Health News and Information

As discussed previously, although women make up a relatively small percentage of those infected with HIV and those with AIDS itn the United States, they are one of the fastest-growing groups among the newly infected. Most often these are women who are at some risk for HIV such as those who use injection drugs and share works, or who have a sexual partner who is an injection drug user. Women often have a poorer prognosis than men, possibly because of inadequate access to health care.

Until recently, research into HIV and its clinical manifestations has focused on men, but we are now beginning to have a better idea of how HIV affects women. The treatment regimens for HIV are currently the same for women as for men (see the section on treatment), but there are differences between women and men with HIV infection. Women with HIV infection are more likely to have such AIDS-deflning illnesses as Candida (yeast) in the throat, recurrent bacterial pneumonia, and progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to have such illnesses as Kaposi’s sarcoma, oral hairy leukoplakia, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and prolonged herpes outbreaks.

Women with HIV infection and AIDS are also at high risk for gynecological problems. Infected women acquire cervical cancer more often than women without HIV and the course of the cancer can be much more aggressive. Therefore, women with HIV infection and AIDS should be screened for cervical cancer more closely (every six months) than other women (for whom annual Pap smears are recommended).The treatment of cervical cancer is the same for both groups. Frequent yeast infections can be a sign of HIV infection in otherwise healthy women, but the connection is by no means automatic (see “Fungal Infections”). In addition, women infected with HIV are more likely to have problems with their periods and to experience early menopause.

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When a woman has her yearly examination, she should speak with her health care provider about her Pap smear results and understand what they mean. She may also want to ask for a copy of the results for her own files.

When the Pap smear result indicates an abnormality of dysplasia or cancer, there are several options for removing warts on the cervix.

They can be treated by cryotherapy, removal of part of the cervix, laser surgery, loop electrode excision, or surgical excision, including cervical conization (in which a cone of tissue is removed from the cervix). Even advanced lesions may be cured with these procedures.

The progression from precancerous changes to cervical cancer is very slow. Many women with HPV are concerned about the risk of cervical cancer, fearing that they have a ticking time bomb inside them. Yet this is simply not true for the majority of women with HPV If a woman follows the recommendations given here, having routine Pap smears and appropriate follow-up and treatment of any visible external warts, then she need not worry unduly about the risk of cancer. Certainly most of the millions of women infected with HPV do not develop these complications.

A final note. The Pap smear is not a test for STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, although many people mistakenly think that it does provide a screen for all STDs. Specific tests must be performed for these infections. Sexually transmitted infections such as herpes (if there are lesions on the cervix) and mucopurulent cervicitis can cause inflammation on the cervix, which also may result in an abnormal Pap smear. It is often better to defer the Pap smear until these infections have been treated and have resolved, so that the Pap smear can accurately perform its intended function: identifying problems caused by the warts virus.

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Those with same-sex partners face specific STD risks. Some misperceptions must also be discussed, and I try to address them here as clearly as possible. Although nearly 10 percent of sexually active adults engage in sex with partners of the same sex, considerable misunderstanding and stigma are still associated with same-sex relationships among the general public, in the media, and among health professionals as well. Many people in same-sex relationships find it difficult to discuss their sexuality openly with a health care provider or are discouraged in their efforts because the health care provider is so clearly uncomfortable. Under these circumstances a person is less likely to receive the high-quality health care that he or she deserves.

Until fairly recently, there had been little research into the sexual health risks faced by same-sex couples. Awareness of HIV and the prevalence of this infection among men who have sex with other men in the United States has led to more sexual health-related research in the last fifteen years, but there has still been remarkably little research addressing lesbian women and their risk for acquiring STDs. The sections that follow will cover some of these specific risks.

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Unless you talk honestly about your sexual health, your health care provider may not be aware that you need or want to be screened for STDs. Some health care providers don’t routinely screen their patients for STDs unless they think the patient is at high risk. Don’t assume that your health care provider has performed an STD screening just by looking at the genital area or by doing a Pap smear. The physical examination is just one of the steps in the screen. Specific tests must be done to screen for most STDs.

