So, you have HIV, or maybe you know someone who does. I know this was not on your “To Do” List. You didn’t pencil in a life altering event. You now find yourself looking up at a cliff stretching a mile high, holding the rope for someone climbing the side or, perhaps, you’re climbing the cliff yourself. Your mind is racing, with one thought pulling up to the finish line; “I don’t think I can handle this…”

With a firm slap on the bottom we have been given the keys to the fine piece of organic machinery we like to call the human body, along with a license to accessories. We can pierce, tone, tan, and tattoo. Add grills, apply oils and wax rogue hairs in one ripping motion. All this at the push of a brain button. However, first we have to go through a series of decisions to get the right look and feel for ourselves.

I like to think of making these decisions as building a computer program. We’ll use a fun computer language to illustrate my point. We’ll use Java (because I like coffee) for our computer programming endeavour. We’ll call this endeavour the “Decathlon” program. The Decathlon Program is unique in that it requires a high level of user self-awareness and expertise to achieve optimal results, as the program is incompatible with the majority of anti-virus software. Although there is some tech support available, outright misuse can result in a full system shut down. Awareness is always the newest version of our software. The beauty of this program is that it is customized to fit your needs, and all it takes is a little bit of discipline and a few more minutes of your time.

Now then, what steps can you take to get yourself on the road to climbing this cliff? There are approximately six steps that anyone facing this cliff should take into consideration. You may choose to add additional steps, or take out a step or two depending on what works for you, but the original six are as follows.

Step One: “Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept it…”

The first step towards having a positive attitude about this “cliff” is to have the wildest tantrum that you can muster up. You are entitled to this, so go for it! Forget about your dignity and don’t bottle anything up. Punch every single sofa cushion you can find, kick your carpet, and vandalize your bicycle. If you have pieces of clothing you loath this is the day to rip them up. Pretend your eyes are sprinklers, and let it rip. Whatever you do exhaust your rage, and make it something Diana Ross would be proud off. When you’re done, take a moment. Take in a few deep breaths. Repeat the whole process as necessary.

Step Two: The War Room

Clear off your dinning room table. Wallpaper the living room with blank paper and find a big marker. You are going to create a layout of the battlefield and take inventory of your supplies. Do you know what the secondary response of your immune system is to a foreign substance? Why your lymph nodes are located where they are? For that matter, can you describe what HIV is? If you answered no to any of these questions, you need to procure information, STAT! You have to know what you’re dealing with, and you have to know what your resources are. This is non-negotiable. You cannot be in a fight without sizing up your opponent, and yourself while you’re at it, so get to work. Go to the library, surf the net. Ask your doctor about where you can get more information and if there are any groups you can join to share ideas. Be pro-active, find out what you need to know.

Step Three: The Committee

Shortly after becoming an “expert” on the topic the next step is to structure your Social Committee. This is not to be mistaken with a Sympathy Committee. No, the Social Committee consist of those people that you associate with late night phone calls because so and so cheated and now it’s time to exact a clever and whimsical revenge. A herd of goats on the front lawn perhaps. So take out your little black book, agenda, PDA, or what have you and compile a list of people who will help you laugh, cry and love your life again.

Step Four: Build A Champion

I begin the next leg of our journey with a man. His name is Ihab. Sure, it’s not a very sexy name but allow me to describe. He is about 5′11″, has auburn skin and the most gorgeous body you will ever see. Beautifully toned. He’s a body building champion in my province, and works out every day, only drinks milk and fears junk foods like most people fear the apocalypse.

I bring up Ihab to illustrate a point. Ihab has a goal, and while his methods of going about this goal may seem drastic to some people, he knows what it takes to succeed and has come to enjoy his methods for reaching those goals. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve tried to get him drunk, he has always responded with a melodic “No”. Who would willingly turn down the smooth taste of a cold beer on a hot summer day? Who would do that? Ihab would, that’s who. His methods may seem masochistic for those of us who have avoided the nutritional food guide like the plague, but now they are second nature to him, and the rewards are that people like me will swoon over him…and he’s not lacking in calcium intake either. Your body is going to become your most important ally in your new challenge, and so it should be treated with respect. This means that making the right nutritional choices will be a major part of your strategy, and the intensity of your commitment will be reflected all over your body.

