue
    • paleness
    • dizziness
    • jaundice
    • etc
19. Malaria
    Malaria is a serious and life-threatening disease that is caused by bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
    Causes of malaria
    • bite of a female Anopheles mosquito which is infected by Plasmodium group of parasites
    • transmission from mother to baby during birth
    • transmission by blood transfusion. Etc

    Symptoms of malaria

    • moderate to severe shaking chills
    • high fever followed by profuse sweating
    • headache
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • diarrhea
    • anemia
    • muscle pain
    • convulsion
    • coma
    • dark urine
    • etc.
20. Hepatitis A
    Hepatitis A is mild type of hepatitis. It is commonly transmitted by hepatitis A virus contaminated food or drink
    Symptoms of Hepatitis A-
    Flu like symptoms (such as fever, fatigue, body ache), abdominal pain , dark urine, jaundice, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss.
21. Bladder stones
    If concentrated urine, less water, more waste product etc are left in the bladder after micturition, some crystallized minerals are formed in the bladder which are known as bladder stones.
    Causes of bladder stones-

    Urinary tract infections

    • damaged urethra
    • enlarged prostate
    • neurogenic bladder
    • weak bladder
    • kidney stones
    • Etc

    Symptoms of bladder stones

    • Nocturia
    • lower abdominal pain
    • burning sensation during micturition
    • dark urine
    • etc.
22. Hepatitis C
    Hepatitis C is a severe form of hepatitis. It is transmitted by using contaminated syringe or having unprotected sex.
23. Hepatitis B
    Hepatitis B is transmitted through infectious body fluids such blood , semen , saliva etc. wound caused by injection syringe, razor etc which is contaminated with hepatitis B virus can also transmit this disese. Currently 350 million people all over the world is suffering from this chronic disese.
24. Hepatitis E
    Hepatitis E is transmitted through contaminated water. It is found in those areas which have poor sanitation. Hepatitis E is a common disease all over the world.
25. Hepatitis D
    Hepatitis D is also a severe viral infection. It is a rare disease and it can’t occur without the help of hepatitis B virus.
26. Acute Pancreatitis
    Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It causes pain in upper quadrant of the abdomen and may radiate to the back.

    Causes of acute pancreatitis

    • immunological attack on the pancreas
    • pancreatic injury
    • gallbladder injury
    • cystic fibrosis
    • alcohol abuse
    • Kawasaki disease
    • mumps
    • Reye’s syndrome
    • etc

    Symptoms of acute pancreatitis

    • pain immediately after taking food or drinking
    • pain radiating from abdomen to back
    • persistant pain for several days etc
    • pai when lying on your back and the pain increases when sitting up etc.
27. Sickle cell Anemia
    Sickle cell anemia is genetic disease which affects the red blood cells. It is also known as sickle cell disease. Normally the red blood cells are disk shaped, which makes it easy for them to travel through blood vessels.

    But in sickle cell disease the RBCs are abnormal crescent shaped which makes them sticky and rigid. As a result the RBCs get trapped in small vessels and can’t reach to different parts of the body. this causes severe pain and damage of tissues.

28. Transitional Cell Carcinoma
    It is the most common type of cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter.

    Symptoms of Transitional Cell Carcinoma

    • Hematuria
    • persistent back pain
    • fatigue
    • unexplained weight loss
    • painful micturition
    • frequent micturition
    • etc.
29. Liver Cancer
    Cancer occurring in the liver is called liver cancer. Liver cancers may classified into two types. They are primary liver cancers and secondary liver cancers.
    Primary liver cancera occur in liver cells, on the other hand secondary liver cancers occur due cancer cells which come to liver from another cancer site (metastasis).

    Different types of primary liver cancers

    • Hepatocellular carcinoma
    • Cholangio carcinoma
    • liver angiosarcoma
    • hepatoblastoma

    Symptoms of liver cancers

    • Abdominal pain and tenderness
    • jaundice
    • chalky white stools
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • weakness
    • fatigue
    • etc
30. Infectious Mononeucleosis
    A group of disorders caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) , is known as infectious mononeucleosis. The virus is commonly spread through saliva.
    Symptoms of infectious mononeucleosis
    • fever
    • sore throat
    • swollen lymph nodes
    • headache
    • fatigue
    • muscle weakness
    • night sweat
    • etc
31. Breast Milk Jaundice
    It is a very common condition in new born babies. The main cause is the high level of bilirubin in the circulating blood. Normally it occurs one week after birth which may persist up to 12 weeks. Normally it does not cause any problem and resolves on its own after a few days.
32. Pancreatic cancer
    Cancer occurring within the pancreatic tissues is known as pancreatic cancer.

    Risk factors

    • Being obese
    • smoking
    • chronic alcoholism
    • high fat diet
    • less fruit and vegetables in diet
    • less exercise
    • diabetes
    • liver damage
    • family history of pancreatic cancer

    Symptoms

    • Loss of appetite
    • unexplained weight loss
    • abdominal pain
    • low back pain
    • depression
    • jaundice etc
33. Goodpasture Syndrome
    It is an auto-immune disease. In this condition your immune system mistakenly attack your lung walls and the filtering units of your kidneys.

    General symptoms

    • weakness
    • lethargy
    • fatigue
    • loss of appetite
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • pale appearance

    When attacks the lungs

    • dry cough
    • hemoptysis
    • shortness of breath

    When attacks the kidneys

    • burning sensation during micturition
    • hematuria
    • swelling of hand and feet
    • hypertension
    • etc.
34. Idiopathic Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (IAHA)
    IAHA is an autoimmune disorder in which immune system produces antibody and destroy the RBCs rapidly.
    Symptoms
    • Tachycardia
    • weakness
    • shortness of breath
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • muscle pain
    • dark urine
    • headache
    • abdominal discomfort
    • diarrhea
    • etc
35. Drug induced Immune Hemolytic Anemia
    It is a condition characterized by a medication which you are taking stimulates your immune system to mistakenly attack your RBCs and destroy them.

    Some medications which may cause this are

    • Cephalosporin
    • dapsone
    • levodopa
    • methyldopa
    • levofloxacin
    • NSAID
    • penicillin
    • quinidine
    • etc
36. Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
    PNH is a disorder which break down your RBCs sooner than their normal life span. There is no known risk factor for this disease. It is not an inherited disease. This disease is caused by losing of a gene called PIGA.
37. Thalassemia
    It is an inherited disorder of blood which is characterized by formation of an abnormal form of hemoglobin. Thalassemia has two main forms- Alpha thalassemia and Beta thalassemia.

    Symptoms

    • Paleness
    • fussiness
    • poor appetite
    • frequent infections
    • jaundice
    • enlarged glands
    • etc
38. Yellow fever
    It is a flu-like disease which is spread by mosquitoes. It is a very serious and potentially fatal disease. It is characterized by high fever and jaundice. The disease is not curable but you can prevent this disease by taking yellow fever vaccine
39. Hepatorenal Syndrome(HRS)
    It is a progressive kidney failure in people having severe liver damage commonly cirrhosis. There are two types- type 1 HRS and type 2 HRS. this an extremely serious condition of the body and should be treated immediately as an emergency condition.

