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Tag: std

  • PositiveSingles Launches Help Reward: Empowering STD Dating Community

    PositiveSingles Launches Help Reward: Empowering STD Dating Community

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    PositiveSingles introduces Help Reward, a platform fostering support and empowerment for individuals living with STDs. Through sharing stories, raising awareness, and offering assistance, we aim to build connections and solidarity within our community. Together, let’s make a positive impact in navigating life’s challenges.


    NEW YORK, March 18, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    PositiveSingles, the premier online community for individuals living with STDs, is proud to announce the launch of its Help Reward, an initiative designed to foster connections, share personal stories, and offer assistance to those navigating the challenges of living with STDs.

    Living with an STD can be a daunting experience, often accompanied by feelings of isolation and stigma. PositiveSingles recognizes the importance of community support in overcoming these obstacles and thriving in spite of them. The Help Event aims to create a safe and supportive space where members can find solace, encouragement, and practical assistance. PositiveSingles is a lifeline of support and understanding for those living with STDs.

    “We believe in the power of sharing experiences and supporting one another,” says Dani Johnson, the supervisor for PositiveSingles. “Our community is a beacon of hope for individuals living with STDs, providing a platform where they can connect, empathize, and uplift one another.”

    On the homepage of PositiveSingles, they also highlight the significance of this reward: Each payment makes a positive impact by contributing to our Help Reward. This underscores their commitment to fostering a supportive environment and providing assistance to those in need within our community. By participating in PositiveSingles and contributing to the Help Reward, members not only gain access to a supportive network but also directly contribute to making a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges.

    Here’s how the Help Reward works:

    Share Your Story: Members are encouraged to post their personal stories on the PositiveSingles platform, detailing their journeys and the specific assistance they could benefit from at this time.

    Spread the Word: Participants are urged to share their posts with friends and other community members to raise awareness and create a network of support.

    Community Engagement: Throughout the event, members are encouraged to engage with one another, offering words of encouragement, advice, and empathy.

    The Help Reward is not just about seeking help; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and providing a supportive environment for all members. By coming together, sharing experiences, and offering support, PositiveSingles aims to empower individuals to live their lives to the fullest despite the challenges they may face.

    “We want our members to know that they are not alone,” adds Dani. “Through our community, they can find solidarity, understanding, and the strength to face whatever comes their way.”

    The Help Reward is currently underway. Participants are encouraged to join the conversation, share their stories. The site continues to hold it irregularly, but this round will end on March 18.

    For more information about the Help Reward, visit https://www.positivesingles.com/blogHome

    Source: PositiveSingles

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  • In a first, CDC to recommend antibiotic pill after sex for some to prevent sexually transmitted infections

    In a first, CDC to recommend antibiotic pill after sex for some to prevent sexually transmitted infections

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    Doctors should weigh prescribing some of their patients a pill of a powerful antibiotic, doxycycline, to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, according to new draft recommendations released Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Officials say the approach, dubbed doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, or Doxy-PEP for short, could mark a turning point in the nation’s fight against the ongoing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs.

    It comes after growing early research has found that doxycycline could prevent bacterial infections from taking root when taken in the days soon after potential exposure during sex, instead of reserving pills of the antibiotic only for doctors treating diseases after they are diagnosed. 

    “It’s going to take game-changing innovations for us to turn the STI epidemic around. And Doxy-PEP is the first major new prevention intervention we have for STIs in decades,” Dr. Jonathan Mermin, head of the CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, said in an interview. 

    Mermin, who co-authored the draft, estimated that implementation of their Doxy-PEP recommendations could lead to tens of thousands of infections prevented.

    The recommendations will remain open for comments for 45 days. After incorporating that feedback, Mermin said he expects a final version to be published in the first quarter of next year. 

    “We think this is the right step right now, even though science is still evolving,” he said.

    Who should take Doxy-PEP?

    For now, the CDC’s draft recommendations for offering the antibiotic are limited to the groups of Americans hardest hit by the STI epidemic: gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender women.

    Among those communities, the CDC further narrowed the scope of its recommendation to those who have been diagnosed in the past year with at least one STI caused by bacteria, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or syphilis. Others could be considered based on participating in events that raise the risk of exposure to STIs.

    For people who the agency estimates “would benefit the most” from Doxy-PEP, the agency will tell doctors that prescribing a 200 mg dose of doxycycline “should be considered” for patients to take as soon as possible — no more than 72 hours — after oral, vaginal or anal sex.

    What’s known about how the antibiotic works suggests that Doxy-PEP “should be effective in other populations” as well, the agency acknowledges. However, the CDC stopped short of making a firm recommendation for or against offering it to a broader range of Americans.

    A randomized trial in cisgender women had failed to show a benefit, though follow-ups suggested the results may have been muddied by many participants not actually taking the antibiotic. More data is needed before deciding on broad recommendations, officials concluded.

    “The decision could still be made to take Doxy-PEP to prevent STIs. If that’s done, we do recommend that they follow the same recommendations and processes that we put into place for others. So we’re not saying don’t do it,” said Mermin.

