Being Young Is No Excuse—Do The Right Thing!Find Out The Facts Regarding Oral Herpes and Testing

Do you consider yourself a lady’s man? Not in the unfunny Tim Meadows of SNL sort-of-way, but in the Don’t Hate the Playa, Hate the Game sort-of-way? There’s nothing wrong with being out there, dressed to the nines and collecting womanly conquests like kids used to collect stamps back in the 1950s. All right, all right we may take offence at you treating the objects of your desire abjectly, but as long as no one gets hurt (their feelings aside, of course) what can we say…We just want you to understand the ramifications of your lifestyle, young man… we want you to know what is brewing inside some of those girls’ britches. We also want you to know that STD testing is affordable, and so is oral herpes testing in particular. Oh, and that it’s never too late to grow the heck up.

Some of us get our kicks from riding roller coasters, others from hitting that home run way over the back fence and slowly jogging the bases as the crowd cheers. Others need to be in a club, or a bar, or a neighborhood house party and saying and doing anything it takes to get a pretty girl to engage in sexual activity with you. We understand that this behavior may say a lot more about you than the girls with whom you chase, but we also know, that just chastising you guys for it will get us—and you—nowhere. Keep in mind as that music is blaring that those girls are probably not going to be doing anything with you later in the evening that they haven’t done with a bunch of other guys a million times before. Oh, and remember how affordable that oral herpes testing is. You just may need to take that test one day…very soon.

Let’s take a look at the statistics regarding the American male and female and the rate of herpes within your—I mean their—circles, shall we? It may shock you to learn that while you are dancing your butt off (with that butt in question peeking out of your sagging jeans) that certified STD clinics are doing a brisk business because of this type of behavior. For the record, doing “a brisk business” means GETTING PAID, SON!

Okay back to statistics of herpes within your age group. The medical professionals generally have a pretty good idea what sort of numbers we are talking about here—and they are sure to surprise you. While one in five members of the entire American adolescent population will currently test positive for genital herpes—it is one in four American teens that will test positive for oral herpes. That’s right, one in four. Are you thinking about testing now? Do the math, Einstein. We’re sure you can do this equation. For every four pretty young things that you’ve bedded—and don’t forget, you don’t have to have had intercourse with them—ONE of them was infected with oral herpes!

Enough of this tone, but we think it’s important to speak in language that the most at-risk demographic can understand. The behavior that you and your peers are engaging in is bad for your health. You need to get to a certified STD clinic in your neighborhood and begin testing for things like herpes—both oral and genital. It may seem like all fun and games right now, but how you are behaving is just plain dangerous. Don’t believe us because we are older. After all, we’d never expect you to. Just take a look at the numbers plain and simple. And never forget that when we speak of herpes we are speaking about a virus, and a virus will never go away. Once you catch the oral herpes virus or the genital herpes virus there is no curing it, there is only treating the symptoms for the rest of your long life.

If you’d finally like to get serious and begin facing up to your responsibilities like an adult—like a real man—log onto STDCenterNY.com for more info. This certified STD clinic is conveniently located just blocks from Grand Central Station so you know how easy it is to get to by subway. If you have a job, chances are they accept your insurance. If you do not have a job they are very affordable. Give them a call when you are ready. Hopefully that is right now. Dial 1-212-696-5900 to speak to a caring and discreet staff member and to make an appointment today. Stay safe and healthy. Lots of people care about you.

Gonorrhea Test: The Key to Early Diagnosis

Gonorrhea is no joke of a disease. Caused by the bacteria neisseria gonorrhoeae, this STD can be very painful and has the potential to seriously affect the reproductive system and other parts of the body if left unchecked. Clearly, it's very important to be able to recognize its symptoms before they have the chance to wreak havoc with you or your intimate partner's body. This knowledge, combined with regular gonorrhea testing for sexually active adults, can help to stem the spread of the uncomfortable disease. If gonorrhea is detected early enough, the worst of its effects can be prevented and its symptoms can be eliminated without any lasting damage. You should arm yourself with this knowledge and be prepared for anything by getting tested at a reliable clinic.

Symptoms from gonorrhea show up relatively quickly, usually within four to six days of infection. These symptoms vary by gender, but either sex is at risk for carrying and suffering from the disease.

The Warning Signs for Women

Half of the women who contract gonorrhea remain asymptomatic. Of those showing symptoms, the common culprits are bleeding during vaginal sex, sharp pain or burning while urinating, and/or a discolored or bloody vaginal discharge. There's also a risk of irregular menstruation, lower abdominal pain, and genital itching as the disease progresses to its advanced stages. Female symptoms can be very mild, which is dangerous because it could lead you to mistake a gonorrhea infection for a bladder infection or other, less serious diseases. Make no mistake: don't leave diagnosis to your judgment! If and when these symptoms first show up, leave it to the experts and ask for gonorrhea testing. Early diagnosis can mean a complete recovery with no lasting effects.

The Warning Signs for Men

Symptoms are typically much more obvious for men, though no less annoying; be aware that a small portion of men remain asymptomatic, as well. Early warning symptoms in the male anatomy include discharge from the penis (clear, yellow, or even bloody) and/or sharp pain in the urethra (especially when urinating).