“You have to be uncompromised in your level of commitment to whatever you are doing, or it can disappear as fast as it appeared.” -Michael Jordan

Now let’s get clear on this. I’m not saying turn into a bodybuilding milk drinker, or get a nice tan. What I am saying is that you have a choice to make. You have to choose whether you will have your body work with you, or will you be working to repair the damage. Two very different mentalities. Working with your body implies having a team-mate, someone that listens to your thoughts and whom you have to listen to in order to make this program work. Working to repair damages puts you on the defensive. You’re waiting for something to happen so you can react to it.

You’ve been put into a unique position. The potential you have within you is untapped. People can accomplish marvellous things if they put their minds to it.

Step Five: Clean Up The Place

On a trip to Peru I drove along the coast to a small town called Marcona where my uncle and his family live. Along the way my uncle’s mother, and I saw some very tiny houses. The people who owned them were obviously poor, but nonetheless, they took the time to paint their homes and some even had potted plants. As we were driving by the houses my aunt turns to me and says “You see, even though they live out here they still paint their homes and buy their stuff.” Her point: Just because your life isn’t ideal there is no reason to live in a pigsty.

Living in a well-kept environment free of clutter is beneficial not only to your physical health, but also to your mental wellbeing. Clean out the fish tank, balance your chequebook, and sweep behind the stove. Make your living environment a place where you, and your guests, actually want to spend some time in.

Step Six: Become A Member Again

Contribute to the community. As a person facing this challenge you see things from a different perspective, and that puts you at an advantage. Continue to gather information from people who’ve been there, and see what works for them. At the same time, share your perspective. You are in an interesting place in life, and will probably have a great impact if you use your resourcefulness wisely.

Pick the stuff that works for you and make up your own program. Have fun with it just as long as the prime beneficiary is you.

Think of it this way…you are a self-aware decathlete now. It’s all about you!

It can be very worrying for an individual if they discover a pimple on the their genitals, the first thought is often do I have herpes or some other sexually transmitted disease? Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are also common STD’S that may run through the mind. In this article we take a closer look at herpes and pimples as we answer the question does herpes look like pimples?

The first thing you need to realize about the skin around the genitals is that it reacts in the same ways as other parts of the body that have hair, for example a bearded face. Many people with facial hair develop the odd pimple as a result of the skin being aggravated in some way, whilst some individuals have more severe cases. The same can happen to the skin around the genitals, in fact the pimple may be even worse in regards to pain because there are several nerve endings on the genital skin.

When people develop pimples on the genitals many reach for anti- pimple products that contain harsh chemicals (such as acid), this is not recommended under any circumstances. The chemicals used in these products tend to cause a tingling sensation to the face, however the skin around the genitals is more sensitive and using these products can result in terrible pain.

As mentioned previously most people think they have an STD (like herpes) when pimples occur, and they may possibly be right because pimples can be a symptom of an STD. There is an even higher chance that the pimple is a symptom of an STD if it appears after unprotected sexual intercourse.

The symptoms of herpes include the appearance of pimple like bumps and blisters, whilst syphilis is also characterized by a genital skin rash that may consist of pimples. Genital pimples are often confused with genital warts, because they do look alike, the difference is genital warts are permanent whilst pimples disappear after some time.

Let’s take a closer look at herpes and pimples. The symptoms of herpes may include the formation of bumps, but these are not pimples, they are actually blisters. If you do actually have herpes rather than just a pimple then more symptoms will occur such as flu like symptoms if it is the first time you have suffered a herpes attack.

If you notice a pimple or two in the pubic region it may not necessarily be caused by an std, they may be caused by blocked hair follicles, which is the same reason a bearded man can develop pimples on his face.