    How long will it take to roll out Doxy-PEP?

    The CDC’s draft comes as a growing number of health departments and sexual health clinics have already moved to start offering Doxy-PEP on their own.

    “There is not a lot of money in STI care, prevention and research. So this development is profound for our field. And the community has already been working hard to implement Doxy-PEP and clinicians in some public health clinics are prescribing this widely,” said David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors.

    Harvey’s group lists 10 agencies and organizations that have already published policies and guidance on Doxy-PEP, including state health departments in California, Michigan and New Mexico.

    Many more are still “desperately eager” for CDC to officially weigh in, Harvey said, and could begin offering prescriptions quickly once the guidelines are made official. An official recommendation from the CDC could also clear the way for ensuring coverage of the costs of the pills through public health budgets and insurance companies, he said.

    “The good news about doxycycline though is that it is a fairly cheap drug. It’s a drug that’s been around for a long time. So this is unlike what we see with some HIV medications that are very, very expensive,” Harvey said.

    What are the risks of Doxy-PEP?

    Harvey cautioned that implementing Doxy-PEP would not be without its costs for clinics.

    The guidance suggests doctors can “prescribe enough doses of doxycycline to last until the next follow up visit.” 

    A list of considerations attached to the recommendation include a plea for doctors to assess for side effects that use of Doxy-PEP could be causing, as well as to screen every 3 to 6 months for the possibility of breakthrough infections.

    “Larger evaluations can sometimes show negative outcomes that have been missed in smaller randomized trials. So we are going to be continuing to monitor and evaluate the implementation of Doxy-PEP over time,” said Mermin.

    Officials have also wrestled with the concern that Doxy-PEP could raise the risk of bacteria developing resistance to the antibiotic.

    At a meeting hosted by the National Association of County and City Health Officials last year, experts warned it was possible widespread Doxy-PEP use could also lead to “collateral damage” in raising resistance for other pathogens beyond STIs as well.

    The CDC is planning multiple efforts to track real-world implementation of Doxy-PEP, Mermin said, including monitoring for drug resistance.

    “Given the gaps in science, long-term monitoring, evaluation and additional studies will be key for us to update the guidelines as needed. There are important questions that remain regarding potential risks,” said Mermin.

    Alexander Tin

    CBS News reporter covering public health and the pandemic.

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  • As STDs proliferate, companies rush to market at-home test kits. But are they reliable?

    As STDs proliferate, companies rush to market at-home test kits. But are they reliable?

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    Among the more remarkable legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic is how quickly federal regulators, the health care industry, and consumers moved to make at-home testing a reliable tool for managing a public health crisis.

    But that fast-track focus is missing from another, less publicized epidemic: an explosion in sexually transmitted diseases that can cause chronic pain and infertility among infected adults and disable or kill infected newborns. The disparity has amplified calls from researchers, public health advocates, and health care companies urging the federal government to greenlight at-home testing kits that could vastly multiply the number of Americans testing for STDs.

    Online shoppers can already choose from more than a dozen self-testing kits, typically ranging in price from $69 to $500, depending on the brand and the variety of infections they can detect.

    But, except for HIV tests, the Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved STD test kits for use outside a medical setting. That leaves consumers unsure about their reliability even as at-home use grows dramatically.    

    STD test kits
    Unlike rapid antigen tests for COVID, the home STD kits on the market require patients to collect their own samples, and then mail them to a lab for analysis. The issue for regulators is whether kits can be reliably adapted for in-home use.

    Eric Harkleroad/KHN


    The STD epidemic is “out of control,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security. “We know we are missing diagnoses. We know that contact tracing is happening late or not at all. If we’re really serious about tackling the STD crisis, we have to get more people diagnosed.”

    Preliminary data for 2021 showed nearly 2.5 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reported cases of syphilis and gonorrhea have been climbing for about a decade. In its most recent prevalence estimate, the agency said that on any given day, 1 in 5 Americans are infected with any of eight common STDs.

    The push to make at-home testing for STDs as easy and commonplace as at-home COVID and pregnancy testing is coming from several sectors. Public health officials say their overextended staffers can’t handle the staggering need for testing and surveillance. Diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies see a business opportunity in the unmet demand.

    The medical science underpinning STD testing is not particularly new or mysterious. Depending on the test, it may involve collecting a urine sample, pricking a finger for blood, or swabbing the mouth, genitals, or anus for discharge or cell samples. Medical centers and community health clinics have performed such testing for decades.

    The issue for regulators is whether sampling kits can be reliably adapted for in-home use. Unlike rapid antigen tests for COVID, which produce results in 15 to 20 minutes, the home STD kits on the market require patients to collect their own samples, and then package and mail them to a lab for analysis.

    In the past three years, as the pandemic prompted clinics that provide low-cost care to drastically curtail in-person services, a number of public health departments — among them state agencies in Alabama, Alaska, and Maryland — have started mailing free STD test kits to residents. Universities and nonprofits are also spearheading at-home testing efforts.