    Symptoms of HRS

    • Confusion
    • delirium
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • dementia
    • weight gain
    • jaundice
    • decreased urine output
    • dark urine
    • etc
40. Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH)
    Normally viruses attack liver cells. But, sometimes immune system attack the liver cells and causes chronic damage to the liver resulting in cirrhosis and ultimately liver failure.
    They are of two types- type I and type II
    Symptoms of AIH
    • hepatomegaly
    • spider angioma
    • abdominal swelling
    • dark urine
    • pale stools
    • jaundice
    • itching
    • fatigue
    • joint pain
    • loss of appetite
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • abdominal discomfort
    • etc

The post 40 common causes of dark urine appeared first on STD.

Molluscum Contagiosum is a viral infection that affects individuals regardless of their age and gender. The symptoms of the infection include the formation of small flesh-colored bumps on the skin. The spots have an indent in the center. Molluscum Contagiosum spreads but is not harmful. The bumps are not painful but can cause itchiness.

Who is more vulnerable to Molluscum Contagiosum?

Although the virus can affect anyone, there are some specific conditions when a person becomes an easy target for the virus. People who are more likely to get this virus include:

• Children aged between 1 and 10
• People with weak immune system (those with AIDS or having chemotherapy, steroid or cancer treatment)
• People having atopic dermatitis
• People having skin-to-skin contact with the infected person

How is Molluscum Contagiosum contracted?

The virus is contagious. It usually spreads through skin-to-skin contact that includes sexual contact or touching the bumps. Moreover, it is contracted by using the objects of the infected person such as towels, clothing, toys or any other item that has been contaminated.

You might also get infected during the contact sports that involve touching the skin. Football and wrestling are some of the sports that might cause the virus to transfer from one person to another. Touching sports equipment that is touched by the bare skin also spreads the infection. The common equipment includes football, gloves, helmets or wrestling mats.

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Molluscum Contagiosum not only spreads from one person to another but also from one part of the body to the other parts. You can spread the virus in your body by touching, scratching or squeezing the spots. The thick yellowy-white substance, when released after the bump has been ruptured, is highly infectious.

Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum

The main symptom of the infection is the formation of a number of raised spots on your skin.

• The bumps are firm and dome or pear shaped
• They have an indent or dimple in the middle
• Bumps are usually less than 5mm (0.5 cm), but can be bigger and more prominent
• They are pink or red in color
• Bumps have a white or yellow head in the center
• There is a red and cracked skin around the bumps
• Spots are Itchy
• Usually, there are around 20-30 bumps
• People with weaker immune system can have more spots

The most affected parts of the skin include

1. Face
2. Neck
3. Limbs
4. Torso
5. Genitals ( infection spreads after sexual contact)

Treatments for Molluscum Contagiosum

The spots are easy to recognise. The infection can be diagnosed without the need for tests. Moreover, the treatment for this infection does not require a routine check-up. Usually, the virus vanishes in around 6-18 months without medical treatment. However, treatment is recommended for people who have unpleasant and prominent spots which, in turn, affect their life. People with weak immune system are also advised to have a proper check-up and treatment for this infection.

MolluDab

MolluDab is the most recommended remedy to treat Molluscum Contagiosum. It is a topical treatment that helps to get rid of the virus and eliminates the bumps caused by it. Not just this, it does not cause any scarring or pain associated with other physical methods.

How does MolluDab work?

MolluDab comprises of 5% potassium hydroxide. It clears up the virus by boosting the immune system. Adding drops of MolluDab twice a day on the infected areas causes the skin cells to break which, in turn, activate the immune system and enable it to take action. After 4-6 days, the treatment clears the virus. It takes around 1-5 weeks to heal the skin and get rid of the lesions.
Some of the other treatments include:

Molluscum Cryotherapy

Molluscum Cryotherapy involves the use of liquid nitrogen (-196oC) to freeze the bumps. It is applied directly to the infected areas. The skin lesions are destroyed by this treatment. The benefits of the therapy are that it is quick and does not require any further treatment after freezing.

Curettage

In this treatment a curette is used to remove the lesion. It is placed over the bump, and a pressure is applied causing the piercing and removal of the lesions.

Topical treatments

Your GP applies creams containing acids and other effective chemicals on the bump. The process stimulates the peeling of the top layers of the skin.

Molluscum Contagiosum cure – home/natural remedies

Neem

Neem is an effective medicinal herb and is widely chosen for its capabilities to treat virus. It is also known as antiviral substance. Neem has the tendency to eliminate the virus.

Medicinal Neem leaves in mortar and pestle with neem paste, juice and twigs on green background

To treat Molluscum Contagiosum, you need to boil the neem leaves in water and then apply that mixture on the affected parts.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil plays a great role in treating a range of skin diseases. Its antifungal, antiviral as well as antibacterial properties make it the best solution.

Oil, when applied on the infected areas, reduces itchiness and helps you get rid of the bumps.

Oregano oil

Oregano oil comprises of antioxidant compounds such as thymol and rosmarinic acid which boost the immune system to eliminate the virus.

Garlic

Garlic enhances the functionality of the immune system, thus enabling it to fight back the viral infection.

You need to cut the garlic into small pieces, apply them on the affected areas and cover the parts with a bandage. Wash the areas with water.

Baking soda

The antioxidant properties make baking soda an effective treatment for the viral infection.

Add 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda in water, mix it, and heat the mixture for 20-25 minutes. Use a cotton cloth to apply the mixture on the affected parts. Doing this daily for 10-15 minutes combat virus.

How apple cider vinegar helps in treating Molluscum Contagiosum?

Apple cider vinegar has great antibacterial and antiviral qualities. It does not have any side effects. Therefore, it is a suitable treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum. It can be applied on children and babies as well. You need a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar. Dab the affected parts with the ball and allow the vinegar to dry on the skin. Wash the parts with warm water. Do this 2-3 times a day.

FAQs

Is there a cure for Molluscum Contagiosum?

Doctors apply various treatments to kill the virus completely. They can apply MolluDab or remove lesions by using a curette. Other treatments include the Cryotherapy which involves liquid nitrogen to freeze the spots. If you prefer home remedies then apple cider vinegar, coconut oil and neem are some of the effective solutions.

How can children with Molluscum Contagiosum be treated?

The small bumps usually go away without treatment within 12-18 months. However, there are various treatments to fight back Molluscum Contagiosum. Children can be treated with Curettage, Cantharidin, Keratolytic or Imiquimod. However, Curettage has been found the most effective treatment and has the lowest side effects. Keratolytic therapy causes the skin to loose and shed. However, it might cause irritation. Imiquimood is more effective than Cantharidin but is expensive.

