Latest news with #STIs
The Hill
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hill
Judge orders Medicaid funding temporarily restored to all Planned Parenthood affiliates
A federal judge in Boston on Monday blocked the Trump administration from cutting funding to all Planned Parenthood affiliates as part of the GOP's new tax cut and health law. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani expands on a decision last week, when she issued a preliminary injunction restoring Medicaid funding for only 10 Planned Parenthood affiliates. 'Patients are likely to suffer adverse health consequences where care is disrupted or unavailable,' Talwani wrote in her Monday order. 'In particular, restricting Members' ability to provide healthcare services threatens an increase in unintended pregnancies and attendant complications because of reduced access to effective contraceptives, and an increase in undiagnosed and untreated STIs.' Planned Parenthood Federation of America, which advocates for abortion rights and does not provide medical care, sued on behalf of all of its 47 regional affiliates, along with its Utah and Massachusetts chapters. The lawsuit contests a provision in the new law that imposes a one-year ban on state Medicaid payments to health care nonprofits that also offer abortions and received more than $800,000 in federal funding in 2023. Talwani's ruling last week was narrow. The injunction applied only to affiliates in states where abortion is illegal, and to ones that did not exceed the $800,000 revenue threshold. 'A preliminary injunction maintains Planned Parenthood Members' ability to seek Medicaid reimbursements — and maintain their status quo level of service to patients,' Talwani wrote on Monday. Taxpayer money is already prohibited from covering most abortions. Instead, the new law cuts reimbursement for other health services provided by Planned Parenthood and other health centers, like cancer screenings and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. 'As this case continues, patients across the country can still go to their trusted Planned Parenthood provider for care using Medicaid. We will keep fighting this cruel law so that everyone can get birth control, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, and other critical health care, no matter their insurance,' Planned Parenthood president and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson said in a statement.
Medscape
18-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Gaps in STI Incidence and Testing Prevail in New York City
TOPLINE: This cross-sectional study of adults residing in New York City showed discrepancies between testing rates for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV and their incidence across demographics and socioeconomic status, potentially missing out cases among individuals who were not concurrently tested. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study to compare testing, diagnosis patterns, and sociodemographic disparities among patients with STIs, particularly chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV, in New York City between January 2018 and June 2023. They analyzed 4,767,322 patients (mean age, 46 years; 61% women) from Healthix — a public health information exchange that collects data from healthcare facilities and stratified them by poverty level based on their residential area. The primary outcomes were proportion tested and confirmed positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and/or HIV. The patterns of concurrent testing, coinfection, and their variation based on sociodemographic and geographic factors were also evaluated. TAKEAWAY: During the study period, 1,519,121 chlamydia tests, 1,574,772 gonorrhea tests, and 1,200,560 HIV tests were conducted, with positivity rates of 2%, 1%, and 0.3%, respectively. Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing were predominantly concurrent (98% of chlamydia tests and 95% of gonorrhea tests); however, only 44% of HIV tests were conducted simultaneously with those for both chlamydia and gonorrhea. Men were less likely than women to be tested for chlamydia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62) and gonorrhea (aOR, 0.63), yet when tested, they had higher odds of testing positive for those infections (aOR, 1.09 and 3.28, respectively). In contrast, men had 16% higher odds of being tested for HIV and were also more likely to test positive for HIV. Individuals residing in very high-poverty areas were less likely to be tested but more likely to test positive for all three STIs than those residing in low-poverty areas. IN PRACTICE: 'Improving surveillance capacity may offer a more nuanced understanding of population- and neighborhood-level patterns, elucidate inequity, inform targeted intervention, and improve resource allocation,' the authors of the study wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Harry Reyes Nieva, PhD, Columbia University, New York City. It was published online on June 17, 2025, in JAMA Network Open. LIMITATIONS: Healthix did not capture all testing conducted in New York City, and data on race and ethnicity of a substantial proportion of patients were missing. Although individuals on HIV preexposure prophylaxis typically undergo regular STI screening, the analysis approach did not fully account for its effect on the findings. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health and a fellowship from the Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group in High Performance Computing. One author reported receiving grants from the study funders. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Medscape
14-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Are You Asking These Seven Sexual Health Questions?