    And dozens of commercial enterprises are jumping into or ramping up direct-to-consumer sales. Everly Health, a digital health company that sells a variety of lab tests online, reported sales for its suite of STD kits grew 120% in the first half of this year compared with the first half of 2021.

    CVS Health began selling its own bundled STD kit in October, priced at $99.99. Unlike most home kits, CVS’s version is available in stores.

    Hologic, Abbott, and Molecular Testing Labs are among the companies urgently developing tests. And Cue Health, which sells antigen tests for COVID, is poised to launch a clinical trial for a rapid home test for chlamydia and gonorrhea that would set a new bar, providing results in about 20 minutes.

    Alberto Gutierrez, who formerly led the FDA office that oversees diagnostic tests, said agency officials have been concerned about the reliability of home tests for years. The FDA wants companies to prove that home collection kits are as accurate as those used in clinics, and that samples don’t degrade during shipping.

    “The agency doesn’t believe these tests are legally marketed at this point,” said Gutierrez, a partner at NDA Partners, a consulting firm that advises companies seeking to bring health care products to market.

    “CVS should not be selling that test,” he added.

    In response to KHN questions, the FDA said it considers home collection kits, which can include swabs, lancets, transport tubes, and chemicals to stabilize the samples, to be devices that require agency review. The FDA “generally does not comment” on whether it plans to take action on any specific case, the statement said.

    CVS spokesperson Mary Gattuso said the pharmacy chain is following the law. “We are committed to ensuring the products we offer are safe, work as intended, comply with regulations, and satisfy customers,” Gattuso said.

    Everly Health and other companies described their kits as laboratory-developed tests, akin to the diagnostics some hospitals create for in-house use. And they contend their tests can be legally marketed because their labs have been certified by a different agency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

    “The instruments and assays used by the laboratories we use are comparable to — and often the same as — those used by the labs a doctor’s office uses,” said Dr. Liz Kwo, chief medical officer at Everly Health. “Our at-home sample collection methods, like dried blood spots and saliva, have been widely used for decades.”

    Home collection kits appeal to Uxmal Caldera, 27, of Miami Beach, Florida, who prefers to test in the privacy of his home. Caldera, who doesn’t have a car, said home testing saves him the time and expense of getting to a clinic.

    Caldera has been testing himself for HIV and other STDs every three months for more than a year, part of routine monitoring for people taking PrEP, a regimen of daily pills to prevent HIV infection.

    “Doing it by yourself is not hard at all,” said Caldera, who is uninsured but receives the tests free through a community foundation. “The instructions are really clear. I get the results in maybe four days. For sure, I would recommend it to other people.”

    Dr. Leandro Mena, director of the CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, said he would like to see at-home STD testing become as routine as home pregnancy tests. An estimated 16 million to 20 million tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia are performed in the U.S. each year, Mena said. Widespread use of at-home STD testing, he said, could double or triple that number.

    He noted that doctors have years of experience using home collection kits.

    The Johns Hopkins Center for Point-of-Care Technologies Research for Sexually Transmitted Diseases has distributed roughly 23,000 at-home STD kits since 2004, said Charlotte Gaydos, a principal investigator with the center. The FDA generally allows such use if it’s part of research overseen by medical professionals. The center’s tests are now used by the Alaska health department, as well as Native American tribes in Arizona and Oklahoma.

    Gaydos has published dozens of studies establishing that home collection kits for diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea are accurate and easy to use.

    “There’s a huge amount of data showing that home testing works,” said Gaydos.

    But Gaydos noted that her studies have been limited to small sample sizes. She said she doesn’t have the millions of dollars in funding it would take to run the sort of comprehensive trial the FDA typically requires for approval.

    Jenny Mahn, director of clinical and sexual health at the National Coalition of STD Directors, said many public health labs are reluctant to handle home kits. “The public health labs won’t touch it without FDA’s blessing,” Mahn said.

    Public health clinics often provide STD testing at little to no cost, while health insurance typically covers in-person testing at a private practice. But most consumers pay out-of-pocket for direct-to-consumer kits. Commercial pricing puts them out of reach for many people, particularly teens and young adults, who account for nearly half of STDs.

    Adalja, at Johns Hopkins, said the FDA has a history of moving slowly on home testing. The agency spent seven years evaluating the first home HIV test it approved, which hit the market in 2012.

    “Home testing is the way of the future,” said Laura Lindberg, a professor of public health at Rutgers University. “The pandemic opened the door to testing and treatment at home without traveling to a health care provider, and we aren’t going to be able to put the genie back in the bottle.”

    KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

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  • Woman says she was infected with STD after janitor urinated in her water bottle

    Woman says she was infected with STD after janitor urinated in her water bottle

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    HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A married mother of two daughters says she was infected with an incurable sexually transmitted disease after a janitor tainted her water bottles at her office.

    Lucio Diaz, 50, has been charged with indecent assault and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Both charges are related to the same victim.

