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Surviving a Break Up

September 23, 2010 By
So, things didn’t work out the way you thought they would, huh? There really isn’t much anyone can say to make you feel better.  Brace yourself because plenty of people will try to cheer you up. They’ll say, “There are plenty of fish in the sea,” “Maybe you’ll find someone better,” or, “You’re young, you have plenty of time to find someone else.”

The truth is that breaking up is hard. No matter what kind of relationship you had with the person, you both invested time into each other hoping that the relationship would last. Now you find yourself let down.

You’ve spent so much time with your partner and now that you are no longer together, you don’t know what to do.


Can we really “Just be Friends?”

It’s entirely up to the two of you to decide if you can be friends or if you want to at all. If you both feel strongly about being friends after the break up, be clear with each other about your boundaries. In other words, what can you do, and what can’t you do. Do not violate those boundaries.

Give each other space. You don’t have to decide right now if you’re still going to be friends. Take some time to think about it.

If you can’t agree to be friends, at least agree not to be enemies.

Respect

Sometimes when people break up, they gather the gifts and photos that they have given to each other, put them in a box, and give them back.  Usually, this is done more out of spite than out of consideration.  The truth is that those things were given to you out of love. Even if the love isn’t there now, it was at one time.  If it is too painful to look at these things, put them in a box and store them. Respect the other person by keeping the memories.

Communication

Don’t put your friends or siblings in the middle of your relationship. If you need to talk to the person you broke up with, talk to him or her yourself. Timing is key.

Will I ever get over this?

Give yourself some time to deal with this.  There is definitely a grieving process that you’ll go through and there is no way to say how long that will be. You may feel depressed, lonely, and confused.  With time, those feelings will go away.

  • If you’re feeling really depressed, it’s a good idea to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.
  • Try to avoid getting into another relationship soon after breaking up.  Give yourself some time to heal.

What can I do next time?

First of all, there will be a “next time.”  You will have other relationships and the best thing you can do is learn from each of them.

Filed Under: Sex and Love Tagged With: , , , , ,

Vaginitis

September 23, 2010 By

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina and the vulva. It occurs when the normal balance within the vagina is upset, allowing an excess of organisms to produce an excess of waste.

There are three types of vaginitis:
gardnerella, monilia, and trichomoniasis.

How is it spread?

Only garnerella and monilia are found in the vagina of healthy women. Mothers can pass monilia and trichomoniasis to their babies at birth.A male having unprotected sex with a female that has vaginitis can become infected.

What are the symptoms?

Each type of vaginitis has specific symptoms.

Garnerella is a bacteria and is caused when the bacterial balance that normally exists in a vagina is upset.

The symptoms include

  • Burning feeling when urinating
  • Itching and swelling of the vulva
  • Gray, paste-like discharge
  • Foul smelling vaginal odor

Monilia is a fungus which is normally present in small, harmless quantities in the mouth, digestive tract and vagina. When the balance of the vagina is upset or additional monilia organisms are introduced into the vagina, the fungus grows very quickly.

The symptoms of monilia are

  • A cheese-like vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal itching and burning

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoal organism that is usually passed from one person to another during sex.

The symptoms are

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Itching
  • Burning feeling when urinating

How is it diagnosed?

Vaginitis is diagnosed by lab tests and physical examination.

What is the treatment?

Once vaginitis has been diagnosed, a prescription for medicine will be given to control the infecting organism.

Filed Under: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Herpes

September 23, 2010 By

Herpes is an infection and is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). When the infection is on the mouth, it is called oral herpes. When it is on or near the sex organs it is called genital herpes.

What are the symptoms of oral herpes?

Have you ever heard of “cold sores” or “fever blisters”? These are symptoms of oral herpes. The sores usually show up on the lips or inside of the mouth. The sores are harmless in children and adults but they are very harmful to newborns. Oral herpes in adults is usually a “flare-up” of a childhood infection.

How is herpes spread?