Definitely let your doctor know if you regularly practice oral sex or receptive anal sex. These can affect your gonorrhea testing and treatment plans, and may also lead to additional symptoms for both genders, including anal discharge, anal bleeding, or a sore throat.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

It's much easier and cheaper for an STD clinic to administer a gonorrhea test and prescribe antibiotics in the early stages of the disease than it is for you to handle late-stage complications, especially if you are pregnant. If you have only lived with the disease for a few days, your body is naturally resilient enough to bring you back to normal after the course of medication is through. On the other hand, untreated gonorrhea can and does lead to skin lesions, forms of arthritis, infertility, or even blindness. Also, keep in mind that having one STD like gonorrhea puts you at dramatically increased risk for contracting other STDs, like HIV or Chlamydia.

The only proven methods of preventing gonorrhea are abstinence (unlikely) or mutually monogamous sex with a clean partner (fairly likely). Using a condom in the prescribed manner also goes a long way towards preventing gonorrhea infection. Still, you can't know everything, and sometimes unexpected developments can lead to unwanted diseases. With this in mind, knowing the warning signs truly is the key to early diagnosis and successful management of gonorrhea. You shouldn't wait for them to go away on their own—which, by the way, isn't an indicator that you no longer have the disease—and you shouldn't hesitate if you or your friends show these symptoms. Even if you don't have symptoms, it's highly recommended that you get yourself tested regularly as part of your routine healthcare.

New York metropolitan residents should consult STD Center NY for unrivaled, board-certified medical attention for all of your questions, concerns, or inquiries. Just blocks from Grand Central Station and easily accessible by train or bus, STD Center NY features affordable, private, state-of-the-art gonorrhea testing services. Call 1-212-696-5900 for an appointment or log onto stdcenterny.com for more information. Be sure to check out their Travel Clinic as well. Get tested and get informed!

Learn These Lesser Known HIV Risks Yet Nothing Bests Testing

The current status of the HIV epidemic depends on from where in the world you are viewing it from. In America, the numbers are still significantly high and growing even higher in some demographics. In other parts of the world, the disease has never stopped rampaging and is killing more people than ever. The most important tool in the fight against HIV and AIDS testing. In a vast majority of individuals, once they know they are infected, their behavior regarding transmission, changes for the better. Early testing also means an earlier onset of medication. Early testing means less infections.

Over the past thirty years HIV and AIDS has taken over twenty five million lives worldwide and it continues to be one of the world’s most common infectious killer diseases. More than one million people are currently infected with HIV in the United States today. This enormous amount—that we at home are afflicted with—seems like small beans when looked at through the wider lens of the world-wide community. Today there are over thirty-five million people throughout the world currently infected with HIV and AIDS. It is so important to get testing administered to these hard hit areas. Yet without the follow-up of above-adequate medical care, chances are that whether testing is introduced or not these numbers will continue as high as they currently are—and perhaps grow even higher.

HIV testing can change things. Recent reports indicate that if a majority of new cases were diagnosed quicker-than-usual and medication began earlier, HIV rates would drop. The main reason for this is that medications being administered today lower the rates of passing on the virus. Anyone engaging in any type of sexual activity should be responsible enough to make regular appointments with a certified STD testing center. It is only through due diligence as is testing that things will change. One person can make a difference—because one, becomes two, becomes three, becomes a hundred million strong!

As important as testing is, it is still important to understand how HIV spreads. Many of us have grown complacent. In other words, if we are not having condom-less anal sex with a heroin-addicted prostitute we think we’re safe. We’re not. Yes, undergo testing regularly — but understand the following infection methods and be careful:

There are the obvious infection methods that we’ve all heard about, ad nauseam. These include unprotected vaginal (and especially anal) sex, unprotected passive homosexual anal sex, sharing needles to get high, and being positive for other diseases that lower the immune system. If you are currently engaging in any of these behaviors please get to a HIV testing facility ASAP. But then there are these lesser known risks…

• Healthcare workers need to do everything in their power to avoid being pierced by any hypodermic needle in their presence.
• Blood transfusions and organ transplants. America has pretty strict testing procedures regarding this aspect of healthcare—but many mistakes have been made. Healthcare workers are only human, after all.
• Documented between infected individuals and infants is the transference of the HIV virus through the chewing of food. Caregivers who have pre-chewed food for babies have spread HIV to them. You may see some Hollywood starlets today espousing the joys of this type of feeding arrangement. Do not engage in such behavior—ever.
• Tattooing and body piercing can spread HIV if the needles used are not thoroughly sterilized. If you are interested in receiving a tattoo or a body piercing only visit a licensed individual who uses new needles with every costumer. These days many tattoo establishments do this. You will see them rip open a sealed package for every needle used.

This article is not meant to frighten. It is meant to underscore the importance of HIV infection—and for the testing of it. Once you decide that testing is for you, remember to patronize a certified STD clinic only.

If you currently live in the NYC area, please log onto STDCenterNY.com for more information on HIV and its painless testing procedures. Located just several blocks from Grand Central Station, this certified STD center is discreet and affordable. Call 1-212-696-5900 to make a convenient appointment today or visit www.stdcenterny.com. Extended weekday and even weekend hours are available. Most insurance also accepted. Get tested. The life you save may be your own.

Should I Seek Herpes Testing?

Chances are, you've asked yourself this question at least once in your life. Whether its advice from a friend of a friend, troubling developments in your privates, or a new intimate relationship, something always comes up that makes you wonder whether you should seek herpes testing. The answer, predictably, is yes, but it's more than a simple black and white situation. Different factors can affect each individual's situation. Misinformation abounds, especially online; one of the major factors in the spread of the herpes epidemic has been general apathy combined with ineffective or misleading propaganda about the disease. Let's put those fears and doubts to rest with a reasonable, unbiased look at herpes and its testing options. To be precise, we'll be looking at Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2—commonly referred to as “genital herpes”—and its symptoms, implications, and prevalence.


