#how can hiv be transmitted through

[roshni99]

How can I reduce my risk of getting HIV? #HIV #healthtips #raphacure - YouTube

🌈⚡️ Empower Yourself: Reducing Your Risk of HIV Infection! #HIVAwareness Curious about ways to minimize your risk of HIV? Empower yourself with essential knowledge and take proactive steps to protect your health. Your well-being matters, and being informed can make a significant impact. 🌈⚡️ 🧡 Practice Safe Sex: Consistently and correctly use condoms or dental dams during sexual activity, especially with new or unknown partners. This greatly reduces the risk of HIV transmission. 🚫 Avoid Sharing Needles: If you use injectable drugs, never share needles, syringes, or any equipment. Use clean, sterile supplies to reduce the risk of HIV and other infections. 💉 Consider PrEP: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken daily by individuals at high risk of HIV. Consult a healthcare provider to determine if PrEP is right for you.

💪 Maintain Good Health: A healthy immune system can help protect you. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and get sufficient sleep. 🌡️ Regular Testing: Get tested for HIV regularly, especially if you engage in high-risk behaviors. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and reduces the risk of transmission. 👥 Know Your Partner's Status: Communicate openly with your sexual partners about their HIV status and get tested together. This helps build trust and make informed decisions. 🌈 Supportive Relationships: Cultivate a network of friends and partners who prioritize safe practices and open communication about sexual health. 💬 Educate Yourself: Stay informed about HIV transmission, prevention methods, and the latest advancements in HIV awareness and care. 🙌 Community Resources: Utilize available resources, such as local health centers, NGOs, and online platforms, to access information, testing, and support. 🌆 Stay Informed: Stay connected with HIV-awareness campaigns, community initiatives, and reliable health sources to stay up-to-date on prevention strategies. Before watching the video, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our channel to receive many more tips and updates! For professional help and access to essential tools, download our mobile app: 📲 Android: [Link: http://bit.ly/3JACQOb] 🍏 Apple: [Link: https://apple.co/3I0QKbe] Explore more at https://www.raphacure.com/Virtual-Con... or write to wellness@raphacure.com. Remember, reducing your risk of HIV involves a combination of education, responsible choices, and proactive measures. Every step you take towards HIV prevention contributes to your overall well-being. 🗣️ Spread the Awareness, Promote Health! 🗣️ Share this valuable information with your circle to raise awareness about HIV prevention. Knowledge empowers you to protect yourself and support others in their health journey. Prioritize your health, prioritize informed choices. Stay connected for more health insights and awareness. #HIVAwareness#StayProtected#PreventHIVInfection#HealthEmpowerment#StayInformed#wellbeingmatters how can i protect my partner from getting hiv?,getting tested,does pulling out reduce hiv risk?,can i get hiv if my partner is on treatment,hiv testing,how can i protect my partners?,risk,how can hiv be transmitted through kissing,how can you get hiv,how can hiv be transmitted through,can you get hiv if your partner is on medication,can hiv be transmitted through urine,can you get hiv from just sticking it in,can i infect my partner with hiv if im on arvs?

[vaspider]

My question about the AIDS crisis, I'm mostly asking you because like I said, I don't think I was googling the right things, so even if you could just suggest some things to google that would be more likely to get me answers, that would be really helpful.

I guess it's mostly how did AIDS (and to some extent, any STD) become so widespread? I know that it spread through sexual contact and shared blood, but can you really "six degrees of separation" (god, that sounds so flippant, but i genuinely can't think how else to describe it) a chain of sexual partners and shared needles through any two people with HIV in the entire world? Maybe it's just because I'm a bit of a hermit, but while I can understand how it was so devastating once it was already widespread, I guess I'm having trouble understanding how it got such a foothold in the first place. If the first person with HIV had happened to not have a lot of sex would the AIDS crisis never have happened?

I swear I have absolutely no judgement for people that like to have a lot of sex, maybe I just have an underestimate of the amount of sex the average person has because frankly I don't have any? So I hope this doesn't sound disrespectful or anything, it's just kind of hard for me to believe those "six degrees of separation" kind of things in general when it's not like, famous people, so the realization that theoretically any two people with the same STD, on different parts of the globe, would have this string of sexual partners connecting them almost feels like there has to be something I'm missing... But when I'm googling things like "how did HIV become so widespread" and "how do STDs spread" I'm just getting things about how you should use protection and histories of *where* HIV spread rather than answering this more specific question (probably didn't help I was trying to do this research at 1am)

I mean this as kindly as possible:

What is your proposed alternate theory as to the spread of a disease which is transmitted through contact with blood, semen (and pre-seminal fluid), rectal and vaginal fluids, and breast milk? The disease does not spread through saliva or through touch which does not involve those fluids.

There are relatively rare cases of HIV spread through accidental needle sticks - according to WebMD, there are approximately 385k accidental needle sticks among health care workers per year in the US. WHO says that .7% of the global population has HIV, so for some back-of-the-napkin math, at most, you'll have about 2,700 of those needle sticks involving someone with HIV. Since (again, according to that WebMD article on accidental needle sticks), in cases of an accidental needle stick where the patient has HIV, the health care worker only has about a 1 in 300 chance of catching it (as opposed to 1 in 3 for an unvaccinated person catching hepatitis B via accidental needle stick from an infected patient). So - nationwide - you have approximately 9 people per year catching HIV from a needle stick.

