Month: November 2016

Fact File: The 10 Most Common STI’s

November 30, 2016 No Comments Pillow Talk

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Confidante specialises in testing you for the 10 most common Sexually Transmitted Infections from the comfort of your home. We’ve compiled a fact file to inform you about each of these infections:

  1. Chlamydia
  • The most common STI
  • Affects both men and women of all ages
  • Passed on through unprotected sex

Caused by a bacterium, Chlamydia can lead to serious health issues, including infertility. It can be treated with antibiotics, therefore early testing and diagnosis is crucial. Many cases of Chlamydia are not reported as it does not always show symptoms; therefore the individual may not suspect they have an infection.

  1. Gonorrhoea
  • The second most common STI
  • Young men & women are affected the most
  • Passed on through unprotected sex

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoea. It can grow easily in the warm, moist areas of a female’s reproductive system. It can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes and anus. Gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics, but like most STIs, other complications result from long term untreated/repeated infections.

  1. Syphilis
  • Over 3,000 new cases reported each year in the UK
  • Pregnant women can pass syphilis onto their unborn baby
  • Passed on through unprotected sex & skin contact

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Primary syphilis is when sores appear at the point where the bacteria entered the body. Secondary syphilis occurs when untreated sores have appeared and healed. It is still infectious and maintains its ability to be passed on. Tertiary syphilis is a progression from untreated secondary syphilis. Untreated syphilis can, after many years, cause serious damage to the heart, brain, eyes, internal organs and nervous system.

  1. Herpes Simplex 1
  • Causes sores around the mouth and lips
  • More than 90% of the population is positive for herpes 1
  • Mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact

Herpes simplex 1 is from the herpes simplex virus family and causes sores around the mouth and lips which are sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores. This virus is likely to reoccur more often than herpes 2 and is transmitted through oral sex. It can sometimes cause genital sores as well. Herpes usually does not lead to complications, although, outbreaks are common and can be painful.

  1. Herpes Simplex 2
  • Causes painful blisters on the genitals & surrounding areas
  • Common in the age group of 20-24 year olds
  • Contracted by having sex with someone who has herpes 2

More commonly known as genital herpes, Herpes simplex 2 is from the herpes simplex virus family and is a chronic long-term condition. This virus causes painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding areas and is transmitted by having any form of sex. Type 1 and type 2 herpes simplex are different strains of the virus within the same family.

  1. Trichomonas vaginalis
  • Affects both men & women
  • 6000 cases diagnosed annually
  • Spread by having unprotected sex

Whilst trichomonas affects both men and women, women are more likely to experience its symptoms. It’s caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, and diagnosis is often difficult as there are usually no symptoms. Complications related to this STI are rare, however it can weaken the protective mucus barrier of the cervix, which helps prevent infection of the female reproductive organs.

  1. Mycoplasma hominis
  • Affects up to 50% of sexually active males & females
  • Present in almost all humans in the urinary tract
  • Can cause vaginitis & pelvic inflammatory disease in women

Mycoplasma hominis is a common mollicute bacterium, present in all humans in the urinary tract. However, it can sometimes cause infection which can be transmitted sexually. It’s different from other STIs, in that monogamous couples can suddenly experience mycoplasma hominis even after years of exclusivity. The symptoms are similar to many other STIs and it is often mistaken for gonorrhoea or chlamydia. It is also possible to have mycoplasma hominis and not experience any symptoms at all.

  1. Mycoplasma genitalium
  • Spread by having unprotected sex
  • Lesser known STI but is very common
  • Can cause endometritis in women

Mycoplasma genitalium has similarities to both chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Most infections do not show any symptoms and therefore, it is difficult to know if you have it without being tested.

  1. Ureaplasma urealyticum
  • Left untreated it can cause infertility
  • Left untreated it can cause still birth
  • Extremely contagious & spread through unprotected sex

Ureaplasma urealyticum often has no symptoms and a large percentage of people do not experience any problems at all. However, it can cause symptoms and further complications in some people. Left untreated, it can be associated with infertility, premature or still birth, non-specific urethritis, meningitis and pneumonia. If the infection is left untreated for several months it can spread to other parts of the body and damage joints, nerves and muscles.

  1. Chancroid
  • Less common in the UK – more common in Asia and Africa
  • More than 9 million people are infected annually
  • It is highly contagious but easily treated

Chancroid is an STI caused by haemophilus ducreyi bacterium. Early signs of chancroid may be mistaken for syphilis, yet the sores will grow to a larger size and will be more painful. Any sexually active person can be infected with chancroid. Although less common in the UK, it is a lot more common in Asia and Africa.

