STD Testing and Treatment

Most people are not aware that some sexually transmitted diseases can be cured. They are caused by infections that get passed through sexual contact. Most sexually transmitted diseases do not show any outward symptoms , so people who are infected may not even be aware of it. This is one of the reasons that these diseases are so infectious. When people are not aware that they have an STD they do not use any protection during sexual contact, and their infection gets passed on. It is lack of infection, awareness and the possibility of social stigma that stops people from looking for help.

The different kinds of STDs

·         Chlamydia

·         Gonorrhea

·         Genital Herpes

·         HIV/AIDS

·         Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

·         Syphilis

·         Bacterial Vaginosis

·         Trichomoniasis

·         Viral Hepatitis

Chlamydia

This is a common STD/STI which is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact with a person who is infected. It is usually accompanied by pain, fever and discharge in their genital areas.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This is also a bacterium which multiplies rapidly in the reproductive tract when a person gets infected. Some symptoms of gonorrheal infection is pain when urinating and discharge in the genital areas.

Genital Herpes

This a very infectious disease cause by a virus- herpes simplex virus. There are actually two strains of this virus, and both can cause genital herpes. A large number of people do not show any symptoms and so are carriers of this illness. So, they may not be aware that they have it and could unknowingly pass it on. Herpes manifests as blisters on the face and body and the infected person usually has cold sores on the lips. It is a very painful infection if not treated immediately. In severe cases, blisters can appear inside the mouth and in the genital area.

HIV/AIDS

People who suffer from AIDS have been long ostracized and treatment denied to them. But the world is aware now that AIDS is not passed by casual contact and people are getting help for it. The HIV virus destroys the immune system of the body and kills the cells that fight infection. Most people with HIV succumb to other illnesses that affect them because of low immunity.

Human Papillomavirus

This is the most common STD, and can affect men and women. It causes genital warts and can even lead to cancer in severe attacks.

Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Usually the first symptom of syphilis is a genital sore and then it spreads outwards from there. Syphilis is curable if treated immediately.

Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomoniasis

It is normal for genital areas to have bacteria. But sometimes due to hormonal imbalance or other problems, the bacteria may multiply, causing infections. The former is a vaginal infection that happens in women of reproductive age. The latter can affect men and women, and can be passed through sexual contact.

Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a serious liver disease that can occur due to several different viruses, and can be transmitted through sexual contact.

Use protection

STDs are quite common and more than half of us will get one at some time in our lives. The good news is that we can protect ourselves and prevent passing on the infectious STDs. Practicing safe sex reduces the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease. If you fear that you may have an STD, get tested immediately. The earlier you get help, the better the chances of recovery.

It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Common geriatric problems

Aging is not easy and most people try to be as independent as possible for as long as they can. But age creeps up on you, nevertheless. These days, seniors look after themselves and try to lead a healthy lifestyle. So, they are able to remain active and healthy longer. But there are some problems that eventually arise. Some common geriatric problems that seniors face are:

1.      Loss of cognition due to diseases like alzheimer’s and dementia

2.      Depression

3.      Hearing problems

4.      Joint pain

5.      Visual impairment

Some of these problems can be treated with drugs and simple aids but for others there is no cure, and the elderly and their caregivers have to learn to understand, accept and learn to cope with these problems.

Loss of cognition

As people age, there is usually memory loss. Memory loss is a general term that may include some or all of the following:

·         Loss of concentration

·         Not being able to recognize people they know

·         Loss of reasoning

·         Forgetfulness

These symptoms could be because of the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dementia is related to aging and affects a large percent of the elderly. Alzheimer’s is hereditary. Neither have a cure, but there has been a lot of research done on these geriatric problems, and there are many resources available on how to deal with it.

Depression

Many elderly people feel depressed. There are many reasons for this. They get frustrated when they need help doing simple things. Their memory loss causes them to be forgetful, and this can get quite annoying over time. If their partners have passed on, loneliness could cause depression. Having to depend on caregivers to take of their personal hygiene could be embarrassing. Most people lead an active life and having to compromise that may cause depression. There are several prescription drugs that can be given to help calm them.

Hearing problems

A lot of senior citizens refuse to get medical help when their hearing starts to fail. They feel that if they do, they are giving in to old age. But, with the help of hearing aids, people can hear well for a very long time. There are also surgical options to help with hearing problems.

Joint pains

This is inevitable with age. After a lifetime of use, the body tends to start wearing away. Most problems are related to the joints. Different types of arthritis can cause joint pain. There may come a time where the senior would have to consider a joint replacement surgery to continue being mobile. There are drugs and topical creams to help alleviate joint pains. Funnily, exercise can help relieve joint pains. But a senior should find a workout program that helps them. Yoga, senior pilates and stretches are good to help relieve joint pains.

Vision problems

Our eyes grow weaker as we age, so there will come a point where you would need glasses to help you read. Usually, the power of a person who wears glasses later in life does not increase much. It is just part of aging. But other problems like glaucoma, if not treated could make the vision so bad that a person could be almost blind. A person who has glaucoma sees the world as a blur of shapeless forms and figures. This can be helped with surgery.

Coping with geriatric problems

As a person grows older, they should have regular health checkups. There are geriatric doctors who specialize in treating the elderly. If you or someone you know is going through some kind of geriatric problem, consult a doctor. There will be help available for their problem.