Sexual Health
Herpes
Over 80 known viruses exist within the Herpes family. Of these, 8 are known to cause disease in humans, the most common being Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. HSV-1 and HSV-2 look identical under the microscope, and either type can infect the mouth or genitals. Usually, however, HSV-1 occurs above the waist, and HSV-2 below the waist.
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) - commonly causes herpes labialis (also called oral herpes, cold sores or fever blisters), which are highly infectious open sores that crust over before healing. Although less probable, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes.
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) - a contagious viral infection primarily causing genital herpes in men and women. The telltale signs and symptoms of genital herpes include recurrent clusters of blisters, bumps and rashes in the genital areas. HSV-2 can also be responsible for herpes labialis, although less often than HSV-1.
Acyclovir
Acyclovir is an antiviral agent that is active against the herpes virus infections of the genitals, skin, brain, and mucous membranes. The drug is also used to treat other viral infections such as shingles and chickenpox. Acyclovir is used both systemically and topically, but usually will only help with the symptoms and will not lead to a cure of the virus. Side effects include pain, swelling, increased thirst, loss of appetite, and nausea.
Famvir
Famciclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Famciclovir shortens the length of time symptoms are present. Famciclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses including shingles, genital herpes, and cold sores (in people with HIV)
Treatment with famciclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). Take all of the famciclovir that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission.
Valtrex
May also be referred to as: Famvir, Famciclovir, Valacyclovir.
Valtrex is the only once-a-day prescription medication proven to suppress future genital herpes outbreaks. Valtrex works by disrupting the process by which the herpes virus reproduces itself and spreads to other cells in the body. There is no cure for genital herpes, and no drug has been proven to prevent the spread of herpes to others. Use Valtrex to suppress herpes outbreaks or to treat them when they occur.
Just one caplet once a day effectively suppresses outbreaks, and for some people, may suppress them altogether for up to a year.* The recommended dosage for suppressive therapy is 1 g, once a day. In patients with a history of nine or fewer outbreaks per year an alternative dose is 500 mg, once a day.
Just 500 mg twice a day for 3 days speeds healing and reduces the duration of pain of a recurrent outbreak.†
The most common side effects are headache, nausea and abdominal pain. Valtrex is intended for adults with normal immune systems. If your immune system is not normal because of advanced HIV disease or bone marrow or kidney transplant, make sure your doctor knows this to avoid a potentially serious complication.
*In clinical trials, one-third (34%) of patients had no outbreaks for an entire year compared with 4% for sugar pill. No data are available for suppressive treatment beyond 1 year.
† Median time to cessation of pain is 3 days. Median time to lesion healing is 4.5 days.
Genital Warts
Genital warts (condylomata acuminata or venereal warts) are the most easily recognized sign of genital Human papillomavirus (HPV infection). Many people, however, have a genital HPV infection without genital warts.
Genital warts are very contagious and are spread during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner. About two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with a partner with genital warts will develop warts, usually within three months of contact.
Like many STDs, genital HPV infections often do not have visible signs and symptoms. One study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported that almost half of the women infected with HPV had no obvious symptoms. People who are infected but who have no symptoms may not know they can transmit HPV to others or that they can develop complications from the virus.
In women, the warts occur on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the opening (cervix) to the womb (uterus), or around the anus. In men, genital warts are less common. If present, they usually are seen on the tip of the penis. They also may be found on the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus. Rarely, genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected person.
Aldara
Because Aldara cream doesn't cure Human Papilloma Virus, the cause of genital and perianal warts, new warts may form during treatment. Aldara cream may weaken condoms and diaphragms, so sexual contact should be avoided while the cream is on the skin. How Aldara cream affects the spread of genital warts to a partner is not known. A woman who is or becomes pregnant while using Aldara cream should notify her health care provider immediately. Do not use Aldara to treat internal (inside the vagina or anus) warts. Skin color changes to the application site have also been reported. Do not cover warts with bandages or other closed dressings. Avoid using overly large amounts of cream. A thin layer that completely covers each wart is enough.
Aldara is an off-white oil-in-water vanishing cream. Typically, dosing is once a day, 3 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Apply Aldara cream at bedtime, after bathing, so you do not wash off the cream. Treatment with Aldara cream should continue until the warts are completely gone, or up to 16 weeks.
Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infection or vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common cause of vaginal irritation. Doctors estimate that approximately 75 percent of all women will experience at least one symptomatic yeast infection during their lifetimes. Yeast are always present in the vagina in small numbers, and symptoms only appear with overgrowth. Several factors are associated with increased symptomatic infection in women, including pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and the use of oral contraceptives or antibiotics. Other factors that may increase the incidence of yeast infection include using douches, perfumed feminine hygiene sprays, and topical antimicrobial agents, and wearing tight, poorly ventilated clothing and underwear. Whether or not yeast can be transmitted sexually is unknown. Because almost all women have the organism in the vagina, it has been difficult for researchers to study this aspect of the natural history.
Symptoms. The most frequent symptoms of yeast infection in women are itching, burning, and irritation of the vagina. Painful urination and/or intercourse are common. Vaginal discharge is not always present and may be minimal. The thick, whitish-gray discharge is typically described as cottage-cheese-like in nature, although it can vary from watery to thick in consistency. Most male partners of women with yeast infection do not experience any symptoms of the infection. A transient rash and burning sensation of the penis, however, have been reported after intercourse if condoms were not used.
Diflucan
Diflucan (Fluconazole) is an antifungal medication. It is like an antibiotic but is used to treat fungal infections. Fluconazole is used to treat yeast infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus; vaginal yeast infections; fungal urinary tract infections; pneumonia caused by yeast; and fungal infections throughout the whole body and in the blood. Fluconazole is also used to prevent fungal infections from occurring in people with suppressed immune systems such as cancer chemotherapy patients, organ transplant patients, and AIDS patients.
