What are HIV and AIDS?
Over the last fifteen years a new disease spread by a family of viruses, HIV, has spread globally. HIV stands for Human lmmuno-deficiency Virus. HIV has been given this name because its long-term effect is to attack the immune system of the body, making it weak and deficient. We live virtually in a sea of microorganisms and at every moment an enormous number of them are entering our body. It is the immune system that normally fights off these microorganisms and keeps us healthy. Any compromise with the working of the immune system has profound effect on our body.

After about 5 to 10 years of contracting the HIV infection, the virus has weakened the immune system of the patients so much that they develop a number of different illnesses such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, persistent diarrhea, fever and skin infections. This condition is called AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Why do you need to know about it?
At the moment it is estimated that 13 million people in the world may have HIV. Every day there are thousands of new cases of HIV infections in the world and these occur in every country. People who have HIV may have no symptoms for many years, and infected people may not even be aware that they have the virus. They look and feel well, but can infect other people during this time.

The most difficult aspect of HIV/AIDS is that though there are medicines, which can help them, cope with these illnesses, there is no vaccine, and no cure for the HIV, so almost all the infected people become more and more ill and eventually die. It is important that we all know and understand about this infection, so we can protect ourselves and our families.

We have responsibility not only towards ourselves but also towards our children who are growing up in a very different world from that of our childhood. They will have many new opportunities, but also may sometimes be faced with new relationships, standards of behavior and new risks. It is up to us to explain the truth of the situation to them in an honest and informed way, so they may have the knowledge to take the necessary steps to protect their health.

We have to understand that presently prevention is the only cure of HIV/AIDS and that can come about only if we are adequately informed about it. Following are some frequently asked questions about HIV/AIDS:

How does HIV affect the body? Is it the same as AIDS?
When HIV gets into a persons blood it attaches itself to a special type of white blood cells called as helper T-Lymphocytes. These Helper T- cells are crucial in defending the body against many infections. during all this the persons have no symptoms at all. They look and feel well. They may not know they now have the virus, but could pass it on to someone else through having sex, or by sharing needles or syringes.

Being HIV Positive is not the same as having AIDS. The HIV actually goes inside the white blood cells and lies their quietly. After about 5 to 10 years the HIV virus tricks the cell to start making the viral proteins, this results in the formation of a huge number of viral particles inside the white cells and eventually the cells burst releasing thousands of new viruses in the blood. The released viruses infecting new white cells This cycle goes on and on, and eventually the immune system of the body is overwhelmed and is no longer capable of fighting the infections.

Eventually the infected person may lose weight and become ill with diseases like persistent severe diarrhea, fever, or pneumonia, or skin cancer. He or she has now developed AIDS. People with AIDS can be helped with medicines for the different infections. At the moment though, in spite of much research, there is no cure for HIV or for AIDS and so, sadly, it is almost certain that people diagnosed with AIDS will die.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and is especially common in people under age 25. It is caused by bacteria and is spread by having sex with an infected person. Chlamydia can be very serious if it is not treated with antibiotics.

A woman with chlamydia may have a slight discharge from her vagina, or she may have itching and burning in her vagina. She may have a burning feeling when she urinates, or pain in her lower abdomen. A man with chlamydia may have a discharge from his penis or a burning feeling when he urinates. Many men and women don't have any symptoms, and pass the infection without realizing it. If they do not get treatment, their reproductive organs may be permanently damaged.

In women, chlamydia infections that are not treated may lead to ectopic, or tubal, pregnancy, a dangerous condition. Chlamydia may also cause pelvic inflammatory disease, or P.I.D. This serious infection may prevent a woman from becoming pregnant when she wants to. Signs of P.I.D. are fever, a smelly vaginal discharge or severe abdominal pain. In men, the infection can spread to the testicles, or balls, and may cause sterility, that is, being unable to father a child.

If you find out you have chlamydia, you must make sure your sex partner or partners are treated as well. This is the only way to stop them from passing it on to someone else or back to you.
Chlamydia is treated with an antibiotic, such as tetracycline. Be sure you take all the medication, and follow the directions carefully. Then have a follow-up test after the antibiotic is finished to be sure that the treatment has worked.

