So you caught something, huh?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are those that are passed on through sexual contact, through genital contact or body fluids, including blood. Some vaginal afflictions make it much easier for STIs to infect you, especially bacterial vaginosis (BV).
STIs need to be treated immediately with antibiotics, or in the case of more serious, lifelong infections, with antivirals, immunosuppressants or other herbal, medical or physical therapies.
If you suspect you have an STI, see your doctor or local sexual health clinic immediately to be tested and treated. Don’t have unprotected sex with anyone in the meantime, since you could pass it on.
Have a snoop around!
How to get a comprehensive vaginal, urinary and semen microbiome test
Get accurate testing based on your needs via thorough vaginal and urinary microbiome testing.
read
How getting wasted affects your vaginal ecosystem
A quick chat about getting wasted and how this affects your microbial colonies.
readComparison table – what type of bad vag do I have? (BV, AV, Trich, Yeast)
Easy reference table for determining your vaginal infection.
read
Understanding vaginal PCR testing
Understanding PCR testing for the vaginal microbiome with a list of what to ask for.
readGenital warts caused by HPV
Genital warts are almost always caused by a variant of the HPV virus, however it isn't necessarily the same strain that causes cervical cancer. What strain you end up will determine if you could get genital warts or not. Genital warts are easily treated.
readStudy: BV and the vaginal immune response as it relates to HIV infection
A study looks into vaginal inflammation, BV and the relationship with HIV transmission to see what we could possibly be doing better to protect women.
readTesting and treatment for Mycoplasma genitalium
M. genitalium is an STI, tricky to treat due to its small size, lack of culturability, and no cell wall at which to direct treatments.
readStudy: do circumcised penises mean less vaginal infections? (spoiler alert – yes)
Circumcised penises result in less infection issues in female sexual partners.
readMolluscum contagiosum on the vulva
The virus molluscum contagiosum causes little pearly bumps to appear on the vulva, but only a few weeks after contact with an infected person. Molluscum contagiosum will resolve eventually by itself, but it can take a long time.
read
Vaginal and urethral Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
We look at research into the sexual transmission of Helicobacter pylori and how it could be a cause of bacterial vaginosis and urethritis in women. There are many modes of transmission, including breast to baby, and mouth to vagina.
readCondyloma lata (syphilis-related genital warts)
Condyloma lata refers to the warts that appear in the secondary form of syphilis.
read
What is genital shedding in herpes?
Viral shedding is where a virus makes virus babies that are popped out of cells, setting out to find their own cells to replicate in, and pop out their own viral babies.
readStudy: BV, HIV and herpes – is all what it seems?
The link between HIV, BV and HSV-2 may not be as it seems.
readUreaplasma infection (reproductive and urinary tracts)
Ureaplasma is an antibiotic-resistant infection that can affect the urogenital tract of women and men. We discuss its basic components in women.
readGranuloma inguinale (Klebsiella granulomatis)
Granuloma inguinale is an STI caused by a bacteria, and causes lumps that turn into sores in the genital area.
readSTI testing
Getting an STI test is a good idea, especially if you (or your partner) likes sex with more than one person.
readSTIs affecting women-only sex partners more often
Some STIs are more common in lesbians and bisexual women than heterosexual women. We discuss why.
read
Pubic lice (crabs, pediculosis)
Pubic lice - crabs - are reasonably easy to treat using medication or natural treatments, but can be persistent and spread easily.
readCongenital syphilis
Congenital syphilis is completely treatable, but untreated, can cause serious and permanent health problems.
readLymphogranuloma venereum (the ‘other’ chlamydia)
Lymphogranuloma venereum is an STI related to chlamydia that causes sores and blisters, and can cause irreversible damage to the rectum and other tissue if left untreated.
readAunt Vadge: white bumps inside my vagina lips
A woman with frequent infections - UTIs, yeast, BV, an STI - has some white spots on her inner upper labia.
read