A full STD screen includes evaluation for the following (the diseases are listed in alphabetical order, not in order from most common to least common or vice versa):

1. Bacterial vaginosis, for women (not an STD)

2. Chancroid, donovanosis, and lymphogranuloma venereum. (These are not routinely screened for in most areas of the country because they are very rare. You may be screened if you are at risk, or if you show symptoms of these STDs on examination. See the descriptions of specific STDs in Part II to determine if you are at risk.)

3. Chlamydia

4. Genital warts, and a Pap smear for women if one has not been performed in the past year

5. Gonorrhea

6. Hepatitis B and possibly A or C

7. Herpes

8. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

9. Intestinal infections for recipients of anal sex or those who practice oral-anal sex

10. Lice and scabies

11. Molluscum contagiosum

12. Mucopurulent cervicitis (for women)

13. Nongonococcal urethritis (for men)

14. Syphilis

15. Trichomonas

16. Yeast (not an STD)

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The urethra is a hollow tube that leads from the bladder, through the prostate gland, and through the penis to open at the tip of the glans. It carries urine to the outside of the body to empty the bladder. The vas deferens lead sperm from the testicles into the urethra during ejaculation. In addition, there are glands called the seminal vesicles that empty fluid into the urethra during ejaculation. The ejaculate, called semen, contains a mixture of sperm and secretions from the vas deferens, the seminal vesicles, and the prostate. Pre-ejaculate, the small amount of fluid released before ejaculation, may contain sperm and cause pregnancy, and it may transmit infection as well. The urethra should not burn or itch, and normally there should not be any discharge from it. The urethra can become infected with bacteria (such as those that cause gonorrhea, chlamydia, and nongonoccal urethritis), viruses (herpes, genital warts), and protozoa (trichomoniasis) through sexual contact.

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The backsides of men also became rounder, more muscled and tighter, so they could walk upright when the change from being a four-legged to a two-legged animal was complete. There was no need to produce enlarged breasts for men. There is a body shape silhouette difference between the sexes which is very apparent. A man’s body has broader shoulders and chest and more strength in the arms than a woman’s. Women are instinctively interested in the curves, smoothness and strength which come with muscle formation in men. The curves of men and women are very different and to some extent related to the differences in the body tissue between the sexes. The average male body has 15 per cent fat. The average female body, 28 percent.

Women are also attracted to the other physiological changes they interpret as representing masculinity: the deeper voice, the hairy face, the hairier body, the squarer jaw, as well as larger hands and feet.

What visual appearance factors do women notice about men? Women do a quick appraisal of their understanding of colour coordination and harmony, grooming, and fit of clothing, including how well the trousers fit his rear end. Individually and in groups women watch men walk by. They notice backsides and whether trousers are too tight, too loose, too low in the crotch or just right. Women notice visual details men wouldn’t believe. And they are slow to tell you of their findings. They store the information away to compare it with their appearance wish list. They will decide in your favour if you match 75 per cent of their visual expectation list.

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A bedroom decorated with blues is a calm and restful oasis. When you need some peace and quiet in your life, blue is the way to go. It signifies commitment and contentment, but be careful it doesn’t create boredom in your intimate life since blue can dampen the emotions and create moodiness and melancholy.

Dark blue is very peaceful and calming but can stultify emotions and become oppressive unless other colours are introduced to add warmth and balance. Pale blue is lighthearted and inspiring, the colour of a free spirit. For some, because of its coolness, it may indicate an amount of icy superficiality.

Your choice of blue could suggest you are trying to appear cool and confident to hide a vulnerable inner self. If you are blue biased, you need a partner you can trust, as loyalty and honesty are important to you. When you are in a relationship, you form strong attachment to your partner and are deeply hurt if your trust is betrayed. Your sense of duty and responsibility often overtake your own inner desires and needs.

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You can read the personality of the Classic person by looking closely at the bedroom. Here is a conservative, stylish, elegant person who may appear aloof but who opens up and is softer with friends.

Classic person has a well-balanced body shape, with no extremes in facial appearance: straight nose, medium-sized mouth and usually oval face. The Classic is of average height and weight. The hair is always well groomed and not too long. If there is long hair, it is frequently tied back. Even the way they walk and sit tells you this is a controlled person. The posture is good, the sitting and placement of the legs, slightly formal. Actor Pierce Brosnan and the late Princess Grace of Monaco are good examples of Classic personalities.