There are ways to protect yourself against chlamydia. If you don't have intercourse, or have intercourse with only one partner who is not infected or who has intercourse only with you, you will not get chlamydia or any other sexually transmitted disease. However, if you do have more than one sex partner or if you are starting a new relationship, protect yourself. Do not touch sores, rashes or body fluids.
The best protection is to always use a latex condom and another "barrier method" such as the diaphragm, cervical cap or sponge. Contraceptive foam, cream or jelly provide additional protection. Everyone who is having sexual intercourse should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases at least once a year -- especially if they have more than one sexual partner at a time or change partners during the year.
Remember that chlamydia doesn't always have symptoms -- that's why getting tested is so important! So is getting treatment for yourself and your sex partners. If you want, your doctor or Public Health Unit will tell them without using your name.
For further information you can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea, also called "the clap", is caused by bacteria. It is easily passed from person to person during sex. You can't get gonorrhea from kissing, holding hands or toilet seats. You can get gonorrhea by having vaginal or anal intercourse, or oral sex with someone who has it. It can affect the penis, cervix or opening to the womb, rectum or anus, throat and eyes.

Gonorrhea will not go away by itself. If it is not treated, gonorrhea causes serious health problems. In women it can cause an infection in the uterus, or womb, and tubes. This infection may cause infertility, that is, a woman can't get pregnant. A woman who has gonorrhea when she gives birth may infect the baby; the infection can cause blindness in the child.

Unfortunately, you can have gonorrhea and not know it. You may not see any signs or symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms do not seem serious, so you may ignore them. The symptoms usually start one or two weeks after you come into contact with gonorrhea.
A man may notice a yellowish discharge from his penis or feel pain when he urinates. A woman may notice an unusual vaginal discharge between periods. This discharge may be a different colour or smell, and there may be more of it than usual. A woman may also have pain in her lower abdomen. But many women have no symptoms at all.
The only way to know if you have gonorrhea is to be tested. A Public Health or family planning clinic can provide free, confidential testing and treatment. The test is simple and painless. A doctor or nurse will take a sample of discharge from your penis or vagina. For a woman, this means having an internal examination.
If you have gonorrhea, you will be given an antibiotic medicine. It is very important that you take all of this medication and follow all instructions. You also need to have a follow-up test done after you finish the medicine. This is the only way to make sure you are cured.
If you have gonorrhea, all your recent sex partners also need to be tested. If they have gonorrhea, they need treatment. If they do not get treatment, they can pass gonorrhea on to other people, or back to you. You can get this infection every time you are exposed to it. You can tell your partners yourself, or the Public Health Unit can do it for you without mentioning your name.

There are ways to avoid getting gonorrhea. If you have sex with only one person who only has sex with you, and neither of you has gonorrhea, then you will not be exposed to it. If you have more than one sex partner or if you have a new sex partner, use a condom. Condoms can help stop gonorrhea from spreading. Some professionals think that "contraceptive" foam, cream or jelly give additional protection. Be prepared: have a condom with you. Be safe. If you have more than one sex partner, use condoms. If you think that you or your partner may have gonorrhea, get tested right away. You can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit.

Genital Warts and HPV

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV which can be spread during sexual intercourse.
Warts usually develop 2 to 3 months after you have been in contact with the virus. They may be so tiny that they can't be seen. Or, they can grow inside your body where you can't see them. They might be on or around the penis, vagina, cervix or opening to the womb, mouth or anus. Genital warts look like ordinary skin warts. They may be soft, pink and look like small cauliflowers, or they may be hard, yellow-grey and smooth. You can have just one wart or large groups of them in one area.
If they are not treated, warts can multiply quickly. Warts on the outside of your body are treated by painting them with a special medicine. Warts on the inside can be removed by a doctor.
Your sex partners should be checked to see if they have warts. Children born to mothers with genital warts may develop them.
There is unfortunately no cure for HPV. Once someone has the virus they always carry it with them, and can pass it on, even if there are no visible warts.
Some types of wart viruses seem to be related to cancer of the cervix. Women who have had sexual intercourse should have a test called a "pap smear" at least once a year to test for this type of problem.
Using a latex condom every time you have intercourse may help stop the spread of genital warts. But remember, it only protects the area it covers. Some professionals also think that using contraceptive foam, jelly or cream may help too.
If you think that you may have genital warts, your doctor or a clinic can help you. Or you can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .

Herpes

Herpes is caused by a common virus which spreads from person to person, usually during vaginal or anal intercourse, or oral sex. It is related to the virus which causes cold sores on the mouth.
Genital herpes can cause painful blisters that appear between 2 and 360 days after having sex with an infected person. Blisters develop where the virus entered the body: usually on the penis, testicles, thighs, buttocks, vaginal opening, or inside the vagina or the anus. Other signs can include fever, headaches, swollen glands and trouble urinating. Women may feel pain in the lower abdomen. There is itching or tingling and the blisters swell, then burst. Then they become painful sores that do not heal for a few weeks.

Even after the blisters have healed, the virus is still in the body and may cause a new outbreak of blisters later on. These are usually much milder and do not last as long. Illness, stress or many other things can lead to a new outbreak. Not all people with genital herpes have reported outbreaks, but most do.
Herpes is very contagious from the first sign that blisters are about to appear. Do not let the herpes blisters touch any other part of the body -- yours or your partner's. If you do touch an infected area, wash with soap and water immediately.

Even using latex condoms during intercourse may not be enough to prevent the virus from passing from one sex partner to the other. The only sure way to prevent herpes from spreading is not to have any physical contact with the infected area. You need to talk with your sex partner. Honest and open communication can help you and your partner take steps to prevent herpes from spreading.

If you get pregnant, it is very important to tell your doctor about herpes. Herpes can be transmitted to the baby during delivery. You need special medical attention to avoid these problems.
Although there is no cure for herpes, there are ways to relieve the pain and discomfort. "Sitz baths" and warm or cool compresses often help. There are drugs to speed up the healing of the blisters. If you think that you have genital herpes, here are some tips:
     - Keep the infected area clean and dry.
     - Soak in a hot bath.
     - Dry the area around sores with a hair dryer, instead of a towel.
     - Don't wear tight clothing or underwear made of synthetic material. Cotton is better.
     - If urinating is painful, do so in the shower or a tub of hot water.
     - For more information or to find out where to get help, you can call a local Planned Parenthood   organization or Public Health Unit

Syphilia

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. These bacteria are passed from person to person, usually during vaginal or anal intercourse, or oral sex. Syphilis is spread by contact with sores, rashes, saliva, semen, blood or fluids from the vagina of someone who already has it.

The early signs of syphilis appear 3 or 4 weeks after exposure. A hard, round sore appears on the genitals or sexual organs. This sore, a chancre*, or kankar, appears where the bacteria entered the body. It looks like a small red crater. Men usually get them on the penis. Women get them around the outside or on the inside of the vagina. Therefore, women don't always know it's there. Chancres on the mouth and other parts of the body may be painful, but are not always a sign of syphilis.
The sores do go away on their own in a few weeks. 2 to 5 months later, the syphilis bacteria start to cause problems in other parts of the body. You become tired, feverish and lose your appetite. You usually get a skin rash or notice that patches of hair fall out. In a few weeks these symptoms also go away.
You may never have any other sign of the disease, however it may keep on attacking parts of your body. Syphilis can cause permanent, serious damage to your heart or brain and, eventually, can cause death. It can also pass from a pregnant woman to her fetus, causing birth defects.