And, to be clear, that fucking sucks. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022 there were approximately 14.7 million health care workers in the US. Not all of these people have equal risk for accidental needle sticks, but there's only so much research I'm gonna do for rough math to answer an ask on Tumblr.

The average US health care worker has approximately - again, based on my back-of-the-napkin math - 0.00000544% chance of contracting HIV from an accidental needle stick. It's astronomically more likely that a random health care worker will die from tripping over an extension cord or breathing in a caustic chemical than that they will catch HIV.

The chances of getting HIV via blood transfusion before we started routinely testing for it were all but assured if you got blood from someone with HIV. Testing now is so stringent that you have about a one in two million chance of getting HIV from a transfusion. The last recorded case I could find was in 2010, and before that, it was 2002, and the 2010 case happened in part because the donor lied about his risk profile and often participated in anonymous and unprotected sex with partners of multiple genders. He really shouldn't have been accepted as a donor at all. Approximately 4.5 million Americans receive blood transfusions per year, so, like, nowadays, it is excessively unlikely, but even in the 80s, it was an edge case means of infection, not a main source of pandemic spread.

A breastfeeding parent with a detectable viral load has about a 15% chance of transmitting HIV through breast milk. Likewise, HIV can be - and was - transmitted to babies during birth because of contact with vaginal fluid or blood, but, again, these relative edge cases are not the things pandemics are made of.

I want to stress that I am not in any way minimizing the absolute tragedy of the AIDS crisis, and I am not dismissing the fact that these methods of transmission are possible and did cause significant disruption to blood banks, stress for pregnant people with HIV, and so on. They just simply are not major methods of transmission, and never were.

With all of that said... what is your proposed alternate method of transmission, with these facts in hand? What do you think happened? Genuinely, this question is so baffling to me.

I think it's important to understand that before the emergence of HIV, most of the STIs we had were at that point either considered an annoyance (warts, HPV) or were extremely easy to treat and cure (syphilis, once a death sentence, became basically a non-issue for most people in the US as long as they were getting tested relatively frequently, and most other common STIs even today can be cured with a single course or even a single dose of antibiotics).

With that in mind, a lot of people, including a lot of queer people, were having a lot of unprotected sex. For people who could become pregnant, the advent of the pill and access to legal abortion meant that they didn't have to become or stay pregnant if they didn't want to, and for cis gay men, the prevalence of antibiotics meant that the vast majority of STIs were a brief inconvenience at worst.

So allo people did one of the things that allo people (and some ace people!) love to do:

They fucked. A lot. They fucked without fear of much consequence in terms of infection, and because it was much riskier to bring someone home where you could be seen, a lot of gay men cruised, fucking in parks or in literal back alleys or the bathrooms of clubs. They worried about getting arrested or getting caught and having their names in the newspaper much more than they worried about STIs. Sex workers, including trans sex workers, fucked in cars or hotels or... wherever the money was, because survival sec work is ... survival.

So... yeah. What is your proposed alternate theory, here? I am truly baffled at what you think otherwise happened, given a disease with a very narrow route of infection.

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

hello sex witch I love what you do it's so cool and informative!!! this is probably a dumb question but like my partner and I were both virgins (we're each other's first and are solidly monogamous) so if we only ever have sex with each other are we at risk of getting STDs? I googled it and Planned Parenthood says yes but I honestly don't know how I could get syphilius from doing oral on her if neither of us have never done it before. Is there a real risk??

hi anon,

there's no such thing as a dumb question!

you and your partner are unlikely to spontaneously manifest syphilis if neither of you have ever had partnered sex, but it's not impossible for someone to have sexually transmitted infections without having ever had sex. many people catch herpes as children through close non-sexual contact with adult caregivers, some people contract STIs that are transmitted by their mothers during pregnancy or birth, and HIV can spread through shared syringes or piercing equipment.

I don't say any of this to make you or your partner needlessly paranoid or fearful; STIs are part of life like any other illness and shouldn't be seen as something that reflect negatively on the people who have them. ultimately, it's up to you and your partner to decide if you feel reasonably sure that you are both STI-free and willing to take that (slim) risk, or if you would prefer to get a couple's STI test as a fun little date. both are completely acceptable answers, and it's totally up to you to decide as a couple what the right choice is for you to make together.

[letters-to-lgbt-kids]

(TW: Sex - educational context, HIV prevention)

My dear lgbt+ kids,

After my last post about HIV, I received multiple asks like "I feel embarrassed to ask something so stupid but..." - and the pure fact that I got multiple of them already proves that not knowing something is no reason to be embarrassed!

Many people are not super confident in their HIV knowledge. Acknowledging that and seeking more info is a great thing. I decided to put all these questions in one post:

How do you even get HIV?

