The Genital Herpes Virus - What Is Genital Herpes and How to Know If You Have It

By Ken S.  |   Submitted On September 09, 2014

Genital herpes is very common in the United States and across the world. Research shows that up to 20% of all sexually active people in America have it. That's one out of every six. That's a lot. The scary part is many of them don't even know they have it.
The herpes infection is caused by a virus. There are two types. The first type, herpes simplex - 1, causes what is commonly referred to as a "cold sore" or a "bump bump" in the mouth or on the lips. There is over-the-counter medication that is available to treat this.
The second type is called herpes simplex -2. This is the genital herpes virus. It is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Anyone who tests positive for this infection can spread it to others through sexual activity. When a person comes in contact with another person that has it, they can get it too. Even when the infected person does not have any symptoms they can pass it along. Using a condom does not always protect people from catching it. Not having sex (called abstinence) is the only way to completely avoid the risk of contracting it. So how do you know if you have it? The only way to know is by taking an STD test.
It's crazy how genital herpes lives inside the body. What happens is the virus gets into the system through the skin. Then, it travels inside the body and into the nerves where it lives forever. It may never become active and just live inside a person for their entire life. However, it may decide it wants to become active at any time. This activity is characterized by what doctors call an "outbreak". An outbreak is when blisters and/or open sores appear in and around the genital and/or anal region. Most of the time, these blisters will eventually create a scab and heal over the course of a few weeks. But, outbreaks can occur over and over again as long as you live.
These are not the only symptoms though. Other symptoms can include: sores inside the tube that urine passes through (called the urethra), pain during urination (especially in women), swollen glands, and fever. Some people even complain of headaches and back aches. An STD test is the only way to tell if these symptoms are from genital herpes or something else.
Once a person is infected, symptoms can show up within a few days or it may take a couple weeks. But sometimes people can have it for years and never show symptoms at all until suddenly one day they notice open sores on their genitals. The symptoms can be mild where a person barely notices them. They may also be very painful and severe. Either way, it is important to get tested by a lab and treated by a doctor. There are prescription medications that can be taken to keep outbreaks and other symptoms to a minimum.
It is important to keep outbreaks to a minimum and not touch the sores when they occur. The fluid from a sore can be transferred to another part of the body through touching. For example, if somebody touches a sore and then touches their eye, they could transfer the infection to their eye.
Genital herpes can be especially harmful to females. If left untreated, this infection can cause miscarriages or early delivery to pregnant women. It is recommended that pregnant women have a cesarean birth instead of a vaginal one. This reduces the risk of giving the herpes virus to the baby.
There are several ways to reduce the risk of contracting herpes. The first, best, and only way to avoid contact with the virus is by not having sex or engaging in sexual activity. This is called abstinence. Anyone who is not abstinent is at risk.
Being in a monogamous relationship (meaning with only one person) that has a negative STD test definitely reduces your risk, but you never know when or if your partner may cheat. Using latex condoms during all sexual activity is another way to reduce the risk. However, condoms may not prevent you from catching it. Areas of the genitals and the anus that are not covered by the condom may still carry the infection and cause it to be passed on. So how do you know if you or your partner has it? Once again, an STD test is the only way to tell if you have the genital herpes virus.

Anyone who is sexually active should get tested for genital herpes with an STD test. Visit http://www.AffordableSTDTest.com now for an instant discount on genital herpes testing. Simply order your test online, stop in a local lab to give a quick blood sample, and get the results emailed to you. It's fast and no appointment is necessary. The process is confidential and discreet. Reduce your risk and learn your status today so you can get quick treatment if needed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ken_S./179266