Your doctor or Public Health clinic can do a free, confidential test for syphilis by taking a blood sample. It takes a while for syphilis to show up in your blood. If you think you were in contact with syphilis, but your blood test is normal, have another blood test in 6 weeks. All pregnant women are tested for syphilis.
If you do have syphilis, it can be treated with an antibiotic such as penicillin. It is important to complete all of the treatment. You must also have follow-up blood tests to make sure you are cured. All of your sex partners must be tested and treated at the same time. This is the only way to stop them passing syphilis on to someone else or back to you. The Public Health Unit can provide treatment, and can contact your sex partners without using your name if you want. You should not have sex until your follow-up blood test shows that you are cured.

There are ways to protect yourself from getting syphilis in the first place. If you have sex with just one partner who is not infected and who only has sex with you, you will not be exposed to syphilis. If you have more than one sex partner, or if you start a new relationship, use a latex condom for intercourse or oral sex to help stop the bacteria. Some professionals think that using contraceptive foam, jelly or cream may also help. If your partner has a sore or any other sign of infection, or if your partner was exposed to syphilis, do not have sex until a doctor says it's okay.
Syphilis is not a very common disease any more, but it is very serious. You can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .
*chancre is pronounced "shang'-kar"
 

Crabs or Lice, and Scabies

"Crabs" are small, crab-like lice that live in pubic hair and occasionally in the hair of the armpits, eyelashes and eyebrows. They crawl onto you during close physical contact with someone who has them. But you can also get them by sharing bedding or clothes with someone who already has them.

The main symptom is intense itching caused when the lice bite you so that they can suck your blood. You may also notice small black spots or bloodstains on your underwear. Although they are tiny, crabs can be seen without a microscope. You can also feel their eggs, little lumps at the base of hair.

To cure crabs, you have to use a non-prescription lotion or shampoo which you can get from your doctor, clinic, or drug store. Follow the instructions carefully. Use a fine toothed comb or your fingernails to scrape the eggs off the hairs. Tell your sexual partner or anyone that you share clothing or a bed with to also get treatment. Avoid close contact until both of you are cured. You may need to repeat the treatment after one week.

After treatment, you must wash all clothing, towels and bedding in hot water. Crabs die within 24 hours after leaving your body, but their eggs will live longer.

Scabies, often called "the Itch", are mites or members of the spider family. You can only see them under a microscope, but they cause intense itching. The female digs into the skin to lay her eggs, usually on a person's hands, wrists or genital area. This leaves marks that look like scratches. The mites are spread through any body contact, and often affect whole families. Using a special lotion on the entire body is usually enough to get rid of the scabies.

If you think you have crabs or scabies, get medical advice. See a doctor or go to a clinic or a drug store. You can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, also called "trich", is a common infection caused by a germ that is usually passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse. This germ can live up to 24 hours on wet clothes or towels, so it may be possible to pass it from one person to another by sharing these items.

Trichomoniasis is usually not dangerous. Women may not see any signs that they have trich, and men usually don't see any signs. If a woman has symptoms, they can include a frothy, bubbly yellow or greenish-white discharge from the vagina, which may be worse after sex. This discharge may have a bad smell. A woman may also have itching around the vagina and a burning feeling when she urinates.
To test for trichomoniasis, a doctor will do a pelvic exam and look at the discharge from the vagina. Since men usually don't have symptoms, they usually find out that they have trich only when their female sex partners are tested. It is important that all sexual partners get treated at the same time or the germs will just pass back and forth between partners.

It is recommended that you have a second test to make sure the infection has gone away. Do not have sexual intercourse until you and your partner have been cured.

Here are some tips to make you more comfortable:
-Itching can be relieved by soaking in a bath or applying cold compresses.
- Wearing cotton underpants will keep the area dryer, and help to speed up the cure.

Trichomoniasis is usually not a serious infection but it can be painful and a nuisance. It does not affect a woman's ability to get pregnant later.
For information, testing or treatment of trichomoniasis, see a doctor or go to a clinic. You can also call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .
 

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver, caused by a virus. This virus is found in the blood, semen, fluids from the vagina and saliva of the infected person. The virus can be passed from person to person during sexual contact, or by sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, razors or needles. A pregnant woman can pass hepatitis on to her fetus.

