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A guide on STDs – Types, diagnosis, and prevention

A guide on STDs – Types, diagnosis, and prevention

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections, which are capable of transmitting from one person to another, mostly due to sexual contact. These sexual conditions are actually more common than you may think. In fact, sometimes you may not be aware of having an STD, as it may not have any symptoms. The STDs come in many forms but most of them can be easily treated.

Types of STDs

There are multiple types of STDs. The most common forms are:

  • Chlamydia
    It is a very common form of bacterial infection, but it is easy to treat.
  • Genital warts
    It is caused by the human papillomavirus and results in growths around the anus and in the genital region.
  • Gonorrhea
    It is caused by a bacterial infection. It may not have any symptoms but can be treated easily.
  • Molluscum contagiosum
    This is an infection, which results in tiny bumps on the skin. It generally goes away on its own.
  • Hepatitis B
    It is a type of virus and can result in liver disease.
  • Herpes
    It is a common form of STD, which causes sores on genitals or in the mouth. The symptoms can be treated but there is no cure for herpes.
  • HIV
    It is one of the most serious forms of STD that attacks your immune system and can result in AIDS. You can remain healthy even with HIV if you follow the right treatment plan.
  • Syphilis
    It is a bacterial infection. Even though it is easy to treat, untreated syphilis can become dangerous.

Diagnosis

The most effective way to avoid any sexual conditions is to get tested for STDs regularly. A few laboratory tests can easily detect STDs. The advanced stages of syphilis and HIV can be detected using blood tests while most other forms of STDs can be detected in urine samples. If you have certain STD-related infections, which cause sores on the genitals, the doctor can diagnose it by collecting fluid samples from the body.

Apart from the tests, it is also suggested that you opt for regular screenings, even if you do not have any symptoms of STD. This is the best way to safeguard yourself against suffering from untreated STDs. These screenings are especially performed on young people who are sexually active, people born between the years 1945 to 1965, people who have HIV, and pregnant women.

Prevention of STD

It is not too hard to prevent sexual conditions if you practice safe sex and be careful about the transmission. The latex condoms are the strongest shields against any form of STD and you must always use them during sex. Sharing underwear or even towels with a person, who has any form of STD, can also result in a sexual condition, hence it must be avoided. You should also wash your body thoroughly after sex every time. Some STDs like hepatitis B can be completely avoided with vaccination. You should ask your doctor about it. Also, if you are sexually active, you must get tested for HIV regularly.

If you are ever diagnosed with any form of sexual conditions, the right thing to do is to stop having sex until you are treated. This way you can prevent it from spreading and ensure that others are not infected because of you.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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A guide to the various stages and types of sleep disorders

Getting a good amount of sleep is fundamental to our health. Not getting sufficient sleep can have a grave effect on our physical and mental health. While most of us may not sleep simply because we are watching a show, there are some people who suffer from sleep disorders and cannot help it. Stages of human sleep Any kind of disturbance in the period or quality of sleep is known as a sleep disorder. Human sleep can be explained in the following stages: Stage 1 This stage is called non-rapid eye movement sleep. Stage 2 This stage is the second stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep. It constitutes half of your sleep. Stages 3 and 4 These stages see the person most deep in sleep and they account for approximately 10 to 20 percent of the sleeping period. They occur during the first half of the duration of sleep. Stage 5 This stage is called the rapid eye movement stage (REM). It is in the stage that we see dreams. The amount of time each person spends in each stage will differ as per their age. Types of sleep disorders Now let us take a look at some of the main types of sleep disorders: Insomnia In insomnia, a person is unable to fall asleep. It is mainly caused due to stress. Insomnia may be chronic or transient. Parasomnias Parasomnias refer to unusual movements that may occur during sleep. Common examples are sleepwalking, sleeptalking, and bedwetting. Apnea This is a very serious disorder wherein the person suffering from it suddenly stops breathing while sleeping. This leads to disturbed sleep, as each time the person keeps getting breathless, they wake up from their sleep. Narcolepsy A person suffering from narcolepsy will suddenly fall asleep. This could be during any normal activity. For instance, a person suffering from narcolepsy can fall asleep while working or reading a book. Narcolepsy can also lead to sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis is a condition where a person will find themselves paralyzed when they wake up. Diagnosis of sleep disorders If you have sleeping disorders, your doctor will ask you questions related to your health and inquire whether you have any symptoms for sleep disorders. Post this, your doctor will conduct the following tests: Sleep study This test examines movements in the body, oxygen levels, and brain waves when the person is asleep. Electroencephalogram This test evaluates the brain’s electrical movements. Blood tests Certain sleeping disorders may be diagnosed with the help of blood tests. Prevention of sleep disorders It is always best to get medical help to treat sleeping disorders. But you can take certain steps to prevent this condition, such as Do not drink caffeine in the evening Exercise daily Maintain regular sleep timings Do not sleep in the afternoon Do not eat a heavy dinner Take a bath before dinner and sleeping will help you feel clean and relaxed Now that you have a fair idea about sleep disorders, it is recommended that you follow the aforementioned preventive measures to ensure that you do not suffer from this problem in the future. Besides following these preventive measures, one can also use weighted blankets from Gravity to optimize sleep. These blankets boost emotional well-being, optimize heart rate, and lower stress levels to improve sleep quality.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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