An STD or sexually transmitted disease is usually an infection which spreads from one person to another during sexual contact. Some STDs can also be transferred through touch, since they spread by skin contact. People hardly like to talk or discuss about STDs, but it is very important to rule out the possibilities of STD. Whether one likes it or not, if STD testing is ignored, then it can lead to long-term consequences.
Why STD Testing is Important?
Often STDs have no signs and symptoms, and the only way to know that are you suffering from an STD is to get tested for it. So it is a good idea to get yourself tested, as you never know if you might have STD even though you don't show symptoms. Also, when STDs are diagnosed, most of them can be cured.
Consequences of not Getting Tested
If one has STD and is not getting tested for the same, then it could lead to health problems which can cause permanent damages or might prove to be fatal. Some of the problems are:
Symptoms of STD
While, gonorrhea, chlamydia and human papilloma virus (HPV) have no symptoms, the common symptoms of STDs might vary.
If these symptoms are observed, it is vital to get tested for STDs. Also, the best way to protect your partner is not to practice unsafe sex and to refrain from the same until diagnosed and treatment is complete.
Getting yourself tested for STD is also beneficial, as it can prevent against complications like cancers and infertility. The standard STD panel of tests consists of Herpes IgG antibody and HIV antibody blood tests, along with a blood test for syphilis antibody and DNA urine test for gonorrhea and Chlamydia. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.
Warts are small, rough patches on the skin (resembling cauliflowers) that are caused due to the human papillomavirus (hpv- a dna virus that can infect humans). In this condition, only the topmost layer of your skin gets infected and acquires a rough texture. Warts are not fatal (they do not cause cancer), but they are contagious in nature and do not vanish easily.
Read on to find the most effective ways to get rid of warts.
1. Over-the-counter wart removers
Over-the-counter wart treatments containing salicylic acid (a type of fungicide) as an active ingredient are commonly used for effective removal of warts. These medications generally eliminate warts by removing the topmost layer of the skin, following the peel-off process.
2. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, also known as freezing therapy, is generally performed by a dermatologist and consists of the use of liquid nitrogen for freezing the warts. The application of the chemical results in the formation of a blister around the warts, which shed off after about a week. It takes almost 3 to 4 weeks to have completely wart-free skin. This method proves to be more effective when used with salicylic acid-based wart removers.
3. Laser treatment
Another form of wart removal is pulsed-dye laser treatment. An ablative co2 laser acts by cutting and burning the wart. In this type of treatment the affected blood vessels are burnt, leading to the death of the infected tissue, following which the wart too disappears. However, this method is not commonly used if other treatment methods tend to work as it is painful and may leave behind scars.
A STD or sexually transmitted disease is usually an infection which spreads from one person to another during sexual contact. Some STDs can also be transferred through touch, since they spread by skin contact. People hardly like to talk or discuss about STDs, but it is very important to rule out the possibilities of STD. Whether one likes it or not, if STD testing is ignored, then it can lead to long term consequences.
Why STD Testing is Important?
Often STDs have no signs and symptoms, and the only way to know that are you suffering from a STD is to get tested for it. So it is a good idea to get yourself tested, as you never know if you might have a STD even though you don't show symptoms. Also, when STDs are diagnosed, most of them can be cured.
Consequences of Not Getting Tested
If one has STD and is not getting tested for the same, then it could lead to health problems which can cause permanent damages or might prove to be fatal. Some of the problems are:
- Undiagnosed and untreated STDs can lead to damaged reproductive system leading to sterile men and women.
- Chlamydia, if untreated can lead to epididymitis and shrinkage of testicles and infertility in men. It also leads to pelvic inflammatory disease. But good news is, it can be treated easily.
- Syphillis can make a person blind and deaf, and can also be passed on to babies.
- Gonorrhea which can also be treated easily with antibiotics, can lead to infertility or death if untreated.
- Even HIV/AIDS if diagnosed in early stages, can enable the patient to lead a normal life and does not mean only death, contrary to conventional perceptions.
Symptoms of STD
While, gonorrhea, chlamydia and human papilloma virus (HPV) have no symptoms, the common symptoms of STDs might vary.