Certain body fluids can transmit HIV:

blood

semen (cum)

pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum)

rectal fluids

vaginal fluids

breast milk.

Most adults who get HIV get it through sex (vaginal or anal) or sharing needles (or other drug injection equipment). Getting it from oral sex is also possible but less common.

Parent-to-child transmission (birth, breastfeeding) is the most common way that children get HIV.

Can you get HIV from topping?

Yes. Both the top and the bottom can get HIV through penetrative sex (top means you are penetrating your partner, bottom means your partner is penetrating you).

During anal sex, the bottom has a higher risk. That's because HIV can enter the body through the rectum’s thin lining. But: HIV can also enter the body through the opening at the tip of the penis or the foreskin or small cuts/scratches/sores anywhere on the penis.

During vaginal sex, either partner can get HIV as well, through vaginal tissue, the cervix or the penis as described above.

Can you get HIV from kissing?

You can’t transmit HIV through saliva, so there would need to be blood (or another fluid of the ones named above) involved. That means you could theoretically get HIV from open-mouthed kissing if both partners have sores or bleeding gums - but this is very rare.

You can’t transmit HIV at all through closed-mouthed kissing.

Can you get HIV from a public toilet?

The only realistic risk of getting HIV from a public toilet is by having sex or sharing drug equipment in there!

HIV does not survive long outside the human body (like on the toilet seat or door handle) and it cannot reproduce outside a human host. Wash your hands, as there are other germs that do survive on surfaces, but don't worry about HIV.

Can you get HIV from getting a tattoo?

You theoretically could - if the equipment or ink has someone else’s blood in it. This is unlikely to happen unless the person doing your tattoo uses unsterilized needles.

If you get a tattoo or piercing, make sure that the person doing the procedure is properly licensed and uses only new or sterilized equipment.

Can you get HIV from masturbating?

No. The only possible way would be if there were bodily fluids from an infected person on your fingers or sex toys.

It's always a good idea to wash your hands first because there could be other germs/irritants on them - but if you are doing it all alone, there is no risk of HIV. If you are masturbating together with another person, try to avoid sharing toys. If you do share them, use a new condom for each partner.

Can you get HIV from drinking alcohol?

When we talk about transmission via drug use, we are talking about sharing needles or drug equipment - they may have someone else's blood on them.

Alcohol use doesn't involve needles, you can not directly get HIV from being drunk. But: being drunk (or high) can lead to risky behavior that sober you wouldn't participate in, such as unprotected sex! It's a good idea to be careful around alcohol.

Isn't there a cure for HIV by now?

No. Once you have HIV, you have it for life - but the good news are there is treatment available! Someone who is HIV-positive and starts receiving treatment early has a normal life expectancy.

Medicine can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood (this is called viral load). In fact, it can make the viral load so low that a test can’t detect it anymore - and if you have an undetectable viral load, you will not transmit HIV to others!

With all my love,

Your Tumblr Dad

[darkmaga-retard]

Robin Westenra

Aug 26, 2024

The post-pandemic era is being shaped by heightened global risk and unpredictable shock events.

Power is dispersing in a post-superpower era, while governments struggle with a recurrent crisis of political legitimacy worldwide.

The lingering pandemic mental health crisis is being exacerbated by climate and AI.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/08/4-global-risks-to-look-out-for-in-the-post-pandemic-era/

BREAKING: WEF Says The World Must Brace For A Series Of Massive Unknown Crises

WEF's Klaus Schwab Warns The World To Prepare For "An Era Of Shock Events"

WARNING - PRESIDENT ALERT - SOMETHING BIG IS GOING ON IN THE MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

Karen Kingston: The covid-mpox-HIV supervirus

They are attempting to develop a virus that combines RNA from SARS-CoV-2, mpox and HIV.  The aim is to have a “supervirus” that can be aerosolised and then from the resulting mpox infections, HIV can be transmitted to others through direct skin-to-skin contact, Karen Kingston says.

Why do they want to develop HIV that is skin contagious? Because the aim is to weaken our immune systems; all of our immune systems, not only those who have been vaccinated.

On Wednesday, Karen Kingston joined Brannon Howse to discuss the US House Committee questioning the alliance of the Biden-Harris Administration alliance with the Chinese Communist Party (“CCP”) and the US biopharmaceutical FDA trials being conducted by the Chinese military.

They also followed up on a discussion they had in June 2022 about how HIV and mpox are encoded into the SARS-2 mRNA virus and its mRNA injections.

“It appears that the NIH has been funding the creation of a highly debilitating immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that can be transmitted via an injection, or even via skin-to-skin contact during herpetic skin lesion breakouts (“mpox”),” Kingston said.

[whats-amata-you]

Man it’s weird being trans. Like yeah I did always know, I did my googling waaaaaaay back in middle school and found the gender vs sex rabbit hole when I was like 11 on ye olde 2004 Wikipedia, I prayed for years for god to let me be some kind of intersex that just looks female so I wouldn’t get boobs or periods, I asked my Texan dad to call me “sir” instead of “ma’am” when I was maybe 7 and he did for a week before he realized I wasn’t going to get sick of it.