What's Going On Down There?

Everybody is different; we all develop strange bumps or rashes from time to time. Because sexually transmitted diseases are so widespread, we understandably get very worried when these show up on or near our genitals. On the one hand, they could be any number of non-sexual consequences of our environment: anything from sunburn to insect bites to irritating clothing to allergies could conceivably lead to bumps or lesions similar in appearance to genital herpes' trademark skin blisters. How is the layperson to distinguish between symptoms and non-symptoms?

Well, actually, they aren't- and this is a key reason to schedule routine herpes testing with a qualified professional. The thing is, sexually active adults are at risk for acquiring herpes even if they're extremely careful, and you shouldn't trust yourself to diagnose a notoriously tricky disease. In fact, many genital herpes carriers have minimal or no symptoms during their entire infection. It can be easy to dismiss a mild outbreak if the symptoms gradually disappear. However, this does not mean the infection has also disappeared; on the contrary, carriers with no symptoms are often the worst culprits when it comes to surreptitiously spreading herpes. Realize that in such a confusing world, you and your partner/s owe it to yourselves to learn the facts about your personal sexual health. It doesn't mean a moratorium on sexual relations, either. Proper preparation and an accurate sexual history go hand-in-hand with testing as crucial elements of modern health practices. If unusual bumps or blisters show up around your privates, that's a definite reason to schedule testing right away.


New Developments

Have things been going well with a new significant other? Ready to take the next step and initiate a sexual relationship? First of all: good for you! The right thing to do is be smart about it—now is the perfect time for both of you to get tested (assuming, of course, that they haven't already shown you their results). Remember, genital herpes can show up even if they've practiced safe sex all their lives. Condoms aren't 100% reliable, and they may have been intimate with an asymptomatic former partner. You really can never know in these cases. It's best to be completely honest with one another and clarify the issue for good.

Unfortunately, the other side of the coin can also raise concerns. Let's say you've just broken things off with a former lover. Were they dishonest? Did they (hypothetically, now) ever cheat? If you have any reason at all to question the sexual integrity of your former relationships, herpes testing is in order. It need not have been a vindictive or even a deliberate act, but skin-to-skin contact with a carrier, especially sexual, can be enough to transmit the infection. Get tested and thank your lucky stars if you walk out with a clean bill of health.

New York metropolitan residents should consult STD Center NY for unrivaled, board-certified medical attention for all of your questions, concerns, or inquiries. Just blocks from Grand Central Station and easily accessible by train or bus, STD Center NY features affordable, private, state-of-the-art herpes testing services. Call 1-212-696-5900 for an appointment or log onto www.stdcenterny.com for more information. Be sure to check out their Travel Clinic as well. Go on, get tested!

The Silent Epidemic of NYC Chlamydia: Symptoms, Statistics and Treatment

For those of us who engage in sexual activity it is important that we undergo STD testing. One of the most problematic of all STDs these days is chlamydia-especially in NYC, where the numbers have been steadily climbing over the past few decades.

Chlamydia is known in some circles as the silent epidemic for the reason that many people who are infected with this particular STD are unaware that they are so. Anyone who engages in sex of any sort, whether it be vaginal, anal or oral sex—should undergo testing for this sneaky disease. In NYC there are many places that such testing can be administered quickly and affordably.

This disease is not as dangerous as some of the other STDs out there—and there are over twenty five of them. But chlamydia affects both men and women at an alarming rate, and it is most common with guys and gals under twenty five years old.

If you have ever engaged in unprotected sex (even with one partner) it is important that testing is administered as chlamydia is easy to pass on and is out there in startling numbers. In fact, it is one of the most common STDs in the world, with an estimated two and half million Americans newly infected every single year. In NYC the numbers are slightly higher than in the rest of the country and the problem remains that most people who are infected with this disease show no symptoms at all.

As stated above chlamydia is a silent epidemic and the numbers prove this. Seventy five percent of women and over fifty percent of men show no symptoms of this illness while infected. The only way to know for sure that you are a carrier—that you have been infected and can spread the disease to others—is through testing.

There are serious side effects to chlamydia even though most people do not even realize they have it. According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, chlamydia infections can progress to serious health problems that typically damage the reproductive organs.

If left untreated in women, this disease can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing permanent damage. This damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancies. This is one of the reasons why chlamydia testing is so important. If a woman plans on having children at any time during her life, testing for a chlamydia infection should be administered as often as necessary.

In men complications do exist, however, they are not as serious as in women. In men, a chlamydia infection can sometimes spread to the epididymis, causing pain, fever, and rarely sterility. If a man is engaging in unprotected sex, he should get to a NYC certified STD clinic in order to not pass on a disease he may not even realize he has.

The following are the symptoms that both men and women should be aware of that may indicate they have contracted this disease and are in need of testing…

In Women
Painful urination
Abdominal pain
Lower back pain
Nausea
Fever
Painful sexual intimacy
Spotting between periods

In Men
Penis discharge
Painful urination
Itching at the tip of penis
Painful or swollen testicles

For those of us in NYC, please log onto STDCenterNY.com if in the market for testing for any or all STDs. This highly respected, clean, spacious and discreet clinic is located just blocks away from Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan and is easily accessible by mass transit. Call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment today.

