Latest news with #STIs
Medscape
4 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Are You Asking These Seven Sexual Health Questions?
At the 2025 Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI) Congress held June 12-14 in Mar del Plata, Argentina, updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were presented. The chapter, developed by the HIV and STI Commission on a comprehensive approach to sexual health, offers step-by-step recommendations for taking a sexual history, designed for both specialist and primary care clinicians. Romina Mauas, MD, one of the chapter's authors, is an outpatient physician at Hospital de Infecciosas F.J. Muñiz and a researcher at the Center for Studies for the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases at ISALUD University, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 'This content is entirely new. This highlights the key questions that should never be missed when taking a medical history. It also promotes an inclusive, respectful environment free from stigma, prejudice, or moral judgment while protecting privacy, confidentiality, and individual rights,' she said. The chapter was co-authored with José Barletta, MD; Franco Bova, MD; Iael Altclas, MD; Adriana Basombrío, MD; Luciana Spadaccini, MD; Mara Huberman, MD; and Sergio Maulen, MD, PhD, all of whom are medical professionals. 'This material hasn't been available before, isn't covered in other guidelines, and can benefit any healthcare professional in the region,' said Alejandra Cuello, speaking with Medscape Spanish. She was one of the two coordinators of the recommendations. Cuello heads the Infectious Diseases Service at the Juan D. Perón Regional Polyclinic and was an adjunct professor of infectious diseases at the National University of Villa Mercedes, both in Villa Mercedes, Argentina. The new guide included 21 chapters covering a wide range of topics, including urethritis, acquired syphilis, genital herpes, human papillomavirus, viral hepatitis, gonorrhea, Zika virus, sexual abuse and rape, STIs in pregnant women, and emerging STIs, such as mpox. 'Instead of just copying the international guidelines, this version includes local epidemiology, available diagnostic methods, and treatments tailored to the regional context,' Cuello said. Patient Interaction A unique feature of the updated guidelines is that they begin with recommendations on how to explore aspects of a patient's sexuality during consultations, an area often avoided due to 'lack of knowledge, modesty, or discomfort,' Cuello noted. Mauas, speaking to Medscape Spanish said, 'We need to be warm because we are asking intimate questions. You cannot rush into conversations about sexual practices without creating a comfortable environment. She emphasized that a lack of empathy is often the first barrier to timely and appropriate care. These guidelines highlighted the importance of the first interaction in building trust and obtaining the patient's accurate sexual history. Clinicians are encouraged to pay attention to initial greetings, maintain appropriate eye contact, and use supportive body language. 'Consultations should begin with open-ended questions. Clinicians are advised to first explore general concerns and then gradually move into more sensitive topics. Each question should be explained clearly using simple and respectful language. The approach should accommodate explicit sexual terms when necessary and be responsive to signs of anxiety or distress,' she said. Core Components The guidelines outlined seven key areas to consider in sexual health consultations. Reason for consultation. Begin by understanding the reason for the patient's visit. Review any signs or symptoms to help guide the examination and diagnostic tests. History of STIs. Inquiring about a patient's history of STIs is important, as this can affect the current risk assessment, choice of diagnostic tests, and interpretation of results. 'Some people are aware of this; others are not because the infection may have been asymptomatic,' Mauas noted. Assess personal and partner(s) risk perception, including prior testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and other STIs. Ask whether the patient has received postexposure prophylaxis for HIV, especially in the past 6-12 months. Sexual partners. Determine the time since the patient's last sexual contact. When possible, estimate the number of regular and casual partners in the past 3 months or during the 3-month period. Avoid making assumptions about a person's sexual orientation; instead, ask respectfully. 'What is your sexual desire? Do you like being with a woman or a man? What is your orientation? How do you perceive or define yourself?' Mauas explained. Sexual practices. Gather information about the sites of potential exposure and specific practices, including oral, vaginal (receptive/insertive), and anal (receptive/insertive). Also ask about group sex, transactional sex (in exchange for money, drugs, or services), use of sex toys, dating apps, and recreational drug use — including alcohol and sex-related substances. 'These are individual situations that need to be considered,' Mauas emphasized. STI protection. Ask about the frequency of condom use during vaginal or anal intercourse over the past 3 months. Discuss any barriers to condom use. In addition, the vaccination status for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus must be assessed. Pregnancy prevention. Discuss pregnancy planning, contraceptive use, and access to safe abortion services when relevant. If necessary, refer to the appropriate specialized health departments. 