If other symptoms occur then you may have an STD and you should seek the advice of a doctor. The conclusion of this article is some pimples can just be harmless and they will disappear in a short period of time, whilst some may be the symptoms of an STD. Educating yourself about the common symptoms of STD’s can help you distinguish between the two, but the best course of action is to speak to your doctor.

For more information on herpes head over to http://www.herpesfactsonline.com where you can also find pictures of herpes pictures of herpes and information on what does herpes look like.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Herman

If you’re not into safe sex, maybe it’s time you started. This will help prevent diseases like cervicitis.

Cervicitis refers to the inflammation or infection of the cervix. It affects females of all ages, particularly those with diabetes and recurrent vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina).

More commonly, cervicitis is caused by a local infection, especially if the cervix is damaged by childbirth. The condition may also indicate serious diseases.

“Most often, cervicitis causes no signs and symptoms, and you may only learn you have the condition after a Pap test or a biopsy for another condition. If you do have signs and symptoms, they may include: vaginal discharge that’s grayish or yellow, possibly with an odor, frequent, painful urination, pain during intercourse, and vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between menstrual periods or after menopause,” said the Mayo Clinic.

There are two types of cervicitis. Acute cervicitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, including those that lead to gonorrhea and herpes. This is characterized by a clear, grayish, or yellow vaginal discharge and pain in the vagina.

Left untreated or if the patient has repeated episodes of acute cervicitis, she will eventually develop chronic cervicitis. Symptoms include backache, frequent and painful urination, a profuse vaginal discharge, bleeding between menstrual periods, and pain or bleeding after intercourse.

Mild cases of cervicitis usually heal without treatment. Other forms have to be treated by a doctor. If not, complications like cervical polyps (non-malignant growths in the cervix) or pelvic inflammatory disease (the infection of the fallopian tubes) may develop. In rare cases, cervicitis may be a symptom of cervical cancer.

To identify the organism responsible for your condition, the physician will get a tissue sample from the cervix and send this to a laboratory for analysis. Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor will then prescribe the appropriate antibiotic or antiviral medication to fight the infection.

Cervicitis is contagious if it is acquired through sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In this case, one has to avoid sexual relations for a while until the infection has healed. It is also necessary to treat your partner.

“One of the best ways to reduce the risk of cervicitis from STDs is to practice safer sex. Women who become sexually active at a later age and those in monogamous relationships are at a lower risk of getting cervicitis than are those who become sexually active early in life and who have multiple partners,” said the Mayo Clinic.

To strengthen your body, take Immunitril - your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For details, visit http://www.bodestore.com/immunitril.html.

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_A_Bell

Male genital warts are the most common STD around today. If You have It you’re not alone. There are many other males going through the same thing you’re going through.

Male genital warts are not only very stressful for the sufferer but they are ugly, which further increases the levels of stress. They are highly infectious and can be transmitted to other sexual partners by mere contact of the skin.

If you already suffering from male genital warts, consider yourself fortunate, treatment is available and will make living with them a little more bearable. The first thing to do is to consult your doctor about your problem. Don’t be embarrassed, the thing to keep in mind is that, for your own peace of mind, get your self treated. But more importantly think of the sexual health of all your future partners. If you need another reason to seek treatment, remember this,if left untreated, male genital warts can cause more serious problems, such as cancer. So make sure you get treated as soon as possible by visiting your doctor.

How Is It Spread?

Male genital warts are contagious even in the early stages when they are not visible to the naked eye. That’s what’s so important to learn. You may not even know you have it and be spreading it around infecting others, who may infect others again. Male genital warts can be spread from direct physical contact with the skin. You would need a microscope to see them. However, they may be there just the same and they can be contagious.

The best way to prevent spreading male genital warts is to use a condom each and every time you have sex. However, even condoms may not prevent the spread of the disease. That’s why it’s so important to get male genital warts treated, if you are sexually active and you do feel that you have them.

If you feel you have male genital warts, it’s imperative that you get checked out by your doctor right away. He or she will be the one to determine if you do in fact have the disease. If you do, there are treatment options. You can have the warts burned off with a laser, or they can be frozen off by using liquid nitrogen. Either of these procedures may leave scarring, however slight, but they are great ways to get rid of the genital warts. There are also creams and other treatments that still may be available from the major drug companies that can help you. You should ask your doctor about these because, while they may not work for everyone, they may work for you.