- In women, the common symptoms are pain and burning sensation during urination, bloody and abnormal vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, blisters, warts, and swollen glands.
- Men often experience inflammation of the testicles, prostate, sores, fever, urethral discharge and pain during urination.
If these symptoms are observed, it is vital to get tested for STDs. Also the best way to protect your partner is not to practice unsafe sex and to refrain from the same until diagnosed and treatment is complete. Getting yourself tested for STD is also beneficial, as it can prevent against complications like cancers and infertility.
The standard STD panel of tests consists of Herpes IgG antibody and HIV antibody blood tests, along with a blood test for syphilis antibody and DNA urine test for gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
Certain conditions turn fatal due to sheer negligence. Being aware of the symptoms and reaching out for medical help is paramount to avoid complications. One such disease is Hepatitis B that is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. This virus directly affects the liver which might result in both chronic and acute infections. Severe cases of Hepatitis B might lead to the death of the infected person.
You must understand that this is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted from an infected person to another person through blood or other body fluids and hence care needs to be exercised. Read on further to recognize the symptoms if infected and avail medical help.
Causes and Symptoms
It becomes extremely important to identify the causes which make it easier to be prevented. The disease is caused by the Hepatitis B virus, and it spreads through contact with blood and other body fluids of an infected individual. The disease can be transmitted by having sex with an infected person without any protection or by sharing the needles. Getting a tattoo on the body with tools that are not sterilized properly can also cause hepatitis B. Also, sharing the personal items like razor or toothbrush of an infected individual can cause the disease. Furthermore, the virus can be passed from a mother to her baby during the time of delivery.
The symptoms of the disease are sometimes extremely difficult to identify since it may seem to be the symptoms of common flu. Feeling extremely tired, having a mild fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the stomach are some of the common symptoms of Hepatitis B. Also, with the infection, the stools are tan colored, and the urine color gets darker. The eyes and the skin appear to be yellowish in color.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The simplest way of diagnosis of the presence of the virus is done by a blood test. The symptoms give a warning about the presence of the virus, and the blood test confirms whether the virus is present in the body or was previously there. In some of the cases, a small sample of the liver is taken for the confirmation of the presence of the hepatitis B virus using the procedure known as a liver biopsy.
In most of the cases, the virus goes away on its own. It is recommended to take adequate rest, eat healthy foods, drink a lot of water and avoid consumption of alcohol for proper recovery. Some medications are also used in the treatment of hepatitis B, but one needs to extremely careful about the medicines because some medicines can make the condition worse.
The best way of prevention of the disease is the appropriate vaccination which is widely used in this case. Also, when you experience the common symptoms of the disease, do not delay in seeking professional help. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
According to the reports of the World Health Organization, approximately 325 million people worldwide are living with viral hepatitis. Many of them are passing on the infection to others unknowingly. Looking at the staggering numbers of people contracting hepatitis C every year, it has become a major public health concern for all health organizations.
There are several misinformation and false beliefs about the virus, which make seeking treatment all the more challenging for the people. World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28 each year, aims to raise awareness and educate people about the disease and its treatment. Here are a few important facts about hepatitis C that you must know about –
People having hepatitis C can still live a healthy and long life
A major concern for patients recently diagnosed with the type C virus is the outlook. The HCV or hepatitis C virus was discovered first in the late 1980s and there have been significant advances in treatment ever since. Currently, nearly 25% of all infected people are able to recover from acute hepatitis C without any complications. Moreover, several modern treatment options in the form of medications and pills have made it less painful than the older methods.
There are multiple ways that a person can be exposed to the virus
The most common belief is that people using drug injections are likely to contract hepatitis C. While most people with a history of intravenous drug use are diagnosed with the viral infection, there are several other ways that a person may be exposed to the virus. For example, baby boomers i.e. people born between the years 1945 and 1965, are at the highest risk of getting hepatitis C. This is simply because these people were born before protocols for appropriate blood screening were mandated. Anyone born between this period should undergo tests for the type C virus. Besides, HIV+ patients and people undergoing haemodialysis or those who have had an organ transplant or blood transfusion before 1992, are also at risk of having hepatitis C.
