3 Experimental mRNA HIV Vaccines: Hope on the Horizon to Prevent HIV?

Scientists have always been working on finding a safe and effective HIV vaccine. While so many advancements have been made over the past 4 decades since HIV was first discovered, inventing an HIV vaccine proves to be daunting and challenging. In March 2022, NIAID in collaboration with Moderna conducted a clinical trial of 3 experimental HIV vaccines utilizing the messenger RNA technology, a technology used in the discovery of the first two licensed COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines work by triggering the body’s immune response to a certain pathogen.

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Which STDs Increase the Chances of Getting HIV?

STDs can increase the risk of HIV transmission. Several STDs changes the cell lining in the vagina, penis, mouth or rectum and cause lesions on the skin or organ surfaces that facilitate HIV transmission. The other way this can happen is when immune cells are trying to fight inflammation caused by existing STDs and HIV tries to infect these immune cells. In this article, we discuss which particular STDs increases the chances of you getting infected with HIV why it happens

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Genital Warts, HPV’s Less Sinister Daughter

HPV is indeed one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. While HPV types 16 and 18 are hazardous and can lead to cervical cancer, strains 6 and 11 can develop into an uncomfortable health condition called genital warts. Despite being relatively harmless, genital warts are still contagious and can spread without the presence of visible symptoms. In this article, we take a closer look at how genital warts spread, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and prevention methods.

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Chancroid: A Bacterial STI You Might Never Heard Of

Chancroid, a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium called Haemophilus ducreyi. Mostly discovered in developing countries and more prevalent in heterosexual males, this infection starts as tender bumps filled with pus that will become genital ulcers and open sores. If left untreated, chancroid may facilitate the acquisition and transmission of HIV among heterosexuals. In this article, find detailed information on how the disease is transmitted, its risk factors, diagnosis and available treatments.

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The Hazards of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition resulting from bacteria. Oftentimes, the main culprits that lead to this health problem are chlamydia and gonorrhea. The transmitted bacteria can spread to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. If left untreated, PID can cause severe health conditions such as infertility, ectopic pregnancies, chronic pelvic pain and tubo-ovarian abscess. In this article, we dive deeper into the risk factors, symptoms, complications, and steps that can reduce the risks of PID.

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Lymphogranuloma Venereum: An Aggressive Form of Chlamydia

A more rare form of chlamydia, Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is caused by serotypes L1, L2 and L3. If the first main strain of chlamydia is known to affect the genital and urinary areas, LGV attacks the lymphatic system. The first telltale sign of LGV is small skin lesions and is often followed by the swelling of lymph nodes in the groin, pelvic areas or cervix. As with other STDs, if left untreated, LGV can result in severe health conditions such as hemorrhoid-like growths. In this article, we uncover this Chlamydia strain in depth.

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Watch Out for Genital Infections Caused By Fungus

Infections that occur on the genital parts can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites or fungus. Despite not being hazardous like other STIs, fungal infections can lead to extreme discomfort and make people think that they are suffering from some serious STDs. These infections can emerge as a result of taking antibiotics, sexual activities, existing health conditions such as diabetes and allergic reactions to harsh bath products. In this article, get more familiar with Tinea cruris, Balanitis and Candidiasis.

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Why Are Young Women More Prone to STDs?

Although some STDs such as chlamydia and trichomoniasis are more likely to attack women than men, young women at the age of 15 to 24 have to be more careful of STD transmission because they are more prone. This susceptibility is mainly caused by women’s anatomy in which the lining of the vagina is thin and delicate as well as not getting regularly screened for STDs despite being sexually active. Find out the complete reasons, 3 sexual diseases that are more common in women and preventive methods younger women can take to minimize transmission risks.

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5 Less Common STIs You Might Never Have Heard Of

STDs are much more than HIV, herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea. As the years go by, more infections are slowly recognized as STDs and they can be caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. In this article, learn more and be more knowledgeable about 5 less common STIs: pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), Mycoplasma genitalium, Lymphogranuloma venereum, Shigella, and pubic lice.

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Giardiasis: What You Need To Know

Giardiasis is a diarrheal disease caused by a parasite called Giardia duodenalis. Despite attacking the digestive system, this disease is slowly recognized as an STI because oral-anal sex is one of the ways this disease can be spread. In this article, learn more about all the possible ways Giardiasis can spread, who is more susceptible to getting it, its symptoms and treatment and how it can be prevented.

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