Touching, kissing, and sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse spread herpes. It can be passed from one partner to another, or from one part of the body to another. It was once thought that contact with open sores was the only way to get herpes. We now know that it is possible, but less likely, to get herpes from someone at a time when there are no sores. Moist areas of the mouth, anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and the eyes are very easily infected. Skin can be infected if it is cut, chafed, or burned or has a rash or other sores.

How is herpes diagnosed?

Herpes is diagnosed by testing fluid taken from the sores. Sores are often seen during pelvic exams. If you suspect you have herpes sores, see a clinician as soon as possible. It is important to be sure that the sores are herpes. Other serious sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, may look like herpes but need different treatment. A blood test can tell if you have been exposed to the herpes virus.

How can symptoms be relieved?

Warm baths or wet tea bags (not herbal) may give relief. Loose cotton clothes will help prevent chafing. Because moisture can slow healing, keep the sores dry by sprinkling cornstarch in underwear. Cool compresses held to the sores a few minutes several times a day may help. Ice packs may also be soothing. Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen may help relieve pain and fever.

A clinician can prescribe acyclovir, famiciclovir, or valacyclovir. They may speed up the healing of sores and weaken the virus. Using these medicines only during outbreaks is called episodic therapy.

Filed Under: Sexually Transmitted Diseases Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Genital Herpes (HSV)

September 23, 2010 By

Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection that affects an estimated 30 million Americans. The infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

There are two types of HSV and both can cause the symptoms of genital herpes. The virus remains in certain nerve cells of the body for life, causing periodic symptoms in some people.

How is it spread?

Genital herpes is usually acquired by sexual contact with someone who has an outbreak of herpes sores in the genital area.

Someone who has oral herpes can transmit the infection to the genital area of a partner during oral-genital sex. The virus is rarely spread by contact with objects such as a toilet seat or hot tub.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms vary widely from person to person. When the first symptoms occur, they usually appear within 2 to 10 days of exposure.

The early symptoms include

* Itching or burning sensation in genital area
* Pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area
* Abnormal vaginal discharge
* A feeling of pressure in the abdominal region
* Sores occur on the cervix in women and in the urinary passage in men
* Fever
* Headache
* Muscle aches
* Painful or difficult urination

How is it diagnosed?

The most accurate method of diagnosis is by viral culture. The sore is swabbed and the sample is added to a laboratory culture. Results take 1-2 days.

What is the treatment?

* Topical or oral antiviral medication
* Keep infected area clean and dry
* Try to avoid touching sores
* Avoid sexual contact from the time symptoms are first recognized until the sores are completely healed

Filed Under: Sexually Transmitted Diseases Tagged With: , , ,

Chlamydia

September 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Chlamydia

Chalamydial infection is a bacterium that is transmitted during vaginal or anal sexual contact with someone who is infected.

While Chlamydia is more common among women, men are very susceptible to the infection. Gone untreated, chlamydia in men typically causes urethral infection, but may also result in complications such as swollen and tender testicles.

How is it spread?

Chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal or anal sexual contact with someone who is infected.

What are the symptoms?

  • Abnormal genital discharge or pain during urination.
  • Symptoms usually occur 1-3 weeks after exposure
  • In males, the infection causes swelling in the scrotal area
  • May cause rectal inflammation
  • Bacteria may be found in the throat as a result of oral sexual contact with an infected partner

How is it diagnosed?

Until recently, the only way to diagnose chlamydia was to take a sample of secretions from a patient’s genital area and attempt to grow the organism in a specialized tissue culture in the lab.

While this method is the most accurate, it is expensive, technically difficult, and results are not available for up to 3 days.

Now, there are rapid tests that use sophisticated techniques and a dye to detect bacterial proteins. These tests are slightly less accurate and can be performed during routine checkups.

What is the treatment?

Chlamydia is treated by a 7-day course of antibiotics such as tetracycline. Penicillin, which is often used for treating STD’s, is not effective against treating chlamydial infections.

Filed Under: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

September 23, 2010 By

Fast Facts on STD’s:

  • One in two sexually active youth will contract an STD by age 25.
  • Half of all new HIV infections occur among adolescents.
  • Almost half of high school students nationwide and about 62% of students in the twelfth-grade have had sexual intercourse.
  • Less than half of high school students reported discussion of sex or STDs during their preventive health visits, and males were less likely to have such discussions.

