Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD A confidential HIV test might seem like one of the scariest things you can imagine. But smile, grit your teeth and go right ahead as there are many things in life that are much more scary. We look at just 3 of the things that are much scarier than a confidential HIV test.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD We've all heard the saying 'Ignorance is bliss', but when it comes to our health, nothing could be further from the truth. If we don't know that there is a problem, then we can't fix it, and if we don't fix it, most times it will simply get worse and cause us even greater pain and suffering. When it comes to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), it is not just ourselves who suffer as a result of ignorance or lack of action, but those that we come into intimate contact with too, and that is why taking a confidential HIV test is vitally important if there is even the smallest chance that you might have been exposed to any risk.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD For those who can remember back to the early 1980s and the start of the AIDS epidemic, there was something vaguely surreal about seeing the warnings on our television screens and the reports put out by the media. Was this all just hype, we were left wondering? Could this new disease really be that bad? Should we all be rushing off for a confidential HIV test? Since then, of course, the grim reality of the destructive forces of HIV and AIDS has hit home, with millions dying. Today, many more are living with the HIV virus thanks to vastly improved treatments.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus to give it its full title, is a special type of virus, known as a retrovirus, which attacks the body's immune system via the CD4 cells which are found in the blood and would normally be used to fight off infection. As the retrovirus moves through the body, it breaks down and then reassembles the DNA in the body's cells, so making copies of and spreading the 'bad' DNA. As more and more cells are affected, so the immune system becomes weaker and weaker until eventually it stops working altogether, leaving the body vulnerable to fatal diseases and infections.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD If you've ever been in the situation where you've needed to take a confidential HIV test you're likely to be concerned with how you may have caught the virus and where your strain originated from. Scientists have been trying to work out where the virus originated from since it was discovered in the 1980s, but even now that the exact origin of AIDS and HIV is clear, there are still some ridiculous rumours and conspiracy theories about where AIDS came from. Here we bust the worst of them...
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD We may as well get directly to the point! Whether it is casual, recreational or part of a sincere and deep relationship, sex for you is hopefully enjoyable and an expression of your desire, passion and feelings for another person. Unfortunately, HIV (and other sexually transmitted diseases or 'STDs') just can't be thought about in the same positive terms. They can be transmitted during various forms of sexual activity and it's advisable to take the subject seriously.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD If you're in a monogamous relationship and both you and your partner have been tested for STDs, a regular STD test is not always required. However, what happens when you start to notice symptoms? Could your partner be to blame? Do problems downstairs always mean he's cheating on you?
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD Have you recently taken a confidential HIV test? With any luck, you've breathed a huge sigh of relief as your results came back negative, but not everyone will be so fortunate. Having taken a test, you might just feel a little more fired up towards helping those who are living with HIV. If this is the case, then one of these fundraising opportunities might be just what you're looking for.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD Whilst most responsible humans undertake regular STD testing, the furred and feathered have their own variety of sexually transmitted diseases to worry about. Bulldogs with brucellosis, koalas with Chlamydia and feline FeLV are just a few infections that feature in the animal kingdom. What should you be looking for as a responsible pet owner and what symptoms can you can expect Fluffy to show?
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, and testing for them, there are many myths out there that people are falling for. This may leave you in danger, and by separating some of the myths from the facts about STDs and STD testing, Los Angeles can become a much safer and healthier place.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD If you are worried about having contracted an STD, then STD testing in Los Angeles can determine whether you are at risk of any of the common diseases or infections, and they can point you in the right direction for getting help, advice and treatment. However, although it is important to get screened regularly, there are some things that you can do to help protect yourself and decrease your chances of contracting anything through intercourse.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD Many people do not get an STD panel because they have not had any symptoms of an STD and therefore assume that they are healthy. This is not always the case however, and you may still be infected with certain infections and diseases despite not noticing any signs that anything is wrong.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD It's a scary situation to be faced with, but it does happen: you go for an STD test and it comes back positive. Although you may be worried, this is the importance of STD testing. Los Angeles residents can easily get a consultation for an STD test, but if the test comes back positive then the important thing is not to worry. Your STD clinic is well equipped to deal with the situation. Here are a few useful steps that you should take when faced with this situation.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD The STD test (Sexually Transmitted Disease) - it has to be admitted that it's not a subject likely to generate a lot of amusement! That's no excuse for ignoring it though. The fact is, if you like sex then sexual health is something you need to think about. Please remember in what follows that this is not qualified medical advice. If you're worried or in doubt you must consult a medical professional.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD Even in these enlightened days, it's not considered polite dinner conversation to chat openly about the STD testing you may or may not be having. Even though it makes sense and every responsible, sexually active adult should be undergoing regular STD testing, it's something that should perhaps only be shared with your nearest and dearest - and even then, perhaps only the nearest and dearest you're having sex with!
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD When you are sexually active, keeping yourself safe is a very big issue. With a range of sexually transmitted diseases that can be passed on during intercourse, it is highly important to ensure that you look after your sexual health. Since accidents sometimes do happen, whether it be unprotected sex that you didn't foresee, or your form of protection has in some way failed you, you cannot always be completely sure that you are not at risk. By taking an STD panel you can eliminate any worries, and identify anything that you may have picked up as quickly as possible for easy treatment.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD From our vantage point from afar, the celebrity lifestyle seems to be bursting at the seams with glitz, glamour and high profile relationships. But for many years, there have been those in the public eye that have chosen to abstain from having sex before they were married, or in some cases have chosen to be celibate for life. Click here to read about some of the world's celibate celebrities, who are unlikely ever to need STD testing.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD Scarlett Johansson inadvertently made herself the unofficial STD testing Los Angeles spokesperson when she offered her opinion on how frequently people should be checked for HIV. In an interview, Scarlett spoke of how she considered it 'disgusting' and 'irresponsible' that people neglect to get checked for STDs.
Expert Author: Tim Leach | Category: AIDS STD The issue of safe sex is very significant in the big city and no-one should under-estimate the importance of STD testing. Los Angeles in particular is one city who takes this matter seriously and there are many opportunities to have it done quickly and confidentially. In this article we'll explore some of the issues behind this sensitive subject - though please keep in mind that this is not qualified medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always contact a medical professional.
Los Angeles. City of Angels; home of Hollywood; home of the beautiful people; home of Universal Studios; home of sexually transmitted diseases... Screeeeech! Whoa, back up there sunshine! The city is well-known for many things but when it comes to the fact that research shows that it is one of the most prolific states in the USA for STD testing, Los Angeles tourism bigwigs would probably rather NOT shout that from the Hollywood Hills.