At the 2025 Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI) Congress held June 12-14 in Mar del Plata, Argentina, updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were presented. The chapter, developed by the HIV and STI Commission on a comprehensive approach to sexual health, offers step-by-step recommendations for taking a sexual history, designed for both specialist and primary care clinicians. Romina Mauas, MD, one of the chapter's authors, is an outpatient physician at Hospital de Infecciosas F.J. Muñiz and a researcher at the Center for Studies for the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases at ISALUD University, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 'This content is entirely new. This highlights the key questions that should never be missed when taking a medical history. It also promotes an inclusive, respectful environment free from stigma, prejudice, or moral judgment while protecting privacy, confidentiality, and individual rights,' she said. The chapter was co-authored with José Barletta, MD; Franco Bova, MD; Iael Altclas, MD; Adriana Basombrío, MD; Luciana Spadaccini, MD; Mara Huberman, MD; and Sergio Maulen, MD, PhD, all of whom are medical professionals. 'This material hasn't been available before, isn't covered in other guidelines, and can benefit any healthcare professional in the region,' said Alejandra Cuello, speaking with Medscape Spanish. She was one of the two coordinators of the recommendations. Cuello heads the Infectious Diseases Service at the Juan D. Perón Regional Polyclinic and was an adjunct professor of infectious diseases at the National University of Villa Mercedes, both in Villa Mercedes, Argentina. The new guide included 21 chapters covering a wide range of topics, including urethritis, acquired syphilis, genital herpes, human papillomavirus, viral hepatitis, gonorrhea, Zika virus, sexual abuse and rape, STIs in pregnant women, and emerging STIs, such as mpox. 'Instead of just copying the international guidelines, this version includes local epidemiology, available diagnostic methods, and treatments tailored to the regional context,' Cuello said. Patient Interaction A unique feature of the updated guidelines is that they begin with recommendations on how to explore aspects of a patient's sexuality during consultations, an area often avoided due to 'lack of knowledge, modesty, or discomfort,' Cuello noted. Mauas, speaking to Medscape Spanish said, 'We need to be warm because we are asking intimate questions. You cannot rush into conversations about sexual practices without creating a comfortable environment. She emphasized that a lack of empathy is often the first barrier to timely and appropriate care. These guidelines highlighted the importance of the first interaction in building trust and obtaining the patient's accurate sexual history. Clinicians are encouraged to pay attention to initial greetings, maintain appropriate eye contact, and use supportive body language. 'Consultations should begin with open-ended questions. Clinicians are advised to first explore general concerns and then gradually move into more sensitive topics. Each question should be explained clearly using simple and respectful language. The approach should accommodate explicit sexual terms when necessary and be responsive to signs of anxiety or distress,' she said. Core Components The guidelines outlined seven key areas to consider in sexual health consultations. Reason for consultation. Begin by understanding the reason for the patient's visit. Review any signs or symptoms to help guide the examination and diagnostic tests. History of STIs. Inquiring about a patient's history of STIs is important, as this can affect the current risk assessment, choice of diagnostic tests, and interpretation of results. 'Some people are aware of this; others are not because the infection may have been asymptomatic,' Mauas noted. Assess personal and partner(s) risk perception, including prior testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and other STIs. Ask whether the patient has received postexposure prophylaxis for HIV, especially in the past 6-12 months. Sexual partners. Determine the time since the patient's last sexual contact. When possible, estimate the number of regular and casual partners in the past 3 months or during the 3-month period. Avoid making assumptions about a person's sexual orientation; instead, ask respectfully. 'What is your sexual desire? Do you like being with a woman or a man? What is your orientation? How do you perceive or define yourself?' Mauas explained. Sexual practices. Gather information about the sites of potential exposure and specific practices, including oral, vaginal (receptive/insertive), and anal (receptive/insertive). Also ask about group sex, transactional sex (in exchange for money, drugs, or services), use of sex toys, dating apps, and recreational drug use — including alcohol and sex-related substances. 