Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

What is premature ejaculation and how do you treat it?

Having an enjoyable and healthy sex life contributes significantly to your quality of life, but sometimes problems, such as premature ejaculation, arise. This can affect your relationship and also have an impact on your mental health and self-esteem.

What is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is when a man orgasms too soon; before 30 minutes into sex, or within a minute after penetration. Most men will experience this occasionally, and it won’t affect overall sexual enjoyment. But if you’re coming too soon during at least half the times you have sex, you may need to speak to your doctor.

What causes early ejaculation?


Premature ejaculation can be caused by psychological and/or physical problems, or sometimes, just age. Common causes include:.

  • Prostate problems.
  • An overactive or underactive thyroid gland.
  • An extremely sensitive penis.
  • Diabetes.
  • Tissue damage.
  • Medication side-effects.
  • Recreational drug use or abuse.
  • Stress.
  • Relationship problems.
  • Anxiety about sexual performance.
  • Traumatic childhood sexual experiences.
  • Conservative beliefs about sex.
  • Unrealistic beliefs about sex.

Treating premature ejaculation


As premature ejaculation can have both physical and psychological causes, it is treated with either therapy or medication, to address the underlying condition. You can also try some exercises at home with your partner, which can be enjoyable for you both.

Exercises


The stop start method involves your partner arousing you until just before orgasm. They then stop for you to control the urge to ejaculate. When you’re in control again, ask them to start stimulating you again. Do this three times before you climax. Have sex three times a week (or more) using this method with your partner until you feel more in control.

The squeeze method also involves your partner, who will again stimulate your penis until you’re close to coming, then squeeze it, so your erection softens. This method helps you become more aware of what sensations lead to your orgasm. The more you recognise them, the more you’ll be able to control when you come.

Therapy


Therapy can help with the relationship problems, anxiety, stress and any negative beliefs about sex that may cause early ejaculation. It helps to identify the main psychological cause of the problem which improves the quality of your sex life, and your partner’s.

Numbing creams or sprays


With this treatment your timing must be spot on. If you leave the spray or cream on too long your erection may go away; too short and you will still come too early. Take your doctor or pharmacist’s advice before using them, and always wipe off before penetrating your partner as they may become numb as well, making for very unsatisfying sex.

Condoms


Some men find wearing a condom, or an extra-thick one, delays orgasm.

Medication 


Your doctor may prescribe you an antidepressant, as a common side-effect of these medications is delayed orgasm.

There is a stigma around premature ejaculation, but it can be treated. Be honest and speak openly with your doctor if you think you may have a problem. A healthy sex life means a healthy you.

References:

How to deal with bacterial vaginosis

No matter how healthy you are, sometimes the good bacteria that normally reside in your vagina decrease, and harmful bacteria take over. When you go for help because of discomfort or an unusual discharge, a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (or BV) may follow.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common microbiological syndrome among women of childbearing age. Among those who visit South African clinics, the prevalence is just over 42%.

But even though bacterial vaginosis is common, it shouldn’t be ignored. The infection can increase your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and has been linked to preterm delivery. If you have bacterial vaginosis, your risk for HIV is also about three times higher.

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

Researchers don’t know exactly why some women get bacterial vaginosis more often than others, but they do know that it can be caused by several harmful bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis is also associated with a change in pH, with the vagina becoming more alkaline.

Even though bacterial vaginosis isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (STI), sexual activity does seem to increase a woman’s risk.

Other risk factors include:

  • Smoking
  • Douching
  • Recent antibiotic use
  • Using medicated or perfumed soaps
  • Using strong detergents to wash clothes

Bacterial vaginosis shouldn’t be confused with thrush. While many of the symptoms overlap, thrush is an infection caused by a yeast fungus (most commonly Candida albicans) and not bacteria.

Recognise the symptoms

  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Discomfort
  • Itching
  • A burning sensation
  • Vaginal or pelvic pain

It’s important to know that around 50% of women with bacterial vaginosis don’t have any signs or symptoms.

How is bacterial vaginosis treated?

Treatment is usually aimed at relieving symptoms (if they’re present). If you’re due for surgery (e.g. a hysterectomy or abortion), your doctor is also likely to treat bacterial vaginosis to help prevent postoperative infection.

