Human Papilloma Virus

I hope you are in excellent health today.

Today, let us talk about Human Papilloma Virus or HPV for short.

HPV is the name for a group of viruses that affect the skin and mucous or moist membranes in your body like the cervix, anus, mouth or throat. It is sexually transmitted and it is different from Herpes group of viruses which cause similar infections in people infected.

HPV is common and highly contagious. There are several types of the HPV (about 100 subtypes) and about half of these subtypes can affect the genital area.

HPV can cause genital warts and malignant changes (abnormal tissue growth) in the cells of the cervix which could lead to cervical cancer.

Infections caused by HPV are seen mostly in sexually active females (most especially females of child bearing age). If one tests positive, it is advised that the partner is also tested. It is also advised that you discuss with your doctor about testing options and the vaccines available before taking one.

The tests usually carried out are semi-invasive i.e an instrument will be used to collect some samples of your cervix for test. Your doctor will guide you on what todo.

Do take care of yourself, sister.

Until  next update, keep being healthy and God Bless you.

 

Your Friendly Health Worker.

Common Vaginal Infections

It’s your Friendly Health Worker here.
So, we will have a general talk about common Vaginal Infections. These infections may be caused by Hormonal Imbalances, Antibiotic use, Sexual Intercourse, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.
Note carefully, these factors generally predispose one to Vaginal Infections but some women are more prone to Vaginal Infections than others for no known documented reasons. You should always see your doctor whenever there are signs and symptoms you may have that you are not comfortable with.
These infections include;
Yeast Infections- Caused by Candida species. I think this is the commonest given our penchant for antibiotic abuse. It causes vaginal/vulval itching, redness and thick, creamy discharges. 
Trichomonitis or “Trich’- Caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and is sexually transmitted. Causes burning, irritation, redness, and swelling of the vulva, with a yellow-gray or greenish vaginal discharge, possibly with a fishy odor. Some women also experience pain during urination.


Bacterial Vaginosis- Caused by the Lactobacilli that are naturally resident in the vagina (Gardnerella species are usually implicated in this case). They only cause infections when there is a change in the pH balance of the vagina causing an overgrowth of the bacteria species.
Chlamydia Vaginitis- Caused by the organism Chlamydia trachomatis. This is sexually transmitted
Non infectious Vaginosis- Caused by sensitivity to irritants like perfumed soaps, douches etc. Treatment is simple. Stop using those products and the skin irritation will go away.
Viral Vaginosis- Caused by viruses like Herpes Simplex group of viruses.
Like I have said repeatedly, when you see a discharge you are not comfortable with, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Never self medicate and never take someone else’s prescription. 
I’ll be back with more on our health, sis. Till then, keep being healthy and God bless you.

Your Friendly Health Worker

Sponsors are VERY welcome.

THE FRIENDLY HEALTH WORKER - DEBUT

Yippee! I have my first official guest writer. She's a health worker and will for now be known only as our Friendly Health Worker. Sponsors are VERY WELCOME for this segment.

It’s your Friendly Health Worker here.
You see, I decided to start writing you these little friendly notes because I have noticed you may have been doing certain things wrong without knowing; by wrong, I mean, you have been committing the sins of omission and commission with regards to your health and have put your health at risk one way or the other. Now, like someone who cares for you, I have taken it upon myself to drop some friendly nuggets so that you can take better care of yourself.

Why is it my business? I care. Simple. Our focus this millennium is Preventative Medicine and the first step is EDUCATION. So, from now, rest assured I’ll be stopping by every week to open your eyes and mind to certain things.
In this note, we will talk about myths related to PERSONAL HYGIENE and how it affects your health. Personal Hygiene can be related to those everyday practices that we may carry out in order to reduce/halt the spread of infections. These practices range from hand washing to clothes washing; from mouth washing to feminine washing. Never mind, I promise to be brief.
You know how if you don’t wash your clothes, they smell? That is how our mouths and bodies are. I will not bore you with details of how to wash your mouth and bodies but I will dispel some myths you may have heard while growing up.
You do not need a hard brush to have clean teeth. Hard brushes erode the visible part of the teeth called ENAMEL and over time can lead to tooth sensitivity which can be very uncomfortable to live with. Having a clean mouth and fresh breath is a combination of the right use of products and good brushing techniques. And of course, scheduled Dental visits.
You see that liquid in that bottle in your bathroom? Yes, that FemWash you use to clean your vagina every morning to get rid of ‘smells’? Ditch it!! Now! Throw it in the trash!!! You see, the body has been fearfully and wonderfully made. There are ‘friendly’ microbes that reside on the skin and in the vaginal area whose jobs are to create a balance of pH in those areas. Once that balance is created, you notice that you have little or no reasons to have discharges or ugly smells coming from your vagina. Also, there are discharges that are perfectly normal. See your gynaecologist if you have any discharge or smell that bothers you but never douche with a feminine wash!!! It will do you more harm than good. Instead, a non perfumed, gentle soap will do or better still, wash with good old warm water alone. Surprised? You will thank me later.
That towel you can’t seem to get rid of? Yes, that one that has changed colour from blue to white? Ditch it!!! Need I tell you why? LOL
Change your toothbrush every three months or as soon as they start fraying at the edges. This prevents teeth and gum injuries.
Don’t self medicate!!!! It is very dangerous. We will talk about this in another post.
If your vagina is itchy, it is not ‘toilet infection’. In fact, there is nothing like toilet infection. See a qualified doctor for check up so that the cause of the itch can be traced and treated appropriately. It could be a change in diet or lifestyle or hormonal changes causing it but never, ever take any symptom for granted. And never self medicate!!!
Do you know your undies ought to also be change periodically? Yes. Some ‘yamayama’ germs may decide to live, increase and multiply on that your special red pant. Please, ditch it after 3 months or once the colour starts fading. 
Most importantly, find a qualified Obsterician/Gynaecologist and befriend. Also, make sure to keep his/her appointments at least twice in a year. It may be the difference between life and death for you, you may never know.
A WORD OF KNOWLEDGE
Have you heard of Cervarix? It is a vaccine against Human Papilloma Virus, a major predisposing factor in Cervical Cancer. Book an appointment with a gynae today and ask about this wonderful vaccine. It may save your life!!!
Until next tip, sister, keep being healthy and God bless you.

Your Friendly Health Worker.