Genital Warts & Human Papilloma Virus—from A-Z Combating America’s Most Prolific STD

When is the correct time to discuss genital warts? Uhm… “never” comes to mind, but that’s taking the easy way out. Unfortunately, there are many problems that can arise if one is having sexual intercourse. One of those problems is genital warts. They are very common, believe it or not. Currently there are over twenty five separate medical issues that are classified as a sexually transmitted disease or a sexually transmitted infection. Each one comes with a unique set of symptoms and treatment options.

In this article we shall discuss genital warts. For sure, it doesn’t paint an agreeable picture in the mind’s eye, does it? Yet they are out there, waiting to strike, in abundance. In this article we shall discuss what exactly a genital wart is, what type of symptoms to be on the lookout for, and what type of treatment is available for genital warts. Let us begin at the beginning…

What are genital warts? Many times, genital warts are the symptom of a larger medical issue called human papillomavirus (or HPV for short). This virus is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States of America. To make matters even worse, there are over forty variations on HPV. HPV can cause devastating effects in untreated individuals including cervical cancer and infertility in women. Therefore, anyone with genital warts should be tested for the human papillomavirus at a certified STD clinic as soon as they can be.

As with other viruses, once you test positive for it there is no getting rid of it. It can only be treated and kept under control. This includes a minimizing or a disappearance of all symptoms—including genital warts. HPV is so common it is believed that if a person is sexually active for their entire lives at some point they will become infected. This is a daunting fact, but it is reality. No one ever said that something that feels so good (sex) would be responsibility free! All of us engaging in sexual activity have a major responsibility to our health and to the health of our partners and loved ones.

What are the symptoms of genital warts? Genital warts are pretty obvious unless they are tucked away internally, as in inside the vagina. Typically one will have genital warts visible in, on and around their sexual organs and anus. As mentioned above, they can also erupt inside of the body, as in the cervix or urethra. When genital warts are visible they resemble little irregularly shaped cauliflowers up close. When looking at them regularly they will resemble small bumps. It is important to thoroughly inspect your genitals often when sexually active. If you find something that doesn’t look right, or you have a burning or an itching, it is important to visit a certified STD doctor.

Where exactly will genital warts typically be found on the average infected individual? On women the areas are: the lips of the vagina (both inside and out), inside the vagina and cervix, and around the rectum. In men the areas are: anywhere on the shaft of the penis, scrotum and opening of the urethra, and around the rectum. Genital warts can also be found inside the mouth and extending down into the throat, but this is atypical.

Genital warts are spread by skin to skin contact including oral, vaginal and anal sex. Therefore, anyone engaging in sexual activity is at risk. One can also auto-inoculate themselves. This means that an infected person can spread the virus from one portion of their body to another. Always be aware of your physical status and take all precautions necessary. These are some of those aforementioned responsibilities.

What type of treatment is available for genital warts? Treatment includes the application of an acid-type or a freezing-type medicine to the affected area in order to remove the genital warts. These days many certified STD doctor will use a laser-type therapy to remove the warts. Without a doctor’s help, many of those infected will clear up within twenty four months. This does not mean that the virus is out of your body, it just means that the symptoms are gone. After genital warts are removed or disappear on their own safe sexual practices MUST continue. It is highly recommended that a certified STD doctor be utilized if one is infected.

If you happen to live in the NYC area—and would like more information on genital warts or any other STD—please log onto HPV treatment NYC. Located just blocks from Grand Central Station, this well-regarded certified STD testing Manhattan has been faithfully serving the New York City area for many years. They are safe, discreet and very affordable—and are run by a genuine certified medical doctor, not a nurse practitioner as at some other similar facilities. Call 1-212-696-5900 for an appointment today. Late weekday and weekend hours are available. Be safe, be protected, be responsible!

All You Need to Know About Gonorrhea Test For the NYC Woman

NYC is a swinging place, lots of clubs, bars, libraries, museums and bake-offs—all the right places to land that one-in-a-million guy. But what happens when Mister Right turns out to be Mr. Wrong-Because-He-Has-Gonorrhea? Simple…get to a walk in clinic in your neighborhood to receive testing and/or treatment. Gonorrhea is a way-too-common and devastating disease that affects over 500,000 people in the United States every year. That comes out to approximately 2,000 cases in NYC annually. And things don’t seem to be getting any better.

What is gonorrhea?

We may have all heard of this disease. Some of us may remember watching black and white films depicting its horrors in school. (Then again we may remember dinosaurs!) Things have changed since it was only a disease to be feared by sailors on leave in old Times Square, NYC.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a type of bacteria that really enjoys growing in those warm moist pockets of human flash. As women, that’s the last place that we want anything growing—unless we are purposefully having a baby. Aside from the vagina, gonorrhea can also grow like wildfire in the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, urethra and the mouth, throat, and anus. In other words, everywhere we fear. Thankfully there is great testing available for this and other STDs at your nearest STD clinic.

How is contracted?

Well, it is NOT contracted from a toilet seat, so put all that nonsense to bed right now. Gonorrhea is contracted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex with an infected partner. Touching infected sex organs and then touching the eyes can also spread this infection. That’s it. No toilet seats, no sharing ice cream. Once again, testing and treatment is quick, easy and affordable—especially in a big city like NYC.