The standard treatment for bacterial vaginosis is a course of antibiotics (e.g. clindamycin or metronidazole). Unfortunately, antibiotic treatment isn’t always effective. In approximately 30% of women, the infection comes back within three months.

If you suffer from recurrent infections, your doctor may prescribe other treatments (e.g. lactic acid gel) to help return the balance of microorganisms in your vagina to a normal state. A healthy vagina is one that is dominated by friendly lactobacillus bacteria.

What to do

If you think you may have bacterial vaginosis, check in with your doctor. Don’t delay getting treatment, as there are risks.

Practical tips to cut your risk for infection:

  • Use a condom during sex.
  • Keep sex toys clean.
  • Use non-fragranced soap.
  • Avoid washing your clothes with fragrance softeners and harsh soaps.
  • Avoid douching.
  • Quit smoking.

References:

Uneven breasts? Here’s what you need to know

You’re looking at your chest in the mirror, hoping no-one will notice that your breasts aren’t identical. Maybe you should wear a different top or bra to hide their shape? You decide a loose cardigan would be best to hide them.

All breasts aren’t created equally. If you’re struggling to accept your asymmetrical boobs, you are not alone. As it turns out, there’s probably a natural reason for it.

The size of your breasts won’t consistently be the same size during your lifetime, and it’s rarely a reason to sound the alarm bells. Their size fluctuates, thanks to usual body cycles like your menstrual cycle and ovulation. Besides these common reasons, there are other explanations as to why one of your boobs may be perkier than the other.

Sisters, not twins

According to Dr Sherry Ross, an American women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Centre, just as your eyes and feet are mismatched due to genetics; the same goes for your boobs. For example, if your mother and grandmother’s breasts are uneven, then yours probably will be too.

Other reasons for uneven breasts

You’ve gained weight

When you lose weight, you don’t lose it all in one place and it’s the same with your breasts. Your breasts are mainly made up of fat, connective tissue and milk ducts. Together these factors are responsible for shaping your breasts. When you lose weight in your breasts, you might lose more in one than the other, creating a mismatched effect.

Hormonal changes

During puberty, hormonal changes happen. This can cause one of your breasts to start growing first, meaning it could wind up being larger than the other. In pregnant women, one breast may appear larger due to hormones too. During breastfeeding, if a baby prefers to feed on one breast, then the other one could become a different shape.

You have a medical condition

Medical conditions like atypical ductal hyperplasia and hypoplastic breasts, affect the appearance of your breasts. Atypical hyperplasia is when the tissues in your breasts grow excessively. Hypoplastic breasts happen when your breasts are underdeveloped. They may look small, spaced far apart and noticeably uneven.

When should you worry? 

Generally, having slightly different boobs isn’t a cause for worry if they’ve always been different. But if your breasts suddenly increase or decrease in size, you should see your doctor immediately. Some of these symptoms can also point to a more serious problem, so see your doctor immediately:

  • thickening of the skin
  • dimpling of the skin
  • changes in the colour of your breast
  • a lump in or around the breast.
  • a lump under the arm.
  • thick or firm tissue near the breast or under the arm.
  • changes to the nipple like it pointing inwards.
  • fluid or discharge from the nipples.
  • red, itchy, or scaly skin around the breasts.

Good to know

Remember, if there are any unusual changes in your breasts, see your doctor immediately. Do breast self-examinations regularly to check them. If your doctor suspects anything, he may suggest a mammogram, breast ultrasound or biopsy to check them for any underlying problems.

References:

Why you should wake up with an erection

A nocturnal penile tumescence (spontaneous erection) happens to men of all ages, even babies, but it has nothing to do with sexual stimulation. In fact, having a morning erection could actually help you assess your health.

If you wake up with an erection it means that there’s been healthy blood flow to your penis throughout the night. On average, a healthy man has three to five erections during a full night’s sleep, each lasting about 25 to 35 minutes.

The erections are in alignment with your sleep cycle. Your body and mind go through stages of sleep from non-REM (rapid eye movement) stages to full on REM deep sleep, about four or five times a night. This deep, relaxed state allows blood vessels in your penis to dilate, causing a natural erection.