    “This individual is a sick man,” the 54-year-old victim, who did not want to be identified, told ABC13.

    In August, she noticed a foul smell in the employee water dispenser at the doctor’s office on the East Freeway where she works. Afterward, she vowed to drink only from water bottles that she brought to work.

    Then, in late September, she thought her own water bottle had been tainted with urine. Court records show a urinalysis confirmed it. But it was the spy camera that she bought that left no questions, she said. She shared only a still image from the video but allowed ABC13 to watch it in its entirety.

    “Pulls out his penis and puts his penis in my bottle, basically rinses his penis in the water,” she explained.

    Further testing brought devastating news.

    “I learned I acquired (a sexually-transmitted disease) for which he also tested positive for,” she said. “He gave me an STD I will have for the rest of my life. Nothing is going to change it. Nothing will make it better for me. In fact, I feel like, for the rest of my life, I will have to be careful.”

    Court records show Diaz is in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. The Mexican national’s immigration and work status are unclear. The victim said Diaz continued to work at the building even after management was notified. She is working with attorney Kim Spurlock.

    “They have a duty to protect their tenants, and they wholly failed in those responsibilities,” Spurlock said.

    The building’s owner, Altera Fund Advisors, responded with a statement from CEO Terry Quinn:

    “Our management company immediately cooperated with the police department in this matter as soon as we were made aware of this potential issue by our tenant. They were advised by the police to not alert or approach the alleged perpetrator so that he could be arrested. He was arrested when he returned to the building.”

    Investigators with HPD’s Major Offenders Division believe more people have been infected and say Diaz could face more charges.

    “I want this to go to trial. I want him to be exposed for who he is, and I want him to pay for what he’s done to me and then be deported,” the victim said.

    For more on this story, follow Jessica Willey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    Copyright © 2022 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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  • How to Handle an STI That Shows Up on Your Face

    How to Handle an STI That Shows Up on Your Face

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    Concerned About a Facial STI That’s Drawing Too Much Attention? Do This

    Product photos from retailer sites.

    No one actively tries to get a STD (or as they’re more commonly referred to these days, STIs). While you likely have a general idea of how not to get yourself infected with one, knowing the nuances of how each type of STI gets contracted and the respective prevention/treatment methods are key to not only keeping yourself from getting one, but from spreading it to your next partner.

    Take, for example, syphilis. There was a time when this particular STI was basically on the path toward being eliminated. Then in the early 2000s, it started to rear its ugly head again, bringing the stats of men affected by syphilis in the U.S. from every 2.9 per 100,000 people in 2005 to every 5.3 per 100,000 in 2013, all the way up to 8.7 per 100,000 people in 2016, according to the CDC.

    RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Getting Tested for STIs

    Sure, talking with your partner about sexually transmitted infections isn’t pleasant, but neither is contracting one … especially when it shows up on your face. To save face later on, you’ll want to know what STIs you’re at risk for, ways to detect the signs in order to seek proper treatment and most importantly, how they get spread so that you can avoid doing so. Below, you’ll find out all of those important details.

    Different STIs and How to Deal With Them

    Syphilis

    Let’s start with the STI that’s been taking the U.S. by storm as of late. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads throughout the body and, if not treated, can impact all of your organ systems. Yes, all of them.

    “Primary syphilis is an [STI] caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum,” explains dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD. Once a person has syphilis, an ulcer will soon form. “It will present 10-90 days (average 21 days) after exposure, last 2-6 weeks, before resolving spontaneously,” she adds. “The problem is that if it wasn’t treated with antibiotics (penicillin injection is most effective), it isn’t really gone — and you will end up with secondary syphilis within 3-10 weeks of the ulcer resolution.”

    If it gets left untreated, Shainhouse says this disease can resurface as what’s known as tertiary syphilis years later, affecting vital organs like the heart or brain.

    How It’s Spread

    Making contact with a syphilis ulcer causes the disease to spread. “Syphilis is transmitted person to person via direct contact with a syphilis ulcer during vaginal, anal or oral sex and may enter through skin or mucous membranes,” says Shainhouse. “Hence, the locations for syphilitic ulcers include the vagina, cervix, penis, anus, rectum, lips, hands and inside of the mouth.”  

    How It Shows Up on Your Face

    “Both primary and secondary syphilis symptoms can present on the face,” explains Dr. Samuel Malloy, general practitioner at Dr. Felix. “The sores of primary syphilis are most likely to appear on the face if you have had oral sex with a syphilis-infected person. This is because the sores usually occur at the site of the infection. But secondary syphilis symptoms can appear on the face from other forms of sexual contact and congenital syphilis as the syphilis has entered the body, and the rash is the body’s response to the infection.”  

    How to Prevent It

    As you may have guessed, condoms are key for keeping syphilis at bay. “Use a condom if having vaginal or anal sex,” says Malloy. “Syphilis is increasing amongst men who have sex with men, so it’s important to use a condom — even if there is no risk of pregnancy. You can also use a dental dam to protect against contracting syphilis orally.”

