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Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The Diagnosis of STDs Can Adversely Impact Relationships - Find Out What You Can Do About It!
By Douglas Penta M.D.

Frequently I have encountered patients who are understandably concerned about when or where they were exposed to the HPV virus (or other STD's) and are anxiously desiring answers. I have spent many hours counseling patients on this subject and what is most disturbing to me is that I will often find patients wanting answers to "their" concerns only so they can call their partners who are awaiting an explanation.

I see women burdened with the task of trying to find a plausible explanation for an abnormal finding on a routine exam or a "symptom" that brought them to their health care provider. It is tragic to see this, since in many cases the problem should no more be a concern of hers than her partner's.

Women are often times more involved with the health care system starting at an early age ......menstrual problems , birth control issues, pregnancy and most notably: routine screening procedures (ie. pap smears , STD testing). This can inherently make women appear to be the origin of problems in a relationship, when in fact, they are simply the first one to bring a medical problem in a relationship to the attention of a health care provider..... an abnormal test result (pap smear) or the clinical manifestation of a medical condition (pelvic infection).

When I am asked about the various "mutually-at-risk conditions" between partners ( herpes, HPV, chlamydia etc.), I explain to the patient what the condition is , as best I can, and give supporting literature to share with her partner. When there is any indication that the findings are affecting her relationship or being construed as her fault I will encourage an appointment along with her partner to address any disagreements or "misunderstandings" in the relationship that might have come about as a result of this finding.

There are patients who are truly shocked and devastated about their diagnosis and clearly are lacking the emotional support they need once they leave the office. It is stressful in itself to find out about any medical condition and when this is compounded by the fact that one is being unfairly accused of being the source of the problem it is even more difficult to deal with.

It is imperative for anyone dealing with this situation to get the answers that best explain her personal set of circumstances. This effort is well worth the time and leads to a far better mutual understanding in the relationship.

Lastly, one should not overlook a very important clinical matter relating to any new findings of this sort. It is important that the patient's partner be evaluated and treated when indicated. I have seen patients treated on more than one occasion for the same problem because the partner would not get evaluated/ treated. This should never happen and should prompt the patient to address any concerns in the relationship that might contribute to this problem.

This article is a general statement about the "burden of proof" often placed on women when dealing with STD's . I will deal with more specifics in the near future.

Report Author:

Dr Douglas Penta writing about himself "I am an OB/GYN physician and one of three physicians in my immediate family. I was Board Certified in OB/GYN in 1993, and remained so during my years in clinical practice. Recently, I was confronted with a serious family circumstance which required my immediate attention causing a lapse in my medical licensure. While taking care of my family situation, I sought out a way to remain active educating patients with the knowledge and clinical experience I had acquired through the years . I enjoy sharing my insight gained from patients and clinical experiences. During my absence from clinical practice I have spent a great deal of time learning about the internet and website design to use this channel of communication to offer educational material to women. I find it gratifying to be able to help so many people and though I cannot give clinical advise or recommendations, I strongly feel that this service is filling a tremendous need based on the responses I am receiving. I am a graduate of Boston College (Phi Beta Kappa) 1981 and of Boston University School of Medicine 1985. Though I presently miss clinical medicine , I am pleased to have added this technological component to my involvement within the medical profession.".

Business URL:

http://healthcenterforwomen.com

How Many STDs Are There and How Many Do You Have to Worry About?
By Bruce Bair

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When I am asked to screen someone for STDs, I want to know some important information that begins with the question why. More and more people want to be screened to prove they do not have any infectious disease. Potential sexual partners of these people want to know also. How many diseases do you have to worry about and how are you tested for these? I will name them all but only cover the most common reportable infections.

When we think of STDs medically I think of illness that require me to report the diagnosis by patient name to the state health department. This reporting is codified into law and is mandatory. The diseases that are sexually transmitted under this law are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis, HIV, HSV.

Other diseases that can be transferred through sexual contact are Hepatitis B, Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomonas.

A lesser know but increasingly worrisome STD is LGV (lymphogranuloma venereum) which causes genital and rectal ulcers and can obstruct the local lymph drainage causing permanent swelling of the genitals called elephantiasis. No one knows how many cases are in the USA. It has become more common in Europe among men who have sex with men but is also a heterosexual disease. This illness is caused by the same Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria that causes the more common STD.

Blood tests can determine the presence of Syphilis, HIV and antibodies to HSV. A urine test mainly effective for men can find the DNA of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. A DNA swab of the cervix is a more effective screen for women. HPV can be screened for in women only but no test can guarantee a woman or man does not have HPV. The diagnosis of HPV in men is made when they have genital warts that are biopsied and the virus is identified in the tissue sample.

Report Author:

Bruce Bair writing about himself " I am a Physician Assistant and Wellness Coach. I have 30 years of active clinical experience and several years of coaching.

I teach teleseminars and write e-courses and e-books on weight management, wellness, medical Spanish, and how to become a physician assistant.

My goal is to help those who want to improve their wellness, who strive to reach an ideal weight, who want to improve their medical Spanish, or who want to be a physician assistant.

I welcome your feed back on these articles, especially if you were searching for something you did not find in one of my articles".

Consider listening to a free teleseminar hosted by Bruce. You can sign up for seminars and get special reports on his blog http://www.GettheSkinney.com If you opt for a report or the seminar you get three benefits. First, Privacy Protection Second, Great information Third, a no cost opportunity to listen to and ask questions about a topic that interests you.

Business URL:	http://www.gettheskinney.com, http://www.squidoo.com/I_CAN_HELP_YOU, http://www.thepapath.com
Personal URL:	http://www.gettheskinney.com

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