If you don’t get an erection in the morning as you wake up, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong.

Who gets morning wood? 

Men of all ages can get an erection in the morning. It’s healthy and a sign of a properly functioning blood and nervous system in and around the penis.

Young boys may experience this between the ages of six to eight and men in their 60s and 70s. As you get older though, the nerves in your penis become less sensitive. This may cause trouble with arousal and having an orgasm. When this happens, erectile dysfunction may also be more likely because of dipping testosterone levels.

Erectile dysfunction

Anxiety, stress and depression have all been linked to erectile dysfunction. If you struggle with erectile dysfunction but you wake up with a morning erection, the cause of your performance issues is likely to be stress-related, rather than medical.

If you struggle to maintain an erection during sex, and you haven’t been waking up with an erection either, blood flow to your penis may be the issue. However, if you’re young and still not experiencing a morning erection or if your erections suddenly stop, it’s time to see a doctor.

This common symptom may be the cause of an underlying issue like blocked blood vessels, heart disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

You are more likely to experience Erectile Dysfunction if you:

  • Have high blood pressure.
  • Are overweight.
  • Have high cholesterol levels.
  • Have diabetes.
  • Suffer from depression.

Some medications may also affect your ability to experience morning wood. Painkillers and some antidepressant medications can prevent an erection in the morning.

When to see a doctor

If you’re unable to get or maintain an erection, see your doctor immediately. This will help you get further insight into a possible underlying cause. Don’t be afraid to speak up; you can recover and, more importantly, prevent a serious condition from developing.

References:

5 (slightly) awkward health problems

Aside from adjusting to your new life on campus and being away from home, you’re also faced with health problems as you interact in a different environment and with people from unique backgrounds.

Your campus student health centre or clinic should be the first place you visit when you have healthcare needs.

Here are five health problems you should know about:

The common cold or influenza

As a student, the common cold or flu is one of the main health issues you’ll face. Viruses that cause colds and flu are spread when you breathe them in after someone has been coughing or sneezing next to you, or by rubbing your eyes or nose after you have been in contact with a sick person.

Try and stay away from a friend with a runny nose and always wash your hands avoid picking up the virus.

Symptoms of a common cold are:

  • Dry cough with a sore throat.
  • Fatigue and muscular aches.
  • Frequent sneezing and coughing.
  • A blocked nose.
  • High temperature with a headache.
  • Running or blocked nose.
  • Stomach-related problems like diarrhoea, vomiting or nausea.

Prevention is better than cure. Get a flu vaccination at your campus clinic.

Bad breath

Bad breath is the last thing you want your friends to remember you for! If you suffer from this unfortunate issue, there’s a reason why. Breath problems are usually caused by a build-up of plaque on your teeth which results in a gum infection.

Other culprits include:

  • Tonsil infection.
  • Inflammation of the gums.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • A dry mouth.
  • Crash diets.
  • Tooth decay.
  • A sore throat or postnasal drip.

Fight bad breath with good dental hygiene. Still, it’s best to see a dentist to check for underlying issues. Remember to floss regularly and brush your teeth and tongue twice a day. Lay off the cigarettes, and, if your mouth tends to get dry, pop a sugar-free mint or chewing gum to get that saliva flow going.

STDs

It’s important to be aware and proactive about STDs and your sexual. Sexually transmitted diseases are spread from person to person during any sexual activity. You should always practise safe sex! Use a new condom every time you have sex; this includes oral sex too. To avoid contracting STDs make sure you get tested regularly. Get tested as soon as you experience any symptoms or if your current or former partner has been diagnosed with an infection.

Symptoms:

  • A rash in the genital area.
  • Burning and painful urination.
  • Pain during sex.
  • Discharge (thick or thin leakage from the vagina or penis)
  • Itching in the genital area.
  • Vaginal blisters or blisters in the genital area

Many sexually transmitted diseases don’t have immediate or obvious symptoms, so the smart thing to do is to get tested. Don’t wait too long to see a doctor should you experience any symptoms. If treatment begins early enough, you can be cured.