Remember this, you’re not alone. Male genital warts effects many men. And it can lead to cancer if not treated effectively. So if your intuition tells you that you may have contacted male genital warts, don’t waste another minute. Get yourself checked out so that you can get rid of this unsightly and embarrassing sexually transmitted disease once and for all.

Author’s Biography: Paul Courtney contributes articles to various publications pertaining to alternative and Herbal Medicine, for more information please visit http://www.hvprelief.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Courtney

Not many people know this but it is actually possible for the herpes virus to spread to the carriers eyes, when this happens it is known as ocular herpes, or eye herpes in some circles. This form of herpes is a lot rarer than other types such as or oral and genital herpes.

This form of herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (also known as HSV-1 for short), this is the same virus that causes oral herpes (i.e. cold sores). This form of herpes has been given the nickname of the cold sore of the eye.

There are approximately 50,000 new cases of ocular herpes a year in America. Around half a million Americans have had some form of eye herpes.

The most common cause of ocular herpes is the reactivation of the once dormant virus which had been hibernating in the facial nerves of the carrier. In most cases the dormant virus stays inactive, however for some unknown reason it may become active again and spread to the ocular nerves.

Fortunately ocular herpes is harmless in most cases, however its symptoms can cause discomfort, these include sensitivity to light, redness and slight pain. The herpes virus usually only affects the top layer of the cornea, and heals without scarring.

In a severe case of eye herpes the infection affects the deeper layers of the cornea, this is when it is likely to do lasting damage. Vision loss may occur and in the worst case scenario a carrier may go blind permanently. The severity of the damage that occurs all depends on how deep the virus reaches into the cornea. It is also possible for the herpes virus to infect the inside of the eye and the retina, although this is not as common. When herpes infects the inside of the eye it is known as herpes uveitis, when it affects the retina it is known herpes retinitis, both of these are very severe types of ocular herpes.

There are various treatment options for people with ocular herpes, and the method used depends on the severity of the outbreak. If the individual suffers from a minor case then a doctor may just prescribe anti viral eye drops - these actually fight the virus. Other forms of treatment involve the doctor carefully wiping away the infected cells of the cornea. Unfortunately not everyone responds well to the treatment and some people have prolonged scarring which leads to permanent vision loss.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article then you are strongly advised to seek medical help, a doctor can give you a proper diagnosis. If it does turn out to be eye herpes the doctor can then recommend the best form of treatment to fight this infection.

For more information on herpes head over to http://www.herpesfactsonline.com where you can also find out about vaginal herpes and pictures of herpes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Herman

If you’re living with Hepatitis C, you’re certainly aware of the role nutrition plays in keeping the virus under control. Everything we eat and drink is processed directly through the liver, making our food choices of utmost importance. Commonly referred to as the most important meal of the day, your choice of breakfast foods should be one that promotes health and isn’t saturated with sugars and fat. Think back the past few mornings: did you make healthy, nutritious choices for breakfast? With all the unhealthy, fast food options out there, it’s very easy to fall into a cycle of poor eating habits. But there are plenty of wholesome breakfast foods for you to choose from, including oatmeal.

Packed with many essential nutrients, including vitamins, antioxidants and, most obvious, fiber, eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast can help strengthen your immune system and help keep the body safe from bacteria and viruses. Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast cereal, and it tastes good too! There’s no need to sacrifice taste to have a nutritious meal. Of course, from a nutritional standpoint, pouring sugar or syrups on top of your steaming bowl of oatmeal is not a great idea. All that excess sugar basically cancels out the health benefits you would be receiving. But if you just can’t resist topping your breakfast with some added flavor, try mixing in some fresh fruit or adding some honey.