'Although it depends on the specialty, we can — and should — work together with the sexual and reproductive or nonreproductive health department, depending on what the patient wants, such as whether they need counseling on contraception,' Mauas said. Other sexual health issues. Screening for problems related to sexual satisfaction, function, or psychosexual concerns. Ask about experiences of gender-based violence and offer appropriate referrals to the relevant services. These guidelines also encourage clinicians to leave room for patients to raise additional personalized concerns. Practical Recommendations The guide outlines general recommendations for consultations with key populations and priority groups at a higher risk of STIs, including transgender people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, adolescents and young adults, incarcerated individuals, people who use drugs, and migrant populations. The guide offered several recommendations to improve consultations, as follows. Avoid making assumptions about sexual orientation. Ask open, respectful questions about sexual practices, such as the gender of sexual partners, relationship status, and whether the patient is monogamous. Ask about self-identified gender at the beginning of the consultation to avoid mistakes or assumptions regarding sex or gender based on appearance. Gender-neutral languages should be used wherever possible. Ask questions such as, 'Are you taking any medication?' instead of 'Are you on any medication?' Genital examination should be delayed unless clinically necessary. This can be postponed until a greater level of trust is established. Recognize that not all individuals are sexually active or wish to initiate sexual practices. Offer flexible services to accommodate different needs. For example, evening clinic hours may better serve those with nighttime work schedules. Training the entire healthcare team to promote, inclusive stigma-free care is essential. 'Anyone who chooses to work in sexual health must be properly trained — not only in clinical knowledge but also in addressing personal biases that may come from cultural or religious beliefs. Primary care providers should familiarize themselves with these guidelines and build their capacity to manage consultations. If they are unable to complete the assessment, they should be referred appropriately; however, they must not become a barrier to care. When a patient feels mistreated due to administrative or bureaucratic hurdles, they often choose not to return,' Mauas said. Mauas and Cuello reported having no relevant financial relationship. This story was translated from Medscape's Spanish edition.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning over nasty infections that trigger horror itching and affect millions in the hot weather
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AS the UK weathers up for another scorching weekend, a GP has a warned of a rise in nasty infections triggering itching, soreness and discharge. "While we might enjoy the warmer weather, your vagina might not be best pleased," GP Dr Nisa Aslam warned. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Infections like thrush can become more common in the summer Credit: Getty "That's because vaginal infections such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are more common during hotter temperatures," the advisor to PrecisionBiotics told Sun Health. Thrush is a common yeast infection that happens when there's an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus. As for BV, this is a vaginal infection that occurs when normal bacteria that live in your vagina overgrow, causing a bacterial imbalance Dr Aslam said: "Around 1.2 million women in the UK suffer from thrush - with 75 per cent of women developing thrush at least once in their lifetime. "Up to 50 per cent of women suffer from BV. "Both BV and thrush can be incredibly uncomfortable," according to the GP. But research from PrecisionBiotics found that up to 76 per cent of women suffer with the infections in silence, feeling too uncomfortable to open up about their vaginal health concerns. 'If you're concerned that you might have developed thrush or BV, there are a few tell-tale signs," Dr Aslam said. Both can cause irritation such as itching, however thrush often comes with a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, sometimes with a mild, yeasty smell, whereas BV typically involves a thin, watery, grey or white discharge and a fishy smell. "If these are left untreated, they can continue to cause irritation. Cheap hacks to stay cool this summer "BV can also increase your risk of contracting STIs, so it's worth booking an appointment with your GP if you experience symptoms.' Dr Aslam explained what causes thrush and BV in the first place. 'These common problems are caused by vaginal dysbiosis, a disruption of the vaginal microbiome, the delicate balance of good bacteria that helps maintain a healthy pH level and protect against infections. "Dysbiosis is more likely to occur in hot, sweaty conditions," the GP explained, which is why warmer weather can be a major trigger. Symptoms of thrush Symptoms of thrush in women include: White vaginal discharge (often like cottage cheese), which does not usually smell Itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina Soreness and stinging during sex or when you pee Symptoms of thrush in men include: Irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin A white discharge (like cottage cheese) An unpleasant smell Difficulty pulling back the foreskin Source: NHS "It can result in an overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria and/or yeast, so it's important to do what we can to maintain the good bacteria.' But there are ways you can protect your vaginal health as the weather heats up over the weekend - soaring to 34C in some parts of the UK. 1. Breathable clothing 'Avoiding tight clothing is vital," Dr Aslam stressed. "Cool, breathable clothes help avoid sweat from building up - sweat creates a warm, moist environment, providing the perfect conditions for yeast and bacteria to thrive. "This can then lead to infections such as thrush. "The same applies for wet swimsuits; change as soon as possible to keep your vaginal area dry." 2 Alcohol has been linked to a higher risk of BV Credit: Getty 2. Minimise booze It not just about what you wear - what you drink can up your risk of infections too. Booze might seem like the perfect pairing for hot weather, but it may it leave with lingering consequences that don't include hangovers. 