 

Confidante can test for these 10 common STI’s using 1 single test in t
he privacy of your own home, providing a comprehensive profile of your sexual health.

So if you are concerned about your sexual health due to a recent event, symptoms, a change in sexual partner or simply want peace of mind, Confidante home STI test kit offers the perfect solution.

 

A focus on: Gonorrhoea

November 8, 2016 No Comments Pillow Talk

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Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems such as infertility in both men and women. We’ve compiled all you need to know about this nasty STD!

Causes

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria which are found mainly in the vaginal fluids and semen of men and women who have the infection. It is passed on by sexual contact with an infected person, and the bacteria can live inside the cells of the cervix, the urethra, the rectum, the throat and sometimes the eyes. If the bacteria reaches the eye this can cause conjunctivitis, however it is uncommon in adults.

Signs & Symptoms

Women

  • Unusual discharge
  • Pain when urinating
  • Lower abdominal pain and tenderness
  • Rarely bleeding between periods or heavier periods
  • Infection in rectum
  • Infection in throat
  • Infection in the eyes

Men

  • Unusual discharge
  • Pain when urinating
  • Pain or tenderness in testicles

How do I know if I have Gonorrhoea?

The only way to be certain you have gonorrhoea is if you have a test. If you think you may have caught the infection it is important that you get tested as soon as possible.

There are various reasons you should get tested:

  • You have symptoms
  • You have recently had unprotected sex with a new partner
  • You or your partner have had unprotected sex with other partners
  • A sexual partner tells you they have an STI
  • You have another STI
  • You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy

Even if your partner has tested negative – it is still possible that you could have gonorrhoea. So don’t rely on your partners result. If you have gonorrhoea it is recommended to test for other sexually transmitted infections as you can have more than 1 at the same time. This is why Confidante test for the 10 most common STI’s, to give you better peace of mind.

Treatment

The treatment is 95% effective, this is done by taking antibiotics. It can involve having an antibiotic injection and a single dose of tablets. Not everyone who has gonorrhoea has complications. However, without effective treatment can spread to other parts of the body. The more times you have had gonorrhoea, the more likely you are to have complications with the infection.

In women, gonorrhoea can spread to other reproductive organs causing pelvic inflammatory disease. This can lead to long-term pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancy (when the pregnancy develops outside the uterus.) In men, it can cause a painful infection in the testicles and possible reduce fertility. Less typically, gonorrhoea can cause inflammation of the joints and tendons, and skin lesions.

Get your Confidante test today and be confidant that you don’t have gonorrhoea. Contact a member of our team for more information, Here!

Everything you need to know about Chlamydia

November 3, 2016 No Comments Pillow Talk

confidante-pillow-talk-chlamydiaThe prevalence of STDs is increasing, so it is important that sexually active men and women know how to protect themselves from infection. Chlamydia is the most common bacterial infection in the UK, and so it is important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms.

Chlamydia can be difficult to diagnose and treat because often the symptoms are mild. It is known as the “silent disease”, and can cause a number of serious health complications if left undetected and treated.

WHAT IS IT?

Chlamydia is an STD caused by the bacteria, Chlamyida trachomatis. The STD can infect the rectum, vagina, or penis, and may also cause infections of the throat and eyes. Symptoms of the disease tend to be mild or non-existent, however, complications can be serious if treatment is not received. Effective treatment to help manage the infection is available, and typically includes some form of antibiotic.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

The STI is contracted through sexual activity with an infected partner. The chlamydia bacteria are found in the semen and vaginal fluid of those infected with the illness. This fluid can be exchanged during:

  • vaginal intercourse
  • oral intercourse
  • anal intercourse

Pregnant women who are infected with Chlamydia can actually pass the disease along to their child during labour and delivery.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Anyone sexually active is at some risk for getting chlamydia. This risk can be increased however if you:

  • do not test regularly for STDs
  • engage in unprotected sex
  • have numerous sex partners
  • already have syphilis, gonorrhoea or HIV

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of Chlamydia can be very subtle. Up to 75% of infected women and 50% of infected men show no symptoms of the disease. If symptoms do develop, they tend to do so within 3 weeks of being infected.

Symptoms for Men

  • white, cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of the penis
  • pain, discomfort or a ‘burning sensation’ during urination
  • itching around the tip of the penis
  • inflammation, tenderness and pain in and around the testicles

Symptoms of chlamydia in women include:

  • abnormal vaginal discharge
  • abdominal pain
  • pain during intercourse
  • burning during urination
  • feelings of urinary urgency

COMPLICATIONS

Chlamydia can cause serious health issues in both men and women if left untreated.