There are a number of healthy breakfast options out there for you to choose, so why should someone with Hepatitis C pick oatmeal? The answer is fiber. The insoluble fiber found in oatmeal proves very beneficial for anyone with liver disease. Fiber reduces the amount of toxins in the body that have to be processed by the liver, and also helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Many people with Hepatitis C run a great risk of developing diabetes, and an adequate fiber intake can help prevent that from happening.

Eating a hot, nutritious breakfast such as oatmeal is a healthy and tasty way to start your day. Too often we make poor food choices for breakfast. And many people tend to skip this very important meal simply due to lack of time. Now is the time to break the habit - your liver is depending on you.

Learn more about Hepatitis C and the health benefits of eating oatmeal for breakfast.

This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com. Visit Hepatitis-Central.com, where you’ll find more than 2,750 pages of in-depth information for Hepatitis C patients and their families, caregivers and health professionals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicole_Cutler

With the recent revelations that one in four American teens is infected with a sexually transmitted disease, it’s appropriate in the midst of all the discussion of HIV and STD prevention for adolescents to consider commonsense health care for gonorrhea.

While there are no home remedies for gonorrhea, there are certain supplements it’s a good idea to avoid.

One is iron. Increasing the iron supply makes it easier for the microorganisms that cause gonorrhea to “take root” in the linings of the reproductive tract. Anyone who even suspects exposure to gonorrhea should be very careful to avoid iron supplements that are not prescribed by a doctor after diagnosing iron deficiency with a blood test.

Chlorophyll supplements can be problematic, too, because they make it easier for the body to absorb the iron in food. Green leafy vegetables, however, are fine in moderation, up to 2-3 servings a day.

Women who have contracted gonorrhea should quit or at least cut down on smoking. The medical journals report a study of 197 women in hospital for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a chronic, sometimes disabling consequence of long-term infection. Women who smoke were 70 per cent more likely to develop PID than women who do not.

Another study found that women who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day were more likely to develop PID after infection with gonorrhea than women who smoke 10 or fewer cigarettes a day. If is not possible to quit, even cutting back can help.

Use of the Pill as contraception also increases a woman’s risk for gonorrhea infection, especially during the second 14 days of her period. The progesterone in the Pill causes a thickening of tissues in the cervix and changes the chemistry of cervical mucus so that it is easier for gonorrhea to become established. Intercourse during a woman’s period increases risk of infection of both partners.

And to put the matter politely, douching any body cavity of either sex prior to penetration increases the risk of contracting an STD.

What about the transmission of gonorrhea to persons who are not sexual partners? How is this STD transmitted?

You cannot catch gonorrhea from a toilet seat, a towel, or a doorknob. Although in rare circumstances the gonococcus can survive up to 3 days in a moist environment, and a newborn can catch gonorrhea while passing through the birth canal if the mother is infected, in 9,999 out of 10,000 cases it is only transmitted by sex.

The best health care for gonorrhea, of course, is prevention: Never be intimate with anyone who is not honest with you about their health status, consider condoms, and get medical treatment for gonorrhea at the first hint of symptoms.

Author or co-author of nine books on natural healing, author Robert Rister also writes about sex headaches and over 100 other health topics at his Savvy Natural Healer website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Rister

The Herpes Zoster Virus is responsible for causing shingles, which is a painful rash. This same virus is responsible for causing chicken pox in children. When most people have recovered from chicken pox the virus becomes dormant, however in some people the virus reactivates itself, usually several years after the individual first suffered from chicken pox.

Although shingles is a contagious infection it cannot be transmitted by touching an infected person.

No one knows what causes the herpes zoster virus to reactivate itself in certain individuals, all that is known is what happens to it after chicken pox has been contracted, and the process that occurs before an individual contracts shingles. After an individual (usually a child) has suffered from chicken pox the virus travels to the root of the nerves where it becomes dormant. When an individual contracts shingles it’s because the virus has “awoken” and travelled from the root of the nerves back up to the skin.

The people who are most susceptible to shingles are the elderly and people with immune deficiency (which can be caused by chemotherapy and HIV). But the vast majority of people who catch this infection are people with a normal immune system.

