Pap smear is a test that is done to check early signs of cervix or the health of a cervix. We recommend that every woman who is sexually active to do a pap smear once a year.

Pap smear is a test that is done to check early signs of cervix or the health of a cervix. We recommend that every woman who is sexually active to do a pap smear once a year.

It is not a painful procedure. It is uncomfortable and best for your own health sake.

An abnormal result doesn’t usually mean you have cancer. Almost all abnormal results are caused by HPV. Sometimes these go away on their own, and sometimes you may need treatment to stop them from developing into cancer.

There are many different types of sexually transmitted infections, which can be broken down into three basic types:

Bacterial

• Vaginitis
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Viral
• Genital Herpes
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) or Genital Warts
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Parasitic

• Trichomonas

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial STD that is transmitted when one has anal, oral, or vaginal sex with someone who is infected with chlamydia. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,412,791 chlamydia infections were reported to the CDC in the United States in 2011.
Many people who become infected with chlamydia don’t ever display symptoms, while others only begin to display symptoms several weeks after becoming infected.
Some of the symptoms of chlamydia in men include:

• Pain when urinating
• Penile discharge
• Swollen testicles

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can affect the anus, throat, or urethra. It is transmitted when one has anal, oral, and/or vaginal sex with a man or woman who has been infected. Most men with gonorrhea don’t display any symptoms at all. For those who do, symptoms include:

• Pain when urinating
• a green, white, or yellow discharge from the penis
• swollen testicles

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a form of hepatitis that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Unlike other common STDs that can produce more obvious symptoms focused around the genitals that we tend to associate with STDs, hepatitis B causes a dangerous inflammation of the liver. One can contract hepatitis by coming into contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person who is infected with the virus.
Many people infected with hepatitis B will not display symptoms at all, and those who do often mistake symptoms for a cold or the flu. Even if a person has no symptoms, left untreated, the virus can continue to damage the liver. The symptoms of hepatitis B include:

• loss of appetite
• feeling lethargic
• low-grade fever
• muscle and joint pain and aches
• nausea
• vomiting
• jaundice (yellow hue to the skin and dark urine)

Herpes (Simplex)

Herpes is a viral infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes may affect the mouth (oral herpes or HSV Type 1) or the genitals (genital herpes or HSV Type 2). Herpes is transmitted through direct contact with the mouth or genitals of a person who has been infected with the virus through sexual intercourse or oral sex and kissing.
The symptoms of herpes can be difficult to spot. Many people won’t have any symptoms at all, and those who do will develop blisters that are often mistaken for other skin conditions like pimples. Symptoms often occur between two days and two weeks after infection, and the initial outbreak can be severe. Common symptoms of herpes in men are:

• tingling, itching, or burning of the skin in the area where the blisters will appear
• blisters on the penis, testicles, on and around the anus, buttocks, or thighs
• blisters on the lips, tongue, gums, and other parts of the body
• aching muscles in the lower back, buttocks, thighs, or knees
• swollen and sometimes tender lymph nodes in the groin
• loss of appetite
• fever
• feeling unwell

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a term used to refer to a group of viruses that comprises more than 150 strains. While most of these strains are quite harmless, 30 are considered potentially harmful and are classified as being either low-risk or high-risk strains. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases today, with an estimated 80 to 90 percent of the female population being infected. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, there are approximately six million reported cases of HPV transmitted through sex every year, and currently there are at least 20 million people infected with HPV in the United States.
The low-risk strains may result in genital warts in some people, while in men the high-risk strains could lead to cancers of the anus, throat, and penis. HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with a person who has been infected with the virus and is most commonly transmitted through anal, oral, or vaginal sex. Most men infected with HPV won’t have any symptoms at all. Symptoms of HPV in men may include:

• genital warts (flat and flesh-colored or clusters of tiny bumps described as having a cauliflower appearance)
• warts in the mouth or throat (spread through oral sex with an infected partner)