'These are individual situations that need to be considered,' Mauas emphasized. STI protection. Ask about the frequency of condom use during vaginal or anal intercourse over the past 3 months. Discuss any barriers to condom use. In addition, the vaccination status for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus must be assessed. Pregnancy prevention. Discuss pregnancy planning, contraceptive use, and access to safe abortion services when relevant. If necessary, refer to the appropriate specialized health departments. 'Although it depends on the specialty, we can — and should — work together with the sexual and reproductive or nonreproductive health department, depending on what the patient wants, such as whether they need counseling on contraception,' Mauas said. Other sexual health issues. Screening for problems related to sexual satisfaction, function, or psychosexual concerns. Ask about experiences of gender-based violence and offer appropriate referrals to the relevant services. These guidelines also encourage clinicians to leave room for patients to raise additional personalized concerns. Practical Recommendations The guide outlines general recommendations for consultations with key populations and priority groups at a higher risk of STIs, including transgender people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, adolescents and young adults, incarcerated individuals, people who use drugs, and migrant populations. The guide offered several recommendations to improve consultations, as follows. Avoid making assumptions about sexual orientation. Ask open, respectful questions about sexual practices, such as the gender of sexual partners, relationship status, and whether the patient is monogamous. Ask about self-identified gender at the beginning of the consultation to avoid mistakes or assumptions regarding sex or gender based on appearance. Gender-neutral languages should be used wherever possible. Ask questions such as, 'Are you taking any medication?' instead of 'Are you on any medication?' Genital examination should be delayed unless clinically necessary. This can be postponed until a greater level of trust is established. Recognize that not all individuals are sexually active or wish to initiate sexual practices. Offer flexible services to accommodate different needs. For example, evening clinic hours may better serve those with nighttime work schedules. Training the entire healthcare team to promote, inclusive stigma-free care is essential. 'Anyone who chooses to work in sexual health must be properly trained — not only in clinical knowledge but also in addressing personal biases that may come from cultural or religious beliefs. Primary care providers should familiarize themselves with these guidelines and build their capacity to manage consultations. If they are unable to complete the assessment, they should be referred appropriately; however, they must not become a barrier to care. When a patient feels mistreated due to administrative or bureaucratic hurdles, they often choose not to return,' Mauas said. Mauas and Cuello reported having no relevant financial relationship. This story was translated from Medscape's Spanish edition.
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning over nasty infections that trigger horror itching and affect millions in the hot weather
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AS the UK weathers up for another scorching weekend, a GP has a warned of a rise in nasty infections triggering itching, soreness and discharge. "While we might enjoy the warmer weather, your vagina might not be best pleased," GP Dr Nisa Aslam warned. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Infections like thrush can become more common in the summer Credit: Getty "That's because vaginal infections such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are more common during hotter temperatures," the advisor to PrecisionBiotics told Sun Health. Thrush is a common yeast infection that happens when there's an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus. As for BV, this is a vaginal infection that occurs when normal bacteria that live in your vagina overgrow, causing a bacterial imbalance Dr Aslam said: "Around 1.2 million women in the UK suffer from thrush - with 75 per cent of women developing thrush at least once in their lifetime. "Up to 50 per cent of women suffer from BV. "Both BV and thrush can be incredibly uncomfortable," according to the GP. But research from PrecisionBiotics found that up to 76 per cent of women suffer with the infections in silence, feeling too uncomfortable to open up about their vaginal health concerns. 'If you're concerned that you might have developed thrush or BV, there are a few tell-tale signs," Dr Aslam said. Both can cause irritation such as itching, however thrush often comes with a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, sometimes with a mild, yeasty smell, whereas BV typically involves a thin, watery, grey or white discharge and a fishy smell. "If these are left untreated, they can continue to cause irritation. Cheap hacks to stay cool this summer "BV can also increase your risk of contracting STIs, so it's worth booking an appointment with your GP if you experience symptoms.' Dr Aslam explained what causes thrush and BV in the first place. 