STD Testing - How to Save Money With Affordable STD Testing

By Ken S.  |   Submitted On September 12, 2014

STD testing, and learning how to save money with affordable STD testing, is very important. Why? Because according to the U.S. News & World Report, in 2013 there were approximately 110 million people in the United States with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This is scary since the U.S. Census bureau reports that as of July 2014 the population of the United States was approximately 316 million. If these statistics are true, this would mean that about 1 in every 3 people in the country is infected. The unfortunate part is that many of them may not know it. An affordable option allows more people to learn their status.
An STD is a bacteria or virus that is passed from person to person during sexual activity. Common STDs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV Type 1, HIV Type 2, Genital herpes, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis. Some doctors include Bacterial Vaginosis on this list. STD testing is the only way to know whether or not a person has contracted any of these infections.
So let's talk about STD testing. What exactly is it? This is when a person submits a blood, urine, or fluid sample to a doctor or a lab. The doctor or lab then looks at the sample under a microscope, mixes it with another substance, or completes some other scientific process in order to find a result. The result will show whether or not a sexually transmitted bacteria or virus is present in the person's body.
STD testing may be ordered by a doctor or a person can order it themselves without a doctor's prescription. It can be very expensive or it can be pretty affordable depending on how a person goes about getting it done.
Here's the expensive way to get STD testing done:
1. Go to a physician, pay for a visit and get the doctor to order a test from a lab.
2. Go to the physician-referred lab.
3. Give a urine, blood or fluid sample.
4. Get the results from the doctor and receive a bill from the lab.
5. Pay the bill from the lab right away or the non-payment could be reported to the credit bureaus and bring your credit score down.
Recently a friend of mine that was uninsured went this route. She paid $185 for the doctor's visit (a routine annual GYN exam) and $579 for a test from the lab that her doctor ordered the STD test from (LabCorp). Grand total = $764.
Here's how to save money with affordable STD testing (the method I recommend):
1) Save $185 right away by skipping the doctor's referral. You can be proactive by taking control of your sexual health. Order a test without a doctor and save this fee.
2) Save up to $230 by ordering FDA approved, affordable STD testing online. Online orders using a credit, debit, or pre-paid card generally cost just $14 to $349 depending on the test. The all-inclusive test (also called a "full panel test") includes screenings for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV-1, HIV-2, Genital herpes, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. There are reputable websites that allow people to order their own testing.
3) Stop in a local lab where they take a quick sample of urine or blood.
4) Get the confidential STD testing results emailed to you right away.
5) Enjoy up to $415 in savings. (Savings of $185 for the doctor's visit plus $230 for a full panel test equals a savings of $415). Also enjoy the fact that your credit score cannot be affected since your lab bill is paid. Anyone who has ever had a medical bill keeping their credit score down will definitely appreciate this.
It's a shame my friend spent $764 without talking to me first. Yes I know maintaining good health is priceless, but it's still good to know how to save money with affordable STD testing. Everyone that is sexually active should be tested so they can be treated if necessary. All of these diseases are treatable. Many of them are curable. Leaving an STD untreated can lead to lifelong health complications or even death.

STD testing at an affordable price is available now. If you are sexually active, visit http://www.AffordableSTDTest.com for an instant discount on affordable STD testing. All FDA approved tests are fast, confidential, discreet, and affordable. Results will be emailed to you. A free doctor's consultation comes with any positive results so you can discuss treatment options. Follow my advice and get it done today. You could know your status by tomorrow. Fast treatment is important for your health and the health of your partner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ken_S./179266

Gonorrhea Treatment - The Symptoms and Treatment of Gonorrhea

By Ken S.  |   Submitted On September 30, 2014

The right gonorrhea treatment can only begin when it is detected. The only way to detect it is with an STD test.
WHAT IS GONORRHEA?
It is a bacterium that can live and thrive in any warm, moist part of the body where mucus is present. This includes male and female sex organs, reproductive organs, the anus, and the throat.
Gonorrhea is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is passed to a sexual partner by an infected partner. Reports show that more than 700,000 people catch it each year. Common slang words for it are "the clap" or "the drip". Anyone that is sexually active can be infected. Both males and females can catch it and spread it to one another. The highest rate of new cases each year is in high school and college age students (ages 15-24). There is only one way to avoid the risk of catching it and that is by not having sex or engaging in any kind of sexual activities in any way.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE IT?
Not all people with gonorrhea have symptoms. Most people start feeling funny within 2 weeks to a month. However, it is important to know that there are many people who have no symptoms at all. There are also some who may experience discomfort, but it is so slight that they do not think anything is wrong.
If symptoms of gonorrhea are present in the genitalia, men often experience a burning sensation when they are urinating, a white or yellow discharge, and/or pain in the testicle area. Women generally experience a burning sensation when they are urinating as well. Women may also have an increased vaginal discharge that could be mistaken for a yeast infection. Some women report unusual bleeding between periods or mistake their symptoms and think they have a bladder infection.
If either a man or woman has contracted the infection in the anus, they may experience discharge, irritation, tenderness, redness, itching, bleeding, or pain during bowl movements. If they have contracted it in the throat (during oral sex) they may have a sore throat, redness, and swollen throat glands.
WHAT IS THE TEST AND TREATMENT OF GONORRHEA?
Many people, especially women, misdiagnose what they are feeling and try to treat themselves with over the counter medications which will not work. However getting the right gonorrhea treatment is simple and yes, this infection can be cured. An STD test with a urine sample is all that is needed. A lab will test the sample and if it comes back positive, a doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. It is important to take all of it and do not share it with anyone else. It is also important for both partners to be treated or reinfection may quickly occur.
Most doctors recommend getting tested for chlamydia at the same time because many people who test positive for gonorrhea also test positive for chlamydia. It is also smart to get tested for syphilis and HIV as well because anyone who is sexually active is also at risk for these diseases.
No matter what, it is important to get treated as soon as possible. Pregnant women who are infected can spread it to their baby. Other serious complications like infertility can occur in both men and women if this disease is left untreated. Another rare, but serious complication is the spreading of the bacteria into the blood or the joints. That is why it is so important to get tested quickly.
HOW DO I AVOID THE RISK OF GETTING IT?
The use of latex condoms significantly decreases the risk. Staying in a relationship with a person that has tested negative also reduces the risk. However, the one and only way to completely avoid the risk if being exposed to this disease is by not having sex or engaging in any sexual relations at all.
Anyone who is sexually active should get an STD test whether symptoms are present or not. This way if the test comes back positive, the proper gonorrhea treatment can begin right away.