If a woman is pregnant and infected with gonorrhea, she can pass it on to her child during the birthing process. Infants that catch gonorrhea this way can become blind, get joint infections or a life-threatening blood infection. Come on, we’re hip women from NYC and we should know better than to open ourselves up to this kind of thing, but unfortunately our partners rarely where a sign that states they are infected with gonorrhea before we hop in the sack with them. This is where testing and treatment comes in.

One need not become a depressed ball of uselessness if they contract this awful malady. Gonorrhea treatment is easily done, but no one can get help if they do not realize they are infected. Testing is the only reliable way to find out if you have contracted this disease. Get to a NYC based STD clinic as soon as any of the following symptoms occur:

·       Painful urination

·       Vaginal discharge that is either bloody or yellow

·       Bleeding between periods

·       Pain during sex

Obviously, as women we all have suffered through some of these symptoms. It does not mean that you have definitely contracted gonorrhea, but it does mean it is time for testing to occur. Any STD clinic will be happy to proceed with testing at a nominal cost. Testing consists of several methods. They are all painless.

Since you are located in NYC, why not try gonorrhea testing in Manhattan STD Center of New York. They are located just blocks from Grand Central Station, so getting there is not a bother. Log onto STD doctor for more information or simply dial 1-212-696-5900 to arrange an appointment. 

Chlamydia Testing Made Simpler and Easier

When you hear the phrase “chlamydia testing,” your first instinct may be to get away as fast as you can. And who could blame you? Old habits die hard, and old horror stories sometimes never die. Much of the general population, especially sexually active adults, retains any number of crazy myths about the STD testing experience, and chlamydia is no exception. Compound this with the fact that STDs are a traditionally taboo subject in polite society, and it's no wonder that misinformation abounds.

Well, let's correct some initial misconceptions. Times and customs change, and you know what? So do medical practices. While we were out convincing ourselves not to get tested, the medical community has been busy improving their approach to STD testing and treatment. Plenty of money and research have contributed to a complete revamp of the experience: all sort of painful, invasive, and embarrassing procedures are now things of the past. Sample collection is a piece of cake, lab results are quicker than ever, and most clinics will give out smart counseling along with accurate results. For a curable disease like chlamydia, we're well on our way towards breaking down all those old myths and taboos. Let's learn a little more about the modern chlamydia testing experience.

Over Before You Know It

Forget hideously long Q-tips, forget injections. The most common and reliable testing methods take either a urine sample or a genital swab. The former is usually recommended for men because the urethra is the primary site of infection by the offending bacteria, chlamydia trachomatis, so any urine passing through will pick them up en route. For this reason, men should refrain from urinating beforehand so they can produce a decent sample. Women should prepare for a cervical swab, which literally takes seconds and can be done right there at the clinic.

Please inform your STD doctor or healthcare professional if you have engaged in receptive anal sex, regardless of your gender. They may need to take a rectal swab if that's the case. It's no more invasive than a cervical swab and takes just as little time.

How Long Did You Say?

The preliminary sampling period takes about 15 minutes, start to finish. Samples will be sent to a laboratory, which  typically provides results within five days. Unlike certain other STDs, chlamydia testing results are extremely accurate and usually do not require a backup. Some clinics offer rapid chlamydia tests based on urine samples; with this new technology, results can be available in as little as one hour. One quick but important note: be aware that it can take time for the disease to become detectable once you acquire it. Of course, you should definitely contact an STD clinic if you're worried, but you may be counseled to wait a few days before the actual testing procedure. This “window period” will last no more than one week.

What else?

And that's it! The modern chlamydia testing experience is not so much an ordeal as a routine, and definitely nothing to be afraid of. You should, however, be afraid of the long-term consequences of untreated chlamydia. It can cause permanent reproductive damage, make you more susceptible to other STDs, or affect a pregnancy for the worse. When the whole process is so simple and easy, it doesn't take a genius to recognize the importance of regular testing for sexually active adults. Go ahead and get it over with, you'll thank yourself. And get your sexual partners in, too! You can never be too safe, and you can trust your results once you have them. Should you receive a positive diagnosis, you'll be given exact instructions on which medications to take and how often. This counseling comes with the treatment and is informed by years of tests and studies.

In New York City, you can head to STD Center NY for unrivaled, board-certified medical attention for all of your chlamydia testing in Manhattan questions, concerns, or inquiries. Just blocks from Grand Central Station and easily accessible by train or bus, STD Center NY features affordable, private, state-of-the-art chlamydia testing services. Call 1-212-696-5900 for an appointment or log onto STD testing in NYC for more information. Be sure to check out their Travel Clinic as well. Now is the time to take care of testing in a safe, easy way.

ABC of Chlamydia Testing

If you think that you have Chlamydia, or, if you don’t know what Chlamydia is and you have symptoms that are worrying you—for women they include pain during sex, for men a burning feeling while urinating (we’ll discuss more symptoms later on)—you should go and get tested.

Chlamydia testing is simple. There are two ways of getting tested if you are a man: the first is a urine test. Most men will prefer this, because the second test involves the doctor taking a cotton bud to “swab” the urethra at the tip of the penis to test for the presence of Chlamydia. You’ll be happy to hear that, nowadays, most doctors prefer the urine sample test. However, it isn’t as reliable as the swab. There is also a quick urine test, which can take less than an hour to get your results.

The test is the same for women. The difference is that a swab can be taken from the vagina by the patient herself (or by a health care professional). For both sexes, results of Chlamydia testing that are sent to the lab can take up to a week. This is a reason why patients prefer the fast urine test: if you’re concerned, it’s good to know your status quickly. The quicker you know your status, the quicker you can start treatment: if you’re positive, that is.