But I didn’t always KNOW. I grew up under this weird kind of rock made of autism and whiteness and being middle-class and non-denominational Christian, so I was brought up believing everyone was basically the same, and then there were The Weird Ones, but The Weird Ones were usually fine as long as they weren’t being “in your face” about things. I knew that there were men and there were women and there were intersex people, I knew what was expected of men and what was expected of women. But I didn’t know how the cishets ACTUALLY saw the queers. I didn’t know the consequences of being born in a female body but insisting on being a boy. I didn’t know what my transness would actually cost if I pushed too hard for it.

And no,I didn’t try, because I didn’t know it was an option, obviously. But I’d never seen trans people anywhere before, never heard of them outside that Wikipedia article, never saw them referenced in media (we only got PBS until I was 16 and by then I was disinterested in almost anything outside my hyperfixations). I heard about gay people, and how it was wrong to sleep with someone of the same sex, but it was the lukewarm distaste of casual homophobia that just “doesn’t want to see it.” The biggest cost I actually saw to queer people was just… people not wanting to see them kiss their partner. As an aroace kid, I didn’t understand why that would be a big deal for either side.

I’d only heard of HIV and AIDS in dry, clinical explanations in sex ed. “It’s a sexually transmitted virus so use a condom every time, it also spreads via needles so don’t do drugs. The virus works like this and destroys your immune system so even a cold can kill you. You cannot get it by breathing their air or touching them or using a toilet seat or whatever, it has to be bodily fluids and usually not saliva. It’s incurable and fatal.” In retrospect, I learned WAY more about HIV/AIDS than a lot of kids did back in the late 90s and early 2000s, so that’s a mark in favor of Washington state (or maybe just that particular school district). But I never, not even once, heard queer people of any type and AIDS mentioned in the same sentence. I never heard of “the AIDS crisis” or its impact on the queer community until after I graduated high school and met a queer or two on the internet.

My old mentor Orion would probably have been shocked and appalled. She must have lived through and seen so much that I never knew about up until the last couple years, actively chasing down this elusive thing called “queer history” that I’d never known existed until I created a tumblr account in 2017.

I’m an aroace gay gnc trans masc enby. I could fill an entire book just explaining all the different aspects to my own queerness that I’ve found over the years. Most of it is just stuff I found words for, not things I didn’t already know about myself. And I never, until 2017, had any clue what any of it actually means in the context of society, culture, or politics.

I dunno what to do with that. I’m gonna chew on it for a while longer.

[coochiequeens]

Babies are not props to be used to validate gender feelz. And unfortunately this is just the start of a long list of why this guy should not be around kids

By Genevieve Gluck February 26, 2024

A trans-identified male residing in Canada who claims to be HIV positive and inserts progesterone rectally has been allegedly “breastfeeding” his child with the support of established medical clinics. Former men’s rights activist Murray Pearson, 52, who uses the name Margaret (Margie) Fancypants on social media, has been criticized after he shared an image of himself at a lactation clinic holding a young infant.

The photo was first posted three months ago on Reddit community titled r/TransLater, a board dedicated to males who transition later in life. In a post titled, “Milk, baby, milk! MTF 52,” wherein Pearson appears ecstatic that one “benefit of being transfemme” includes “that you can be pregnant and get drunk” with no undue problems.

“I have a baby almost 9 months old… I cannot wait to connect through feeding. And yes, I will stop drinking before it negatively affects anything they drink!” said Pearson

“This is a wish I have had for decades. My egg cracked a year ago on December 12 and I realized I could nurse my baby already on the way. That lit a fire under me, and I have gone from having lean pectoral muscle in March to full B-cups now and growing fast,” he added.

Pearson continues on to claim to have the assistance of “medical expertise,” including “five physicians in three clinics in two world class hospitals,” with one of the clinics named as the Goldfarb Clinic in Montreal.

“Two endocrinologists, Newman and Goldfarb, created a protocol to induce lactation in adoptive mothers,” Pearson explained in the comments. “It works for trans women as well, it works best when breast growth is mature but I am taking domperidone while my primary breast growth is underway. By an astonishing coincidence, I live right next to their breastfeeding institute!”

According to statements Pearson has made on social media, he began identifying as transgender in December 2022, and the following year, began taking progesterone. Approximately eight months ago, Pearson announced that he had found his “true self” as a result of performing in a drag show for a friend’s birthday celebration.

Earlier this month, Pearson described the first moment he believed he was a woman after trying on used women’s clothing at a thrift store. “I realized that the beautiful curvy woman in the mirror was the real me and I could be her every day… after more than two decades of stealth resistance. 87 days later I started spiro, 14 days after that estradiol, and now I am looooooving my boobs. Having curves without fakery is AMAZING.”

In a post made to the TransLater community last week, Pearson described how to insert the female hormone progesterone rectally, as a suppository, rather than swallowing it as a tablet.