'Alcohol has been linked to a higher risk of BV as it changes the balance of the microbiome," Dr Aslam explained. "So if possible keep alcohol to a minimum and make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water. "Dehydration can lead to vaginal dryness which can affect the pH balance of the microbiome." 3. Snack smart It's also worth paying attention to what you're eating. 'Refined foods high in sugar and saturated fat are also associated with a higher risk of BV," according to the GP. Symptoms of BV Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: An unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex A change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery Half of women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any soreness or itching. Source: NHS "Think pastries, cakes, crisps and processed meats. "Instead, tuck into a primary whole food, high fibre diet filled with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meats and healthy fats." 4. Try supplements You could also give supplements a go, Dr Aslam suggested. 'We can support our microbiome with the correct strain of probiotic bacteria – as certain probiotic lactobacilli strains have been shown to be an effective strategy for maintaining vaginal health," she said. She recommended PrecisionBiotics Daily Women's Flora.
United News of India
25-06-2025
- Health
- United News of India
CM flags off e-scooters to boost HIV and health outreach in Himachal
Shimla, 25 June (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off 12 e-scooters from his official residence, Oak Over, here. These scooters, provided to the Health Department through the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, will be deployed across eight districts of the state to strengthen doorstep medical services. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Himachal aims to ensure uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services—such as medicine distribution, screening, and counseling—to patients suffering from HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Tuberculosis (TB), and Hepatitis. The programme seeks to improve treatment adherence and support viral load suppression among patients, ultimately enabling them to lead healthier, longer lives. Commending the initiative, the Chief Minister said, 'Red Ribbon Clubs, youth, educational institutions, and NGOs have played a crucial role in raising awareness about HIV. "Making Himachal Pradesh HIV-free is our shared responsibility. I am confident that these e-scooters will further strengthen our outreach and support mechanisms,' he said. He further said that over 6,000 people in the state are currently living with HIV, most of whom have achieved viral load suppression—a reflection of the government's sustained efforts and effective policies. The Chief Minister also emphasised that the promotion of electric vehicles in the state is aligned with the government's commitment to environmental conservation, and the deployment of e-scooters for health services is a step forward in this direction. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil added that the State AIDS Control Society is actively working through 471 Red Ribbon Clubs in universities, colleges, and industrial training institutes across the state. "The Adolescent Education Programme is also being implemented in schools. Additionally, the Department of Youth Services and Sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan are collaborating to spread awareness about HIV among out-of-school youth," he said. UNI XC SSP
Irish Times
25-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Ireland's STI clinics struggling to cater for increasing demand
There is 'inequitable access' to public services for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), as clinics work at capacity and are 'struggling to cater for increasing demand', a new strategy has found. On Wednesday, the Department of Health published its new National Sexual Health Strategy for 2025 to 2030, which highlighted priorities in terms of increasing access to free contraception, and expanding capacity for STIs, including the home STI testing service. According to the strategy, there are insufficient staff resources and clinic time, resulting in increased waiting times at public STI clinics. 'The challenges posed by emerging STIs, including mpox, have put further pressure on existing constrained services, highlighting the need for additional capacity in our STI clinics to support greater service resilience, and surge capacity,' the document says. READ MORE However, the introduction of a free home STI testing service is estimated to have increased testing capacity by about 33 per cent. The report states that access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which prevents HIV/Aids, has increased significantly since it was introduced in 2019. There were 1,763 people accessing PrEP in 2020, which rose to 6,974 by the final quarter of last year. 