    How to Treat It

    “Syphilis can usually be treated by a course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor,” notes Malloy, with a dose of penicillin being the typical course of action. “However, not all symptoms of syphilis are reversible,” Malloy continues. “The sores/rashes can cause scarring, and the symptoms of tertiary syphilis may be irreversible.”

    Genital Herpes

    “Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 or Type 2,” explains Malloy. “HSV 1 is the virus usually responsible for oral herpes, but this can cause sores in the genital area. HSV 2 is the virus usually responsible for genital herpes, but can also cause sores on the face.”

    How It’s Spread

    “Genital herpes is spread through contact with others who also are infected with herpes,” says Malloy. “This contact usually happens through oral, anal or vaginal sexual activity, but can also occur through kissing.” If getting this STI just by swapping spit has you stressed about offering your date a sip of your drink, fear not. “Genital herpes is not spread by sharing drinking glasses or towels, etc. as the virus cannot survive long outside the body,” he adds.

    How It Shows Up on Your Face

    “The location of the herpes sores are usually related to the site of the infection,” explains Malloy. “However, once infected with the herpes virus, you will usually experience several outbreaks. These outbreaks may cause sores in different areas and you can spread the infection to different areas of your body through touching the sores and then other areas.” If you’re experiencing an outbreak, it’s best to wash your hands after coming in contact with the sores to keep it from spreading to other regions of your body.

    How to Treat It

    In case you didn’t already know, herpes is an STI that stays with you forever — though it can lay dormant in your system with the effects in a constant ebb and flow. However, there are treatment options for the symptoms, as well as ways to prevent future outbreaks. 

    RELATED: How to Prevent and Treat Cold Sores

    “When you first experience symptoms, you may be prescribed antiviral tablets to prevent the infection from progressing,” says Malloy. “You may also be given a cream to alleviate the pain. If you have regular outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe you Aciclovir or Valaciclovir to reduce the likelihood of further outbreaks.” There are also things you can do to make yourself more comfortable during an outbreak, from wearing loose clothing to applying ice to the affected area.

    How to Prevent It

    Although herpes can only be spread when there are visible sores, it’s important to note that once they begin to bud, they’re very easily spread — even before they’re extremely prominent. “The virus is highly contagious, from the first tingle of a new sore until it has completely healed,” warns Malloy. “If your partner has any sores, you should either avoid contact with the affected area until the outbreak has resolved, or you should use a condom and/or dental dam to prevent contact with the affected area. If these methods do not cover the sore, there is a risk you could also contract the virus.”

    RELATED: The Best And Most Reliable At-Home STI Kits

    Chlamydia

    The stats on chlamydia are staggering with an estimated two million Americans affected by this disease. One of the reasons why chlamydia is so easily spread is the fact that this bacterial infection is often symptomless. Chlamydia is more common in women, but 70-80 percent of females diagnosed don’t show symptoms.

    “Chlamydia is an infection by a bacteria known as chlamydia trachomatis (if you want to get scientific),” says Dr. James Wantuck, MD of PlushCare. “It most commonly infects the genitals of women and men, and it is sexually transmitted.” It spreads by targeting the mucous membranes, which lines the internal organs that don’t have the luxury of being protected by the skin including the vagina, rectum, cervix and urethra.  

    How It’s Spread

    Because of the membranes this disease targets, it gets spread thanks to fluid transfers that happen during sex. “Chlamydia is not spread by skin-to-skin contact, but instead by contact with the sexual fluids of an infected person,” explains Malloy. “Sexual fluids include semen or vaginal fluids, and chlamydia can be spread through anal, vaginal or oral sex.”

    How It Shows Up on Your Face

    Not-so-fun fact: Chlamydia can actually end up causing pink eye. “Chlamydia can affect the eyes, which usually happens if any sexual fluids enter the eye, either through ejaculation, or if you have some fluids on your hand and then you touch the eye,” notes Malloy. “This can cause conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. If you have contracted chlamydia through oral sex, you may experience chlamydia symptoms in and around the mouth.”

    How to Treat It

    “Chlamydia is treated by a course of antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline,” says Malloy. This is definitely one time where you’ll want to make sure you finish the entire duration of your medication, and follow the directions to the letter. “If you are given antibiotics, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly to prevent antibiotic resistance,” he adds.

    How to Prevent It

    The tough part about preventing chlamydia is the fact that it’s so symptomless. As long as you’re being diligent about safe sex practices, you should be in the clear. “Chlamydia can be prevented by using dental dams or condoms during sex, and taking care to avoid contact with infected sexual fluids,” says Malloy.