If you think you need gonorrhea treatment, get tested right away. Visit http://www.AffordableSTDTest.com now to get an instant discount on an FDA approved test. Just order it online, stop by a local lab to give a quick urine sample, and that's it. No appointment is necessary and your confidential results will be quickly emailed to you. Testing for other STDs is also available so it would be smart to take them all at once. A free doctor's consultation is provided if any results come back positive. Get started now. Do it for your health and the health of your partner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ken_S./179266

Hepatitis B Testing - Why It Is Smart to Get a Full Hepatitis Test

By Ken S.  |   Submitted On October 05, 2014

Hepatitis B testing is smart and should be done routinely. Reports show that over 1 million people in the U.S. have a chronic infection (that lasts a lifetime). Most do not know it. A lab-based hepatitis test is the only way to know whether or not a person has been infected.
WHAT IS HEPATITIS?
This is a common virus that attacks the liver in humans. Acute infections can be overcome and the body fights them without treatment. However, chronic infections can lead to liver cancer and liver failure. Three versions of this virus exist - "A", "B", and "C". Though there is more than one way to come in contact with it, it is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This article discusses the "B" version. (Visit my other articles for more about "A" and "C".)
HEPATITIS B:
Also called HBV, this disease is the most common in adults aged 20-49. It is spread from person to person in bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, fluids coming from open sores, vaginal secretions, and semen. Common ways to come in contact with Hepatitis B are through sexual activities, sexual intercourse, needles (tattoo, medical, or piercing needles), or razors (from people sharing razors).
Since it is considered an STD, anyone who is sexually active is at risk. Even if a person contracted the virus through a needle or a razor, they can spread it to their partner during sexual activities. Using condoms reduces the risk but it does not completely remove it because saliva is transferred from person to person during heavy kissing and it can be transmitted through saliva. The only way to avoid being exposed through sexual contact is by not engaging in any type of sexual activity at all, including kissing. A hepatitis test is the only way to know if a person has it. Engaging sexual activity with a person that has tested negative reduces the risk of transmission in this way.
Often times, people who are infected to not know it because they may not experience any symptoms. However, for those who do have symptoms, they report feeling like they have the flu. This means they feel tired, have a mild fever or headache, lose their appetite, have abdominal pain or diarrhea, and/or feel pain in their joints. Some people may have a light colored stool while others may have yellowish eyes or skin. If yellowing happens it is called jaundice and usually occurs after the other symptoms have disappeared. It is important to get a hepatitis test because it can be spread whether symptoms are present or not.
Adults who have contracted the virus can usually fight it on their own in a couple of months. When this happens, a lifelong immunity is built within their body. Children, on the other hand, have a much higher risk of not being able to fight the infection. The younger the child, the tougher it is for them to fight it. Pregnant mothers can pass it on to their babies so it is important that pregnant women get tested. Anyone (child or adult) whose body cannot fight the infection is said to have chronic hepatitis and should be regularly monitored by a doctor.
It is smart to get hepatitis B testing, especially for those who are sexually active. If results are negative, a vaccine is available to protect people against its effects. Vaccination is a smart choice because there is no cure. If a person did not get a vaccine and their body cannot fight it they will likely have chronic liver disease. For positive results, an antiviral treatment may be given with early diagnosis. This could help fight the disease and prevent future symptoms.

Hepatitis B testing is fast. Find a local lab now. Visit http://www.AffordableSTDTest.com for an instant discount on a full hepatitis test (A, B, & C). Simply order online at AffordableSTDTest.com, stop by a local lab to give a quick blood sample, and you're done. No appointment is necessary. If you are sexually active it is recommended that you get screened for all STDs. An instant discount will be automatically applied and your confidential results will be emailed directly to you within 1-2 days. A consultation with a doctor is available if anything comes back positive. Act now. Instant discount coupons are only available while supplies last.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ken_S./179266