Now let’s look at the symptoms of shingles: The initial indicator that the herpes zoster virus has reactivated is a burning sensation around the nerve paths as the virus travels through them. The individual will then feel pain, usually on one side of the body. The pain can affect different parts of the body but it depends on the positions of the nerve paths that the virus is travelling through.

The next symptom to occur is a rash consisting of miniature red blisters. The skin around the rash also becomes swollen. The sufferer will develop a fever and will find that his lymph nodes become swollen.

After 3-5 days the blisters burst and become painful sores. Over the next week or so these sores scab over and eventually fall off.

Some people may experience postherpetic neuralgia, this is when the skin becomes very painful after the scabs have fallen off. This unpleasant symptom can last for between 3 weeks to several months.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above you should go and see your doctor right away, a doctor can quite easily diagnose this condition by the presence of the rash as well as looking of your medical history. If the symptoms that are displayed are not conclusive enough for a doctor to diagnose herpes then a scrape test or a blood test can be used in order to accurately diagnose the condition.

If shingles is diagnosed the doctor will prescribe antiviral medication such as zovirax or acyclovir. These types of medications are most effective when they are used as soon as the burning sensation begins. The treatment becomes less effective if it is used more than 48 hours after the rash has occurred. So time is of the essence in regards to treating shingles. If medication is taken early, then the patient can expect the infection to go away faster, and the infection will not be able to spread.

For more information on herpes head over to http://www.herpesfactsonline.com where you can also find genital herpes pictures and find out what does herpes look like?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Herman

“I am the Grandmother of all growth, all growing things, all life. I am the grandmother of bacteria and viruses as well as plants and animals, fish and insects. When you throb with life these other lives live with you. When your life force ebbs, they live on you, growing grotesque without the check of your immunity.

“Do you feel proud of your sexuality my child? Your immune system thrives on true pride; and fails when subjected to blame and shame, guilt and mortification. Walk tall; smile often; be flexible, let life fill you, and you will have little to fear from most viruses you meet.”

“… for women who exhibit the earliest signs of HPV infection, the best prescription may be no treatment at all,” according to Karyn Herndon at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. “Three out of four women in the observation-only group lost their flat warts - a finding that suggests that the body’s immune system can drive the virus into a dormant state.”(1) Women treated with laser removal of cervical warts were twice as likely as untreated women to have precancerous and cancerous changes occur in the following years.

Having an HPV infection is “like having the sniffles,” says Anna-Barbara Moscicki, MD. “It’s an infection your body can usually handle … and get rid of.”(2) In a study of 600 sexually active women aged 13 to 21, half became infected with HPV over a 10 year period; 70% of those women did not develop lesions or warts at all, and only 10% of those who did have lesions were diagnosed with cervical cancer.(3)

Many of the papilloma viruses are non-contagious, but some - especially those that give rise to plantar warts and genital warts (HPV) - are not only contagious, but widespread and stealthy. They are resilient enough to live outside the body. Shed skin cells containing the viruses can remain infectious for several days in warm, moist places.(4) And symptomless people can pass HPV to others. Some of the viruses that cause genital warts are benign; others can give rise to deadly cancers.

Of the 20 types of HPV which colonize the genital area, four are known to initiate cervical cancer, a usually slow-growing cancer which is currently responsible for the deaths of more women in Africa, Asia, and India (where Pap smears are not routine) than any other cancer.(5) Several HPV are implicated in penile and rectal cancer as well. HPV is the most common STD in the USA and Europe, with more than six million new cases a year in the USA.(6) At least 50%, and probably closer to 100% of all non-vaccinated sexually-active people will be infected over their lifetime. During a three-year study, 40% of a group of female college students acquired HPV infections.(7) Fortunately, only a small percentage of HPV infections generate cancer, and we can do much to insure we aren’t in that small percent.

Once infected with human papilloma virus, you are infected for life. There is no known cure and no medically-approved treatment. The best strategy is to nourish the immune system.

Homeopathic Thuja is a “ground remedy” for the genitals, and is especially indicated when there are genital warts.(8) Higher dilutions, such as 30C, are best.