    Recommended Products for STIs on Your Face

    Though you should probably check with your doctor before adding any sort of medicine or cream to your treatment routine, there are some products available online that could make a difference in your level of pain. From clearing your eyes to healing your skin, try these recommended choices:

    Pink Eye Relief Drops

    Since some STIs show up not only on your face, but in your eyes (ouch!), you could have symptoms that mimic pink eye. You will need a prescription, sure, but these drops can also make any pain or discoloration more bearable. Free of chemicals, a few uses of these bad boys will fight against redness, swelling, itching and more.
    $13.98 at Amazon.com

    Wart Removal Cream

    Wart Removal Cream and cream

    Some of the physical bumps that show up thanks to STIs look much like the warts you could have suffered from as a child. This ointment cream works to make these less painful, smaller and more manageable. Check with your dermatologist or doctor before overdoing it, but this is great to keep on hand for breakouts.
    $34.95 at Amazon.com

    After Shave Balm

    Dove Men After Shave Balm

    (Not so) fun fact: Even if you have an STI-induced reaction, the hair on your face will still grow. And that means you’ll need to shave, too. This could make razor burn that’s much more intense, making this balm your best buddy. Apply religiously when you freshen up to experience less stinging or discomfort.
    $12.99 at Amazon.com

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  • Key Things to Know About STIs and Getting Tested

    Key Things to Know About STIs and Getting Tested

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    Everything You Need to Know About Getting Tested for STIs

    We treat sexually transmitted infections differently from other infections. If your friend has a cold, you say, “Oh, that sucks,” not, “Gross, you should have been more careful!” 

    If there’s a virus going around, you get a pamphlet explaining what it is and how not to catch it — not shamed for being unclean. Rather than waiting until they’re teenagers and telling them not to hang out with certain people, we vaccinate children to keep them safe from certain diseases. 

    But in many people’s minds, sexually transmitted infections — STIs for short, and formerly known as STDs — are different. Unfortunately, because of their association with sex, they’re often seen as much scarier and more shameful. 

    RELATED: Here’s How Not to Get an STI

    As a result, people tend to approach their sexual health in backwards or unproductive ways by being blissfully ignorant until it’s too late. That said, protecting yourself from STIs isn’t super complex, and unlike other infections, there are cheap and easy ways to find out if you’re affected. 

    AskMen spoke with a handful of sexual health experts to get the info on what you need to know about STI tests, from how they work to why they’re important to why guys often tend to avoid taking them.

    What Is an STI Test?

    “A STI test is done to check if you have a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, HPV, HIV, herpes, or syphilis,” says Dr. Janet Brito, a sex therapist based in Hawaii. 

    However, not all tests are the same. Depending on what you’re getting tested for, with many tests checking for multiple infections at once, the test may take a different form. Common ways to check for STIs are “via a blood sample, a swab, or a urine analysis,” adds Brito.

    Why Getting Tested Is Important

    If you’ve never been tested before, you might not be entirely clear on why getting tested fairly regularly is important. 

    “If you are sexually active, especially if you are engaging in unprotected sexual activity, participating in high risk sexual behavior (i.e have multiple partners), starting a new relationship, noticing any symptoms (i.e. foul discharge, burning during urination, bumps, or sores around or on genital area, pain, itching, inflammation), it is best to get a STI test to rule out any possible infections and to avoid any health complications that may arise and that could be treated early on,” says Brito. 

    “It is also important to get tested even when you do not have symptoms,” she adds, “as some STIs may be asymptomatic” — meaning you might not see the signs until you’ve already passed it on to someone else — or worse, multiple people. 

    Beyond just treating symptoms as to also avoid infecting other people, knowing your STI status is important to ensure your STI doesn’t develop into something worse if untreated. 

    “It is important to discuss your sexual health practices with your doctor, especially if you are engaging in anal sex,” notes Brito. “An anal pap smear can help to screen for HPV as well. Not receiving proper care for STI symptoms may result in more complicated health challenges, like infertility or cancer.”

    How Often You Should Get Tested

    As for how often you should get tested, there’s no one single answer. 

    It becomes more important in certain specific circumstances, particularly if you notice potential symptoms, and/or when you’re about to start sleeping with a new partner. 

    “The CDC guidelines about how often to get tested are ambiguous because there’s no magic bullet,” explains Lauren Weiniger, cofounder of an app called SAFE, which allows users to privately show their verified STI status on their phone and get tested. “It depends on your lifestyle, and your risk tolerance. The guidelines vary from three to six months, but some people choose to get tested every two weeks.”

    Why Some Guys Avoid Getting Tested

    However, if you’re most guys — particularly straight guys, who often have fewer partners than their queer counterparts — you’re most likely not getting tested every two weeks. 

    You might not be getting tested every three to six months, either. In fact, some guys have never gotten tested, regardless of their sexual history. There are a few reasons why that might be the case. 

    “Some guys may not get tested because they do not know to get tested (i.e. do not have enough comprehensive sex education around the benefits of getting tested),” says Brito. They could also skip getting tested because they “don’t have any symptoms that they are aware of.”

    Perhaps the most pressing issue, however? Guys avoiding getting tested “due to stigma and shame around sexuality and the issue of STIs,” as Brito puts it. “This worry may prevent guys from getting tested and seeking help.”