Unlike other STDs which can only be prevented through the use of condoms or by abstinence; HPV can be prevented with vaccines. There are two HPV vaccines that have been approved by the FDA: Gardasil and Cervarix. They are both effective in the prevention of HPV types 16 and 18 that are high risk and responsible for causing most cervical cancers (70 percent) and types 6 and 11 that cause over 90 percent of genital warts. Though originally recommended only for females age 9 to 26, Gardasil has now also been licensed for use in boys and men age 9 to 26 to prevent genital warts.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial STD that can be transmitted through anal, oral, or vaginal sex. This ancient disease is still quite prevalent today. Syphilis is considered one of the more serious STDs in men because of its link to HIV and the increased risk of developing HIV when infected with syphilis.
Syphilis has four different phases, each with its own set of symptoms. The symptoms of primary syphilis in men may include:

• a very small, firm, and painless sore where the bacteria entered the body, usually on the penis, anus, or lips
• swollen lymph nodes in the area near the sore

Symptoms of secondary syphilis may include:

• a skin rash that does not itch, commonly found on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• tiredness
• sore throat
• headache
• swollen lymph nodes

Latent syphilis is the stage that occurs after the symptoms of secondary have stopped and the STD has gone untreated. Though rare, as few people actually enter the fourth stage even when left untreated, tertiary syphilis can cause serious complications, with damage to the heart, nervous system, brain, joints, and other parts of the body. Even several years after initial infection, syphilis, when it reaches this stage, can cause serious medical issues and death.

It is not always that you will have signs or symptoms, for women the STI may be dormant and you will not feel anything. Everyone who has unprotected sex is at risk of an STI/ HIV and should be tested. You should consult your doctor if have one of the following: Unusual offensive genital discharge, Genital sores, growths or lumps, Pain/burning when passing urine, Painful sex or bleeding after sex, Pain in the lower abdomen, Genital pain, itchiness in vagina. Be tested regularly. The risks of leaving an STI untreated can vary from pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, infertility in both men (urethral stricture) and women and even chronic debilitating secondary infections.

STIs can infect you in many ways. They can be caused by bacteria. They can be viruses. They can even come in the form of parasites like pubic lice. STIs are found on the body, in blood and in body fluids like semen (cum) and vaginal fluids. Sometimes, STIs like genital warts and herpes can be spread through skin-to-skin contact – simply kissing someone with a herpes blister may be enough to infect you.
STIs are spread from person to person during sex – and that means oral sex and anal sex as well. Injection drug use (IDU), tattooing or body piercing can also spread an infection if the needles and equipment aren’t clean. An STI can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, at the time of delivery and through the process of breastfeeding.
Most STIs can be cured, but some will never go away and require lifelong treatment. And make no mistake: having an STI puts you at a greater risk of getting HIV/AIDS.

Yes. It’s just another term used to describe infections that are spread through sexual contact.

It’s not always easy to recognize the signs of an STI in you or your partner. In fact, some STI’s have no symptoms at all, so you may not even know you have one unless you get tested.

You might have an STI if you experience any of these signs:

• Burning feeling in your genitals or when you pee.
• Sores, small bumps or blisters on or near your penis, vagina or anus.
• Itching around your penis, vagina or anus.
• Unusual discharge – like a different colour, smell or amount – from the vagina or penis.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Pain in the testicles.
• Bleeding after intercourse or between periods.
• Pain during sex or masturbation.
• For women, unusual bleeding during your period.

REMEMBER: Using condoms every time you have sex can lower your chances of getting an STI and HIV/AIDS.

If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection, get it checked out as soon as possible. You can get tested at our clinic to find out exactly what you have and how you can treat it. And to be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid having sex until you’ve seen a doctor about your concerns.

If you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to get tested every year for STIs even if you feel fine. It’s a good practice to go for testing if you’re about to start a new relationship. Ask your partner to do the same! Some STIs have no symptoms so you may not even know you have it unless you get tested.

