No Matter Which Period Problems Are Affecting You You Dont Have To Suffer In Silence
You have no reason to feel embarrassed about your periodor the many period problems that can come with it. Talk of menstrual cycle problems is becoming so much more common because, hey, sometimes theyre just the lot were dealt as people with vaginas. Celebrities are out here talking about menstruation) problems, too! Some pad commercials evengaspuse red blood, these days! What a time to be alive.
If youre having period problems, see your doctor for help. If they arent committed to relieving your symptoms, thats a sign you should try to find a more sympathetic medical professional who can help you find the best treatment.
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You Can Catch Chlamydia If Youve Only Had Sex Once
You may have heard that its not possible to get chlamydia from a single sex act. If youve had sex with someone who has the infection, you could get it, too. One encounter is all it takes to pass on the bacteria, so get tested.
In up to 15 percent of women with untreated chlamydia, the infection spreads to the uterus and uterine tubes, leading to symptomatic pelvic inflammatory disease.
If youve had unprotected sex and are worried that you might have chlamydia, get tested. The test is easy and painless. Your doctor could take a sample of your cells with a cotton swab or ask you to pee in a cup. The sample is tested for chlamydia bacteria. If your doctor says you have chlamydia, dont worry. Its treatable.
How Can I Tell My Partner Will They Think I’ve Cheated On Them
You may feel embarrassed, scared or angry. However it is important and respectful to let your partner know as soon as possible so they can get tested and treated. Remember that chlamydia often has no symptoms, so a diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean the infection was caught recently. You may not be sure when you were exposed. Many people are surprised how supportive their partner is, and how they appreciate being confided in.
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What Exactly Causes Chlamydia
A type of bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia. This bacterium can take hold in the tissues of your genitals, anus, eyes, or throat.
Its usually transmitted from one person to another during penetrative vaginal or anal sex or oral sex, although sex without penetration can also transmit it.
Chlamydia can also be transmitted to a baby during vaginal delivery if the person giving birth has an untreated chlamydia infection.
What Happens If Chlamydia Isn’t Treated
Only some people who have chlamydia will have complications. If chlamydia is treated early, its unlikely to cause any long-term problems. But, without proper treatment, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. The more times you have chlamydia the more likely you are to get complications.
- If you have a vulva, chlamydia can spread to other reproductive organs causing pelvic inflammatory disease . This can lead to long-term pelvic pain, blocked fallopian tubes, infertility and ectopic pregnancy .
- In people with a vulva, chlamydia can also cause pain and inflammation around the liver, though this is rare. This usually gets better with the correct antibiotic treatment.
- If you have a penis, chlamydia can lead to infection in the testicles. If this isnt treated, theres a possibility it could affect your fertility but more research is needed to understand how likely this is.
- Rarely, chlamydia can lead to inflammation of the joints. This is known as Sexually Acquired Reactive Arthritis and is sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the urethra and the eye. This is more likely to occur in people with a penis than people with a vulva.
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How To Treat Pink Eye In Newborns
Newborns can get pink eye, usually anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks after birth. Sometimes, this is due to an outside cause like infection or a blocked tear duct.
Other times, a mom may have accidentally exposed her baby to bacteria or viruses when the baby passed through her birth canal. Examples include chlamydia,genital herpes, or gonorrhea.
Because your baby is so new to the world, its best to go straight to the doctor when they have pink eye symptoms. A doctor can examine the eye and recommend treatments, such as:
- applying antibiotic eye drops or ointments
- applying warm compresses to the eyes to reduce swelling
- flushing the eyes with a saline solution to reduce excess mucus and pus buildup
If a newborn has an eye infection due to the bacteria that cause gonorrhea, they may need intravenous antibiotics. This type of infection can be serious and lead to permanent eye damage if left untreated.
If youre googling pink eye remedies, youve probably come across some wild suggestions. Most of them will only irritate your eyes and potentially make pink eye worse. Here are some things to avoid:
- Using anti-redness eye drops. They wont soothe your eye and they could make your condition worse.
- Using any kind of herbs or foods applied to the eye. They arent sterile or medical grade. Until doctors specifically approve them to treat pink eye, stay away from these.
- increased sensitivity to light
- problems seeing
- significant amounts of pus or mucus coming out of your eye
Does Your Partner Need To Get Treated Too
If you have a sexual partner, or if youve recently had sex with someone, talk with them about your chlamydia diagnosis. Theyll need to get tested and treated, too.
If your sexual partner doesnt seek treatment, theres a risk that they can transmit it back to you, even after your infection has been cured.
