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Hepatitis the name of a medical condition caused by a virus. All forms of hepatitis are characterised by swelling of the liver. There are different disease progressions and levels of severity, depending on the specific virus responsible. There are five main kinds of hepatitis, designated hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis A is spread via stool from an infected person. You can catch it by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV can also be spread through unsafe sex practices. Like all forms of hepatitis, infection with HAV can lead to inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is not a chronic disease — the body’s immune response can destroy the virus all together. Except in very rare cases, all hepatitis A patients make a complete recovery.

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is spread through contact with an infected person’s body fluids, such as blood or semen. HBV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), which can be passed on through unsafe sex. You can also contract hepatitis B through a bite from an infected person, being pieced or tattooed with unsterilised equipment or by getting infected fluids in a cut or an abrasion. Intravenous drug users may contract the disease by sharing needles. Blood products are now screened for the virus but it is technically possible to contract hepatitis B from an infected blood transfusion. A mother who is infected may pass HBV to her baby during birth or through breast milk. Some people are able to overcome the infection completely; others fall victim to a chronic or lifelong infection. Hepatitis B can damage the liver and may lead to cancer. It is much more serious than hepatitis A.

Hepatitis C is spread in the same way to hepatitis B, through contact with infected body fluids. It also causes swelling of the liver and can lead to long-term damage. Most patients infected with hepatitis C will carry the infection for the rest of their lives. It is a dangerous virus, capable of causing cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver and liver cancer.

Hepatitis D can only be contracted alongside hepatitis B or if you are already infected with the hepatitis B virus. The HBV infection doesn’t have to be active; the presence of the virus is all that’s required. It is spread in a similar way to hepatitis B. Hepatitis D has the highest mortality rate of all forms of hepatitis, with 20% (one fifth) of all cases resulting in death.

Hepatitis E is spread in a similar way to hepatitis B, through means such as contaminated food or water. Hepatitis E is rare in regions of the world with adequate sanitation.

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Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that affects nearly 1 in 20 sexually active women in the UK, making it one of the most common STIs in the country.

Around seventy-five per cent of women and half of all men with chlamydia do not display any symptoms. In those cases where symptoms are present – which can involve an unusual discharge or burning sensation while urinating – they are often so mild that the person with the infection does not realise anything is wrong. For this reason chlamydia is often known as the ‘silent’ disease.

If left untreated, the chlamydia infection will eventually spread to the reproductive organs and once there it can cause permanent damage. In some cases the chlamydia bacteria will lead to inflammation of the pelvis, damaging the Fallopian tubes that transport eggs from the ovaries to the womb, causing them to become blocked and stop working. Pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to a fever and in rare cases can even be life threatening.

Although it is not impossible a for a woman with blocked Fallopian tubes to become pregnant, there is a greatly increased chance of the foetus developing the tubes rather than in the womb. This condition, known as an ectopic pregnancy, can lead to a life-threatening condition as the tube may eventually burst causing serious internal bleeding.

Chlamydia has also been linked to miscarriage and premature birth. In some instances, the infection can be passed from mother to baby, either during the birth or before, which can cause the child to be born with conjunctivitis and pneumonia.

Although Chlamydia can be treated and cured with a simple course of antibiotics – even if you are pregnant or breastfeeding – the fact that many of those with the infection do not realise that they have it means many women become infertile unnecessarily. The same bacteria that is responsible for causing chlamydia is also a leading cause of preventable blindness in many parts of the world.

In men chlamydia can infect the tubes that carry urine from the bladder out of the penis or even to the prostate gland. It can also affect fertility by causing the testicles and tubes that transport sperm to swell up, preventing sperm from being released. A rare complication, more often seen in men than women, is inflammation of the joints, known as Reiter’s syndrome.

You can be tested for chlamydia by providing your doctor with a urine sample.
If you are diagnosed with the infection you will not know how long you have had the infection for or who you caught it from. This can be extremely difficult to come to terms with and it may help for you to talk through the issues with staff at your local healthcare centre. If you delay seeking treatment you run the risk of the infection causing more serious problems.

Another issue linked to the lack of symptoms is that, unless both partners are treated at the same time, there is a strong possibility that one partner will simply reinfect the other.

Freedom Health offer Chlamydia Testing and Treatment

Many people mistakenly believe syphilis is a thing of the past, a sexually transmitted disease widespread until the medical advancements made in the 20th century practically swept it from the face of the Earth. However, this is not the case. In fact, in many countries infection rates have increased over the last decade.