You are less likely to have liver cancer or a transplant
Many people living with hepatitis C believe that a liver transplant or liver cancer is an inevitability of the disease – but that is not the case. Out of a hundred people diagnosed with HCV, only about 5 to 20 people without treatment will develop liver cirrhosis. Only a few among these people may have to consider a transplant. Furthermore, antiviral medications can effectively lower the possibility of having cirrhosis or liver cancer.
An asymptotic person can still transmit the virus
An estimated 80% of people with acute HCV do not show symptoms. Chronic HCV does not exhibit symptoms until complications like liver cirrhosis develop. Therefore, one must take precautions regardless of how they feel physically. Hepatitis C virus is rarely transmitted sexually. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to practice safety measures during sex. The chances of transmission through toothbrushes or razors are relatively low, but one should avoid sharing these tools for safety.
There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C
Unlike for HBV and HAV, there is no vaccine against HCV currently. However, with medical advancements, safe and effective vaccination is likely to be available in the future.
In case you are diagnosed with the type C virus or think you might have been exposed to the virus, consult a doctor immediately. He/she can tell you more about the symptoms and treatment of the disease and address your questions precisely. Additionally, read up on hepatitis C from reliable sources to help yourself and others distinguish between the myths and facts.
A STD or sexually transmitted disease is usually an infection which spreads from one person to another during sexual contact. Some STDs can also be transferred through touch, since they spread by skin contact. People hardly like to talk or discuss about STDs, but it is very important to rule out the possibilities of STD. Whether one likes it or not, if STD testing is ignored, then it can lead to long term consequences.
Why STD Testing is Important?
Often STDs have no signs and symptoms, and the only way to know that are you suffering from a STD is to get tested for it. So it is a good idea to get yourself tested, as you never know if you might have a STD even though you don't show symptoms. Also, when STDs are diagnosed, most of them can be cured.
Consequences of Not Getting Tested:
If one has STD and is not getting tested for the same, then it could lead to health problems which can cause permanent damages or might prove to be fatal. Some of the problems are:
- Undiagnosed and untreated STDs can lead to damaged reproductive system leading to sterile men and women.
- Chlamydia, if untreated can lead to epididymitis and shrinkage of testicles and infertility in men. It also leads to pelvic inflammatory disease. But good news is, it can be treated easily.
- Syphillis can make a person blind and deaf, and can also be passed on to babies.
- Gonorrhea which can also be treated easily with antibiotics, can lead to infertility or death if untreated.
- Even HIV/AIDS, if diagnosed in early stages, can enable the patient to lead a normal life and does not mean only death, contrary to conventional perceptions.
Symptoms of STD:
While, gonorrhea, chlamydia and human papilloma virus (HPV) have no symptoms, the common symptoms of STDs might vary.
- In women, the common symptoms are abnormal vaginal discharge (thin watery, curdy white or yellowish), foul odour , pain and burning sensation during urination, bloody discharge and abdominal pain, blisters, warts, and swollen glands.
- Men often experience inflammation of the testicles, prostate, sores, fever, urethral discharge and pain during urination.
If these symptoms are observed, it is vital to get tested for STDs. Also the best way to protect your partner is not to practice unsafe sex and to refrain from the same until diagnosed and treatment is complete. Getting yourself tested for STD is also beneficial, as it can prevent against complications like cancers and infertility.
The standard STD panel of tests consists of -
I. Examination of discharge for bacteria , fungus, chlamydia etc
2. Herpes IgG antibody and HIV antibody blood tests, along with a blood test for syphilis antibody and DNA urine test for gonorrhea and Chlamydia. For more information, make an appointment with us.
Contaminated food is one of the most common sources of infections in the human body and so the stomach is one of the most commonly affected organs. Whether it is eating raw food or unhygienically prepared foods, the stomach has very high chance of getting infected than other body parts.
One of the most common causes of stomach infection is the norovirus also called as cruise ship virus. Spread through vomitus and faecal material, it is quite contagious and can affect large amounts of people in confined areas like a cruise ship. The common symptoms would include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloated feeling, abdominal pain (generalised or localised), fatigue and tiredness.
