STIs(sexually transmitted infections) testing is an important way to maintain your sexual health and overall health as you can receive treatment immediately if necessary. You may be wondering what exactly is involved in STI screening. Most people understandably feel anxious or embarrassed about getting tested, but it is a very simple and straightforward process. Let’s talk about what you can expect during a typical STI screening and where you can go in Kent for private STI testing and ... [Read More]
Reproductive Health
The Long-Term Effects of STDs
Almost 20 million Americans contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) each year. That statistic may or may not surprise you, but those who are afflicted with an STD – both men and women – could face dire consequences if they allow the embarrassment and stigma attached to these diseases to prevent them from seeking immediate medical help. The most common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, herpes, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis B and C. Some of these diseases respond quickly and ... [Read More]
Talking to Your Teenager about STDs
If you are wondering when is the best time to talk about sex with your teen, the answer is “the sooner the better”. You definitely don’t want to be having this conversation while driving to the pharmacy to fill a prescription for a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The truth is that about 80% of teens are sexually active by the time they reach the age of 19 and approximately ½ of the 20 million reported cases of STDs annually are in people aged 15 to 24 years old. These reported cases include ... [Read More]
Are My Periods Too Heavy?
If you are worried about your periods being too heavy, you are not alone. Many women ask themselves the same question. Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, happens when you lose too much blood during your period, or bleed for too long. Women with menorrhagia often lose twice as much blood as women with a normal period. One of the biggest immediate risks associated with this kind of blood loss is anemia. Anemia occurs when your body cannot replace lost red blood cells fast enough. Symptoms ... [Read More]
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): What You and Your Loved Ones Need to Know
Have you been searching for ways to better protect yourself from HIV? Is someone you love HIV positive? It is possible now to live a long and healthy, relatively symptom-free life, as well as have deep and meaningful relationships with people who are HIV positive even if you’re not. Here is what you need to know about pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. What is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis? Pre-exposure prophylaxis is a relatively new form of HIV prevention that has only been available in the ... [Read More]