    In order to help combat that, demystifying STI tests could be useful — so keep reading to find out what they’re like, how they work and how to get one done. 

    The Different Kinds of STI Tests, Explained

    While it might be convenient to take a test that checks for all the different STIs at once, no such test exists (not yet, at least). 

    In countries with universal healthcare like Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and others, syphilis tests are typically covered in whole or in large part. 

    However, in the United States, you might need private insurance in order to pay for an STI test, and depending on which insurance you have and where you go to get tested, your STI test may or may not be covered. If you’re unsure, it’s best to look into it before showing up. 

    That being said, here’s a breakdown of some common STIs and what it’s like to get tested for them: 

    Chlamydia

    Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that typically presents no symptoms. However, when it does, the results are not pleasant. 

    RELATED: How to Diagnose and Treat Chlamydia

    Men who come down with chlamydia symptoms often experience burning sensations when they urinate, testicle pain, scrotum swelling and even discharge a secretion from the penis. 

    Luckily, once it’s diagnosed, it’s easily treatable with antibiotics. 

    How the Chlamydia Test Works

    The test for chlamydia is typically an analysis of either a urine sample or a swab of the genital area. 

    How Long It Takes to Get Results

    A standard amount of time to get results back for a chlamydia test is 7 to 10 days. Often, clinics will only contact you if you test positive — meaning if you don’t hear back, you’re in the clear. 

    Gonorrhea

    Like chlamydia, most people with gonorrhea won’t experience symptoms. However, when those symptoms do occur, they include burning sensations, sensitive or broken skin on the genitals and a milky-white discharge of pus. 

    RELATED: How to Diagnose and Treat Gonorrhea

    Yes, the infection is so named because gonorrhea means “flow of seed” in ancient Greek — doctors at the time mistook the discharge for semen. 

    Gonorrhea is also treated with antibiotics, but over time, some strains of the infection have become increasingly resistant to the drugs. It’s led to a version called “super gonorrhea,” which is more difficult, but not impossible, to cure. 

    How the Gonorrhea Test Works

    Like the chlamydia test, the test for gonorrhea is an analysis of either a urine sample or a swab of the genital area. 

    How Long It Takes to Get Results

    Like chlamydia, gonorrhea tests typically take 7 to 10 days to hear back, and again, if you test negative, you may not be contacted at all. 

    HIV

    HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the most serious disease that’s sexually transmitted, as it can morph into AIDS, a disease that has historically been quite deadly. 

    Although recent medical advances, such as the development of PReP treatments, have made HIV much less likely to have fatal consequences, knowing your HIV status is still of paramount importance. 

    How the HIV Test Works

    HIV tests are done on a blood sample, meaning either a syringe will be used to draw some blood from your arm, or a finger prick will be performed. 

    How Long It Takes to Get Results

    Some centers offer rapid HIV test results, where you can discover your result in a matter of minutes. However, taking a normal HIV test could mean it’ll take days to weeks to get results. 

    Herpes

    There are two different types of herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2, which can both produce sores around the mouth and genitals — sores that themselves are infectious. 

    RELATED: How to Diagnose and Treat Genital Herpes

    Herpes can also leave you with a rash in the genital region, as well as an unpleasant fever. T at the moment, but it can be treated using antiviral medications. If left untreated, however, herpes can have serious effects on various other parts of the body, so taking it seriously is hugely important. 

    How the Herpes Test Works

    The test for herpes differs depending on whether you’re presenting symptoms or not. If no symptoms are present, a blood test is done. If there are symptoms, in addition to the blood test, you’ll get a swab of the affected area done. 

    How Long It Takes to Get Results

    Depending on the type of test, it can take between 1 and 14 days to get results from a herpes test. 

    Syphilis

    Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can have devastating health consequences if left untreated. 

    After the first stage — painless sores appear on or around the genitals but then recede — people with syphilis will begin experiencing an infectious skin rash, intense cold symptoms and even hair loss.

    RELATED: How to Diagnose and Treat Syphilis

    If it’s still left untreated, the third stage of syphilis involves the disease spreading to various other parts of the body, including the brain, where it can cause serious and wide-ranging damage. However, if syphilis is treated before it begins to progress to the second stage, it’s relatively easy to cure, often requiring just a single shot of penicillin. 

    How the Syphilis Test Works

    A syphilis test is done using either a blood sample or a sample of fluid from a syphilis sore, if symptoms are present. 

    How Long It Takes to Get Results

    Getting your syphilis test results back can take between three and five days.

    HPV

    HPV, which stands for human papillomavirus, is a very common virus; nearly 80 million people are currently infected in the United States. In fact, HPV is so common that nearly all men and women get it at some point in their lives. 

    Most of the time, the virus goes away on its own, but some strains of HPV can lead to cervical cancer if not found and treated.

    “You could possibly be carrying a cancer-causing strain without knowing it,” says Engle. “There isn’t much you can do other than use condoms and be aware and educated about sexual health and wellness.”