On the brighter side, there are well-proven measures listed below which are simple and easy to follow that can help avoid stomach infection.
Following the above measures can help avoid the stomach flu and stay healthy.
Tonsillitis is a disorder of the tonsils present on the back of your throat. The tonsils acts as a defensive mechanism in the body as they prevent the body from infections. This is a contagious condition and can occur at any age. It is widely prevalent among school going kids.
Tonsillitis may be classified in to two types:
Causes
Tonsils prevent various virus and bacteria from entering the body through the mouth by producing antibodies. The tonsils, however, may become vulnerable to these infections. A virus that causes common cold or the bacteria that causes strep throat may result in tonsillitis. The most common cause of this disorder is the strep bacteria.
School going children are especially vulnerable to this disorder because they are most prone to various infections.
The various viruses that may cause tonsillitis are:
Common Symptoms
The various symptoms of tonsillitis are -
Treatment
The treatment for tonsillitis is usually antibiotics and in some cases, tonsillectomy. The antibiotics help in getting rid of the bacterial infection. Surgery is only done in cases where tonsillitis is chronic in nature. It is important that you drink fluids and restrict smoking to prevent tonsillitis.
Influenza or seasonal flu is basically a viral infection. It is different from common flu that accounts for many conditions that occur due to changing weather. These conditions include cold, stomach problems and fever. Influenza or flu comes with a variety of symptoms and is primarily caused by a virus due to lack of precautions taken as far as food and outings go, during the changing seasons. Let us find out more about the symptoms and treatment.
Symptoms: The main symptoms of this condition include fever, an aching body, dullness, fatigue, dry hacking coughs, a sore throat and even headaches. Appetite loss and drowsiness are also some symptoms of the condition.
Causes: Influenza is usually caused by either of the two influenza viruses, such as virus A or Virus B. The strains of these viruses are known to change every year.
Congestion: The main form of treatment revolves around treating the congestion that may have occurred in the nasal or the sinus tracts. The treatment for this is usually done with the help of nasal decongestants or sprays which can be used for a few days to get relief until the infection and congestion leaves the body. One must avoid the use of these decongestants for prolonged periods of time as they can make the condition reoccur again and again.
Allergies: Histamine is the chemical that the body produces automatically when an allergy hits. This is what causes influenza and hay fever as well. One can get treated with the help of anti-histamine drugs that will be prescribed for the doctor in case an allergic reaction or hay fever is detected. This drug can cause severe drowsiness, so it is best to take it at night and wake up fresh in the morning.
Blood Pressure and Other Complications: It is important to know what kind of medication you are allergic to, before you ingest anything or take a spray. If you are suffering from high blood pressure or any other cardiovascular complications, then you may want to steer clear of decongestants as these sprays can increase the blood pressure as well as the heart rate of the patient.
Cough: In order to cure a cough, one can take a cough medicine that will also have anti-histamines and analgesics, which will help in clearing the pollutants, dirt and allergens that have caused the cough.
Fever: In case you are experiencing fever and body ache, you can take aspirin or acetaminophen. However, this should be avoided by children.
With the treatment, one should take ample precautions while stepping out the home. Also, the patient should be careful about the dosage to avoid an overdose. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
You can develop genital sores irrespective of being a man or a woman. These are lesions, which develop around the genital area. Genital sores may cause pain and itchiness and may also lead to irregular or disrupted drainage. They can develop as a single sore or as multiple sores together. Genital sores are quite infectious in some cases and should be treated as soon as possible, as there is a risk of transmission to other people.
Causes
Genital sores are most commonly caused because of some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections. They are transmitted via sexual contact and may develop on any part of the genitals. Here are some basic causes of genital sores:
Genital sores are most commonly caused by STDs. Hence, to avoid sores, you must keep away from getting affected by a sexually transmitted virus. For prevention, always have safe sex and abstain from having sex with a person who is infected.
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
Shield360 
Ask a Question
Book Appointment
Consult Online