So, let’s talk about treatment. It’s easy to treat Chlamydia with antibiotics. Primary care doctor recommend azithromycin, which comes in a single dose. Single dose antibiotics can be a little bit hard on the stomach, so if you prefer, take doxycycline twice a day for a week instead. Remember, though: to avoid spreading it, the main thing is to abstain from sex until you are negative for Chlamydia.

Although you might consider Chlamydia to be a minor league STD, remember that it can have worrying complications. In women, it affects the cervix, the neck of the womb, and if it is left untreated it can cause infertility in 10% to 15% of cases. The official name for this is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Chlamydia comes from the Greek word for “cloak”: which is appropriate, because often this STD infection has no symptoms. You have no way of knowing if you have it, unless you get tested.

Some of the symptoms are, for men, a discharge from the rectum or the penis; a tenderness or pain in the testicles and, as we mentioned earlier, a burning feeling while urinating. Apparently, men have more symptoms than women. Only about 30% of women have symptoms. These can include a discharge from the vagina, pain during intercourse, or a burning sensation while urinating. You will notice that the burning sensation is a symptom that Chlamydia has in common with a Urinary Tract Infection, so it is important to get tested in order to rule the latter out. You can’t treat Chlamydia with Cranberry juice!

More seriously, women who let the infection go for some time without being treated are at risk of PID, which is a bacterial infection of the fallopian tubes, the uterus or the ovaries. This complication occurs when the bacteria from a Chlamydia infection moves from the cervix further into the female reproductive organs. How is Chlamydia caused? Well, as with most STDs, it is caused by having unprotected sex with a partner who is positive for Chlamydia. A simple urine test can tell you if you have the infection. If you do, a simple antibiotic can clear it up. If you don’t, it can lead to infertility in women, and reduced fertility in men.

And, so, you see the importance of why you need to get chlamydia test. If you live in NYC and would like to get STD testing by a board certified STD clinic, log onto STD Clinic for more information. STD Clinic of New York is located just blocks from Grand Central Station and is therefore easily accessible by all means of public transportation. To ask any questions, or to book a convenient appointment, simply call 1-212-696-5900 to speak to a staff member.

ABC of Herpes screening

As our title suggests, the aim here is to give you the tools to (A) recognize the symptoms of Genital Herpes, and (B) know where to access the care to treat it. Before discussing the process of Herpes testing, a small amount of background is necessary. There are two types of Herpes (otherwise known as the Herpes Simplex Virus): HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 causes fever blisters, or cold sores, on the lips and mouth, and is more an annoying infection than a disease. HSV-2 is Genital Herpes.

However, similar to HSV-2, Genital Herpes can lie dormant in the nerves, becoming active when our immune system is low: in other words, when we are stressed, worried, under emotional pressure, or simply not taking care of ourselves. One worrisome aspect of the two different strains is that neither of them ever really goes away. While the first is more a bother than anything else, there is one complication that’s important to remember: if you have HSV-1(oral herpes), it can be transmitted during oral sex to the genital area of your partner from your lips or mouth. It is important to avoid intimacy during flare-ups of HSV-1.

Clearly, the easiest way of being infected with Genital Herpes is by engaging in some form of sexual contact with a person who already has the disease. Although some people never develop symptoms, the clearest physical sign of Genital Herpes is small, fluid-filled blisters around or on the penis, scrotum, vulva, or buttocks. The blisters can also appear on the mouth if they’ve been spread there during oral sex. When Genital Herpes is active, it can be painful to urinate; the lymph nodes in the groin can be swollen; aching muscles in the thighs, backside or knees, fever, and flu-ish feelings are also common. As with HSV-1, the skin tingles at the place where the blisters will appear. However, in Genital Herpes the blisters are much more painful, and the virus leads to ulcers on the skin, which is a good reason for Herpes testing if you think you have it!

The first type of Herpes test takes place when one already has an outbreak of blisters, or sores, on the skin on or around the genitals. The STD doctor at a clinic takes a very small sample of the liquid from the blister, which is the most accurate way of seeing if one has Genital Herpes. A blood test is another way of knowing if one has ever been infected with the Herpes. It’s important to remember that a blood test can be positive even if you have never had symptoms of Genital Herpes (HSV-2).

If a Herpes test is positive, your doctor will advise you about medication against the virus (acyclovir, for example), which will help stop the discomfort, and make the virus go dormant again. Genital Herpes has aspects to it that make it not as serious as some STDs, but it is much more serious than others. Some complications are as follws: pregnant women who have an outbreak of Genital Herpes at the time of giving birth can pass the virus to the baby. And, babies infected during pregnancy may be born premature, or develop meningitis, for example. In individuals who are HIV positive, the virus can affect other parts of the body (the spine, lungs, eyes, or the brain).

It’s important to stress that Genital Herpes, like HSV-1, can’t be cured, which means that if you become infected, it’s vital for you to take good care of yourself, because if you don’t, you can trigger another outbreak. Also, using medication can reduce the risk of passing the HSV-2 virus (genital Herpes) to another person.

Inform yourself, and remember how important Herpes testing is in staying healthy. If you live in NYC and would like to get STD testing by a board certified STD clinic, log onto genital herpes testing for more information. STD Clinic of New York is located just blocks from Grand Central Station and is therefore easily accessible by all means of public transportation. To ask any questions, or to book a convenient appointment, simply call 1-212-696-5900 to speak to a staff member. 