How can adults with Molluscum Contagiosum be treated?

Cryotherapy, Curettage, Laser therapy and topical therapy are some of the treatments that combat the virus. In some cases, the treatment may be painful and cause scarring. Anesthesia is used where required, especially during the Curettage. Since each bump is treated therefore the treatment may require more than one session. Here are some of the medications a GP prescribes:

• Trichloroacetic acid
• Cantharidin (Cantharone)
• Topical podophyllotoxin cream

What is genital Molluscum Contagiosum?

One of the causes of Molluscum Contagiosum is sexual contact. Sexually transmitted Molluscum (bumps) appear on genital areas.

What causes Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum Contagiosum is caused by:

• Skin-to-skin contact (touching the bumps or sexual contact)
• Using the objects of infected person (e.g. towels, clothes)
• Playing contact sports which involve bare skin contact (football or wrestling)

The virus spreads by scratching or squeezing the bumps.

Is Molluscum Contagiosum an STD?

Yes, Molluscum Contagiosum is an STD. In adults, it usually spreads through sexual intercourse.

Is Molluscum contagiosum curable?

Yes, Molluscum Contagiosum is curable.

Is Molluscum Contagiosum a virus/infection?

Yes, Molluscum Contagiosum is a viral infection.

What are the stages of Molluscum Contagiosum?

Beginning stage

Molluscum appears as pin sized bumps in its starting stage. The bumps are in clusters and are difficult to see in normal light. Some get few bumps whereas some might get hundreds of bumps on various parts of the body.

Developing

The bumps grow and develop into pearly bumps. Some of the initial stage bumps develop a pus head with an indent. This is a contagious stage. If there are few pus head bumps, then they can be treated quickly. However, a greater number of such bumps require prolonged treatment.

Burst Molluscum

Once the pus head burst, the appearance of the bumps changes. They become raised spots. The infection is at its peak and causes inflammation in the surrounding areas. The burst bumps are likely to infect other parts of the body and hence spreads the viral infection.

What causes Molluscum Contagiosum on penis?

Sexually active people are likely to get Molluscum Contagiosum on penis. Bumps on this area means the virus has been spread through sexual contact, but that’s not the only cause of the virus. It is wise to consult a doctor if a person gets molluscum on or around penis.

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Gonorrhea is a serious sexually transmitted disease that affects men and women of different ages and in different parts of the world. The disease is caused by bacteria that is found the urethra, throat, or cervix of women and can be easily transmitted to their sexual partners and even to babies during child birth.

Gonorrhea infection can have no or little symptoms and this is one of the reasons it might be left untreated. Most men will experience a discharge from the penis or pain while urinating. Women might experience the same pain with some unusual vaginal discharge. If the gonorrhea affects the eyes you will see pus like discharge, and in the throat it can cause symptoms that resemble a sore throat.

In this article we will talk about the best ways to control Gonorrhea, prevent the infection and reduce its risks:

• Engage in safe sex:Not having sex is a sure way to stay away from Gonorrhea but is not a practical solution. Instead, you should use a condom every time you are having sex if you want to stay safe. If you are monogamous and have a stable relationship then you should always use a condom if your partner is treated for Gonorrhea. Communicating with your partner is essential. Limiting the number of your sex partners and engaging in sex with only the people who are honest with you is essential in reducing your risk. If your partner hasn’t been tested for Gonorrhea or other STDs, you should wait until they do before deciding to have sex.
• Use condoms properly:It is very important to know how to use the condom. You should open the package carefully and make sure that condom is not cut or scratched by fingernails before putting it on. If you are using female condoms, then make sure that the condom is properly placed and used. Make sure not to exchange female and male condoms with your partner. Toys and devices should be cleaned and disinfected every time after use. You should always use a condom on a toy or a device and replace condoms if you exchange them with your partner.
• Use dental dams:Dental dams are very important if you engage in oral sex. Make sure that you use the dam properly and that it is not cut. Get the dental dam out of its pouch and make sure that you don’t use your teeth or fingernails. Use a water based lubricant before using a dental dam.
• Don’t touch your eye:If you are suspecting that you or your partner might be infected with gonorrhoea, then make sure that you don’t touch your eye after touching your genitals or the genitals of your partner. This will ensure that infection doesn’t spread to your eyes.
• Follow the doctor’s orders:The regular check is your best chance to discover your gonorrhea and to get it treated. Not skipping your scheduled exams is a great chance for your doctor to prescribe the right medication. Most of the times, your doctor will prescribe an injection mixed together with an antibiotics course. Once your start your medication you should keep on taking it until your doctor asks you to stop even if your start to feel better.
• Protect your baby:
  
  Gonorrhea is easily transmitted from the mother to the unborn child so if you have discovered that you have Gonorrhea then chances are your baby will get infected too. You should inform your doctor immediately and he will take quick measures to prevent the disease from spreading to your unborn baby. Most babies will be treated after birth by a medication that is especially given to prevent the disease from infecting their eyes.
• Wait before having sex:If you have discovered that you have gonorrhea and are currently under medication, you should wait before engaging in any sexual interaction with your partner. Your partner might be also treated for gonorrhea. The best thing is to wait for at least 7 days after the medication before engaging in sex.
• Prompt, qualified and appropriate medical intervention, treatment and follow-up are important steps in breaking the disease cycle.
• Know your partner(s). Careful consideration and open communication between partners may protect all partners involved from infection.
• Water-based spermicides can be used along with latex condoms for additional protection during vaginal intercourse. Use of spermicide is not recommended nor found to be effective for oral or anal intercourse.
• Having sex with only one uninfected partner whom only has sex with you (mutual monogamy).

Follow-up

• Take all medications-even if you start to feel better before you finish the bottle.
• Treat all partners.
• Also treat chlamydia if it is not ruled out.
• Inform all partners.
• Abstain from sex until all partners are treated.

Further Reading

• Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Treatment, Pictures;
• STD Symptoms;
• STD Treatment.

The post Gonorrhea Infection Prevention appeared first on STD.

In this article we are going to focus on different types of bumps that can be found on penis. Normally penile spots do not indicate anything very serious. But it’s definitely a good idea to consult a health care professional. The spots can be shown to your General Practitioner, or better to a professional at a genitourinary medical clinic.

If you’ve never had sex, little white bumps on the shaft of the penis may be pimples, a skin cyst, or ingrown hairs. These are common and they’re nothing to worry about. Another condition that’s normal and no cause for concern is pearly penile papules.

Most spots that might be found on penis are completely harmless. It’s reasonable that men become very concerned once they notice spots on penis. They’re afraid that they might have cancer or another dangerous disease. However, spots on penis almost never indicate that a person has cancer.

What causes penis bumps?

There are many different factors that can cause bumps on penis and genitals. It’s obvious that men who have never inspected their genitals closely become alarmed when they discover bumps that have always been there, such as oil glands or hair follicles.