“My breasts get a wonderful plumpness and pleasing jiggliness when I have had progesterone the night before…. You’ll need some lubricant (personal lube such as K-Y jelly or similar, or silicone personal lube which may be overkill, or some sort of non-irritating oil; I use my own mixture of cocoa butter and shea butter) to allow free clearance for the capsule… Some people simply pop the capsule in their mouth to use saliva, but I like a more effective lube,” he commented.

Pearson has also shared images of himself in a blue and pink wig attempting to eat ice cream containing the hormone in a seductive manner.

Disturbingly, Pearson has also revealed that he is HIV positive and is aware that the deadly virus can be transmitted through breastfeeding.

“I am HIV+, continuously controlled for 18.5 years now,” said Pearson in a Reddit post six months ago. “The viral suppression into undetectability [sic] makes sexual transmission impossible. But transmission through milk IS possible if viral load becomes detectable so I will test viral load monthly (opposed to semiannually) to keep a VERY close eye on that.”

In a shocking display of further disregard for the child’s health, Pearson speculated as to whether his experiment would qualify him as a candidate for the participation in academic research.

“Fortunately, Dr Lenore Goldfarb, creator of the protocol, has her clinic at the same hospital we birthed our baby in. I may even end up in the medical literature.” While again discussing his HIV status in relation to ‘breastfeeding’ a child, Pearson alleges that his case is being documented by infectious diseases researcher Dr. Marina Klein, who is affiliated with McGill University.

Pearson in a “before” picture posted to Reddit tracking his transitioning progress.

Reduxx reached out to Dr. Klein to request information on her involvement in Pearson’s experimental lactation, and she confirmed that she had been monitoring Pearson for his HIV infection at the Chronic Viral Illness Service of the McGill University Health Centre. However, she stated she had not been involved in his transition nor had she been consulted on his induction of lactation.

“It’s important to emphasize that we do not recommend breast feeding for people with HIV as this is the only way to be certain that no HIV transmission will occur after a baby is born,” Dr. Klein said in her response. “However, guidelines have evolved over time with the recognition that the risk of transmission is very low when HIV infection is undetectable with effective therapy … If, after informed discussion, a person expresses a wish to breastfeed they may chose to do so provided they are willing to follow a close protocol of viral monitoring and have their baby followed closely with pediatric specialists who would generally recommend that they receive preventive medication.”

Dr. Klein further states that Pearson had expressed a desire to breastfeed and then had been referred to an endocrinologist.

Prior to identifying as transgender, Pearson was involved in politically advocating for the US-based, anti-feminist men’s rights non-profit A Voice for Men (AVFM).

The organization was founded in 2009 by Paul Elam, who has said that there would no longer be “any place to hide on the internet” for “lying bitches,” and members associated with the group have previously published personal information about women who opposed their activities.

Pearson has linked to the organization’s website on his YouTube channel biography, where he has uploaded videos of himself advocating positions held by AVFM, such as accusing women of lying about sexual violence.

In one video shared in July 2013, titled “Rape, Posters, Traffic Lights and Consent,” Pearson claims that he was previously drugged and raped by a woman on the University of Alberta campus.

He also encourages discussion of posters produced by Men’s Rights Edmonton which featured the headline, ‘Don’t Be That Girl’, created with the intention of parodying an anti-rape campaign designed by a women’s rape crisis shelter, Sexual Assault Voices of Edmonton (SAVE), which used the slogan, ‘Don’t Be That Guy.’

Pearson has also been active in a Facebook group for “trans lesbians,” a term which labels men who call themselves transgender as same-sex attracted women.

Criticism of Pearson’s claims to be “lactating” and “breastfeeding” have focused on concerns that he is “motivated… to experience sexual arousal from lactation,” as one X user, Lulu Solomon, said.

“Because it is not motivated by what is best for the baby it’s automatically risky because the baby becomes a prop in the fantasy,” she stated, alongside a photo of Pearson at the Goldfarb clinic.

This is not the first controversy that has involved trans-identified males breastfeeding babies, with a number of recent examples triggering concern over the past year.

Last year, a lactation professional in Australia along with a women’s rights campaigner were warned that they had broken the law after criticizing a trans-identified male who had boasted of breastfeeding his infant. Shortly after, a trans-identified male in the UK dismissed critics of the practice as “transphobes” after he posted images of himself with a baby latched to his nipple.

UPDATE 02/26/24: The article has been updated to include comment received from Dr. Klein.

[circumcure]

How Adult Male Circumcision Improves Sexual Health

Adult male circumcision, the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis, has been practiced for centuries for various reasons, including religious, cultural, and medical purposes. Beyond its traditional significance, research has increasingly highlighted the potential benefits of adult male circumcision for sexual health. In this article, we’ll explore the evidence-backed ways in which adult male circumcision can enhance sexual health and well-being.

Reduced Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):

One of the most compelling reasons cited for adult male circumcision is its role in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Numerous studies have demonstrated that circumcised men are at lower risk of acquiring HIV, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and other STIs compared to uncircumcised men. This is believed to be due to the decreased surface area and moist environment under the foreskin, which can facilitate the transmission and replication of pathogens.

