You probably know that the most common types of STIs are caused by viruses and bacteria. Most people, however, are unaware of the important differences stemming from these two types of disease-causing microorganisms. While bacterial infections can be cured, there is no resolution for viral STIs at the time being.
Continue readingPost Category → #STD
Is It Possible to Get Genital Herpes from Oral Herpes?
Oral and genital herpes are caused by two separate viruses that belong to the same family. This fact leads to important questions like can you get genital herpes from the oral virus and vice versa. The answer is yes and it all depends on the sexual practices you engage in.
Continue readingHIV Self-Testing
Through the years, HIV self-testing kits have become more readily available and popular. These are especially useful for high-risk individuals interested in maintaining their privacy. While convenient, however, HIV self-testing kits pose specific challenges that have to be addressed as soon as possible.
Continue readingDid the Covid-19 Pandemic Cause STD Testing Shortages?
The tools and the methodologies used for STI and for coronavirus testing are similar. As a result, sexual health clinics in many parts of the world have experienced a reduction in the availability of testing resources. This disruption has contributed to major issues pertaining to timely STI diagnoses.
Continue readingA New Cure for STD Trichomoniasis Is on the Way
Trichomoniasis is the most common STI not caused by a virus. While a treatment for the condition is already in existence, medical authorities are always looking for new cures. A new clinical trial suggests that a common antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis is also effective for overcoming trichomoniasis.
Continue readingAnother Step Closer to Getting Rid of Herpes
A modification of the herpes simplex virus has enabled researchers to test a highly effective HSV vaccine on animals. In the study, the vaccine proved to be equally effective for the prevention of both oral and genital herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2).
Continue readingWhat STDs Can Teach Us About Overcoming the Coronavirus Pandemic
A number of important parallels exist between the ways the world has handled STIs through the decades and the approach towards the Covid-19 pandemic. Researchers believe that if we all learn the most important lessons, eradicating the novel coronavirus would be a much easier endeavour.
Continue readingNew Study Shows Us Just How Bad Syphilis Was in Europe during the 18th Century
New analysis of historical records shows that large urban areas in Europe were plagued by STDs in the 18th century. The situation was so bad in places like London that one in five young adults under the age of 35 were diagnosed with a serious STD like syphilis.
Continue readingStudying Koalas Could Provide New Opportunities for the Treatment of Chlamydia
Research suggests that chlamydia is one of the most widespread STIs, affecting numerous kinds of animals ranging from mammals to birds. Studies show that koalas are infected by the same type of bacterium that causes chlamydia in humans. Hence, researchers believe that koalas could be the key to development of an effective chlamydia vaccine.
Continue readingCould New Gene Therapy Be the Solution for Herpes Simplex Virus 1?
New breakthrough scientific research is giving hope for the discovery of a cure for the treatment of herpes. Currently, there are only approaches aimed at supressing the symptoms caused by the virus. Through gene editing, researchers are now making it possible to get rid of the infection altogether.
Continue reading