Herpes 1 and 2 Testing: The Essentials

Herpes immediately comes to mind whenever STDs are discussed, and for good reason: it's one of the most widespread diseases out there, with an estimated 16% of Americans aged 14 to 49 carrying the virus. That number increases drastically for major metropolitan areas, especially New York City. As with anything else, knowledge is power where herpes is concerned. This article will get you acquainted with the basics of the disease and then provide an overview of treatment practices and herpes testing options.

The Basic Facts

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is, as the name suggests, a viral disease belonging to the same family as chicken pox and shingles. There are two varieties of Herpes Simplex. Type 1 is more common and usually affects the face and mouth, producing characteristic cold sores during outbreaks. Type 2 usually affects the genitals with painful, itchy sores; this type is what most people mean by herpes and this type concerns us most. Both types cycle between active and remission periods. Visible outbreaks correspond with periods of weakened immune response, becoming less severe and frequent as time goes on. However, most individuals can go weeks, months, or even years without showing any symptoms. Make no mistake: genital herpes is just as contagious when asymptomatic. In fact, this is one of the better reasons to seek an STD clinic for yourself or your partner. While incurable, the disease need not hamper one's intimate relations. Timely and thorough herpes testing is the first step to mitigating the worst of this common STD.

How Testing Works: Viral Cultures

Herpes testing is most accurate within 48 hours of the first outbreak. For this reason, it's important to find a clinic as soon as symptoms appear—your doctor will have a better chance of pinpointing the diagnosis, and you'll have improved treatment options. In these cases, a culture test is administered by swabbing the sore directly. Results usually take one week and can be “typed” to distinguish between the strains (either type can show up anywhere on the body, but Type 2 is most often the culprit in the genitals). Remember that time is of the essence: the longer you wait, the more likely your results will return false negatives due to a lack of active virus. Thankfully, new DNA tests are improving precision, but that's no reason to wait it out or avoid seeing a medical professional.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are available when there is a lack of visible symptoms. This variety of herpes blood test detects antibodies produced by the immune system to signal the presence of the virus. Specifically, it looks for IgG antibodies—these develop soon after initial infection and remain in the blood thereafter. Blood tests can also distinguish by type and are known for being more accurate. Be aware that it takes time for the human body to develop antibodies, and thus the medical community recommends waiting 12 to 16 weeks from the last possible date of exposure to ensure detectable levels. Consult your doctor to find out which herpes blood test is best for you—there are several varieties, each catering to different use patterns, patient characteristics, and results windows.

Alternate Tests

A few alternate methods of herpes testing exist. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are highly sensitive and superior to viral cultures, but they aren't yet readily available. Expect to see advances in this technology in the near future. Viral antigen tests are accurate only in the initial outbreak and have similar availability problems. Finally, the Tzanck herpes test relies on health care providers' judgment calls, a less rigorous and regulated protocol.

New York City residents, don't hesitate to contact STD Center NY to ask about herpes 2 testing NYC. They offer unrivaled, board-certified medical attention for all of your questions, concerns, or inquiries. Just blocks from Grand Central Station and easily accessible by train or bus, STD Center NY features affordable, private, state-of-the-art herpes testing services. Call 1-212-696-5900 for an appointment or log onto STD testing NYC for more information. Make a commitment to better health!

The ABCs of Sexually Transmitted STI’s

It's going to take a sea change in our mentality about sexual health in order to reverse our current take on Sexually transmitted diseases screening. At present, it's not even a “necessary evil” to most people—“unnecessary work” is more like it. Yet America (and the globe) faces epidemic infection rates with many of the major Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and sexually active adults go right on making themselves miserable by refusing to take action and seek Sexually Transmitted Diseases screening. How to combat this? Education! You, reader, can inform yourself, and you can spread this useful knowledge to your family and friends. Preserving your health is no chore, especially where HIV and other incurable diseases are concerned. It's more of a necessity, come to think of it; the efforts we put in now will help spur scientific innovation, and hopefully eliminate these scourges once and for all. With that high-sounding rhetoric out of the way, let's get down to some alphabetic factoids to spread the knowledge around.

A: AIDS, a.k.a. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Caused by HIV, AIDS afflicts millions worldwide and has been an American public-health problem for decades.

B: birth control, a collection of methods aimed at preventing unwanted pregnancies.

C: chlamydia, a very common bacterial infection that can be asymptomatic or exhibit itching, pain, and discharge.

D: diagnosis can be difficult and shouldn't be attempted by amateurs. It's best to seek professional Sexually Transmitted STI’S screening services to identify and treat possible Sexually transmitted STI’s.

E: examination on a regular basis is the first step to reversing large-scale apathy toward Sexually transmitted STI’s screening.

F: fungal Sexually transmitted STI’s exist, too—yeast infections being the most common.

G: gonnorhea, a very common bacterial infection that usually afflicts men with burning, discharge, and swollen testicles.

H: herpes, an extremely common viral infection that can be asymptomatic or exhibit periodic genital sores.

I: infertility, a possible long-term effect of many damaging Sexually transmitted STI’s.

J: joint pain can be a symptom of gonorrheal infection, particularly in the knees, wrists, or ankles.

K: knowledge. It bears repeating, this can help limit the spread of Sexually transmitted STI’s and improve future screening practices, so visit your local Sexually Transmitted STI’S clinic now.

