News

What are genital warts?

Doctor, I'm so confused. Two months ago I was diagnosed with genital warts but I find it very hard to believe. What do genital warts look? Is it true that genital warts are cancerous?

Genital warts are growths or bumps that appear on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, and on the penis, scrotum, groin or thigh. They may be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large. Some cluster together forming a cauliflower-like shape.

A type of virus called human papilloma virus (HPV) causes genital warts. The types of HPV linked to cervical cancer usually are not the types that cause genital warts. But a woman with genital warts, like any other sexually active woman, should get yearly pap smears. Yearly pap smears are the best safeguard against cervical cancer. Cancer usually can be prevented through the early detection and treatment of abnormal cervical tissue.

What are scabies?

I had rash and intense itching in my groin area and I went to the doctor and he told me scabies causes it. What is scabies?

Scabies is a highly contagious skin disease caused by a mite too small to see with the naked eye.

The most common symptom is a rash that itches intensely at night. The rash can be anywhere on your body but is usually on the genital (private) area, hands, breasts, armpits and waistline.

Scabies can affect men, women and children of all ages. It is easily spread from one person by close physical contact such as between family members, sexual partners and children playing at school. Therefore, you have to be very careful not to spread it to other members of your household. Please note, however, that persons are usually not contagious after one treatment if directions have been followed carefully. Please be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

How can I prevent

future vaginal infections?

I have repeated vaginal infections and I am at present on treatment. How can I prevent future vaginal infections?

The following tips may help you to prevent future vaginal infections:

Avoid douching. Douching upsets the normal balance in the vagina and might lead to the development of bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a very common vaginal infection.

Avoid perfumed soaps and feminine hygiene sprays, they can irritate the vagina.

Wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectum to the vagina.

Avoid tight, hot clothing that can trap moisture and create a good growth environment for infections.

Can I get AIDS from open-mouth kissing?

I'm a Christian and I'm not sexually active but I engage in open-mouth kissing. Can I get HIV from open mouth kissing?

Open-mouth kissing is considered a very low-risk activity for the transmission of HIV. However, prolonged open-mouth kissing could damage the mouth or lips and allow HIV to pass from an infected person to a partner and then enter the body through cuts or sores in the mouth. Because of this possible risk I would not recommend that you perform open-mouth kissing with an HIV-infected person.

The differences between various vaginal infections

I'm a little confused. I was diagnosed with a disease called bacterial vaginosis. Is bacterial vaginosis different from other common vaginal infections, such as yeast infection or trichomoniasis?

Yeast infections are usually caused by a fungus called candida. Its symptoms usually include intense itching and a thick cottage cheese-like discharge. It is also common for you to have burning during sexual intercourse or during urination. Yeast infections generally have no odour.

Unlike bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, trichomoniasis is a sexually-transmitted infection. It is caused by a parasitic organism called a trichomonad. Tricho-monad can survive on moist towels, wash cloths, or bathing suits, although transmission by these non-sexual routes is extremely rare. Symptoms of trichomonasis usually include a yellow-green vaginal discharge with a foul odour, itching, burning, irritation, and burning pain when passing urine. Trichomoniasis is not as common as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

Please be sure to take your medications as prescribed and take them until finished.

Fear of AIDS homes

in neigbourhood

Sometimes I hear talks by people that the Government need to build homes in the different health regions for people with AIDS. I'm a little concerned about that. Isn't there some risk of living in a neighbourhood that has a hospital or home for those people?

No, there is absolutely no risk. HIV is not transmitted through the air or through any kind of casual contact.

What is the survival

rate of AIDS victims?

Does anyone ever survive after being diagnosed with AIDS? If the answer is no, how long do people usually live?

Some people with HIV/AIDS are still alive many years after diagnosis. New treatments show promise of extending the life expectancy of HIV-infected people. Since there is still no cure that will rid the body of the virus, we don't know how long people with AIDS can live? Remember that sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can be prevented if you use a condom every time you have sex or have sex with only one partner who you know is not infected. Remember also that you cannot tell if persons are infected by just looking at them.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at 1888-991-4444 or write to AIDS Affairs, c/o the Gleaner, 7 North Street, Kingston.