Mental health

Your psychological, emotional and social wellbeing at university will always be tested. This will affect the way you think, feel, and act. This could result in isolation which might affect your studies. If you feel you’re depressed or suffering from anxiety, talk to a friend or family member and see a campus psychologist.

Strep throat

Sore throat? You could have Strep throat,  a contagious bacterial infection. When a person who has strep throat breathes, coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets with the strep bacteria go into the air. If these happen to land on you, you could be infected. Its symptoms usually begin within two to five days after you encounter the infected person.

Symptoms:

  • A sever and onset sore throat.
  • High temperature.
  • Pain when you swallow.
  • Inflamed tonsils and lymph nodes.
  • Yellow or white spots on the back side of a red and inflamed throat.

Because you’re highly contagious, it’s best to stay at home to avoid spreading it to others. Use tissues you can throw away instead of handkerchiefs, wash your hands often, and don’t sneeze or cough on others. See a doctor; strep throat is usually treated with antibiotics to help you feel better faster.

References:

How to diagnose and treat syphilis

Do you have painless sores, blisters or ulcers on your penis, vagina, and anus, or inside your mouth or on the lips?

You could have syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection is caused by a type of bacteria. The infection usually starts as a sore in or on the genitals, anus or mouth. It then leads to a painful skin rash and can lead to damaged organs, if not treated. With the right treatment, though, you can get this infection sorted.

Syphilis happens in primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages:

Primary syphilis

During this stage, you develop a sore that’s usually painless. This often happens within three weeks of getting the bacteria. At this point, you are very contagious.

For men, the painless sore often appears in the genital area, but not always on the penis.

For women, the sore develops on the outer genitals or on the inner part of the vagina. You may not notice the sore if it grows inside the vagina or at the opening to the uterus (cervix).

Secondary syphilis

The secondary stage involves a skin rash and sore throat, which means that the bacteria from the sore has spread to the bloodstream. The rash usually doesn’t itch and can be found on the palms and soles. Some people don’t notice the rash.

Other symptoms include:

  • Swollen lymph nodes (small glands all around your body that are part of your immune system)
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Aching joints
  • Weight loss
  • Hair loss

Latent syphilis

The third stage of syphilis is usually referred to as the hidden stage. While the primary and secondary symptoms of syphilis show no noticeable symptoms, at this stage, the bacteria remains in the body. This third stage could last for years before developing into the fourth stage, called tertiary syphilis.

Tertiary syphilis

This is the last stage of the infection. While this stage is rare, it has the most severe complications. It can affect different organs, like the brain, heart, spinal cord, liver, bones and joints, which could result in death.

This last stage is life-threatening and can develop years after the initial infection. Some other complications of tertiary syphilis include:

  • Neurosyphilis, an infection of the brain or spinal cord
  • Mental illness
  • Memory loss
  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Destruction of soft tissue and bone
  • Neurological disorders, like stroke or meningitis
  • Heart disease


Risk factors

  • Having sex with multiple partners.
  • Having unprotected sex.
  • Being infected with HIV; the virus that causes AIDS.

Treatment

Syphilis can be cleared with antibiotics. Blood tests can determine whether you’ve been infected with syphilis or not. If left untreated, it could increase the risk of HIV and infertility. If you’re sexually active, it’s best to get tested every six months and between new partners for all types of STIs.

Prevention

  • Always use a condom when you have sex; this helps minimise your risk for syphilis.
  • If you’re having sex with multiple partners, it’s important to use condoms and have regular STI tests.
  • Discuss your sexual health with your partner and know each other’s sexual health status.

References

What exactly is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a type of bacteria.

The disease can affect both men and women. Women can get chlamydia in the cervix, rectum, or throat, while men are vulnerable in the urethra (inside the penis), rectum, or throat.

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); in 2017, over two million new cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis were reported.

Chlamydia remained the most common condition reported to the CDC with more than one million cases diagnosed in 2017. The report estimates that about 45% of these cases are girls between the ages of 15 to 24.

How do you get chlamydia?