What has caused the increase in syphilis infection in recent years? A general lack of awareness coupled with a failure to forcefully promote the importance of protected sex has certainly aided the disease to spread. Perhaps a general complacency grew in the wake of the drastic reduction in syphilis cases that followed the advent of penicillin in the 1940s.

Sexual health campaigns and school sex education classes have focussed more on highlighting the dangers of contracting sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and HIV, but everyone should also be alert to the threat of contracting syphilis through unprotected sex.

How is syphilis spread and who is at risk? The infection is caused by the germ Treponema Pallidum and can be spread by sharing needles, kissing and having oral, vaginal or anal sexual contact. It can also be passed as congenital syphilis from mother to baby during the pregnancy or birth.

Anyone in a sexual relationship with an infected partner, engaging in unprotected sex, leading a risky and promiscuous sex life or sharing needles are more likely to contract syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Syphilis has three main stages, each with different symptoms. In the primary stage, the infected person may develop an open oral, vaginal or anal sore. If medical advice is not sought the painless sore will eventually heal itself. However, this means the disease goes undiagnosed.

The secondary stage is equally problematic, as the symptoms are very similar to flu and often dismissed as such. The disease can then lay dormant until entering the tertiary stage, during which the heart and brain can be damaged, leading to serious illness or death.

Of course, a sweeping improvement of sexual health education for all ages and promotion of using condoms as a preventive measure would be an effective global strategy, but mounting such campaigns successfully in less developed countries can be difficult.

Found early syphilis can be simply treated with penicillin. However, without the necessary knowledge, infected people may not recognise the warning signs. Syphilis in modern times remains a grave concern and a challenge, requiring worldwide raised awareness of its symptoms and how to prevent it spreading. Freedom Health offer comprehensive Syphilis Treatment and Syphilis Testing.

Known as the “The Middle-age Spread”, STIs in the over 50s has become a topic garnering increasing attention in both the medical community and the press. In the last decade, cases of Chlamydia in those aged 45-64 have risen by three quarters. While almost a fifth of the same age group admitted to having unprotected sex in the last five years with someone other than their long-term partner. But why is an age range with typically low rates of STIs seeing a rise?

One reason lies in divorce. While the overall divorce rate has begun to decline, it is actually increasing in those of retirement age. On reaching retirement many older couples are finding their increased amounts of free time actually detrimental to their marriage. Quite literally, they’re realising they don’t like each enough to spend the whole day together. Indeed, this rise in over 50s divorce has even created some cultural attention, being labelled “silver separations”. Instead of staying in, the aging population are travelling widely, experimenting with new cultural experiences, and more importantly, embarking on casual relationships. In that sense, the rise of STI rates isn’t too surprising; over 50s are having more casual sex now than ever.

Ironically, the wealth of safe-sex advertising aimed at today’s youth is also having a diverse effect on the over 50s. Returning to the world of casual sex, none of the advice or guidance provided by the government is targeted at the older ages. This means that they are finding themselves unaware of many of the modern problems with STIs and how easy the solutions can be. Without the reminder, it’s unlikely to be something on their mind when embarking on their new life. Only now are we beginning to see a growth in over 50s aimed sexual health advertising, but it still too little too late to stem the rise of STIs.

Another factor is likely the lower use of condoms in the over 50s, thanks to the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men of older age. If an over 50 finds it hard to maintain an erection, the wearing of a condom will likely make it much worse as it restricts the blood flow to the penis. And whilst prescription drugs and other remedies are available to help with erectile dysfunction, its influence will still lead to reduced condom usage and therefore higher rates of STIs.

Often referred to as the ‘silent disease’ because many people who contract it don’t experience any symptoms, Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK.

Untreated, the disease can lead to infertility and other complications in both men and women. Even if you don’t experience any symptoms yourself, you can still pass on the disease to your partner so regular screening is important if you are sexually active or have multiple partners. All sexually active women up to the age of 25 should be screened annually for Chlamydia.

Chlamydia is passed on through unprotected sex and can easily be passed back and forth. Symptoms usually start one to three weeks after getting the infection, but they may take longer to develop. However, around 50% of men and 70% of women with Chlamydia don’t experience any symptoms at all.

In women, the symptoms include an increased or unusual amount of discharge from the vagina. This is caused by an inflamed cervix. You may feel the need to urinate more frequently or experience pain when passing urine.