Little white bumps seen on penis may also be pimples or a skin cyst. These are common skin markings so there’s nothing to worry about. Another condition which is absolutely normal is pearly penile papules. It’s a ‘bumpy’ border that separates the shaft from the head of the penis. These whitish bumps frequently appear on the glans of the penis or alongside the edge of the glans.

Ingrown hairs, pimples, papules and cysts won’t do you any harm, though it is important not to pop them because they could get infected. Moreover, new or impermanent bumps on penis can also be caused by rubbing on clothing, irritation from shaving, or an infected hair follicle. An allergic reaction to a new soap, shampoo or lubricant can also provoke the spread of bumps. Even though many types of spots are perfectly normal, some bumps on penis are caused by sexually transmitted diseases.

• Penis bumps can be a sign of genital herpes

  The most common STD that induces bumps on penis is herpes type two. The first sign is usually a brownish or reddish discoloration on penis. Clusters of tiny, round blister-like spots soon break out in the genital region. These blisters are usually painful. The spots are filled with a clear straw-colored fluid. A red ulcer which appears due to syphilis can be confused with a sore or a bump caused by herpes.

  

  Genital herpes lesions, 3D illustration

  In a few days’ time they typically rupture turning reddish and acquiring a crusty appearance.The spots usually last for a few weeks, until they vanish. However, that doesn’t mean you have been cured completely. If you have a suspicion that you might have caught herpes type two, visit a genitourinary medicine clinic in the shortest time possible. You will be offered treatment with anti-viral agents. Besides, you will be given recommendations on how long you’d better abstain from sex in order not to infect your partner and what precautions you need to take when you resume.

• HPV can cause penis bumps

  Another sexually transmitted disease that can produce little bumps on penis is human papillomavirus (HPV) which lives in warm and moist parts of body. HPV is characterized by the spread of genital warts. Sometimes the spots are irregular in shape or difficult to notice. Depending on the shade of your skin, they can be brown, pink, ivory-colored or black. Genital warts are not painful.

  

  Human papillomavirus HPV lesions in men, genital warts, and close-up view of HPV. 3D illustration

  Unlike herpes bumps that disappear completely, warts, caused by HPV, are persistent. It is strongly recommended to visit a genitourinary medicine clinic if you suspect that you might have genital warts. Different treatment options will be offered to you: either by applying special creams or by removing the wart with a laser or an electric probe which is virtually painless. It is essential to refrain from having sexual intercourse until the doctor confirms that you are cured.

• Syphilis

  Syphilis is considered to be a very serious STD. The sores appear on genitals somewhere between 9 and 90 days after exposure. A painless bump can be found on penis as well as at any other place of sexual contact. Depending on the color of your skin, you may have a brown, black or dull red bump. Soon it breaks down into a small painless ulcer. What makes this disease so tricky and dangerous is that bumps soon vanish but the infection remains in your body.

  

  Syphilitic ulcers ulcus durum and close-up view of syphilis bacteria Treponema pallidum on the surface of a penis, 3D illustration

  Although syphilis is spread from sores, the majority of such sores go unnoticed. It’s often the case that the infected person is unaware of their condition and passes it to their sexual partner. This infection is curable in case it’s caught early so don’t hesitate to visit a genitourinary medical clinic for professional examination. Do not have sex until you’ve been cured. Sexual partners of people with syphilis should be tested and treated too to avoid the infection distribution.

• Septic spots

  Obviously, people often have pimples or septic spots on different parts of their body. Moreover, these spots are especially common among young adults. Sometimes a tiny pimple may appear on penis. There’s nothing serious about them, so no special treatment is required. Don’t squeeze the pimple because you can get an infection.
  
  Avoid having sex with any person till the pimple is completely gone. However, if something on your skin that you consider to be a pimple hasn’t gone within a week, you need to check it out with your doctor.

• Molluscum contagiosum

  Molluscum produces tiny pearly bumps on the skin. They are pink or brown and usually have a dimple on the top. If the bumps are squeezed, a cheesy-looking matter comes out. Molluscum contagiosum is an infection caused by a virus, transmitted via physical contact. It is often spread during staying in bed with an infected person.
  
  The spots usually appear on penis, however they could be found anywhere else. If you think you have molluscum, go to a genitourinary medicine clinic. Usually no treatment is needed because the bumps will perish without any treatment in a few months. But as long as you still have them, abstain from sexual intercourse and don’t even stay in bed naked with anyone.

• Other causes of penis bumps

  Common penile bumps are called Fordyce spots. They look like tiny yellowish or white spots, found on the shaft or the head of the penis. If you have brown or black skin, they will look more prominent. These spots are harmless, being part of the structure of many penises. Fordyce spots are not transmitted through sex, and there’s no need for any treatment. Moreover, different tropical sex infections can cause a little pinkish or brownish bump on penis. The glands in the groin also swell up. So if you’ve just had intercourse in a tropical country, you could be at risk. If in doubt, check it out at a GUM clinic.

What should I do?

If you have discovered any kind of pimples on your penis, it is better to leave them alone and not to squeeze them. Squeezing can lead to inflammation, worsen any possible infection and can result in scarring. You can clean the skin with warm water and gentle soap, but avoid scrubbing vigorously, because skin in this area is very sensitive and scrubbing can cause such problems as rash or irritation.

If you’re concerned about observing spots on your penis, go to your GP or get some confidential information from your local genitourinary medical institution. Don’t feel afraid or embarrassed about going to the doctor because it is his job to treat such problems and they are trained to do that confidentially.

It’s natural that men get concerned if they notice spots on penis. Many men are worried about STD exposure and become hyper-aware of any bumps and lumps on penis. Penile bumps may appear due to very different reasons. Most of the spots are completely harmless. If you have concerns about bumps on your penis, visit a doctor or go to a specialized clinic for relevant recommendations. Don’t pop any bumps or apply pimple cream on them as it could make things worse.

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What is Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection attacking the liver and representing real life danger. The term ‘hepatitis‘ means inflammation of the liver. For some people, hepatitis B is an acute disease but for others it can become a chronic infection.

Nowadays hepatitis B is the most common infection affecting liver in the world. It puts people at risk of death from liver cancer or cirrhosis. Hepatitis B prevalence is the highest in such regions as East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where 5–10% of the adults are chronically infected. In North America and Western Europe less than 1% of the population has chronic infection.

Key Facts about Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis B is a liver infection capable of causing both short-term and long-term disease.
• The virus is contracted through blood or body fluids of someone who is infected.
• The virus is up to 100 times more infectious than HIV.
• Two thirds of people who have caught Hepatitis B virus remain unaware of their infection.
• Every year more than 780,000 fatalities are registered due to complications caused by hepatitis B such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• Hepatitis B is a major occupational hazard for health care professionals.
• It is possible to prevent the disease by taking a safe and effective vaccine.

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Causes and Transmission

Hepatitis B infection is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B virus is passed by contact with blood or body fluids (i.e. seminal, menstrual, vaginal fluids and saliva) of an infected person.

