Cervical Cancer can be significantly reduced with the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and appropriate Pap smear screenings to collect cells from your cervix for testing. CDC guidelines recommend regular screenings beginning at age 21. Screenings, including the Pap test and HPV test. Contact Women’s Health in West Bloomfield for an appointment.

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No one wants to have to get checked for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Even though it isn’t a pleasant conversation to have with your doctor, it is important to maintain good health. Did you know that every adult should be checked regularly for STDs?

• The Person You Trust May Not Be Honest

Unfortunately, no matter how strong we think a relationship is, it doesn’t always work out the way we want. What felt like a sure thing could crumble due to infidelity. Even if you have been married for years and have a good relationship with your spouse, you should still get checked for STDs to be safe.

• It’s Never Too Late to Get Checked

Just because you have been with the same person for a long time doesn’t mean it is too late to get screened. STDs aren’t always transmitted each time a person has sex. Transmission could occur later when you think there is no danger.

• Not Knowing Can Cause Anxiety

There are few feelings as worrying as being uncertain about your health. Getting tested will give you peace of mind. If something shows up, then your doctor can provide options to deal with it. The earlier you detect it, the better. Knowing that you’re free of STDs is a very good feeling.

• Virgins Can Develop STDs

Did you know that people who have never had sex before can contract an STD? Some diseases do not require penetration. They can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Conditions like oral herpes can even be passed along through casual contact between friends or family members.

• Some STDs Show No Symptoms

Symptoms may not appear the moment you are infected. And you cannot tell if someone has one by looking at their body. An estimated 70% to 95% of women and 90% of men with chlamydia experience no symptoms. HIV symptoms don’t show up for a decade.

The only way to be certain that you don’t have an STD is to get checked by a doctor. Contact Women’s Health to schedule your screening.

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There are some things that any sexually active person should know – like how an STD (sexually transmitted disease) or STI (sexually transmitted infection) is spread. There is a common misconception that you cannot share an infection through oral sex. This is not true. There are diseases that can be passed orally.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The human papillomavirus (HPV), also known as genital warts, is transmittable through oral sex. It has become a concern among medical professionals as a growing cause of mouth and throat cancer. It can cause recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, which is a condition where tumors grow in the respiratory tract. It is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact rather than through bodily fluids.

Ask your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OBGYN about the vaccine.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia can also be transmitted through oral sex. It can cause cold-like symptoms including painful swallowing and a dry, scratchy throat. Some people who are infected do not experience symptoms. If the condition infects the cervix, it can cause infertility. When contracted through oral sex, it does not cause infertility but can cause upper respiratory problems. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.

Other STDs You Can Get from Oral Sex

There are many other STDs that you can pick up from unprotected oral sex. They include:

• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis A

It’s best to always take precautions and practice safe oral sex. This can be done by using a non-lubricated latex condom or polyurethane condom if your partner is allergic to latex. A dental dam or modified condom can be used for mouth to vagina contact.

Talk to your gynecologist about vaccines that are available and how to practice safe sex. If you think that you have been infected through any sexual activity, contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center to make an appointment right away with your doctor. The earlier you receive treatment the better.

#WomensHealthandMenopauseCenter #STD #HPV #OralSex #OBGYN #SafeSex

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Sex should be a positive, enjoyable experience. While it’s a normal part of nature, it can come with risks. There are simple things you can do to minimize the dangers and keep yourself safe from STDs, emotional distress, unwanted pregnancy, and other intercourse-related concerns.

1. Have Protection Ready

Have protection ready, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. That goes for both parties. Don’t assume your partner will always supply condoms or contraceptives. Be proactive and have these items on hand so you can go through with your plans without putting yourself at risk.

2. Communicate with Your Partner

Communication is important in sexual relationships. Discuss boundaries with your partner as well as any other concerns you have. Make sure you are on the same page about protection. Build trust over time with low-risk activities.

3. Be Open About Discussing STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) should be a part of the conversation when discussing sex with your partner. Make sure you are both honest and upfront about existing conditions and health risks. Take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of STDs.

4. Get Vaccinated for HPV

The HPV vaccine is recommended around the age of 12. Adults can also get vaccinated if they missed immunization as a child. Young adults age 26 and under can receive shots to protect themselves. Your gynecologist can provide more information on a recommended immunization regimen.

5. Schedule Regular OB/GYN Appointments

Sexually active women should keep in touch with their doctor. Regular screenings are the most effective way to catch problems early.

Contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center today to schedule an appointment.

#WomensHealthandMenopauseCenter #SafeSex #HPV #HumanPapillomavirusVaccine #SafeSexTips #STD #OBGYN

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Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. There are around 14 million new cases each year. Most sexually active adults will become infected with one type of HPV at some point during their lives.

How Does the HPV Vaccine Work?

The HPV vaccine works much like any other immunization. The vaccine is injected to stimulate the production of antibodies. These antibodies will protect the patient from the virus when coming in contact with it in the future.

HPV vaccines have proven to be very effective when combating their target virus. Clinical trials found that Cervarix and Gardasil vaccines were 100% effective in preventing persistent cervical infections of types 16 and 18.

Who Should Receive the HPV Vaccine?

While it may seem strange, doctors recommend that children should receive the HPV vaccine around age 11 or 12. The process includes two shots administered six months or more apart, finishing immunization before the patient turns 13.

Teenagers and young adults under 26 years old who were not given an HPV shot should talk to their doctor. They may be able to begin a series of shots to catch up. Patients over the age of 15 will require three injections over a six month period.  The vaccination has been closely studied and proven to be safe with around 80 million doses distributed throughout the U.S. with no reported problems.

Parents or young women who would like to learn more should make an appointment with their Women’s Health and Menopause Center gynecologist to discuss the benefits of the HPV vaccine.

#WomensHealthandMenopauseCenter #OBGYN #HPVVaccine #HumanPapillomavirusVaccine #STDPrevention

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