This conscious awareness of themselves as even, balance1 physically average appears in their home environment too. Balance is a key. Nothing too extreme, please, we are Classic. Everything has to be neat and tidy inside and outside the house. Control of the environment is important. Let’s have quality lives, quality relationships and quality control, is their credo.

Sexual responses will be mainly traditional; occasionally something unusual in bed will occur, but modesty is a component of the Classic personality, although every Classic has a I’ (sometimes very tiny) piece of Dramatic trying to get out.

Bravo! Let the Dramatic emerge. You can still have a neat and tidy bedroom, but add a bold touch with colour or unusual accessories. For example, a striking sculpture or a large paint add drama to a traditional Classic bedroom without chang1 the tailored elegant effect which Classics love.

Key words: controlled, tailored, elegant, visually balance neutral or subdued colours of traditional blue, green, maroon burgundy, dusty pink, or neutrals.

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The Creative bedroom is individual, unique, artistic and nonconformist. It is an eclectic mix of furniture and furnishings brought together with creative flair using unusual colour combinations and accessories. Colour is THE CREATIVE often the unifying element tying everything in the room together. This style is absolutely individual and so that we cannot give a specific template for it. However you will recognise it when you see it as the style of the free spirit. In fact, Creatives would hate to think they fitted into any of these styles at all, even the Creative one. They don’t like to be boxed.

There is no symmetry or uniformity and nothing will match in the bedroom. Bedside tables are often different, not only in style but usually different from each other. Lamps are unusual, and furniture is a mix of pieces acquired from other family members, second-hand stores and local markets. THE UNIFYING Usually this means it is in well-worn or ELEMENT TYING distressed timber. Sometimes it is creatively from doonas, to old bedspreads, to coloured and patterned fabrics covering them. They may be textured or plain. Curtains are lace, or a multicoloured fabric or just a sheet hung creatively over a window.

Colour may be the only unifying element in the whole room. And colour there is. Bland and boring neutrals are never acceptable to a Creative. Quite often yellow is the unifying colour which appears in all the fabrics in the room. Purple is another Creative colour favourite.

Designs on fabrics are small to medium in size, with abstract geometries being favoured. Patterned scarves and multicoloured fabrics are often thrown over furniture or hung on a wall. 1 here may be some items from another culture. Beading and fringes often appear on everything from lights to furniture. Cushions, large and small and in a multitude of different fabrics are found on the floor or bed. It is a somewhat cluttered look and quite untidy, but very much loved by the Creative personality.

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The Town and Country style is more casual and comfortable than the others we have discussed so far. Relaxing country style is preferred. The log fire, home style cooking, baking, flowers in unusual vase (perhaps an old jug), lots of soft pillows are all high on the list for Town and Country people. A weekend in the country is another option. Touching is an important part of the seduction process for the Town and Country personality. They are very tactile. They tend to be rather cautious until they feel secure with their partner, and then they become dedicated and committed lovers.

When you want to seduce a Town and Country woman, have the smells of delicious cooking in the kitchen, the feel and smell of clean linen in the bathroom and bedroom, use flower essences such as lavender and gardenia around the home in pot pourri, have the constant appearance of homeliness and comfortable lounges to cuddle up on.

Take this forthright natural woman to a comfortable restaurant with tables lit by candles. Be sure there is comfort food on the menu such as soups, crusty bread, honest meat and vegetable dishes and lots of salads and vegetable combinations. Be certain too that the dessert menu includes such fancies as sticky date pudding, egg custards, bread and butter puddings, berry crumbles, apple pies and fruit platters.

Speak honestly and openly about your emotions. She will love to comfort you by touching. She is a good friend, even if the relationship is going nowhere. You can depend on her.

The Town and Country man is very tactile, so touch him a lot. Once secure in the relationship he becomes a dedicated and committed lover. Take him to a more casual restaurant, with a log fire and a country atmosphere, or better still, start the seduction process early in the day and take him for a drive into the country to a genuine country restaurant. He’ll love it.

Good news: do you want a massage?

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