How is Hepatitis B Transmitted?

• Sexual contact. One can catch hepatitis B during unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person whose saliva, blood, vaginal or seminal secretions enter the body of the partner. Unvaccinated men who have sex with other men as well as heterosexual persons with sex workers or multiple sex partners are under particular risk of obtaining the disease.
• Sharing of needles. Hepatitis B virus is easily transmitted through syringes and needles contaminated with infected fluids. Infection can occur during dental and surgical procedures, tattooing, or through the shared use of razors and other contaminated objects.
• Accidental needle sticks. The infection is a major concern for health workers and other people who have contact with blood.
• Mother to child transmission. Pregnant women with HBV can pass it to their babies during labor. However, it’s important to remember that a newborn child can be vaccinated in order not to get infected in almost all possible cases.

Hepatitis B virus poses a serious threat to those who:

• Have unprotected sex with a partner who has the virus;
• Come in contact with human blood at work;
• Have been on a long lasting kidney dialysis;
• Receive blood transfusions;
• Share needles while taking drugs;
• Get acupuncture or a tattoo with unclean needles;
• Share different personal items (razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers) with a Hepatitis B infected person.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

The majority of people experience no significant symptoms during the acute phase of infection. However, some people develop a rapid onset of the disease with symptoms that last a few weeks, including extreme fatigue, yellowing of eyes and skin, dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

A small amount of people with acute hepatitis experience liver failure which can result in death. Sometimes the Hepatitis B virus can end up in a chronic infection that can develop such consequences as liver cancer or cirrhosis. However, more than 90% of adults recover naturally within the first year without any special treatment. But it’s important to remember that an infected person can transmit HBV to other people even if he or she has no symptoms.

Hepatitis B Testing and Diagnosis

It’s essential to receive a laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis. A number of effective tests are available to diagnose hepatitis B and monitor the condition of infected people. The tests can be used to distinguish chronic and acute infections.

Detection of Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B antibody) by using test cassette, the result showed positive (double red line)

They involve blood or serum tests that detect either antibodies or vial antigens. Laboratory diagnosis of the infection screens the detection of the surface antigen HBsAg. Acute hepatitis B infection is characterized by the presence of this surface antigen and immunoglobulin M antibody to the core antigen. Chronic infection is diagnosed if HBsAg persists for 6 months. Persistence of the surface antigen HBsAg is the major marker of risk for liver cancer and a chronic disease later in life. Follow-up tests are necessary to detect if the disease has gone. Interpretation of the tests for detection of HBV is complex. The results need to be carefully discussed with health care professionals.

Hepatitis B Treatment – Is there a Cure?

Normally acute Hepatitis B does not require special treatment and the majority of adults clear the virus spontaneously. Early treatment may be required only in less than 1% of infected people who are immunocompromised or whose infection takes an aggressive course.

It’s very important to maintain comfort, avoid alcohol, keep to a balanced diet, and replace body fluids lost from diarrhea and vomiting. On the other hand, chronic hepatitis B can be treated with medicines, including antiviral agents. Treatment can help to reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Chronic Hepatitis B is usually a mild disease among children. Most of them can live full and healthy lives without visible symptoms. However, in some children the virus can cause significant liver damage. They will require medical treatment and intervention. All children suffering from chronic hepatitis B infection should be seen by a liver specialist on a regular basis. During the visits it’s necessary to take blood tests, physical exams and sometimes ultrasounds of the liver.

Medications and Surgery

There are two different types of Hepatitis B treatment: antiviral drugs and interferon. As for the former, World Health Organization recommends to use entecavir or tenofovir. They are the most potent medicines to suppress HBV, rarely result in drug resistance and have few adverse effects so only limited monitoring is required. However, the treatment cannot cure Hepatitis B but only makes it hard for the virus to replicate. Therefore, most people must continue treatment for life.

Interferon is injected once a week and boosts the immune system of an infected person to fight Hepatitis B. This treatment is the most effective when the number of viral particles (viral load) is not very high. Unlike antiviral medicines, interferon may show improvements that persist even after the treatment completion. However, the use of interferon is less feasible in low-income areas due to high cost and serious side effects which require careful monitoring. Liver transplantation can be used in people who develop cirrhosis or liver failure, with varying success. Unfortunately, both antivirals and interferon cannot cure Hepatitis B.

Not all the people with chronic Hepatitis B require medication. Each option has its pros and cons but whether you choose to start Hepatitis B treatment or not, it is essential to be examined by a Hepatitis B specialist regularly.

Alternative Medicine

Taking an alternative natural approach to Hepatitis B infection means focusing on maintaining the immune system healthy and supporting the liver. Historically, Chinese herbs have been used to treat chronic Hepatitis B and other liver diseases. Schisandra improves liver function and condition by stimulating liver enzymes and boosting liver cell growth. Milk thistle may be beneficial in fighting the inflammation that may cause complications such as liver cancer or cirrhosis. Vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, lipid monolaurin and standard multivitamins are important supplements as well. Moreover, laboratory and clinical research has proven that an Ayurvedic formula can halt Hepatitis B virus. It’s made up of two herbs: Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus scariosus. There are many promising alternative ways of Hepatitis B treatment, however it’s vitally important to discuss it with your doctor before taking herbal remedies or over the counter medication.

Home treatment can also bring relief and prevent the spread of HBV. Reduce your daily activity to save body energy. Slow down if you feel tired. A well-balanced healthy diet that is low-fat and contains plenty of vegetables is highly recommended for people with chronic Hepatitis B. Avoid eating raw fish because it can have bacteria which can damage your liver. Drink plenty of water to keep your body well-hydrated. Broth and fruit juices are also a good choice when you have Hepatitis B. Avoid alcohol and smoking because they are harmful to your liver.

Hepatitis B Prevention and Vaccination

Hepatitis B infection is vaccine-preventable. An effective and safe vaccine is used to protect children and adults from the disease. In addition, the implementation of safe injection procedures, blood safety strategies and safer sex practices can protect against HBV transmission. There are simple and effective ways to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B:

• Practice safe sex using protective measures (condoms);
• Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids and blood;
• Wash your hands carefully after any potential exposure;
• Clean up blood spills with a disinfecting solution;
• Avoid sharing sharp personal items such as nail clippers, razors or toothbrushes;
• Cover all wounds and cuts carefully;
• Avoid street drugs (inhaling, injecting, popping pills);
• Make sure sterile needles are used for tattoos, piercing, and acupuncture;
• Moreover, all blood and blood components used for blood transfusions should undergo quality-assured screening to reduce the chance of getting HBV.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine

However, the mainstay of Hepatitis B prevention is the vaccine. Children and adults exposed to the disease should absolutely receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. The first dose is recommended within 24 hours after birth. It should be followed by either two or three doses given after the first one, preferably within six month. This effective vaccine is recommended for all newborn babies and for children up to 18 years old. Adults, especially those people who fall into a high-risk group because of their occupation or lifestyle, should also consider receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine has a great record of effectiveness and safety. One cannot acquire hepatitis B infection from the vaccine.