You may experience pain, and even bleeding, during or after sex. Your periods may become irregular or particularly heavy and you may also experience pain in the lower abdomen or the pelvis area.

If left untreated, the infection can spread to your womb and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which is a major cause of infertility, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

Men with Chlamydia may notice a milky discharge from their penis, which may stain your underwear.

You may experience a burning sensation or pain when passing urine, and your testicles could become swollen and painful.

If left untreated, you are at risk from complications such as inflamed or swollen testicles, reactive arthritis and infertility.

Very rarely the infection can affect other areas of the body including the rectum (anus), eyes or throat.

If you are infected in the rectum, you may experience a discharge or bleeding and may feel discomfort. Chlamydia infection in the throat is unlikely to give you any symptoms but if your eyes are infected, they can become irritated and weepy (conjunctivitis).

If you suspect you have symptoms of Chlamydia, it is important to get tested as soon as possible to ensure you don’t pass it on or develop complications. Testing for Chlamydia is very simple and can even be done at home using a confidential test kit. The usual treatment is a short course of antibiotics.

Keeping your Sex Life Healthy with Sex Toys

Exploring your own body is part of having a healthy sex life and what better way to experiment than with sex toys? Whether you play alone or with a partner, keep safety and hygiene in mind and you’ll find a sex toy will help you have a more fulfilling and happier sex life.

How do I use sex toys safely?

A good lubricant makes using a sex toy slicker, safer and more pleasurable. It’s easy to go too quickly when using a sex toy, so take the time make sure you are fully aroused and prepared before using a penetrative toy. Lube helps transfer vibrations for maximum pleasure and if you’re inserting the toy, it will reduce the risk of injury caused by over-enthusiasm.

How do I keep my sex toys clean?

Germs and bacteria can grow on sex toys and due to their intimate nature it’s important to keep your toys hygienic to prevent germs being introduced to delicate areas. Cleaning sex toys regularly decreases your chances of gaining an infection, reduces risk of disease and increases the lifespan of your toys.

Make sure you clean your sex toys thoroughly after each use. Remember – you should always remove any batteries when you aren’t using your toy, and especially when you’re cleaning it. Warm water, soap and a gentle touch is the best way to clean any sex toy. Pay careful attention to any bumps or ridges that may hold on to germs. Once you are satisfied, rinse your toy with clear water so there is no residual soap which may cause irritation. Be careful not to get water in any electrical parts. Leave your toys dry completely before storing in a moisture-free place, away from direct sunlight.

It’s always advisable to give your toys another quick clean before you use them as they may have been sitting in your drawer for a while. A spritz of specially-formulated antibacterial sex toy cleaner is quick and easy way to clean your toys before use, or in addition to thorough washing.

Inspect your toys from time to time to make sure they have not become damaged as small tears to the surface can harbour bacteria.

Can I share sex toys?

Diseases and infections can be passed between partners when using the same sex toys. A great method of protection is to slip a condom over toys you wish to share. Remember, a new condom should be used for each person, each time.

Which are the safest sex toys?

Jelly or rubber toys are made from more porous materials and so extra care should be taken when cleaning them and they should never be shared without a condom.

Toys made from toughened glass or medical grade silicone are the most hygienic toys and while they tend to be a little more expensive, they are safer for you and have a longer life span. Non-vibrating toys made from toughened safety glass and medical-grade silicone toys, such as dildos, Kegel balls and butt plugs, can even be boiled or put through the dishwasher for complete sterilisation and total peace of mind.

If you use silicone toys, make sure you do not use silicone lube with them as it can damage the surface of the toys and make them unusable.

A waterproof sex toy is always a good choice as you know you can completely submerge it in water when you clean it without worrying about damaging the electrical parts.

Find out more information at: www.lovehoney.co.uk

Lovehoney is the largest online sex toy retailer in the UK and sells a wide range of lingerie, condoms, lubes, erotic books and sexy gifts. We are the sexual happiness people and we are proud to make a fun, fulfilling sex life available to everyone.

Ultra-fast, accurate identification of HIV 1 (Group M and Group O) RNA, HIV 2 RNA,
Hepatitis C Virus RNA and Hepatitis B Virus DNA in human plasma from as early as 7
days post exposure.

Preliminary diagnosis of very early HIV and Hepatitis C disease is now possible at
7 days post possible exposure. This time frame was previously unavailable but utilisation of standard routine technology in a novel diagnostic style will facilitate very early diagnosis.