A few common STD’s:

Chlamydia

Chalamydial infection is a bacterium that is transmitted during vaginal or anal sexual contact with someone who is infected.  FOR MORE INFORMATION

Crabs

Scabies is a skin condition that is caused by a tiny insect that burrows into the skin.  FOR MORE INFORMATION

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection that affects an estimated 30 million Americans. The infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). FOR MORE INFORMATION

Herpes
Herpes is an infection and is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). When the infection is on the mouth, it is called oral herpes. When it is on or near the sex organs it is called genital herpes. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Syphillis
Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. The bacterium can move throughout the body, damaging many organs over time. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Vaginitis
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina and the vulva. It occurs when the normal balance within the vagina is upset, allowing an excess of organisms to produce an excess of waste. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Filed Under: Sex and Love Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Pill

September 15, 2010 By
  • Birth control pills are used more than any other form of pregnancy prevention among young women.
  • Basically, the pill “tricks” your body into thinking that you are already pregnant by not allowing the ovaries to release an egg.

How effective are they?

  • If taken every day the pill is about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It is 0% effective at preventing STD’s.

Facts about the Pill

  • Blood loss is reduced, so the chance of iron deficiency anemia is much less.
  • The risk of cancer to the uterus is reduced by 80%.
  • Current low-dose pills rarely have side effects.
  • Menstrual periods often are more regular, lighter, shorter and less painful.
  • The risk of ovarian cancer is reduced by 50%.
  • It is an easy way to prevent pregnancy.
  • All it requires is having a good memory!
  • Just as with any drug, there are side effects accompanied with taking the pill.

Possible side effects include

  • Enlarging of the breasts
  • Headaches
  • Depression or high blood pressure
  • Weight gain
  • Certain medications decrease the effectiveness of the pill

Filed Under: Birth Control/Protection

Female Condoms

September 15, 2010 By
  • The female condom, or vaginal pouch, is a loose fitting rubbery sheath with two built in rings.
  • The outer ring at the open end of the sheath fits around the outside of the woman’s labia, anchoring the condom for intercourse.
  • The other ring is near the closed-end of the sheath and is placed to fit over the cervix.
  • The female condom comes pre-lubricated and does not need precise fitting or placement.
  • The device holds sperm like a condom, and is thrown away after a single use. For best results, it should be used with a spermicide.

Facts about Female Condoms

  • It can be bought in most drug stores and does not require a doctor’s prescription.
  • It can be inserted long before having sex.
  • The female condom is effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
  • It may be clumsy to handle at first.
  • Female condoms are expensive but are available at some clinics at no charge.
  • The female condom is good for one-time use only!

Filed Under: Birth Control/Protection Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Diaphragm

September 15, 2010 By

A diaphragm is a small rubber cap that holds spermicidal cream or jelly against the cervix. This is where the sperm are trying to go to get to the egg. The cream or jelly kills the sperm.

Facts about Diaphragms

  • It is more effective than foam or suppositories.
  • The woman controls the method.
  • Your partner won’t feel it.
  • It’s less effective than the condom.
  • Using it increases the chance of getting bladder infections.
  • You have to go to a doctor or clinic to be fitted for one and instructed in its use.
  • The diaphragm little or no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Filed Under: Birth Control/Protection Tagged With: , , , , ,

Teen Pregnancy

September 15, 2010 By
Facts On Teen Pregnancy

The United States has the highest teenage pregnancy rate of all developed countries – approximately 821,810 teenagers become pregnant each year;

Approximately 46% of yearly pregnancies result in miscarriage or termination. And 445,944 of those pregnancies actually result in teen births.

Every year, nearly 53,007 babies are born to teens in California. Approximately 76% are unmarried teens with children.

African Americans (153,000) count for the majority of teen pregnancies. Hispanics (138,000) and Whites (55,000) follow accordingly.

In 2000, girls of 15-17 years old were more likely to be unmarried than older teens (18-19) by 14%.

For more information on …

“Could I be pregnant?”

Filed Under: Pregnancy
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