Men

The types of tests you’ll take will vary depending on your concerns. The doctor or nurse will explain what tests are going to be done and why. Don’t be afraid about asking them questions! For most procedures, it’s best not to pee for two hours before your check-up.

In the clinic or doctor’s office, you’ll have to undress partially or completely. Then the doctor or nurse will do some or all of these procedures as part of the physical exam:

• Visual check of your genitals
• Examine the penis and testicles to check for discharge, pain, sores
• Take a swab from the urethra (the opening of the penis)
• Ask for a urine sample
• Take a blood test

A NOTE ABOUT BLOOD TESTS: when you get a routine blood test through your family doctor, they don’t automatically check for HIV. HIV testing should not be done without your consent! HIV testing usually involves some pre-test counselling before the blood test.

Women

The types of tests you’ll take will vary depending on your concerns. The doctor or nurse will explain what tests are going to be done and why. Don’t be afraid about asking them questions! When you see the doctor or nurse, they will ask you to undress partially or completely.

The doctor or nurse will do some or all of these procedures as part of the physical exam:

• Visual check of your genitals
• Speculum exam:
  • This involves placing a speculum inside the vagina so that the vagina and cervix can be observed
  • Swabs may be taken from the vagina and/or cervix
  • If you’re getting a pap test, samples will be taken from the cervix using a tiny brush and spatula
• Bi-manual exam:
  • This involves the doctor or nurse placing the fingers of one hand into the vagina while the other hand presses on the abdomen. This is so they can feel your ovaries and uterus.
• Take a swab from a lesion or sore if you have one
• Ask for a urine sample
• Take a blood test

A NOTE ABOUT BLOOD TESTS: when you get a routine blood test through your family doctor, they don’t automatically check for HIV. HIV testing should not be done without your consent! HIV testing usually involves some pre-test counselling before the blood test.

If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection, get it checked out as soon as possible.

You can get tested and treated at a Our Clinic. This is not a walk-in clinic – you need to make an appointment! All testing is Confidential.

There’s no perfect moment when you’ll suddenly know that you’re ready for sex. Sex is a complicated and personal decision so it’s all about knowing what’s best for you. No one else can tell you when you’re ready but here are a few things you should consider:

• Are you doing this because YOU want to? Or are you thinking about having sex because someone else wants you to? Maybe you’re not sure you’re ready, but your partner is putting on the pressure? Or maybe all your friends seem to be having sex, so you feel you should be too? Having sex because someone else is pressuring you is not a good reason. Remember, you’re in charge of your own life—don’t let anyone pressure you into having sex.
• Have you seriously considered the consequences of having sex? Obviously, sex can have some serious physical consequences, such as unplanned pregnancyor sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re going to have sex, you need to think about birth control options and choose a method that will work for you.  But sex is more than just the physical stuff. Have you considered the emotional consequences that sex might have on you, your partner, and your relationship? Having sex with someone takes things to a whole new level—are you and your partner ready for that? Have you talked about it? If you’re not sure that you’re ready or you haven’t talked with your partner (or are too embarrassed to), it might be a good idea to wait.
• Are you and your partner on the same page? You can’t expect to understand what your partner is thinking or expect them to understand what you’re thinking if you aren’t talking about it. You’ve got to talk with your partner about how they feel about sex, what each of you are comfortable doing, and what each of you will do to prevent pregnancy and STIs. If you can’t talk about sex with your partner, then you’re probably not ready to have it. It’s as simple as that.
• Do you know how to have protect yourself? It’s really important that you know how to protect against pregnancy and STIs. If you’re going to have sex, you have to use birth control consistently and correctly every single time you have sex in order to prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Remember: if you’re having sex and not using birth control, you’re planningto get pregnant. Again, this is something you need to talk to your boyfriend or girlfriend about before you have sex so you’re both okay about what you’re going to use.