    How the HPV Test Works

    There’s currently no test for men who are HPV-positive and don’t show symptoms (which is the vast majority of men).

    How Long It Takes to Get Results

    With no current test for men, there’s no way of knowing. However, if a female partner you’ve had unprotected sex with gets tested for HPV — a fairly good marker of whether you have it — that would take one to three weeks.

    How to Find Out Your STI Status

    Finding a Nearby Testing Location

    Going into an urgent care without insurance can leave you with a bill of over $1,000. That’s why it’s necessary to find sexual health clinics that offer free care to individuals without insurance or accept insurance with a little to zero copay.

    “The best advice I can give is to Google local free clinics in the area and always check for the closest Planned Parenthood,” says Gigi Engle, a certified sex coach and clinical sexologist.

    (If you live in the United States, you can head on over to the Planned Parenthood locator to find the nearest location to you.)

    “At a free clinic you can expect to be seen by a nurse practitioner. They’ll take a blood sample and test for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and sometimes Hepatitis B. They don’t test for herpes unless they expect an infection, meaning that you’re having an outbreak.”

    RELATED: Conversations to Have With Your Doctor

    “You can also talk to your primary care physician, and don’t be afraid to tell them what’s going on. If you feel like you can’t comfortably discuss medical issues with your doctor, find a new one. You should always feel safe,” Engle added.

    The Safe app is yet another option. The app privately shows your verified STI status on your phone, and also links users to testing centers. “With the app, you can skip the doctor and book testing directly at over 30,000 labs across the U.S., usually the same day and in under 15 minutes. It’s only $99 out of pocket, or you can use your insurance to cover the cost,” says Weiniger.

    Using At-Home STI Test Kits

    If you’re in a situation where going to a nearby clinic isn’t a convenient, feasible or available option, you can also make use of the burgeoning at-home STI test kit industry. 

    As with so many industries today, STI tests are something you can have delivered to your front door — but are they as good as getting tested by a professional? At least for the time being, probably not, in part because the method at-home kits use (urine analysis) isn’t the most accurate when compared to getting your blood work done. 

    As well, if you’re already experiencing STI symptoms, you should speak with a doctor about them anyway, so taking an at-home test might not be the most useful approach. 

    That being said, if you’re symptom-free, not engaging in high-risk sexual behavior and just want a quick, relatively accurate checkup, an at-home STI test kit isn’t a terrible idea.

    To find out the best at-home STI test kit for you, you can check out AskMen’s list of them below: 

    RELATED: The Best Proven At-Home STI Test Kits

    When to Get an STI Test Done

    1. If You Don’t Plan on Using Condoms With Your Partner

    After a period of dating, it’s not that uncommon for those in a monogamous relationship to decide that condoms aren’t necessary anymore. Prior to having unprotected sex, it’s highly recommended to get tested to ensure that both you and your partner are negative for all STIs — even if you feel completely healthy.

    “Many STIs have a latency period,” warns Weiniger. Meaning, it can take as long as six weeks following intercourse to show up positive for a sexually transmitted infection such as syphilis. “An STI test is a snapshot in time, so while someone may have tested negative a few weeks ago, there’s no guarantee they haven’t been exposed or they weren’t already exposed since that test was valid.”

    That’s why it’s recommended to continue using protection for two months following the last time you had sex with another person. After eight weeks, the tests for all STIs will be the most accurate.

    2. If You or Your Partner Notice Any Physical Changes

    If you start to see some unsightly sores, experience pain urinating, or begin releasing discharge, it’s definitely time to get tested. 

    RELATED: What You Should Know About Penis Health Care

    Flu-like symptoms, including a high fever and swollen lymph nodes, could also indicate that you recently contracted a virus (possibly HIV or herpes). If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should stop having sex and wait until your results return before having intercourse again.

    While men are significantly more likely than women to show symptoms after acquiring an STI, “STIs can be asymptotic and not just in women,” clarifies Ben Davis, MD, an attending physician at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Sexual Health Clinic. 

    He adds, “Men are commonly asymptotic in the throat and rectum,” which is why it’s necessary for men, especially men who have sex with other men, to have both oral and rectal swabs completed when tested.

    3. If One of You Has Cheated

    If either of you are having unprotected sex with someone outside of the relationship, getting tested is important — even if you didn’t go “all the way.” Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HSV-2 (genital herpes) can still be passed if oral sex is performed.

    Even if you used a condom when you cheated, it still might be a good idea to go in a get tested, just in case.

    RELATED: Everything You Should Know About Cheating

    “Since condoms do prevent most STIs, I’m not sure I agree that routine STI testing is indicated after sex with condoms [after cheating],” Davis says. 

    “On the other hand, penetrative intercourse is not the only way to get STIs. You can get it from oral, including rimming. Also, STIs can be spread by skin to skin — HPV and HSV, to name two common ones. So I’d have to say I probably agree it’s a good idea to get tested after cheating with a condom, but I want to strongly make the point that condoms do protect against most STIs.”

    with additional reporting by Zachary Zane

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    Alex Manley

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