L: lymphogranuloma venereum, an infection of genital lymph nodes characterized by painful swelling, abscesses, and inflammation.

M: medical advances have done much to improve the safety, rapidity, and reliability of Sexually transmitted STI’s screening.

N: needles can transmit blood-borne diseases with alarming speed.

O: oral sex can transmit many Sexually transmitted STI’s just as easily as vaginal or anal sex. Dispel this common misconception!

P: penile cancer, a possible long-term side effect of untreated HPV.

Q: questions—we all have them! There's no need to keep silent, even if you're embarrassed. Part of a successful Sexually transmitted STI’s screening involves posing and answering any and all questions which arise.

R: recurrence, an outbreak or flare-up of certain incurable diseases such as herpes.

S: syphilis, an insidious disease with dire long-term consequences, if untreated.

T: trichomoniasis, an Sexually transmitted STI’s characterized by inflammation in the cervix, urethra, and vagina as well as itchiness and foul-smelling discharge.

U: urine samples have steadily become more applicable in Sexually transmitted STI’s screening environments due to more sophisticated lab techniques.

V: vaginosis, a disease in which naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina are disrupted by too much of a certain kind of bacteria.

W: warts—or genital sores. The most easily recognized symptom of HPV infection.

X: The Title X Family Planning program, established in 1970, is the only federal grant program dedicated to low-income families in need of contraception, Sexually transmitted STI’s screening, and information.

Y: young women and men are particularly at risk for Sexually transmitted STI’s because of prevailing sexual practices, misinformation, and the desire to remain anonymous.

Z: zithromax, a common antibiotic prescribed for bacterial diseases such as gonorrhea.

New York metropolitan residents should get tested for herpes in NYC for unrivaled, board-certified medical attention for all of your questions, concerns, or inquiries. Just blocks from Grand Central Station and easily accessible by train or bus, STD Center NY features affordable, private, state-of-the-art STD testing services. Call 1-212-696-5900 for an appointment or log onto STI tests in NYC for more information. Go on, keep learning!

Fighting Gonorrhea Begins With a Simple Screening

America is home to baseball, apple pie…and gonorrhea. There really seems to be a problem with STDs and our overall behavior in this country. To be honest it is not really our behavior—we do nothing in this country that is not done in abundance in other countries (except for, probably, buying air conditioners)— it is the lack of testing that is the problem. Anyone engaging in sexual activity should visit a certified STD clinic and ask for a screening. It is only through testing that we will become a healthier nation. (That, and more missiles…)

Sexually transmitted diseases are so easy to catch—and boy, do we catch ‘em! How many Americans have an STD? Well it’s higher than one in four people. Heck, one in four people have the herpes virus. It’s one in three in big cities like New York. These are crazy numbers. But they won’t get any lower if people don’t go for that screening. There may be worse STDs to catch than gonorrhea, but (understatingly) any sexual disease is a bummer.

Gonorrhea is one of those diseases that has been around since our grandfathers were catting around on shore leave during Dubya Dubya Two. And it still remains an awful illness. In fact, believe it or not gonorrhea is the second most common STD in America. There are approximately a half million new cases reported every year, but experts approximate that the real number is probably more than twice that. With statistics this high who could argue with receiving a simple, easy, and affordable screening?

What exactly is gonorrhea? This is where this article gets a little nauseating. If you are prone to the dry heaves do not go any further.  Gonorrhea is an unfortunately very common STD caused by the bacterium gonococcus. This particular gnarly bacterium can grow and multiply in many of the warm moist areas of your body—such as inside the penis and rectum. Ahhh, gonorrhea grows in the rectum as well as the penis—and also the throat, cervix and urethra. When a screening is administered and treatment begins it can stop the progression of the bacteria.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea? The symptoms of gonorrhea include a yellow or green discharge from the penis or vagina. Symptoms also include painful urination. This feeling has been called “peeing razor blades.” It would be difficult to think of a more…uhm, colorful metaphor than that. Some infected individuals will show no symptoms at all! This is another key reason why receiving a screening is so important to each and every person who engages in sexual activity. (That, and the green discharge…)

What will happen if you become infected with gonorrhea? Nothing, if you receive that screening and treatment is started—but if left untreated gonorrhea can cause blindness if it spreads to the eyes, infect unborn children in the womb, and cause painful ejaculations. (Painful ejaculations? Where’s the screening sign-up sheet?) Problems arise when individuals suffer through symptoms and do nothing.

It’s just human nature; sometimes it’s easier to just ignore something until it goes away. It is then that many people forget about the previous pain entirely, figuring whatever the problem was is gone—and progress with their regular lives. The big problem is that the disease does not go away when the symptoms do. The disease remains alive and continues to damage the body.

What can be done for a gonorrhea infection? It’s all about the screening. Receive a screening to determine if you are positive or negative. If positive, treatment can commence. The most common treatment is antibiotics prescribed by a certified STD doctor. The screening is an analysis of the blood taken during a routine blood screening. We’ve all had blood screenings, it’s a simple pin prick and does not cause pain. It’s well worth the very slight discomfort to know if you have gonorrhea.

If you live in NYC and would like to get  gonorrhea screening in NYC by a board certified STD clinic for any reason at all, log onto STD screening in NYC for more information. STD Clinic of New York is located just blocks from Grand Central Station and is therefore easily accessible by all means of public transportation. To ask any questions, or to book a convenient appointment, simply call 1-212-696-5900 to speak to a staff member.