Women are more likely to experience complications. If Chlamydia spreads to the reproductive organs, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can occur. More than 40% of women with Chlamydia develop PID.  It can cause scarring of the uterus and fallopian tubes, which can interefere with fertilization and pregnancy. Furthermore, PID can increase a woman’s risk of experiencing an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in which the fetus develops outside the womb.)

During pregnancy is when Chlamydia can be particularly dangerous. It can be passed on during labour and delivery causing serious eye infections and pneumonia. Chlamydia can also increase your chance of having a preterm delivery.

Health risks as a result of the infection are less common in men, but can include infection of the epididymis, a tightly coiled tube that lies behind the testes. Although rare, this infection can lead to sterility.

Chlamydia infection increases your risk of gonorrhoea. It’s common for these STI’s to occur together, which is why Confidante STI home kit tests for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea amongst 8 other common STI’s.

TREATMENT

It is typically treated with a course of antibiotics. Pregnant women will be given additional antibiotics to prevent transmitting the disease onto their child. To avoid reinfection, it is vital that any sexual partners receive treatment for the illness as well.

PREVENTION

Here are the best tips to preventing Chlamydia:

  • Always use a condom when participating in sexual activity
  • Limit your number of sex partners
  • Test yourself for STIs with Confidante and encourage your sexual partners to do so too
  • Get treatment immediately if you discover you have the infection, and notify your sexual partners

Top 10 Tips for Men’s Sexual Health

November 2, 2016 No Comments Pillow Talk

Most of us want to be healthy, and so we try to watch wTop 10 Tips for Men's Sexual Healthhat we eat, exercise and manage stress. But not many of us know that we can take care of our sexual health, and prevent problems before they occur.

Here are 10 tips for men to keep in mind for maximum sexual health:

1. Eat a healthy diet

Eating healthy foods that are rich in nutrients and low in fats keeps your ‘sexual’ system in good working order. Fruit and vegetables, lean cuts of meat, whole grains and low-fat milk should be in your diet.

2.  Exercise regularly

Lack of exercise can create sexual problems. You should undertake regular exercise, including walking, cycling, tennis or whatever you find enjoyable.

3. Stop smoking  

Studies have found that a majority of men who suffer from erectile dysfunction are smokers. They also discovered that smoking can reduce sperm count and quality. Stop smoking to benefit your sexual health as well as your general health.

4. Reduce your alcohol intake

While you may enjoy the buzz you feel when you drink alcoholic beverages, you are putting yourself at risk for ED.  Alcohol may make you feel sexier by lowering inhibitions, but it also reduces libido, causes erection problems, and often times impairs the ability to have an orgasm.

5. Manage stress in your life

Everyone knows that stress can have you feeling exhausted, worried and nervous, but did you know it can also lead to sexual problems? If you allow stress to manage your life, you will soon feel as if it is out of control. Practice stress management techniques, find ways to handle anger and sadness, and you will be doing your part to maintain your sexual health.

6. Do Kegel exercises

Usually associated with women, Kegel exercises can increase sexual enjoyment in mes as well.  Kegels are a way to strengthen the muscles that connect the base of the penis with the tailbone.  These muscles act to control the flow of fluids through the urethra, so by learning how to control them, you can delay ejaculation to heighten your orgasm.  To learn how these muscles feel, try stopping the flow of urine the next time you urinate.  These are the muscles you need to tighten, so to do Kegels, just squeeze the muscles, hold them for a few seconds, and then relax them.  By contracting these muscles, you gradually build up their strength.

7. Use lubricants

Men often experience a gradual loss of sensitivity as they grow older. Lubricants can help men with this problem to gain a freer range of motion, and increase sexual enjoyment.

8. Have a yearly visit with your doctor

It is no secret that men do not like going to the doctor, but if you want to maintain your overall (and sexual) health, you should make sure that you have a check-up at least once a year.

9. Avoid illegal substances

Some men will take illegal drugs to get high, thinking that it will enhance their sexual experience.  But it most cases, it has the opposite effect.  If you want to avoid ED, then avoid illegal substances.

10. Have a positive attitude

Medical studies prove that men who have a positive attitude towards life also enjoy a problem free sex life as well.  So, adjust your attitude to a positive one, and enjoy the benefits!

For more information on how Confidante works, click HERE.

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