Lower Risk of Penile Cancer:

Adult male circumcision has also been associated with a reduced risk of penile cancer, a rare but serious condition that affects the tissues of the penis. The removal of the foreskin eliminates the moist and bacteria-prone environment that may contribute to the development of penile cancer. While penile cancer is relatively rare, circumcision offers a preventive measure that can lower the risk of this disease.

Improved Hygiene:

The removal of the foreskin through adult male circumcision simplifies genital hygiene and may reduce the risk of certain infections and irritations. Without the foreskin, it’s easier to clean the penis, as there are no folds or creases where bacteria and debris can accumulate. This improved hygiene can contribute to overall genital health and comfort, reducing the likelihood of unpleasant odors or infections.

Enhanced Sexual Satisfaction:

Some studies suggest that adult male circumcision may lead to increased sexual satisfaction and pleasure for both men and their partners. This is thought to be related to changes in penile sensitivity and sensation following circumcision. While individual experiences may vary, some men report heightened sexual sensitivity and improved erectile function after undergoing circumcision, which can positively impact sexual satisfaction and intimacy.

Reduction in Foreskin-Related Issues:

Uncircumcised men may experience foreskin-related issues such as phimosis (tight foreskin), paraphimosis (inability to retract the foreskin), or recurrent infections. Adult male circumcision can alleviate these problems by removing the foreskin entirely, eliminating the need for ongoing treatment or management of foreskin-related conditions. This can lead to improved genital comfort and function, enhancing overall sexual health and well-being.

Psychological Benefits:

In addition to the physical benefits, adult male circumcision may have psychological benefits for some individuals. For men who choose circumcision for personal or cultural reasons, undergoing the procedure can bring a sense of empowerment, confidence, and cultural identity. Feeling more comfortable and confident in one’s body can positively influence sexual self-esteem and relationships.

Conclusion:

Adult male circumcision offers several potential benefits for sexual health, including reduced risk of STIs, lower risk of penile cancer, improved hygiene, enhanced sexual satisfaction, resolution of foreskin-related issues, and psychological well-being. However, it’s important to note that circumcision is a personal decision, and individual experiences and preferences may vary. Before considering circumcision, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks, benefits, and implications of the procedure. Ultimately, the decision to undergo adult male circumcision should be informed by careful consideration of one’s health, cultural beliefs, and personal preferences.

[djuvlipen]

My name is Memory Banda. I am honored and humbled to be here today, as we continue to promote democracy and defend human rights around the world.

I come from Malawi, a country known across Africa as a model of democracy full of noble people who actively participate in the political process.

At the same time, there are still real developmental challenges for Malawi to overcome. One is the situation of girls and women, who are struggling to reach their full potential.

Despite progress on gender equality, girls and women face discrimination in every aspect of life. Girls are more likely to drop out of school, and women have less access to land, credit, markets and jobs. Furthermore, women are under-represented in politics.

I believe that Malawi will neither be able to evolve nor reach its full potential if half of its population is presented with real obstacles to having social, economic, and political mobility.

A unique problem facing young girls is child marriage which, in so many countries, is a telling sign of the devastatingly low status of girls and women in society. Child marriage is a telling sign of the neglect of human rights in Malawi.

Child marriage is not a sideline issue. It affects about 14 million girls every year. One in three girls in the developing world are married by age 18, and one in nine are married by age 15. Some are as young as 10 years old.

Child brides are often exposed to serious health risks, such as premature pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections like HIV and AIDS. Child marriage is also closely linked to low levels of economic development. Girls who marry young are more likely to be poor and stay poor, perpetuating a cycle of poverty for generations.

All of these reasons prove how child marriage is not only a tragedy for young girls in Malawi but also a major obstacle for the country’s development.

In the community I come from, child marriage is equally celebrated just like any other marriage. Child marriage is not considered a human rights violation. Instead, it is viewed as an issue too sensitive and too difficult to confront because it is attached to cultural traditions, beliefs and norms.

But, that is changing. It is changing because we are now seeing girls and women, boys and men, local and national leaders speak out against this harmful practice.

Before I say what more we as a global community can do to end child marriage, let me tell you my story.

My little sister was 11 years-old when she got pregnant and was married off to the man who impregnated her. From that moment, everything changed. That was it; her childhood robbed from her, her dreams and goals shattered.

I have also witnessed my cousins, my family friends, my classmates, the people in my community, all of the girls I grew up with married off. They were taken away from me. There are thousands of girls like my sister who have been married off, their rights violated and futures destroyed.

I had a lot of questions as I was growing up. I asked myself, “why can’t a girl have her own choices? Why should she be a second-class citizen in our own society? Why can’t she just choose on her own?” And, above all, “why can’t this girl speak?” 

I remember thinking of the injustice: what happened to my beautiful, intelligent sister, should never happen to anyone. This conviction motivated me to take action.

At age 13, I began to speak out against child marriages and harmful traditions. I started to promote girls’ education, seeing this as the best solution to protect the girls around me, and myself, from abuse and exploitation. I formed a network of my fellow young girls, called the Foundation for Girls Leadership—a non-profit that promotes equal access to rights, equality, and education for women.