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What Are The Complications Of Pinkeye
Usually, pinkeye clears up on its own or after you take any medicines your doctor prescribes, with no lasting problems. Mild pinkeye is almost always harmless and will get better without treatment.
But some forms of conjunctivitis can become serious and sight-threatening, because they can scar your cornea. They include conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, or certain strains of the adenovirus.
If caused by a virus, pinkeye gets better in 2 to 3 weeks. If caused by bacteria, antibiotics may speed up the process.
Youre Spotting A Ton Between Periods
The weird thing about spotting is that its one of those period problems that can actually be totally normalto a certain extent. For example, spotting isnt necessarily worrisome if youve just started a new type of birth control, or are pregnant , Dr. Minkin says. But if nothing in your life has changed and you start spotting between periods, its time to check in with your doctor.
Oftentimes, something thats ultimately pretty harmless is causing this menstrual cycle problem, like a benign uterine or cervical polyp thats prompting you to bleed between periods. But spotting is also a common sign of pelvic inflammatory disease , which happens when sexually transmitted bacteria from infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea spreads to reproductive organs like your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. In addition, pelvic inflammatory disease can cause issues like fever, strange vaginal discharge that smells bad, and burning when you pee.
If you have PID, your doctor will first address the STI in question with antibiotics, says the CDC, then treat your partner for an STI if necessary. Pelvic inflammatory disease is a leading cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility in women, so if you suspect you have it, getting quick treatment is of the essence.
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When To Seek Medical Care
You should see a healthcare provider if you have conjunctivitis along with any of the following:
- pain in the eye
- sensitivity to light or blurred vision that does not improve when discharge is wiped from the eye
- intense redness in the eye
- symptoms that get worse or dont improve, including pink eye thought to be caused by bacteria which does not improve after 24 hours of antibiotic use
- a weakened immune system, for example from HIV infection, cancer treatment, or other medical conditions or treatments
Newborns with symptoms of conjunctivitis should be seen by a doctor right away.
What Is Conjunctivitis
Your eyes are covered by a transparent membrane called the conjunctiva and when this becomes inflamed, it causes conjunctivitis.
There are three main types of conjuctivits:
- infective
- allergic
Infective conjunctivitis
‘Infective conjunctivitis, caused by viruses, bacteria is very common and causes about 35 per cent of all eye related problems in GPs’ surgeries and different bugs cause different levels of discomfort,’ says Mr Ionides.
Irritant conjunctivitis
Irritant conjunctivitis occurs when chemicals like chlorine, shampoo, smoke, or a stray eyelash irritate your eyes and rubbing them makes it worse.
Allergic conjunctivitis
If your eyes are sensitive to pollen from grass, flowers or trees, you may develop allergic conjunctivitis, which becomes more common as summer approaches.
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How Is It Treated
Antibiotics are used to treat chlamydia. It’s important to take all of the medicine as directed. Otherwise the medicine may not work. Both sex partners need treatment to keep from passing the infection back and forth.
As soon as you find out you have chlamydia, be sure to let your sex partners know. Experts recommend that you notify everyone you’ve had sex with in the past 2 months. If you have not had sex in the past 2 months, contact the last person you had sex with.
Having a chlamydia infection that was cured does not protect you from getting it again. If you are treated and your sex partner is not, you probably will get it again.
Some people who have chlamydia also have other STIs, such as gonorrhea.
Finding out that you have an STI may make you feel bad about yourself or about sex. Counseling or a support group may help you feel better.
What Is The Treatment For Chlamydia
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. The recommended antibiotic treatment is doxycycline taken twice a day for seven days or azrithromycin taken in one single dose. Other alternative medications may be used but are not as effective as azrithromycin and doxycycline. Persons being treated for chlamydia should not have sexual intercourse for seven days after single dose therapy or until completion of all seven days of antibiotics . Patients can be re-infected if their sex partners are not treated.
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If I Have Chlamydia Am I At Risk Of Other Sexually Transmitted Infections
Yes. By definition, having unprotected sex means risk of STI. As well as chlamydia, there are also genital warts, genital herpes, gonorrhoea, HIV, pubic lice, and syphilis. Like with chlamydia, gonorrhoea may well cause no symptoms, so being tested is the only way to really know. This can be done at your local sexual health clinic.
When To See A Healthcare Professional
If you suspect you have chlamydia, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Abstain from allsexual activity until your appointment.
If you arent comfortable getting tested for STIs with your usual provider, you can find a clinic in your area.
There are many free or low-cost clinics. Heres how to find one near you.
You can also visit GetTested or call CDC Info at 800-232-4636 to find local clinics.