If you are not treated

People with an acute form of Hepatitis B do not need special treatment. Moreover, not every person infected with chronic Hepatitis B is required to stay on medication. However, if you are not treated, a chronic infection can develop into such serious diseases as liver cancer or cirrhosis which can result in death.

There is limited access to treatment of Hepatitis B in many resource-constrained areas. Besides, many people are diagnosed only at the stage when they have advanced liver disease. Cancer progresses rapidly and the outcome is usually poor because treatment options are limited in low-income areas so most people with this type of cancer die within a few months of diagnosis. At the same time in high-income settings, chemotherapy and surgery can prolong life for a couple of years.

FAQ:

Is there a cure for Hepatitis B?

For an acute Hepatitis B, the best remedy is a simple bed rest and additional supportive measures. There is still no cure for chronic infection, however there are several approved drugs for adults and children and also many promising drugs in development. These medicines slow down Hepatitis B virus and reduce the risk of liver damage. They may even remove the virus completely but it happens rarely.

When is Hepatitis B vaccination required?

It’s recommended to give Hepatitis B vaccine to all infants at birth as well as children and adolescents up to 18 years. Babies born to mothers with HBV should be given the vaccine together with Hepatitis B immunoglobulin. Adults at high risk of acquiring the infection should also receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. HBV poses a threat to those who live with infected persons, to health care professionals, travelers to countries of high Hepatitis B endemicity, and patients undergoing kidney dialysis.

Who should not be vaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine?

Hepatitis B vaccine is very safe and effective. Most people have no problems with it. Side effects include swelling, soreness and redness at the injection site. However, anyone with an allergy to yeast or to any other vaccine component should not get the vaccine. Anyone with an adverse reaction to a previous dose should not be given another dose of Hepatitis B vaccine.

Which side effects can Hepatitis B cause?

A small amount of acute Hepatitis B infections can be serious and result in death. The most severe complications occur in people with chronic Hepatitis B infection. The younger the person is, the bigger the likelihood of staying infected and developing life-long problems with liver. 20–30% of chronically infected adults will suffer from cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis B side effects include:

• Liver cancer. People with a chronic Hepatitis B have an increased risk of developing liver cancer.
• Cirrhosis. The inflammation caused by Hepatitis B can result in extensive liver scarring, which may reduce the liver’s ability to function properly.
• Acute liver failure. It’s characterized by shutting down vital functions of the liver. When that occurs, transplantation is required to sustain life.
• Other complications. Infected people may have inflammation of blood vessels, kidney disease or anemia.

The post Hepatitis B appeared first on STD.

The discharge carries away bacteria and dead cells to keep the vagina clean and prevent it from infections. The amount, hue and odor of the discharge can vary depending on the woman’s menstrual cycle.

The smell may also be different during pregnancy or if one hasn’t been diligent enough about personal hygiene. However, certain types of discharge can indicate the presence of a vaginal infection that requires treatment.

If the color, odor or consistency looks significantly unusual and if the discharge is accompanied by itching or burning, you should consult your doctor.

What causes white vaginal discharge

There are plenty of various factors contributing to vaginal discharge. More often white discharge is healthy. Creamy white vaginal discharge is perfectly normal.

A lot of women experience this kind of discharge during ovulation. For example, if its consistency is thick and stretchy, it’s more likely an indicator that you’re ovulating. Sometimes, however, creamy vaginal discharge can be one of the early signs of pregnancy. In some cases, this may be the first sign women notice, and it’s called leucorrhea.

It’s a thin, milky white vaginal discharge that women often experience throughout pregnancy. This type is either odorless or has mild odor. One might notice it at the beginning of the second pregnancy trimester, and it can possibly increase. It prevents the birth canal from being infected and maintains a bacterial balance in the vagina. Thick white vaginal discharge is normal and healthy in most cases — provided it’s odorless and smooth. However, if your white discharge is clumpy, if it resembles cottage cheese and carries a foul odor, this may be a symptom of an infection.

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Causes of abnormal vaginal discharge

Abnormal vaginal discharge is usually an indicator of infection. It’s caused by something that disrupts the shaky balance of yeast or bacteria in the vagina. Any change in the natural balance can affect the color, smell, or discharge texture. Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are the most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge. Other possible causes to be mentioned are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Sexually transmitted diseases are passed through unprotected sexual or genital contact. The infections that lead to vaginal discharge are as follows: trichomoniasis — a sexually transmitted disease caused by a small parasite, chlamydia or gonorrhoea  — STDs caused by bacteria, and genital herpes — a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are other less common possible causes of vaginal discharge. Each type of infection is caused by a different kind of germ so each type is treated differently.

Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection is excessive growth of yeast inside the vagina. It’s a fungal infection that causes irritation, swelling and itching of the vagina in addition to cheesy white vaginal discharge. Yeast infection is treated with antifungal medicine.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common bacterial infection that isn’t sexually transmitted. This type of infection is caused by the imbalance in the amount of bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis causes increased discharge with a strong, foul, and fishy odor. The vaginal discharge may become thin and watery and have white or grey colour. Usually the disease isn’t accompanied by itching or irritation and in some cases it produces no symptoms. It is commonly treated with antibiotics.

There are other different causes of abnormal vaginal discharge. These are the factors that can upset the vagina’s balance: antibiotic or steroid use; birth control pills, douches; scented lotions or soaps; cervical cancer; pelvic infection after surgery; diabetes; pelvic inflammatory disease; vaginitis, irritation inside or around the vagina; vaginal atrophy, the thinning of the vaginal walls observed during menopause.

Types & colors of abnormal discharge

How is abnormal discharge treated

If you experience any of the symptoms typical of a vaginal infection, it’s important to visit your doctor right away. Each type of vaginal infection has its symptoms. However, only health care professionals can determine if you have a vaginal infection or a sexually transmitted disease and you should absolutely not try to cure it yourself. You should be absolutely honest with your doctor about the symptoms you have even if it may be embarrassing. You will be asked a few questions about the color, odor and consistency of your vaginal discharge, other symptoms, your sexual activity and your menstrual cycle. You will also get a physical examination, including but not limited to a pelvic exam. In many cases, a vaginal infection can be diagnosed by the physical exam.

If it’s not possible to detect the problem immediately, your doctor may order some tests. For example, a scraping from your cervix may be taken to check for cervical cancer or HPV. Your discharge may be studied under a microscope to identify an infectious agent. As soon as the cause of the abnormal discharge becomes clear, you will be offered treatment options.

The treatment will depend on the actual cause of the problem. For instance, yeast infections are often treated with antifungal drugs inserted straight into the vagina in the form of cream or gel. Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotic pills. Sexually transmitted diseases (trichomoniasis, chlamydia or gonorrhoea) are treated with antibiotics.