While there is no food that prevents or cures HPV infections, the likelihood of warts or cancer is determined by the immune system - which can be nourished and strengthened with whole grains, well-cooked greens, roots, cabbage family plants, olive oil, organic dairy products and meats, onions, garlic, seaweed, mushrooms, and nourishing herbal infusions of astragalus, burdock, and nettle.

St. Joan’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a natural antiviral. One of its alkaloids, pseudo-hypericin, kills HIV. But ingesting it in concentrated form causes hypersensitivity to sunlight, making it useless as a drug. Fortunately, the tincture of the fresh plant - even in large, frequent doses - counters viruses without triggering sensitivity. Avoid capsules or teas; they can cause sensitivity. When I feel the need to prevent a viral infection, I use one dropperful of Hypericum tincture in a little water three or four times a day for a few days. When I want to treat viral infections, I use one or two dropperfuls in water every hour or two until symptoms abate, and continue at a lower dose until I no longer need it.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) are mint family plants with antiviral constituents which are especially effective as salves.

Celandine (Celadonium majus) juice is the most effective way I know to remove external genital warts. It is safe, painless, and easy to use if you live where evergreen celandine grows - in Europe, in North America, from Nova Scotia to Georgia and west to Missouri, throughout Europe, and in waste places in temperate-zone cities. The fresh sap from leaf stalks or the root works fastest, and best, but topical applications of tincture are somewhat effective, too.

American mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum) is the acknowledged queen of external genital wart destruction. This poisonous plant is used in a concentrated form - Podophyllin - as a topical treatment. Although plant-based, Podophyllin can cause severe side-effects, including burns that scar, fatal reactions, and birth defects or fetal death if used during pregnancy. To prevent damage to healthy tissues, all skin except for the warts must be thoroughly covered with petroleum jelly before it is applied, and the Podophyllin must be wiped off before it penetrates too deeply, usually within one to four hours. Weekly treatments over six or more weeks are the norm. A less concentrated, and thus safer form - Podofilox - is available by prescription for use at home. (But trichloroacetic acid is safer, and celandine is more fun.)

Eastern white cedar, Thuja occidentalis, is the “tree of life.” Thuja is primarily a homeopathic remedy, but thuja tincture or essential oil applied twice a day to genital warts can “burn” them off.

Trichloroacetic acid is as effective as Podophyllin in removing warts, but less likely to leave scars or provoke severe systemic reactions, and is considered safe to use during pregnancy.(9) It is applied in the doctor’s office, usually weekly for six weeks.

Colposcopy is a close examination of the cervix with magnifying binoculars after it has been bathed with acetic acid (vinegar), which turns HPV-infected tissues bright white. You do not have to agree to a biopsy if you agree to a colposcopy; testing for HPV-DNA is better in many ways. If you do agree, biopsy forceps will be used to “chomp” out pieces of cervical tissue for microscopic examination by a pathologist.

Testing cervical cells for the presence of DNA from cancer-causing HPV is “just as effective as a biopsy of cervical tissue, with less expense,” according to researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC. Screening every woman over 20 every two years with an HPV-DNA test would reduce the number of cervical biopsies by 60%, they conclude.(10) A woman who tests negative for HPV, as 45% of women will, does not need a colposcopy. If the test if positive for HPV, there’s still only a 10-20% chance that she will require treatment.(11)

“It is not known how many women who have had expensive [and painful] laser surgery or … cryosurgery are informed beforehand that the treatment is purely cosmetic and has a high recurrence rate.”(12)

Before you agree to any procedure, remember that removal of infected tissue does not remove the virus, which remains ready to recur when the immune system is at an ebb. Surgery doesn’t cure HPV, and because it is a major stress to the immune system, it can increase the chances that a given lesion will progress to cancer.