This STD can be passed on through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. This includes sharing sex toys with someone who has chlamydia, even if they don’t have symptoms. If you’re pregnant with chlamydia, you can pass the infection on to your unborn baby. You can also get this condition if your genitals come into contact with your partner’s. This means you can contract chlamydia from someone even if there’s no penetration, orgasm or ejaculation. People most at risk of contracting chlamydia are those who regularly have unprotected sex or multiple sexual partners.

Symptoms

Like most STDs/STIs, chlamydia puts you at risk of other STDs including HIV/AIDS. Many cases go undiagnosed because people with the condition don’t have obvious symptoms when they first contract it:

  • Pain or burning when peeing.
  • Increased vaginal discharge caused by an inflamed womb (cervix).
  • Pain during sex and/or bleeding after sex.
  • Pain in the lower abdomen during sex.
  • Bleeding between periods and/or heavier periods.
  • Pain, discharge or bleeding in the anus (bottom).
  • A cloudy, white or watery discharge from the penis.
  • Pain and/or swelling in the testicles.

When these symptoms are ignored, they can lead to more infections, prostate problems and even cause infertility in women.

How can it be treated? 

As soon as you notice symptoms, check in with your doctor who will ask you to provide a urine sample for testing. For women, a swab is taken from the lower part of the womb (cervix) or the vagina. For men, a swab is taken from the tip of the penis (urethra). If you’ve had anal or oral sex, a swab can be taken from the rectum (bottom) or throat. In most cases, your doctor will give you an effective antibiotic treatment. Your partner must take an antibiotic too, so they don’t reinfect you.

Stay safe

Prevention is key, so learn to protect yourself to prevent infection. Don’t have sex until you and your partner have completed the antibiotic treatment. If you’re diagnosed with chlamydia, you’ll need to inform all your sexual partners, because they will need the same treatment. Also make sure to:

  • Use latex condoms correctly when you have sex.
  • Have a follow-up test to make sure the treatment has cleared the infection.
  • Contact all sexual partners. Even if partners have no symptoms, they could possibly transmit the infection to other sexual partners, so they need to be tested and treated as soon as possible.

References

How Kegel exercises can improve your sex life

What does the strength of your pelvic floor have to do with orgasms? A lot – if you want an amazing sex life!

The pelvic floor is a powerful set of muscles that sits between your tailbone and pubic bone. It supports your core and the organs of your lower abdomen. A strong pelvic floor could mean more intense and longer-lasting orgasms, since it’s those very pelvic floor muscles that contract during an orgasm.

Arnold Henry Kegel, an American gynaecologist, invented the Kegel exercises (also called pelvic floor exercises) as a non-surgical treatment for genital relaxation. These exercises consist of repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor.

When it comes to sex, Kegels build muscle strength, increase sensation and boost blood flow to the vagina. This improves your control over the pelvic floor muscles and to experience more intense orgasms. Doing Kegels also builds good muscle tone in your vagina, which enables it to stretch more during sex. The result: muscle and nerve stimulation for better sex.

The benefits of Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises are beneficial for both men and woman. They help control a condition that causes spontaneous discharge of urine when abdominal pressure increases (called stress incontinence). This is when you leak urine when you cough, laugh, sneeze, jog or while lifting a heavy object.

Usually, as your bladder fills up, you may get the urge to urinate, but when you have a case of urge incontinence, your bladder may feel full even if it’s not. In a healthy bladder, your muscles remain relaxed as the bladder progressively fills up. Kegel exercises help strengthen the muscles surrounding the bladder, thus allowing you to recover control.

Try to do the exercises for five minutes, two or three times daily. You’ll soon notice an improvement in your ability to control urinary leakage. In men, regularly doing Kegel exercises can also help improve erections.

For men, these exercises may help you:

  • Have stronger erections, while reducing the chance of erectile dysfunction.
  • Orgasm without ejaculating.
  • Overcome premature ejaculation and last longer in bed.
  • Give more intense orgasms and make your partner last longer.
  • Reduce your chances of urinary incontinence, prostate cancer, urine leakage and other consequences of ageing.

A Kegel exercise is like pretending you must urinate and then holding it in. You relax and tighten the muscles that control urine flow. It’s important to find the right muscles to tighten. If you’re still unsure whether you’re tightening the right muscles, just imagine that you’re trying to keep yourself from flatulence.