Check some tips for preventing infections that can result in abnormal vaginal discharge:

• Keep the vaginal area clean, wash it regularly with warm water and gentle soap.
• Avoid scented soaps and tampons, bubble baths and feminine sprays.
• Never douche because douching can cause vaginal infections by upsetting the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina.
• Wear 100% cotton breathable underwear, avoid damp and overly tight clothing.
• Practice safe sex to avoid sexually transmitted infections.

To decrease the likelihood of catching yeast infections while taking antibiotics, consider eating yogurt with live and active cultures. A yeast infection can also be treated with an over-the-counter cream or suppository.

FAQ:

What should I do if I have abnormal vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is perfectly normal but if your discharge looks unusual and you experience other symptoms such as itching and swelling of the vagina, fever, fatigue, pain in the abdomen, unexplained weight loss, or increased urination, you should consult your doctor. Should you have any concerns about the abnormality of your discharge, immediately make an appointment and visit your doctor. Only health care professionals can reveal a disease and offer the right treatment.

What does a lot of vaginal discharge mean?

In the majority of cases, excessive vaginal discharge is merely the body’s reaction to certain physiological changes. The amount of discharge varies during your menstrual cycle. It’s normal for vaginal discharge to increase with ovulation, breastfeeding, exercise, sexual arousal, the use birth control pills and emotional stress. A lot of discharge is often observed in early pregnancy. Although in most cases excessive discharge is normal, sometimes it can indicate serious problems such as a vaginal infection or a cervical or vaginal tumor.

Which type of vaginal discharge is normal?

In most cases vaginal discharge is a normal and regular condition. This is a fluid that helps moisten and clean your vagina. You are completely healthy if your discharge is clear or white, has no odor or has a slightly salty smell and increases in amount when you’re ovulating. You may experience an uncomfortable wetness, however you shouldn’t feel any itching or soreness in your vaginal area.

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What is Hepatitis C

The term “Hepatitis” is used to define an inflammatory condition of the liver. Among the triggers for hepatitis are some meds, toxins, certain diseases, alcohol abuse, bacterial and virus infections etc. For the moment there are 5 known hepatitis types: A, B, C, D, E.

Hepatitis C shall be taken to be the most virulent type. The existence of this hepatitis type was confirmed in 1989. It’s estimated that about 3% of people worldwide are subject to chronic hepatitis C. Around half a million people decease annually from liver diseases provoked by hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C is a contagious disorder influencing the liver and resulting from the hepatitis C virus. It can come out in mild cases that last no longer than few weeks as well as the serious ones enduring diseases that strike the liver. Basically the virus invades due to blood-to-blood contacts with the infected people.

The disease can be “acute” as well as “chronic.”

Acute condition is a short-run illness that develops within half a year after the exposal to the Hepatitis C virus. Typically acute infection triggers a chronic one.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), its structure, receptors and proliferation

Chronic HCV infection is a continuing disease that occurs provided that the virus stays in the human body. It can be a lifetime condition leading to severe conditions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, normally appearing years after the initial contracting.

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Causes

• Viral infection. Most Hepatitis cases are related to viral infection that is transmitted from infected persons.
• Transmission from pregnant mother to the child.
• Alcohol, drugs, medications and other toxins. Various toxins and poisons may cause liver inflammation, swelling and eventual disease.
• Autoimmune system failure. Sometimes the body starts producing antibodies that destroy liver tissue due to some immune failure.

Key Facts

Hepatitis C is a hardly determinable disease that may not show any symptoms in many cases.

Following the WHO data, about 3% of the world population is HCV-infected and there are more than 170 million chronic index cases risking developing liver cirrhosis and/or liver cancer.

Hepatitis C is passed from mom to her baby in 6% of cases. The risk for children to be infected is much higher if the lying-in woman has both HIV and Hepatitis C.

The virus can not be passed through meals, water or casual contact.

How is Hepatitis C Transmitted?

The virus is transmitted through blood or biological liquid of an infected person.

If you share drugs or needles, have unprotected sex, rough sex or many sexual partners you are at risk group. You should also get tested if you were subject to hemotransfusion or organ transplantation, continuous kidney dialysis or were born from a Hepatitis C positive woman.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

The latent stage for the disease is 2 to 26 weeks. 80% of cases are asymptomatic. Meanwhile high temperature, weakness, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, tummy pain, dark urine, pale bowel movements, arthralgia and jaundice can be among the acute symptoms.

Testing and Diagnosis

2 steps are required to diagnose HCV infection:

Screening assay for anti-HCV antibodies along with a serological test permit to diagnose if a person has been infected. Positive HCV antibodies test demands further study in order to confirm chronic infection because in up to 45% of cases the immune system can defeat the infection. After this the liver damage degree needs to be evaluated in order to find the right treatment. Apart from biopsy there is a range of non-invasive methods permitting to make an assessment.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing positive

The genotype of the stain should also be identified because each of 6 genotypes should be treated differently. Moreover there are some genotypes combinations demanding appropriate medication.

In the course of the treatment you’ll be monitored and checked with different blood tests, imaging tests and biopsy.

Treatment of Hepatitis C

The result of successful treatment is disposing of the virus and it’s heavily related to the stain of the virus and treatment type. Getting rid of the virus can cause a complication like a liver damage resulting in hepatic failure or liver cancer. Medical care is indispensable for those having signs of liver fibrosis or scarring.

Modern hepatitis C treatment varies a lot from the one practiced a few years ago. A single daily shot of Harvoni, which is much safer and better-tolerated than earlier medications, is able to cure the disease in 8–12 weeks in most cases. Harvoni comprises two drugs: sofosbuvir and ledipasvir. However this medication is quite expensive and has a range of side effects like fatigue and headache.

It is worth saying that this disease doesn’t always demand treatment because of the immune response that is capable of clearing the virus. Until recent times interferon and ribavirin had to be used during 48 weeks to overcome the disease, and this kind of treatment only yielded favorable results in 50% of cases, while grave side effects were possible.

Medications

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA; JULY 7, 2016 : HARVONI medicine treatment of Hepatitis C. A pill costs 1,000 US dollars in the US. Harvoni made by Gilead Sciences, California, USA

Among the most widespread HCV medications are Boceprevir (Victrelis), Ribavirin, Sofosbuvir, Simeprevir, Simeprevir and Harvoni. Some of them have severe side effects.

For example, Ribavirin use can potentially result in birth defects so the patients should practice safe sex in order to avert pregnancy at least during first half a year after the treatment.

At the same time it should be mentioned that the next generation drugs like Harvoni are much safer and efficient.

Surgery

Hepatitis C can culminate in liver transplantation due to cirrhosis. In up to 30% of cases, cirrhosis is developed within five years. Such treatment option can lead to some surgical complications. However the survival rate is high enough — about 73% of people can live with a transplanted liver up to 5 years.