The decision to have sex is a BIG one. If you feel comfortable with the situation and have had an open and sincere conversation about sex with your partner, maybe you are ready. But if you aren’t totally comfortable with the decision, then you probably aren’t. It might help to talk to someone you trust about the pros and cons of the situation. Even if it seems tough, try talking to your parents and getting their advice. You may also talk to our in house midwife for advice.

Well, the only 100% guaranteed way to avoid pregnancy is to not have sex. But if you’re going to have sex then you need to make sure you use protection carefully, consistently, and correctly EVERY SINGLE TIME. There are lots of methods of contraception available at our Clinic.

If you think you might be pregnant, the first thing to do is find out for sure. You can book an appointment with our in house doctor. He can not only tell you whether or not you’re pregnant, but counsel you on what to do if you are and how to avoid pregnancy in the future if you’re not. And keep this in mind: the sooner you know, the better off you’ll be. Don’t wait to see the doctor because you’re scared of what you’ll find out.

Find an adult you love and trust—your parents or someone else who loves you and has your best interests in mind. This isn’t something you should face alone. You also need to see the in house doctor  as soon as possible to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. One thing you absolutely cannot do is ignore the fact that you are pregnant.

Yes, you can. Every single time you have sex there is a chance that you can get pregnant/cause a pregnancy. The first time and every time. The only 100% foolproof way to avoid pregnancy is to not have sex in the first place. If you are having sex, it’s important that you use protection each and every time you have sex. No exceptions.

Yes, it’s possible for condoms to break but that’s not very common if you’re using them correctly. For example, you have to make sure that when you open the package you don’t damage the condom with your teeth or fingernails, you have to roll the condom on right side up (yes—you CAN put condoms on inside out!) making sure that there’s no air trapped inside, and you have to leave a little space at the tip. You also have to make sure you’re not using expired condoms or lube that will break down. If the condom breaks, you can get Emergency Contraception at our Clinic.

The pill is a prescription-only method of birth control, meaning that you can’t just go into a store and buy a pack like you can with condoms. You’ll have to the in house doctor to get a prescription; if you’re not comfortable with seeing the doctor, or concerned that your parents will find out, you may request to see the in house midwife.

Don’t give up! There are nearly 50 different brands of pills and chances are there is one that will work for you. And if the pill isn’t right for you, there are many other options. Remember: if you’re starting a new pill or are “between” contraceptive methods, either don’t have sex at all or use a back up method of birth control.

No. If you are sexually active and not using protection, you have an 85% chance of getting pregnant within one year. Just because it hasn’t happened yet is no guarantee that it won’t. If you’re in doubt, make an appointment with our in house doctor to get it checked, and use that as an opportunity to talk about the best birth control method for you. Unless you are actively trying to prevent a pregnancy, chances are good that you’ll get pregnant.

Remember, it’s all about timing: preventing pregnancy now can help you be the best parent you can be later in life, when you’re emotionally and financially ready. Most teen moms say they love their children but wish they’d waited 10 years to have them. Babies are wonderful, but they need and deserve adult parents who are willing and able to do the demanding and lifelong work of raising a child. Babies require unconditional love 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They give a lot of love back, but they depend on you for everything.

Having a baby often leads to a lot of problems in a relationship—it usually won’t strengthen a relationship and doesn’t necessarily lead to marriage. In fact, 8 out of 10 fathers never marry the teen mothers of their babies. Raising a child is hard. Raising a child alone is even harder. Being a teenager is a great time for growing up, getting an education, meeting new people, and having fun–not pregnancy and parenthood.

Depending on your life style all methods are effective , but they don’t prevent STI and HIV

Contraceptives are made of hormones which might increase appetite if your very concerned with weight gain is better to opt for other long acting methods like implant or loop.

Implant is inserted on the inner aspect of your arm and it last for 3 years while loop is inserted intra-vaginally and last for 5 years.

Weights gain, irregular menstruation, excessive menstruation. If you are experiencing one of this we recommend that you consult.

We offer emergency contraceptives however we also advice counseling and HIV test, our staff also assist u with Post exposure prophylaxis. It is taken within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. It is not recommended to use it as a method of contraception.