'While demand for the PrEP service continues to grow, many PrEP services are reaching (or have reached) capacity,' the report added. The strategy sets out a number of areas it seeks to address in a bid to improve the sexual health of the island. It is envisaged free contraception, which is currently available to those aged 17 to 35, will be extended to those up to 55 years old, and that STI testing will be increased. The strategy said a model of care will be developed for sexual health services, focusing on: prevention; diagnosis; treatment; information and surveillance for STIs and HIV; and on 'improving geographic equity'. Access to vaccines that support sexual health will also be improved. [ STIs on the rise: 'It's seen as something shameful or dirty, or they're embarrassed to be going to a clinic' Opens in new window ] However, the plan also highlights 'potential challenges' to realising the strategic plan due to the country being in a 'period of significant and ongoing change'. These challenges include: demographic changes; increased incidence of chronic conditions and the spectrum of disability and neurodiversity; multiple drug-resistant STI variants; and increasing demand for services, both in terms of capacity and diversity of need. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the focus is on developing and expanding services 'that meet the needs of our population at every stage of life'. András Költő, a researcher at the Health Promotion Research Centre at University of Galway, and co-ordinator of the Irish National Survey of Sexual Health, said after Covid there was a rise in STIs as people began to meet again following periods of restrictions. 'The problem we are seeing is there appears to be a consistent rise in some infections. We are seeing this in cohorts that we wouldn't previously have seen it in,' he said. 'Young women having higher rates of gonorrhoea which we wouldn't have seen. If untreated, this can have a long-term impact on their reproductive health.' Speaking in advance of his conference on sexual health promotion on Thursday, he said there is a concerning trend among sexually active 15-year-olds – a decrease in the use of condoms. 'Porn is changing. Things which were widespread – such as using condoms – are not there anymore. And we know that many young people use porn as education, so if they're not seeing that then that will have an impact,' he said. Mr Költő said there has also been a rise in the use of IUDs and other methods of contraception, however he stressed that it was 'important that we're not putting all the burden of contraception on girls'.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Rise in antibiotic-resistant sexually transmitted infections
If you're having unprotected sex with a new or casual partner, get yourself tested for STIs annually even if there are no symptoms. — Freepik There has been a 'concerning jump' in cases of gonorrhoea resistant to strong antibiotics, health officials have warned. New figures from the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show there have been more cases of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea that are resistant to the antibiotic ceftriaxone so far in 2025 than the whole of last year. Overall, there was a 16% drop in gonorrhoea cases in 2024 in England, with 71,802 diagnoses, compared with 85,370 in 2023. However, ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea cases are being detected more frequently – with 14 in the first five months of 2025 compared with 13 in 2024. Six of the 14 cases this year have been 'extensively drug-resistant,' which means that they were resistant to ceftriaxone and then to second-line treatment options, according to the UKHSA. Ceftriaxone is a strong antibiotic and the main treatment for gonorrhoea. Experts are therefore concerned when infections fail to respond to it. Most of these drug-resistant cases are linked with travel to or from the Asia-Pacific region, where the prevalence of ceftriaxone resistance is high. Elsewhere, among people in England, early-stage syphilis diagnoses rose 1.7%, from 9,375 in 2023 to 9,535 in 2024. The overall figure for syphilis, including late-stage syphilis or complications from the infection, increased 5% from 12,456 in 2023 to 13,030 in 2024. Chlamydia fell 13%, from 194,143 diagnoses in 2023 to 168,889 in 2024, while people diagnosed for the first time with genital warts also dropped. Among women aged 15 to 24 who are recommended to be screened through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), there was a 10.7% decrease in the number of chlamydia tests carried out, from 673,102 to 601,295. Dr Hamish Mohammed, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Levels of STIs in this country remain a big threat to sexual well-being. 'These infections can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners – particularly if they are antibiotic resistant. 'If you've had condomless sex with new or casual partners – either in the UK or overseas – get tested for STIs and HIV at least yearly, even if you don't have symptoms. 'Regular testing protects both you and those you're having sex with. 'From August, eligible people will also be offered vaccination to reduce the risk of gonorrhoea and we expect to see the immunisation programme have an impact on diagnoses of this infection in coming years.' Professor Matt Phillips, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said: 'Whilst it is encouraging to see a fall in the total number of STI diagnoses this year, we nonetheless continue to see historically high rates of sexual infection, with particularly worrying continued increases in infections such as syphilis, which are at their highest-ever levels, and the continued spread of antibiotic-resistant disease.' It is vital that clear steps are put in place to reverse these trends. He added: 'Sexual health services remain under immense pressure and these new tools risk being deployed into overstretched systems unable to support them effectively. 'We find ourselves at a critical point for securing the long-term viability of sexual health services in this country. 'Only a joined-up, ambitious national strategy can ensure that we are prepared not just for today's sexual health challenges, but for those we know are coming.' – PA Media/dpa