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So Im Having Sexhow Do I Make Sure I Dont Get An Sti
If youre having sex, the best way to prevent getting an STI whilst having any kind of sexual contact is to use condoms for protection. This includes oral sex, although dental dams are also available. Condoms literally create a barrier between your skin and someone elses, so that most STIs cant get through.
You should also use condoms on sex toys if youre sharing them or using them in more than one part of the body.
It sounds easy right? And in many ways it is, but lets be real it isnt always. Especially when the person youre having sex with throws you a curve ball with a line like, But sex doesnt feel as good with a condom.
Coming back from those kinds of lines can be hard and negotiating to have safe sex in those situations or in the heat of the moment can be tricky. Whether its a playful conversation or a more serious one, having a chat with your partner about condoms and getting regular STI testing is key to taking the worry out of sex and getting on with the fun stuff. Some of these conversation starters may help.
What Are The Types Of Pinkeye
Viral strains are the most common — and may be the most contagious — forms. They tend to start in one eye, where they cause lots of tears and a watery discharge. Within a few days, the other eye gets involved. You might feel a swollen lymph node in front of your ear or under your jawbone.
Bacterial strains usually infect one eye but can show up in both. Your eye will put out a lot of pus and mucus.
Allergic types produce tearing, itching, and redness in both eyes. You might also have an itchy, runny nose.
Ophthalmia neonatorum is a severe form that affects newborns. It can be caused by dangerous bacteria. Get it treated right away to prevent permanent eye damage or blindness.
Giant papillary conjunctivitis is linked with the long-term use of contacts or an artificial eye . Doctors think itâs an allergic reaction to a chronic foreign body in your eye.
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How Is Chlamydia Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your health and sexual history. He or she will need to know when your symptoms started. Tell your provider about any STIs you or your partner may have. You may need any of the following:
- Blood or urine tests may show the bacteria that causes chlamydia.
- A sample of discharge may help providers know what treatment is best for you.
Period Problems You Shouldnt Ignore
As basically anyone who menstruates knows, certain period problems are just an unfortunate fact of life, like pain radiating through your midsection, a shorter fuse than usual , and bleeding more than you would like to be bleeding from your vagina.
On the flip side, some menstrual cycle problems are a clear sign that you should chat about whats going on with your doctorjust in casebecause they fall outside the bounds of what’s normally expected during menstruation. Here are some period problems that are worth discussing with a medical expert.
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Chlamydia
- Vaginal redness or itching
- Thick, yellow-green discharge coming from your penis, rectum, or vagina
- Feeling like you need to urinate more often than usual
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Pain when you have sex
- Pain in your lower abdomen, penis, or vagina.
- Sore throat or swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Fever
How Do I Know If I Have An Sti Get Tested Once A Year And Between Every Partner
As these infections often dont cause symptoms, the only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to get tested regularly if youre having sex. Regularly means at least once a year and between every new partner. Its much better to know than not to know so that if you do have an STI, you can get it treated as soon as possible.
The best way to get tested regularly is with a GP. If you dont want to do this, you could visit a sexual health clinic, True Relationships and Reproductive Health clinic, Aboriginal Medical Services or other community testing sites. If you think you have any STI symptoms, a GP or nearest sexual health clinic are the best options to get tested and treated quickly.
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Can Chlamydia Be Prevented
The only sure way to prevent chlamydia is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading chlamydia. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Chlamydia Is A Serious Infection
Chlamydia is Americas most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection. Every year, an estimated 2.86 million infections occur. Since its so common, you may assume that its no big deal. However, chlamydia can be a very serious infection.
Chlamydia is very common, but that doesnt mean it cant have a serious impact on your health. The infection can cause a number of long-term complications. In up to 15 percent of women with untreated chlamydia, the infection spreads to the uterus and uterine tubes, leading to symptomatic pelvic inflammatory disease. In addition, some women experience subclinical inflammation of the upper genital tract. This can cause permanent damage to the affected tissues.
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What To Expect From Prescription Treatment
If you have severe symptoms or OTC medication doesnt clear up your infection, you may need a prescription medication. Your healthcare provider may also recommend taking antifungal medications regularly if you get frequent yeast infections.
Prescription yeast infection medications, such as fluconazole , are taken by mouth. Youll usually only need one dose, but you may be prescribed two doses for very severe symptoms.
Other prescription yeast infection treatments include vaginal antifungal medications you can use for up to two weeks.
Your doctor may also recommend boric acid, another vaginal treatment, that can help treat yeast infections that dont respond to antifungal medications.
If you get a yeast infection while pregnant, OTC topical treatments can provide relief. Your healthcare provider wont prescribe fluconazole, as it can increase the risk of birth defects.
Still, its important to follow up with your healthcare provider if youre pregnant and have a yeast infection thats not getting better.