Author Archives → Shim Clinic

The Most Common to Extremely Rare Ways of HIV Transmission

HIV is a long and ongoing health problem that plagues almost every nation. What better way to avert this disease than to get ourselves fully-educated on the matter? When it comes to knowledge about HIV, standing in broad daylight is always better than being left in the dark. We have heard one too many times that sexual activities involving the exchange of certain bodily fluids are how the virus can be transmitted, but in this article, we will delve in and discuss the less common to extremely rare ways of HIV transmission.

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Every Stage of HIV Explained

Although HIV is notorious for being one of the most hazardous sexually transmitted diseases, it is no longer deemed a death sentence. After the advancement of medication and treatments, especially after 1983 when HIV was first identified, HIV positive people can still lead long and healthy lives. In this article, we delve deep into detailing every stage of HIV infection, its symptoms and the span of each stage. With the correct medication that is taken regularly, HIV rarely develops into the most severe stage which is acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

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Benefits of Visiting a Sexual Health Clinic and 6 Things to Expect

What is necessary is not always easy. Visiting a sexual health clinic can be an intimidating and daunting thing to cross off your to-do list. However, the only way to truly determine if you are free from STIs or STDs and give you peace of mind is to get tested. And if you indeed test positive, the correct medication can immediately be administered. Sexual health clinics are not a place to fear because contrary to the widely believed stigma, this place is not for the “reckless” and “filthy”. Find out the benefits and six things to expect when visiting one.

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HIV Testing: Who Should Take It and How Often Should It Be Done?

Incorporating an HIV test to your usual health examination routine is imperative. Not only is it beneficial for knowing a person’s health status, it is also a concrete and caring act towards our sexual partners. Ideally, HIV tests should be undergone by people between the ages of 13 to 64, but there is more than meets the eye. This article will delve deep into detailing who should get tested, the frequency of HIV testing, the types of HIV tests and how to react to and interpret the results.

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HIV PrEP 101: Every Essential Information You Need To Know

What is better than to cure a disease is to prevent it in the first place. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one HIV prevention method suitable for people who are at ongoing risk for HIV. This daily medication should be taken by people who test negative for HIV and is more than 90% effective in averting HIV from sex and more than 70% effective in reducing risk for HIV from drug injection. This article contains every important information you need to know about PrEP from its effectiveness to who qualifies to take it.

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Beware of These 5 STDs Which Condoms Do Not Fully Prevent

One thing trickier than sex is sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The good news is, if you are sexually active, using condoms correctly can help prevent STIs and STDs. The bad news, however, not all STDs can be warded off by condoms. While condoms can aid you in averting several diseases such as HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis B&C, they cannot fully eliminate the risk of getting diseases such as genital herpes, HPV and syphilis. Find out 5 STDs that cannot be completely avoided by the use of condoms.

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Premarital Screening: 5 Tests To Take Before Tying the Knot

Spending the rest of your life with the love of your life is one of life’s greatest gifts. But, not so fast. While you are busy picking the right cake flavour for the wedding, you should definitely not skip on premarital screening. Not only does this screening help you identify genetic disorders and infectious diseases, it also aids you in preventing passing the disease to your loved one and future kids if one of you turns out to be positive. Here are 5 medical tests prospective brides and grooms should undergo to ensure each other’s safety.

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What Should You Do If Your Partner Refuses STD Testing?

Getting physical with your partner is one of the things to look forward to in any relationship. However, it is imperative that every person do STD testing to ensure that no infections or diseases can be passed to the partner no matter which stage of relationship you are at. It is great if your partner is on board with this idea, but what if they refuse to carry out STD testing? We round up six steps you can try to convince them to take the test. From arguing logically and providing the facts to empowering them, we get you covered.

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