Category: Sex Education

Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Sally who developed a very unfortunate problem. Although Sally had only had one sexual partner, she began to experience some discomfort “down there.”  She noticed a discharge, along with persistent itching and an unusual odor.  Sally and her partner had not been using any form of protection when having sex, but they were  faithful to one another. She was very worried that she might have contracted some type of sexually transmitted disease, and immediately contacted her doctor.  After a quick exam, her doctor declared Sally’s problem to be bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Sally now needed to learn more about this new-to-her issue. She began her education by reading more here. . .

What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal inflammation due to overgrowth of one of several different types of bacteria normally present in the vagina. The overgrowth affects the normal balance of the vaginal bacteria. The most commonly affected women are in their reproductive years. Doctors are uncertain of the exact cause of BV but believe it could be caused by unprotected sex or frequent douching. You do not have to be sexually active to be affected by BV.

Symptoms of BV

Symptoms of BV include a vaginal discharge that is thin and grayish white in color. A foul or “fishy” odor may be experienced, especially after sexual intercourse. Women may also experience vaginal itching or burning with urination. However, some women may not experience any symptoms at all.

What to do if you have BV?

It is important to see a doctor if you have never had a vaginal infection before, or if you had had a vaginal infection previously but the symptoms seem different to you. If you have tried an over-the-counter yeast infection medication and the symptoms persist, develop a fever, or have a very unpleasant vaginal odor, it would be best to be evaluated by a physician. Also, if you have had multiple sexual partners or a recent new partner, it would be important to be evaluated as BV symptoms are very similar to many Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).

Can BV lead to other complications?

The risk factors for BV include having multiple sex partners, women having sex with other women, douching or a natural lack of the “good” lactobacilli bacteria in the vagina. The complications from BV are most likely not to occur. However, under certain conditions, BV may lead to preterm birth, infection risk following gynecological surgery such as a dilation & curettage (D & C) or hysterectomy, being more susceptible to STI or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

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If you or someone you know suspects that you might have BV,  it might help to discuss your symptoms, concerns and options in a confidential and helpful setting with someone who has answers.

Feel free to contacts us at 913.962.0200 to speak with someone who can help you determine your next steps. Our staff is compassionate, knowledgeable and can offer the support and direction that you need.

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To read more about BV, visit mayoclinic.org. The above information was taken from this site.

What is HPV & how is it spread?
HPV is short for human papillomavirus and is considered the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). While there are many types of the HPV virus that can infect different parts of the body, there are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of both men and women. Some HPV types have even been known to lead to cancer, mainly cervical cancer in women.

Anyone, male or female, who is sexually active can contract and spread HPV. It is spread most commonly during any type of sex with someone who has the virus; however, it is possible to contract the virus without having intercourse. The main cause for concern is that the person who spreads the virus may not even know they have it! HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get infected at some point in their lives. The risk increases the more sexual partners a person has, although the infection can even occur with only one partner!

What are the symptoms of HPV?
Occasionally, the body is able to rid itself of the virus. The virus can appear as “warts” on the genitals. These warts usually occur in the genital areas, and emerge as a bump(s). They can be either small or large, raised or flat in appearance, often shaped like a cauliflower. However, in many cases the infection may appear to have no symptoms at all. Two specific varieties of genital HPV cause cancer in both males and females. In females, cervical cancer can occur. A pap test performed by a health care professional is the only way to detect infection in the cervix. Cervical cancer, in its early stages, has no symptoms.

What can be done?
This can all be pretty scary, right? The good news is that there are ways to prevent these outcomes. The first step of prevention is to get vaccinated for HPV. These vaccines are safe and effective, protecting both males and females. The vaccine is given in three shots over six months and it is very important to receive all three doses. All boys and girls ages 11 or 12 years should be vaccinated. Catch-up vaccines are recommended for males through age 21 and for females through age 26 if they did not receive the vaccination at a younger age. Many community health clinics provide the vaccine for free or reduced cost.

One of the best ways to prevent HPV is to refrain from sexual activities until marriage.

It is important to know that there is no contraceptive technique that will prevent spreading HPV. Using latex condoms may reduce the risk of infection from HPV, but not completely. Infection may occur in areas that are not covered.

Screening & treatment
Routine screening can prevent cervical cancer. The Pap test, which specifically screens for cervical cancer, is one of the most reliable and effective cancer screening tests available. If abnormal cells are detected before cells become cancerous, the treatment is very effective. Many organizations recommend women begin getting regular Pap tests at age 21. Depending on a woman’s sexual history, she may consider beginning earlier.

Genital warts may disappear without treatment or may require attention from a healthcare professional. Unfortunately, genital warts may recur after treatment. Recent research has demonstrated that an experimental antiviral drug can completely clear away the warts caused by HPV. Last year, the Food and Drug Administration approved an HPV DNA test (a blood test) that can be used to help determine the need for additional diagnostic testing for cervical cancer, as well as the risk for developing cervical cancer in the future.

Visit and talk with your healthcare professional to ensure that you are getting properly screened for HPV and cervical cancer. Early detection is truly crucial to fighting cervical cancer.

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If you or someone you know suspects that you might have HPV – or come into sexual contact with someone who has HPV – you need to discuss your options immediately with someone who can help.

Feel free to contacts us at 913.962.0200 to speak with someone who can help you determine your next steps. Our staff is compassionate, knowledgeable and can offer the support and direction that you need.

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References for the article:

Cancer.org

Heritage.org