The signs of hepatitis include tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Jaundice means that the skin, whites of the eyes, urine and stools all may become yellow. Sometimes hepatitis has no symptoms.

Doctors and clinics can test for hepatitis by taking a blood sample. There is a safe vaccination to help prevent infection. It is a series of three needles, given over several months. It is wise to become immunized before having sex with anyone who might have hepatitis B.

There is no medical cure for hepatitis. It may take weeks or even months, but most people get better, and are no longer contagious. However, some people become carriers of the virus and must avoid transmitting infection. Following a special diet and avoiding alcohol may help you recover if you get the virus.

If you think you have hepatitis, see a doctor or go to a clinic to be tested. For more information, you can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .

Gardnerella

Gardnerella is a kind of bacteria which grows in the vagina and anus. It may be passed from one person to another during sex. Too much of this bacteria can cause annoying symptoms, especially in women. These include mild itching or burning, and a fishy smelling discharge. The discharge can be worse after sex. Some women have no symptoms, and men usually have none.

A clinic or doctor can test females for Gardnerella by taking a vaginal swab. Males are not usually tested.
Treatment is recommended only if the infection is annoying. You may have sex again after you are treated. But use condoms for at least a week until the bacteria are flushed out of your system.

A woman can practice good vaginal hygiene by wiping herself from front to back after using the toilet, not the other way around. Using douches, deodorant pads or tampons can change the normal state of the vagina and allow too much bacteria.
Follow-up testing is not necessary if the symptoms have gone away.
If you want more information, call a doctor or clinic. You can also call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit .

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or PID

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease refers to swelling and infection in any of a woman's womb or uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the covering around them.

If it is not treated, PID has serious, long-lasting effects. It can cause scarring in the infected areas and great pain in the lower abdomen. The scarring can also block the fallopian tubes which lead from the ovaries to the uterus. If this happens, a woman may not be able to get pregnant or, if she gets pregnant, the pregnancy may start in one of the tubes instead of her uterus. The woman might then need to have an emergency operation.
Although most women recover from PID if they are treated quickly, if they don't get treatment PID may be difficult to cure.

PID is related to sexually transmitted diseases. Gonorrhea and chlamydia, for instance, can travel into the uterus and produce PID. Anything that allows germs to get into the uterus might help produce PID. Douching may drive bacteria from the vagina into the uterus. Any time the cervix is opened or a medical instrument is used in the uterus, there is a chance of getting PID.

New types of IUD's, or Intrauterine Devices, are much safer than the old types; however, the string which hangs down from an IUD can allow bacteria to travel up into the uterus. PID is also more likely to occur if a woman has several sex partners.

 The warning signs of PID are:
- pain in the lower abdomen or lower back
- deep pain inside during intercourse
- feeling nauseous or dizzy
- fever
- feeling tired for no reason
- heavier bleeding during a period, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after intercourse
- a change in vaginal discharge, or a different colour discharge, and
- a bloated, full feeling in the abdomen.

PID is a serious problem, but there things you can do to lower the chance of getting it, like using condoms and finding other ways to practise safer sex.
If you notice any of these warning signs, get medical attention. Call your doctor or a clinic, or go to a Hospital Emergency Department. Or, you can call your local Public Health Unit
 

Vaginal Discharge and Yeast, or Monilia and Candida

Vaginal infections are common. Most women will experience this at some time in their lives, even if they keep themselves very clean. They can learn to tell the difference between vaginal discharge, which is normal, and vaginal infection which should be treated.

Just as your mouth is always wet with saliva, a vagina is always wet with fluid. This fluid is important, because it cleans out germs and old cells. It is usually clear or white, and has very little smell. There is usually more of it about two weeks before your menstrual period. This is normal, and one sign that a woman can become pregnant.

If is some vaginal discharge which is not normal it should be treated. If it causes itching or irritation, if it is mixed with blood or has a strong or unpleasant smell, if there is so much of it that it becomes annoying, there might be an infection.