'These common problems are caused by vaginal dysbiosis, a disruption of the vaginal microbiome, the delicate balance of good bacteria that helps maintain a healthy pH level and protect against infections. "Dysbiosis is more likely to occur in hot, sweaty conditions," the GP explained, which is why warmer weather can be a major trigger. Symptoms of thrush Symptoms of thrush in women include: White vaginal discharge (often like cottage cheese), which does not usually smell Itching and irritation around the vulva and vagina Soreness and stinging during sex or when you pee Symptoms of thrush in men include: Irritation, burning and redness around the head of the penis and under the foreskin A white discharge (like cottage cheese) An unpleasant smell Difficulty pulling back the foreskin Source: NHS "It can result in an overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria and/or yeast, so it's important to do what we can to maintain the good bacteria.' But there are ways you can protect your vaginal health as the weather heats up over the weekend - soaring to 34C in some parts of the UK. 1. Breathable clothing 'Avoiding tight clothing is vital," Dr Aslam stressed. "Cool, breathable clothes help avoid sweat from building up - sweat creates a warm, moist environment, providing the perfect conditions for yeast and bacteria to thrive. "This can then lead to infections such as thrush. "The same applies for wet swimsuits; change as soon as possible to keep your vaginal area dry." 2 Alcohol has been linked to a higher risk of BV Credit: Getty 2. Minimise booze It not just about what you wear - what you drink can up your risk of infections too. Booze might seem like the perfect pairing for hot weather, but it may it leave with lingering consequences that don't include hangovers. 'Alcohol has been linked to a higher risk of BV as it changes the balance of the microbiome," Dr Aslam explained. "So if possible keep alcohol to a minimum and make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water. "Dehydration can lead to vaginal dryness which can affect the pH balance of the microbiome." 3. Snack smart It's also worth paying attention to what you're eating. 'Refined foods high in sugar and saturated fat are also associated with a higher risk of BV," according to the GP. Symptoms of BV Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: An unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex A change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery Half of women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any soreness or itching. Source: NHS "Think pastries, cakes, crisps and processed meats. "Instead, tuck into a primary whole food, high fibre diet filled with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meats and healthy fats." 4. Try supplements You could also give supplements a go, Dr Aslam suggested. 'We can support our microbiome with the correct strain of probiotic bacteria – as certain probiotic lactobacilli strains have been shown to be an effective strategy for maintaining vaginal health," she said. She recommended PrecisionBiotics Daily Women's Flora.
United News of India
25-06-2025
- Health
- United News of India
CM flags off e-scooters to boost HIV and health outreach in Himachal
Shimla, 25 June (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off 12 e-scooters from his official residence, Oak Over, here. These scooters, provided to the Health Department through the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, will be deployed across eight districts of the state to strengthen doorstep medical services. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Himachal aims to ensure uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services—such as medicine distribution, screening, and counseling—to patients suffering from HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Tuberculosis (TB), and Hepatitis. The programme seeks to improve treatment adherence and support viral load suppression among patients, ultimately enabling them to lead healthier, longer lives. Commending the initiative, the Chief Minister said, 'Red Ribbon Clubs, youth, educational institutions, and NGOs have played a crucial role in raising awareness about HIV. "Making Himachal Pradesh HIV-free is our shared responsibility. I am confident that these e-scooters will further strengthen our outreach and support mechanisms,' he said. He further said that over 6,000 people in the state are currently living with HIV, most of whom have achieved viral load suppression—a reflection of the government's sustained efforts and effective policies. The Chief Minister also emphasised that the promotion of electric vehicles in the state is aligned with the government's commitment to environmental conservation, and the deployment of e-scooters for health services is a step forward in this direction. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil added that the State AIDS Control Society is actively working through 471 Red Ribbon Clubs in universities, colleges, and industrial training institutes across the state. "The Adolescent Education Programme is also being implemented in schools. Additionally, the Department of Youth Services and Sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan are collaborating to spread awareness about HIV among out-of-school youth," he said. UNI XC SSP