Alternative Medicine

There is quite a popular belief that some alternative medications can be helpful in curing the Hepatitis C virus. Among these alternative remedies and methods are milk thistle, colloidal silver, acupuncture, supplements containing zinc, ginseng, probiotics etc. In the meantime this kind of treatment can also cause side effects and there are no confirmations of treatment efficacy.

Hepatitis C Prevention

There is still no vaccine against this disease. The one way to avoid it is to lessen the risk of infection at most.

The most common precautionary measures are:

• Hand hygiene including the use of disposable gloves and hand washing, especially during medical interventions;
• Correct condom use;
• The use of your own shaving accessories;
• Avoiding blood-to-blood contacts.

If you are already infected you should get immunized with the hepatitis A and B vaccines so you can prevent coinfections, choose an appropriate medical care and monitor your condition on an ongoing basis.

If you are not treated

If a patient doesn’t undergo appropriate treatment the virus can cause unacceptable health risks.

HCV can result in liver scarring or cancer and finally the liver can stop functioning. However modern treatments allow to get rid of the virus and most of the patients have a normal life expectancy and can lead an ordinary life.

If you start treating hepatitis C early on, you’ll manage to reduce complicating disorders.

FAQ:

Is there a cure for Hepatitis C?

The cure for Hepatitis C exists but the biggest problem about the next generation medications that can cure the disease in a short period of time is the price. Unfortunately, this kind of medications is not affordable for most people. Pharmaceutical companies keep the prices high and the mortality rate is still significant. At the same time the appropriate treatment on early stages is of primary importance.

What are the Hepatitis C side effects?

The most frequent effects caused by drugs curing hepatitis C are:

• Influenza-like symptoms
• Weakness
• Hair loss
• Low blood counts
• Trouble thinking
• Agitation
• Depression
• Anemia due to hemolysis
• Cough
• Nausea
• Short breathing
• Insomnia
• Appetite loss

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Painful Urination is a fairly common disease, especially among sexually active people and young women. Dysuria results from various reasons starting from infections of all kinds to ectopic pregnancy as well as emergencies like appendicitis. Painful urination can be accompanied by dribbling or changes in color or amount of urine.

The most frequent causes of painful urination

Bladder Stones

Bladder Stones are solid buildups of minerals that arise because of retained urine or foreign objects in the bladder. Sometimes bladder stones do not come out in any symptoms but normally the disease is characterized by severe lower abdominal or back pain and pressure, difficult and/or frequent emiction at night, fever, burning or pain in the urethra when urinating, blood in the urine or loss of urine control.

Human Body Organs (Kidneys with Urinary Bladder). 3D

STDs and STIs (Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Gonorrhea, Vaginitis, Yeast Infection)

The symptoms of STDs and STIs vary from person to person but discharge, sharp sensation when urinating and sores are among the most widespread symptoms. Chlamydia for example can often run asymptomatically while Genital Herpes causes painful blisters and sores, Gonorrhea causes discharge, pain or bleeding during or after sex and pain while urinating and Yeast Infection comes out in irritation, abnormal discharge and sharp itchiness of the vagina.

Cystitis

Cystitis is an infection affecting the lower urinary tract, coming from inflammation of the bladder and causing symptoms such as cloudy, smelly or bloody urine, soreness in the reins and in the abdomen, pressure or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region.

Cystitis, Urinary Tract Infection

Drugs

Dysuria can be a bad effect from meds, supplements or treatments such as cyclophosphamide, danazol, anti-inflammatory remedies or anticholinergic medication.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard mineral materials formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Small kidney stones may even go undetected but bigger ones can cause fever, chills, flank pain, hematuria and nausea. The ureter blocked by a Kidney Stone can give rise to a Kidney Infection that comes out in cloudy and bad-smelling urine, shivering, chills, weakness and diarrhea.

Kidney stone.3d render

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation state of the prostatic gland most often evoked by a bacterial infection. It can be an acute or a chronic condition. Prostatitis can be characterized by genitourinary pain, sexual dysfunction and general health problems, similar to flu symptoms.

Painful urination can also arise from mechanical irritation due to the vaginal ring or diaphragm or medical procedures involving the use of urologic instruments. Chemical irritants such as lubricants, personal hygiene products, contraceptives, tampons or even toilet paper can also cause dysuria. The reason for dysuria can also lie in other diseases such as Radiation cystitis, Urethral stricture, Urethritis or Tumor in the urinary tract.

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What to do in case of Painful Urination (Dysuria)

Some people can feel mild discomfort while urinating. Normally this discomfort doesn’t pose any threat to your health. However, if painful urination happens with regularity or you’ve got other symptoms like stinging sensation while peeing, blood or pus in urine etc., it is a sign to see the physician. After general surveying you’ll most probably have to be analyzed for STDs and STIs, undergo ultrasound or X-ray, urine cytology and other laboratory tests.

Test results will normally allow to prescribe some optimal medications. If an infection is a prevailing cause of dysuria, antibiotics will most probably be prescribed. If it becomes clear that the cause of painful urination has nothing in common with any infections, further tests will be performed.

How to treat Painful Urination

Treatment for dysuria is reliant on the cause of the disorder. Only knowing the cause of abnormal urination allows the doctor to prescribe adequate medication.

Therefore, for example, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are normally treated with antibiotics. However, it’s worth remembering that only the full course of antibiotics can guarantee complete cure. If the inflammation is caused by any kind of skin irritation, first thing you need to do is to get rid of the irritator. Whatever the treatment is, it is imperative to obey the instructions of your doctor.

FAQ:

I have pain while urinating during pregnancy. What should I do?

Pregnancy makes women more amenable to UTIs because of all the changes undergone by the body that create conditions for the bacterial growth. If frequent urination is a natural occurrence during pregnancy, experiencing any kind of discomfort or pain is a problem and a sign of an STI or an UTI that may lead to kidney infection. Kidney infection is highly dangerous for pregnant women because it may be the cause of advanced labor or low birth weight. If UTIs are diagnosed at early stages, they can be treated properly without any harm to the baby. Even if your symptoms are mild, you should contact your physician in good time in order to have your urine tested. In case of any infections, a course of antibiotics safe for the fetus will be prescribed. In severe cases you may be hospitalized and monitored.

What should I do if I have sharp pain during urination after intercourse?

Pain during urination after sex can indicate an allergic reaction to a specific kind of condoms, lubricant or spermicide. Therefore, you can try changing contraceptives and lubricant in order to check up if the reason of the pain is allergy.

Painful urination after sex may also occur if your bladder is full during intercourse. Having sex with an empty bladder can help to resolve the problem.

Mechanical irritation within the intercourse may also lead to dysuria — it is a result of so-called honeymoon cystitis. Compression on the urethra during sex and vaginal dryness can bring on pain too.

Anyway, whatever the reasons for this kind of pain are, it is highly recommended to pee and wash the genitals after sex in order to rinse off bacteria.

It cannot be excluded that sharp pain can point at the presence of an infection which makes a visit to a doctor a sensible move.

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