The technique utilises a fully automated system made by Roche and the testing method
uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or NAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification) to
detect miniscule amounts of viral (and the technique can be applied to bacteria) genetic material.

The technique was invented in the early 1980′s by a Dr Kary Mullis, who later won the Nobel Prize for the invetion of such an elegant molecular biological technique.
Initially, the test was cumbersome and required intensive well-trained technicians to run it.

In addition, the cost of running the test, partly because of the numbers of people involved was high.

Automation via the Roche Taq Multiplex device has enabled highly sensitive, highly specific,fully automated testing to be run on human blood with the detection of HIV-1and HIV-2 possible from 6 or 7 days post exposure; detection of Hepatitis C from 6 or 7 days post exposure and Hepatitis B virus from 20 days post exposure.

The technique has had most application so far in terms of screening the human blood supply from blood donors and has reduced the numbers of inadvertent contamination with HIV and Hepatitis C virus very considerably. The technique is also employed in organ donation settings where organs to be donated are screened for the HIV-1, HIV-2,Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B viruses.

Thinking laterally and working with The Doctors Laboratory ( a major global referral laboratory in London and CPA, UKNEQUAS, WEQAS, ISFG and EMON approved for quality, robustness and high standards), we have collaborated to apply the blood and tissue screening, ultra-high sensitive technique to beginning the diagnostic process for the
diseases identified.

The process works as follows. We take a measured amount of blood sufficient to run the three NAT tests for HIV-1 and HIV-2; Hepatitis C virus and Hepatitis B virus. We can also include syphilis IgG and IgM within that screen. The test is performed using the Roche platform and runs on the “sample in, results ou” technique
which reduces chances of contamination of product etc to zero. Should a positive sample be produced the whole specimen is drilled down to identify the virus producing the positive result and further confirmatory tests are performed.

The outcome is a highly sensitive, highly accurate detection methodology for detection of the identifed viruses. The turnaround time is swift, taking a maximum of 4 days.

This has great potential in terms of early identification of newly infected HIV positive patients and also to allow those who think they may have been infected to relax and enjoy considerable peace of mind.

The identification of patients newly infected with HIV is important because it presents several interventional opportunities.It allows for very early identification of newly infected HIV positive people which provides
the opportunity to anticpate and if necessary terminate by the use of anti-retroviral drugs the seroconversion illness; to mitigate the chances of that infection being transmitted unknowingly onwards to another individual; possibly
to alter the course of the HIV illness by allowing a very early intervention to limit immune system damage should early intervention at the very early stage be proved to be beneficial.

In the FDA Workshop on Implementation of Nucleic Acid Testing as long ago as 1999, a Dr Busch identified the well-known phrase, the “window period” as being of critical importance in identifying and targetingin terms of NAAT.

The window period for HIV 1 and Hepatitis C virus has to date depended very largely on the sensitivity of the HIV 1 and Hepatitis C antibody detection devices.

This was improved on for HIV by the introduction of parallel screening with HIV 1 p24antigen which reduces the HIV 1 detection interval by a week or so. In symptomatic individuals the combination of HIV 1 and HIV 1p24 antigen has successfully identified HIV positive individuals at 12 days post infection. Co-infection with
Hepatitis C and HIV has presented a diagnostic conundrum with occasional delayed sero-conversion – a group referred to as “immuno-silent”.

Studies on blood taken sequentially and regularly from people in the evolving phases of HIV and Hepatitis C diseases have given valuable information on the window period and which markers appear at what stage. Dr Busch coined the phrase “the eclipse period” which I think is a very elegant way of describing the time between physical transfer of infection to a person and the time when current testing methodologies can identify the illnesses.

Almost invariably when a person has been exposed to
HIV then by the time they have symptoms they are already in a “viraemic” phase where there is lots of virus detected.

With lots of virus comes lots of core viral proteins-referred to as p24 antigen
and so the combined HIV-1 and HIV-1 P24 antigen test is virtually always positive in the symptomatic patient.

So coming back to Dr Busch and his “eclipse phase”, this is the time period we are interested in detecting and the blood and organ donation services across Europe and the USA have utilised highly sensitive NAT techniques to identify early infection to halt contamination of the transfusion blood supply and transplanted organs.

Use of Nucleic acid Amplification Testing or PCR will reduce the window period, currently contained in the “eclipse phase” as described above, and allow early identification of newly infected HIV positive and Hepatitis C positive individuals at 7 days post infection. Similarly, early identification of hepatitis B will be possible with reduction of the window period for this illness to 20 days.