Through my work, I have spoken directly to victims of child marriage. They have told me the hardships, the pain, the abuse, and the traumas they have experienced. They have told me what it was like to live with all the pressures of being a child mother. This is not far away from what my little sister experienced.

Knowing the pain and trauma of young girls subjected to child marriage, I launched an effort to change the Malawi Constitution. Along with a coalition of other activists, I called on the government to raise the legal marriage age in Malawi from 15 to 18. After much debate and many challenges, the parliamentarians voted to change the law, raising the legal marriage age to 18 and enshrining it in the Constitution.

But, there was more work to do. The Constitution had many loopholes that made it easy for people to marry off their daughters despite the legal age because of parental consent. So, I launched a youth-led global campaign to pressure the government to again amend the Constitution.

I organized a petition that received one million signatures of Malawian mothers, fathers, and brothers who agreed in saying “I will not marry off my daughter or sister.” This caught the attention of the First Lady of my country who joined our campaign. Ultimately, we even got support from traditional leaders— the custodians of law—who live in the communities where child marriage is most frequent. They helped by writing a letter to the President, urging the government to amend the Constitution.

In February 2017, the amendment passed and now, the Constitution defines any person below age 18 a child, reinforcing the previous law that raised the legal marriage age from 15 to 18.

Despite these legal victories, I believe that preventing child marriage is a multi-faceted project. It’s about getting girls into school and keeping them there. It’s about ensuring they have access to sexual and reproductive health services. It’s about giving girls economic opportunities and proper training. It’s about changing the way families view the problem.  

Child and forced marriage is an international problem that needs urgent attention. Ultimately, it’s going to take a massive coalition of voices —including girls, boys, parents, religious and community leaders, politicians and the international community—to speak out against this harmful practice of child marriage.

Prioritizing girls and women is one of the most fundamentally sound methods of changing our world for the better. I have learned that encouraging girls and women to help themselves raises living standards for an entire society. Let’s leave no one behind, an empowered and educated girl, becomes an agent of change. 

I firmly believe that it does not matter where one is born; we are all global citizens promised the same rights. And we must join together as one community to protect our fundamental freedoms and to call on world leaders to ensure that we are living in an equal, safe society. 

Thank you.

[mcatmemoranda]

I have a pt in Descovy for PrEP. Their website has all the info you should know about how to monitor for adverse effects on this medication.

What is DESCOVY for PrEP?

DESCOVY for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once-daily prescription medicine for adults and adolescents at risk of HIV. It helps lower the chances of getting HIV through sex.

DESCOVY for PrEP is not for everyone:

It is not for use in people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex, because its effectiveness has not been studied.

You must be HIV-negative before and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if DESCOVY for PrEP may be an option for you.

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about DESCOVY for PrEP?

Before and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP:

You must be HIV-negative before you start and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP. You must get tested for HIV-1 immediately before and at least every 3 months while taking DESCOVY. If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. They may want to do more tests to confirm that you are still HIV-negative.

Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or while taking DESCOVY. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin.

DESCOVY by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. Do not take DESCOVY for PrEP unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.

DESCOVY does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to reduce the risk of getting STIs.

To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1:

Do not miss any doses of DESCOVY. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1.

Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. If your partner is living with HIV, your risk of getting HIV is lower if your partner consistently takes HIV treatment every day.

Get tested for other STIs. Some STIs make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you.

Talk to your healthcare provider about all the ways to help reduce HIV risk.

DESCOVY can cause serious side effects:

Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking DESCOVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health or give you HBV medicine.

Who should not take DESCOVY for PrEP?

Do not take DESCOVY for PrEP if you:

Already have HIV-1 or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you have HIV-1, you need to take other medicines with DESCOVY to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only DESCOVY, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat now and in the future.

What are the other possible side effects of DESCOVY for PrEP?

Serious side effects of DESCOVY may also include:

Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with DESCOVY. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking DESCOVY.

Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark "tea-colored" urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

Common side effects in people taking DESCOVY for PrEP are diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking DESCOVY for PrEP? All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis. All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. DESCOVY may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.v You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is DESCOVY for PrEP?

DESCOVY for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once-daily prescription medicine for adults and adolescents at risk of HIV. It helps lower the chances of getting HIV through sex.

DESCOVY for PrEP is not for everyone:

It is not for use in people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex, because its effectiveness has not been studied.

You must be HIV-negative before and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if DESCOVY for PrEP may be an option for you.

[coggno1]

Bloodborne Pathogens in Spanish: Understanding the Importance of Safety (Patógenos Transmitidos por la Sangre en Español: Comprendiendo la Importancia de la Seguridad)

In the workplace, safety is paramount. Among the various hazards that employees may encounter, bloodborne pathogens español pose a significant risk, especially for those in healthcare and emergency response roles. These pathogens, which are infectious microorganisms present in blood, can cause severe diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Ensuring that workers understand how to protect themselves from these risks is crucial, and offering training in different languages, including Spanish, broadens the accessibility and effectiveness of such training programs.