Get started

Once you have the movement figured out, do Kegel exercises three times a day:

  • Make sure your bladder is empty, then sit or lie down.
  • Tighten your pelvic floor muscles. Hold tight and count to eight.
  • Relax the muscles and count to 10.
  • Repeat 10 times, three times a day (morning, afternoon and night).
  • Make sure you breathe deeply and relax your body when doing these exercises. Remember, when you contract your pelvic floor muscles, the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks, and sides should remain loose.

Always empty your bladder before doing Kegel exercises. As a beginner, find a quiet and comfortable place in your home to sit or lie down. As you practise, you’ll find that you can do them anywhere. If you feel pain in your abdomen or back after a Kegel session, it may be a sign that you’re not doing them properly. Don’t overdo the exercises; if you work the muscles too hard, they become tired and incapable of functioning correctly.

References:

9 things you didn’t know about your penis

Keeping your manhood healthy and clean should be priorities for most men. But, how well do you know all the ins and outs of your package?

You may think you’re an expert, but did you know:

1. The penis is twice as long as you think

There’s more to the size of your penis. The erectile tissue that forms the penis extends right into your body. So, what you see is the external part, and the other half is hidden inside your pelvic region.

2. The first erection

Well, your first erection happened when you were a baby! It’s common for babies to exit the womb with an erection. Even before birth, ultrasound scans can sometimes show a foetus with a fully formed erection. Studies show that erections happen most commonly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is when you dream. They can even happen several times an hour. The reason is unclear, but it might just be your body’s way of testing things out and keeping them running properly.

3. The angle

A man’s erection can point in almost any direction. Left or right, up or down or straight ahead; there’s no right or wrong. If you’re a bit concerned that your penis may be skew, worry not, you’re normal. Only a few penises are straight; the majority curve in any direction. A curve of up to 30 degrees is still considered normal.

4. There are two types of penises

One kind expands and lengthens when it’s erect (a grower). The other appears big most of the time but doesn’t get much bigger after getting an erection (a shower).

5. Night-time erections

On average, a healthy man has three to five erections during a full night’s sleep, with each lasting between 25 to 35 minutes. It’s common for men to wake up with an erection; commonly known as the “morning glory”. This is seen as the last erection in the series of night-time erections. Most doctors agree that night-time erections are a sign that everything is functioning well.

6. The penis is not a muscle

The penis doesn’t have muscles. That’s why you’re not able to move it when it’s erect. Your manhood is sort of like a sponge that fills with blood when you’re sexually aroused. Blood builds up inside two cylinder-shaped chambers, causing the penis to swell and stiffen. The swelling blocks off the veins that normally move blood away from the penis. As the erection disappears, the arteries in these two chambers narrow again. This allows blood to drain away from the penis. If the penis is violently twisted when erect, it can break. There are no bones in the penis, but the tubes that fill with blood during an erection can burst. Blood can pour out of them inside the penis, causing a very painful swelling.

7. Smoking can shrink your penis

Smoking can shorten the penis by up to a centimetre! Erections are all about good blood flow and lighting up a cigarette hardens blood vessels. This will affect erectile circulation.

8. Size doesn’t matter

Shorter penises increase more in length than longer ones when they become erect. Research based on penis measurements of over two thousand men found that shorter penises increased nearly twice the size of longer penises when erect.

9. Age affects things

The nerves in your penis become less sensitive as you age. This may cause trouble with arousal and having an orgasm. In this case, erectile dysfunction may likely happen because of decreasing testosterone levels. As you get older, your penis may shrink in size too, because of the slow deposit of fatty plaques in tiny arteries in the penis. This reduces its blood flow.

References:

Could I have an STD?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) spread from person to person during any sexual activity. A mother can even pass these on to her baby during pregnancy and birth. You must always, under all circumstances, practise safe sex! Use a new condom every single time you have sex. This applies to oral sex too.

According to the World Health Organization, more than a million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day, worldwide. The majority of STIs either have no symptoms or only mild symptoms that may not be recognised as an STI.