Most vaginal infections are not sexually spread, but are caused by a fungus. Yeast is normally found in a vagina, but may for some reason get out of control. The most common vaginal infection in women is caused by yeast, or monilia or candida.

A woman can find out if she has a vaginal infection by going to a doctor or a clinic. During her appointment, she is examined and a sample of the vaginal discharge is taken. If infection is there, treatment may be pills, creams, suppositories, or a special douche. Sometimes sex partners need to be treated at the same time, to stop the infection from being passed on or back to her. She may be told not to have intercourse or to be sure the man wears a condom during intercourse, until the infection is completely gone.
Here are some things you can do to help prevent vaginal infection:
- Keep the outside of the vaginal area clean and dry. Avoid perfumed or scented soaps, douches, tampons, sanitary napkins or sprays.
- Avoid bubble baths or bath oils.
- Wear cotton underpants and pantyhose with a cotton-lined crotch. Synthetic materials trap heat and moisture, helping bacteria grow.
- Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight in the crotch and thighs.
- Pyjamas and night clothes should be loose fitting.
- Avoid intercourse that hurts. Use contraceptive foam or jelly, or a water-soluble jelly if more lubrication is required.
- Avoid sugar and caffeine.
- Stay healthy, so that the body is better able to fight infection.

  For a test or treatment, you can go to a family planning clinic or your doctor. For more information, you can call your local Public Health Unit .
 

Avoiding Sexually Transmitted Infections

Some people think they will never get a sexually transmitted infection or disease, that is, an S.T.I. You may think that only others get Gonorrhea, Herpes, Chlamydia, AIDS and other infections. If you are having a sexual contact, you may be running a risk. Protect yourself and your partner.

Some S.T.I.s can't be cured. Sometimes there are no signs, or they develop very slowly, without your knowing they are there. If they are not treated, they can cause serious health problems or even death. This is why you need to know how to avoid them.

S.T.I.s can pass from person to person during sexual contact. You can get an S.T.I. from vaginal intercourse, oral sex, anal intercourse, sharing sex toys and mutual masturbation. You cannot get an S.T.I. from toilet seats or dirty clothes. The more people you or your partner have sex with, the greater your chance of coming in contact with an S.T.I. Just like a cold or the flu, if you are exposed to an S.T.I., you can catch it, no matter how clean you are. You can only be sure you will not get an S.T.I. if you or your partner have never had sexual contact except with each other.If you are sexually active, the best protection is to be with only one person who is only with you.

If you have more than one sex partner or if you start a new relationship, use latex condoms and a "barrier method" such as a diaphragm, cap or sponge. When used properly, latex condoms help stop S.T.I.s from spreading. Contraceptive foam, cream, jelly or the sponge give additional protection.

You or your partner may think condoms are unromantic and a bother. Remember, an S.T.I. is a lot more unromantic. So be prepared; use a condom. You can say, "I don't want to take chances, so let's use this condom." Or, "Since we don't have a condom, let's make out some other way besides having intercourse." Don't have contact with sores, rashes, sperm, blood, or vaginal fluids. Talk with your sex partner beforehand so that you don't feel embarrassed about being careful. Washing and urinating before and after sex may also help reduce risk.

There is no way to be sure that someone doesn't have an S.T.I. just by looking at their genitals. However, if you do see a sore or an unusual discharge on the genitals, don't take any chances. Say "NO" to sex until a doctor says your partner is okay. Explain your reasons to your partner and encourage a visit to a doctor. Don't risk getting an S.T.I.
The following might be warning signs of a sexually transmitted illness:
- unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- pain in the genitals or lower abdomen
- Itching, sores or bumps on the genitals
- Unusual bleeding or bleeding after intercourse
- A bad smell

Remember, people often have no sign or symptom. They can pass infections on to someone else without knowing it. So if you are sexually active, being tested at least once a year will help prevent spreading S.T.I.s.

If you do get a sexually transmitted illness, get treatment right away. Your sex partners will also have to be treated. If you want, your doctor or Public Health Unit will tell them without using your name. This is the only way to stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and the serious health problems they cause.