“Regardless of treatment, one in four HPV-infected people will have a recurrence within three months.”(13)

Footnotes:

1. “The cervical dilemma: Some warts may be better left untreated,” Kathy A. Fackelmann, Science News, 139: 362 3, June 8, 1991
2. “HPV doesn’t have to spell cancer,” Christie Aschwanden, Health, Jan/Feb 2002
3. Ibid
4. “Contagion: A sometimes lethal sexual epidemic that condoms can’t stop,” Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, September 13, 1999
5. “Contagion,” Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 1999
6. “FDA licenses new vaccine …,” FDA news release, June 2006
7. “Contagion,” Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 1999
8. Natural Healing in Gynecology, Rina Nissim, Pandora, 1984 (p. 43)
9. Our Bodies, Ourselves, Boston Women’s Health Book Collective, 1998
10. “Adding an HPV,” Cornell Uni. Women’s Health Advisor, July 2002
11. “One Way to Avoid Unnecessary Testing After Ambiguous Pap Results,” HealthFacts, May 2001
12. “Screening for Cervical Cancer,” HealthFacts, XV (136), Sept 1990
13. PDR Family Guide to Women’s Health, Medical Economics, 1994

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material on this website/email is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion

Susun Weed PO Box 64
Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax: 1-845-246-8081

Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often profoundly provocative.

Susun is one of America’s best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women’s health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world. Learn more at http://www.susunweed.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susun_Weed

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that often does not receive the attention that it deserves. Many young people in the UK have not even heard of Chlamydia. Recent research has revealed that Chlamydia infections are rising at an alarming rate in the UK. Researchers estimate that 10% of all sexually active young people are currently infected with Chlamydia. Most people do not realize that they have contracted the infection because they do not exhibit any symptoms. For this reason, not many seek treatment which explains why the spread of the disease has been so widespread. Women who are showing symptoms may experience an unusual vaginal discharge or a burning feeling when urinating. When the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes, some women may still have no symptoms. Others may have nausea, fever, lower abdominal pain, low back pain, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods. Chlamydia infection of the cervix can also spread to the rectum.

What is Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a very small bacterium known as Chlamydia trachomatis that can cause damage to a womans reproductive organs. Even though symptoms of Chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious problems that can cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur before a woman ever recognizes the problem. Chlamydia can also cause discharge from the penis of an infected man. Although Chlamydia affects both men and women, young women are at a greater risk of contracting the infection. The most common means of transmission is through sexual intercourse.

Chlamydia and Fertility

It is estimated that 25% of all cases of infertility are due to Chlamydia infection.

If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause serious health problems for men and women. The infection can remain concealed for several months before moving through the cervix to infect the fallopian tubes leading to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This can cause symptoms such as low abdominal pain, fever, and painful intercourse. If untreated, PID can lead to blockage of the fallopian tubes causing infertility.

Chlamydia can be very dangerous during pregnancy. It can be passed along to a baby during delivery causing severe eye infections and pneumonia. Chlamydia may also increase the chances of having a pre term delivery. If infection is diagnosed when the Chlamydia bacteria has spread to the reproductive organs, treatment can be too late to prevent permanent damage.

Chlamydia infection can also affect the function of sperm and male fertility. It is the most common cause of inflammation in the testicles and the sperm-carrying tubes in men under the age of 35. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and redness of the scrotum. Researchers from Swedens Umea University suggest male infection reduces a couples chance of having a baby by about a third.

Chlamydia Prevention

A person only needs to have unprotected sex once with an infected person to contract Chlamydia. The more partners someone has, the more likely he or she will be exposed to infection. If someone has had sex and not used a condom, they are at risk of contracting Chlamydia. Always use condoms with a new sexual partner. Health professionals recommend that before you stop using condoms, you should make sure that you and your partner get tested for STIs by your local GUM clinic or Doctor. Because of the high risk of contraction, getting screened for Chlamydia every year, or any time there is a new sexual partner, is a highly recommended routine. Any new or deteriorating symptoms should be reported to your healthcare provider.

Chlamydia is a very serious infection. If you are young and hope to someday have children, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent infection. If you are concerned that you may have contracted Chlamydia, it is better to seek testing immediately to avoid heartbreak in the future.

Article produced by FertilityFriends.co.uk a UK non profit support organization. For infertility/fertility support please visit their website at http://www.fertilityfriends.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Reid