Sexually transmitted diseases are serious, and while some have symptoms, others don’t. Some can be cured, and others may be there for a lifetime. Some may even be life-threating.

Here’s what to look out for if you think you have an infection.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is the most common STD. It affects the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder in men and the vagina in women). It can also spread to other parts of the body, and increase the risk of septic arthritis (joint infection or infectious arthritis). It causes a contagious discharge that can infect the throat (oral sex), and rectum (rectal sex), and the eyes of a baby during birth.

Symptoms

  • Smelly vaginal discharge.
  • Itchiness or swelling of the vagina.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Pain during sex.
  • A burning sensation when urinating.
  • A sore throat.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics. See a doctor and get checked out if you’re experiencing any symptoms.

Herpes

Herpes is highly infectious. It’s known to be one of the most common STI amongst teenagers. As scary as it may be, it’s a virus like all other viruses. Once contracted, it stays in your body. There are two types of herpes that cause small, painful blisters:

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 1: Usually causes cold sores around the mouth. It’s usually passed on through kissing (this is not a STI).

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 2: This causes very painful genital ulcers/blisters/warts. It’s passed on through any sexual contact. This virus can be active in your body with no clear visible signs.

Symptoms

  • Fever, headaches and swollen glands.
  • Pain when urinating.
  • Painful ulcers on the genitals.

Treatment

Herpes is diagnosed by identifying the blisters. It’s important to go for treatment. Sores are difficult to diagnose once they dry up, so if you experience any symptoms, see your doctor ASAP. In most cases your doctor may prescribe painkillers for the ulcers.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a symptomless STD caused by bacteria, which, if left untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID affects the pelvic region and can lead to infertility in both men and women.

Symptoms

Most people don’t show any symptoms at all, but look out for:

  • Unusual vaginal discharge and/or bleeding especially after sex.
  • Flu-like symptoms.
  • Pain in your lower abdomen.
  • Painful urination, and a feeling of not being able to delay urination.

Treatment

The best way to tell if you have chlamydia is to get tested. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. Prevention is always better than cure, so see your doctor as soon as you notice worrying symptoms.

Syphilis

This sexually transmitted infection is caused by bacteria. It develops in stages and starts as a sore in the genitals, rectum or mouth. It can lead to a rash and later affect your organs. If left untreated, things could get very serious.

Symptoms

  • Painless ulcers.

Treatment

Blood tests can figure out if you’ve been infected with syphilis. Antibiotics can help clear the infection. Recently though, bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. This means that stronger types of antibiotics must be used; which could give you more serious side-effects. If you’re sexually active, it’s best to get tested every six months or in between new partners.

STIs are usually easy to treat. If left untreated, an infection could increase the risk of getting HIV and some may cause infertility. Have routine check-ups and, most importantly, always use protection.

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Why is my period blood dark?

Most women start menstruating (having their period) somewhere between the ages of 9 to 15. From there onwards, you become familiar with your monthly visitor.

Periods aren’t the same for every woman, so you need to pay attention to any changes, like your cycle, symptoms and even the colour and consistency of the blood. It’s normal for the colour and consistency to vary over time, but strange changes in colour and thickness must be taken seriously!

Get to know your period

Every month, the lining of the uterus thickens to prepare you for pregnancy. If you don’t get pregnant, your body sheds the uterus lining along with the blood. An average menstrual cycle lasts 28 to 35 days and for some women, cycles can be as short as 21 days. A normal period can last between two to seven days.

It’s normal to have clots in your period blood (now and then). The clots are usually bright red or dark, and are released on days you bleed heavily. Having many clots can make your blood seem thicker than usual. Your period may cause symptoms like pelvic pain, cramps and mood swings. If you experience anything out of the ordinary, talk to your doctor.

Watch out for:

  • Heavy bleeding.
  • Spotting between cycles.
  • An irregular cycle.
  • Pelvic pain outside of your period.
  • Cramps along with nausea and diarrhoea.

Period colour chart

Sometimes, your period blood may be darker than usual. This is a normal colour change which usually happens towards the end of your period. It happens when blood takes too long to leave your body. It’s important to take note of your period blood though, as different shades mean different things.