Circumcision is primarily performed for cultural or religious reasons.

Because a large number of men in English-speaking Western countries are circumcised, many think of the foreskin as an unnecessary part of the penis. Many circumcisions are performed because a circumcised father often does not want to feel that he is different from his son.

Most circumcisions are performed without anaesthetic, because there are risks involved with using anaesthetics. Sometimes local injections are used, but this does not eliminate pain. Most children will show signs of pain during the procedure and in the week or ten days following circumcision. While pain may help parents decide against circumcision, parents should look at the long term effects of their decision first, not only during infanthood, but all the way to adulthood. Your decision will affect your son for the duration of his life.

Circumcision is surgery, and like all surgery it has risks. These include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Injury to the glans
• Infection (raw wound is exposed to feces and urine in diaper)
• Complications from anaesthesia, if used
• Surgical error, including removal of too much skin
• In rare cases, complications can be life-threatening.

Up to 20% of circumcised males will suffer from one or more of the following complications, to some degree:

• Meatal stenosis (narrowing of the urethral opening due to infection and subsequent scarring, that occurs
• almost exclusively in circumcised boys)
• extensive scarring of the penile shaft
• skin tags and skin bridges
• bleeding of the circumcision scar
• curvature of the penis
• tight, painful erections
• psychological and psychosexual problems

The surface of the glans becomes dry if not protected by the foreskin. It is believed that dryness and abrasion may cause progressive loss of sensation in the glans, especially in later life. Circumcised men on the whole do enjoy sex and are able to orgasm.

There are several ways in which the foreskin acts as HIV’s main ‘entry point’ during penetrative sex between an uninfected man and an HIV-infected person. The inner surface of the foreskin contains a higher proportion of the cells that HIV targets, such as T-cells. Conversely, the inner foreskin has less keratin, a protein found in the skin, which has a protective effect. A study of Ugandan men before and after circumcision concluded that observed decreases in anaerobic bacteria may play a role in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition. Circumcision can reduce the likelihood of genital ulcers, which increase HIV-risk.

Circumcision does not need to be done right away. There is no need to feel pressured.

If you intend to have your son circumcised, we have an in house doctor that specializes in circumcisions of young children. You may feel free to ask him any questions you might have

You may desire that your son will retain some inner foreskin, and especially the frenulum, to preserve as much sexual sensitivity and function as possible. Another method is the dorsal slit. This method does not involve the removal of tissue, but allows the glans to be exposed.

To lessen the pain, speak to the doctor about the use of an common anaesthetic for your baby.

Medical grounds for circumcision that are most commonly cited are: Reduced risk of urinary tract infections (UTI); reduced risk of penile cancer; reduced risk of cervical cancer in partners; reduced risk of sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Probably the most common abnormality of the penis is “phimosis”, or tight foreskin. (This is not the same as the natural attachment of the foreskin to the glans in very young children, which is completely normal.) The foreskin can normally be retracted by adolescence.

If your son has a serious problem with his foreskin, such as a severe infection (balanitis xerotica obliterans) or gangrene, perhaps related to diabetes, removal of the affected area may be a medically advisable option.

Children can be cruel, and will find things to pick on another child about, whether it be his chubbiness, glasses, or freckles. Some parents think that their son should be circumcised so that he will “match” his father, brothers, or friends. As parents, we can help our children to feel good about their bodies and to respect individual differences.

Your son’s foreskin is a healthy, natural part of his body. Any part of the body may develop problems. It is possible, that the foreskin will develop problems

The medical evidence in favor of routine circumcision of healthy children is persuasive. If your son has a problem with his foreskin, such as a severe infection (balanitis xerotica obliterans) or gangrene, perhaps related to diabetes, your doctor may recommend partial or complete circumcision or removal of the affected area. Phimosis (nonretractable foreskin, if it persists much longer than normal) can usually be treated by gentle stretching and/or steroid creams.