Brown blood

If your period blood is brown, don’t worry. It is just a sign of old blood. This blood has had time to oxidise (combine with oxygen) which has changed its colour from its usual shade of red to brown.

Dark red blood

Blood that is dark but not brown means that it’s been in your uterus for a while, but not long enough to have oxidised. It can also mean the end of your period as the flow of blood slows down.

Bright red blood

It’s normal to have bright red blood at the beginning of your period. This means the blood is fresh and flowing. It’s also usual for your blood to stay this colour for the length of your period if the blood hasn’t been in your uterus for long. Bright red blood could also mean an infection like an STD. If you experience bright red bleeding outside of your period, talk to your doctor.

Pink blood

Although it sounds strange, your period blood may also appear pink at the beginning or end of your period. The light shade usually happens when bright red blood mixes with cervical fluids (clear and watery fluid), diluting its colour.

Black blood

Seeing black period blood may worry you, but it’s common. This colour is similar to brown blood as it’s been in the uterus for very long time before leaving your body.

Orange blood

Orange blood during your period happens for the same reason as pink blood. Orange blood is formed when the blood mixes with cervical fluid. Orange blood is also linked to pregnancy, but it’s usually only spotting (drops of blood) and not flowing blood.

Grey blood

Of all the shades, this one should set off your alarm bells. Grey or off-white discharge may mean a bacterial infection. If you see grey blood and also experience a fever, pain, itching or smell a foul odour, talk to your doctor immediately.

References

Why is my penis itchy?

Genital itching happens for many reasons and is usually harmless, but even if it’s harmless – it can be extremely irritating! (Not to mention embarrassing).

Here are some common causes why your member may be driving you mad, and what you can do about it.

Jock itch

One of the most common reasons for feeling itchy around the crotch area, is jock itch. The area around the penis is often warm and moist, which makes it attractive to bacteria. Jock itch can also come from tight underwear, skin rubbing and allergies. Besides itching, symptoms of jock itch include a pink or red rash, pain and a smell.

Treatment: Your doctor or pharmacist will recommend a cream or medication. Make sure you keep your pubic area clean. Use a mild soap and water when washing.

Yeast infection (thrush)

Poor personal hygiene, using antibiotics, and certain cleansing products can up your risk of getting thrush. Besides itching at the tip of the penis, you could also get a red rash, swelling, pain when urinating and lumpy discharge.

Treatment: Thrush is usually treated with anti-fungal medication and making sure your groin is clean and dry. Talk to your doctor about a treatment that would work best for you.

Allergic reactions

Allergies can cause mild to severe reactions. Some of the most common culprits are condoms, detergents and the type of clothing you wear. A study found that latex condoms could cause allergic reactions in some men. Certain types of birth control may also cause allergic reactions on the foreskin or the penis.

Treatment: The best way to treat any allergy is to find the trigger and steer clear from it. Talk to your doctor about possible triggers and treatment.

Pubic lice or mites

Not just kids get lice! Pubic lice and mites can spread during sexual activities, or by sharing towels or bed sheets. For example, mites like scabies are tiny buggers, which can infect your pubic area and cause extreme itching.

Treatment: Over-the-counter lotion or anti-lice and mite shampoo can help kill the bugs. To remove any eggs left behind on the pubic hair, use a tweezer or a fine-toothed comb. Wash the infected bedding and towels and avoid sex until you’re treated. If an infection develops from scratching, or if the treatment doesn’t work, talk to your doctor.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)

Unprotected sex may lead to diseases which can cause itching on the penis and groin area. For example, an STD called genital herpes can make you itch and create itchy red bumps, blisters and discharge.

Treatment: STDs are very contagious and spread easily, so go see a doctor immediately if you think you’ve been infected. Your doctor will give you treatment. Avoid having sex until you’ve recovered.

Prevent the itch

  • Wash the penis well and under the foreskin too, especially if you’re uncircumcised.
  • Keep the pubic area dry, as moisture can lead to infections.
  • Wear loose, natural fibre underwear and change your underwear every day.
  • Avoid STDs by always having protected sex.
  • Wash your clothing with unscented washing powder.
  • Don’t stay in wet clothes for too long.

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