For employers, providing bloodborne pathogens in Spanish (patógenos transmitidos por la sangre en español) is an essential step in ensuring a safer work environment for Spanish-speaking employees. Effective communication and understanding of safety protocols can significantly reduce the risk of transmission and create a more inclusive workplace culture.

What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens español are microorganisms that can cause illness in humans when transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids. Some of the most dangerous bloodborne pathogens include:

Hepatitis B (HBV): A liver infection that can cause chronic illness and even liver cancer.

Hepatitis C (HCV): Another liver infection that can lead to chronic liver disease.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The virus that causes AIDS, which weakens the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections and diseases.

Exposure to these pathogens typically occurs through needlesticks, cuts, or contact with contaminated blood or fluids. Without proper knowledge of preventive measures, the risk of contracting these diseases increases.

Importance of Offering Training in Spanish

Language barriers can significantly hinder an employee's ability to understand workplace safety procedures. For businesses with a significant number of Spanish-speaking workers, providing bloodborne pathogens training in Spanish (patógenos transmitidos por la sangre en español) ensures that all employees, regardless of their primary language, understand the risks and safety precautions. Here are a few reasons why offering this training in Spanish is crucial:

Improved Safety Compliance: Workers who are comfortable learning in their native language are more likely to understand and comply with safety standards. This reduces the likelihood of accidents or exposure to dangerous pathogens.

Enhanced Understanding: Even if an employee is fluent in English, complex safety terms might be better understood in their first language. Spanish-language training ensures clarity and deeper comprehension of essential safety protocols.

Cultural Inclusivity: Offering training in multiple languages fosters a sense of inclusivity and respect for diverse employees. This creates a more supportive workplace culture where all workers feel valued and protected.

Key Components of Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Bloodborne pathogens in Spanish typically covers several critical areas, including:

Understanding Bloodborne Diseases: Information on the most common bloodborne diseases and how they spread.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The proper use of gloves, masks, and other protective gear to minimize exposure risks.

Exposure Control Plans: Steps to take in case of potential exposure, including immediate actions and reporting procedures.

Safe Disposal: Guidelines for safely disposing of needles, sharps, and other contaminated materials.

Conclusion

For employers, ensuring that all employees, including Spanish-speaking ones, have access to comprehensive bloodborne pathogens in Spanish (patógenos transmitidos por la sangre en español) is essential to maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. By bridging language gaps and offering tailored training, businesses can protect their workforce from health risks while fostering a more inclusive environment. Prioritizing safety training in multiple languages is not just a best practice—it's a critical investment in employee well-being.

[batmanisagatewaydrug]

hii sex witch! i had a question about STIS (which I'm sure you already responded, but I can't seem to find it). So, what exactly are they? And is it possible for two partners who have never been their entire life with other person to get them? Can you be born with STIS? Thanks for reading already and sorry if there's bad grammar, I'm not an English speaker ❤️

hi anon,

thank you for this question, this is one of my favorite things :)

sexually transmitted infections are types of viruses, bacteria, or parasites that can be transmitted between people through sexual contact, although not all of them are spread exclusively through sex - some can also pass through close skin to skin contact or any sharing of bodily fluids, such as sharing needles for intravenous drug use or breast milk.

for a rundown on different types of STIs - what they are, how they're spread, symptoms they cause - I strongly recommend this thorough Planned Parenthood resource.

like I said, not all STIs are only spread through sexual contact. one of the most common STIs in the world is herpes, which many people catch as children when they catch is from their parents kissing them. so, yes, it's completely possible for a person who has never had sex but has herpes to give it to a partner who does not. fortunately, herpes is a very mild virus to live with! like most STIs it's quite treatable; more on that here.

it's rare, but babies can catch STIs from their mother in utero or during delivery, or catch them during breastfeeding. this includes many STIs, including herpes (again), HPV, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV/AIDS.

[safehandsclinic2]

Sexologist Doctor in Delhi

Key Differences between STDs and Sexual Problems

Here are the key differences between sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexual problems like erectile dysfunction (ED) or low libido: STDs are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are transmitted through sexual contact, whereas sexual problems like ED or low libido are typically related to physical, psychological, or hormonal factors affecting sexual function. For those dealing with either STDs or sexual health issues, consulting a sexologist doctor in Delhi can provide the right diagnosis and treatment to improve sexual well-being.

1. Cause:

STDs: Caused by infections, which can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic, such as HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

Sexual Problems: Often due to physical, psychological, or hormonal factors. For example, ED can result from blood flow issues, while low libido might be linked to hormonal imbalances, stress, or mental health concerns.

2. Transmission:

STDs: Spread primarily through sexual contact. Some can also be transmitted through non-sexual means like blood transfusion or from mother to child.

Sexual Problems: Not contagious and do not spread from person to person.

3. Symptoms:

STDs: Symptoms can include sores, rashes, discharge, pain during urination, or genital discomfort, but many STDs can be asymptomatic as well.

Sexual Problems: Manifest as difficulties related to sexual function, such as inability to achieve or maintain an erection (ED), reduced sexual desire, or performance issues, without external physical symptoms.

4. Treatment:

STDs: Treated with medication, often antibiotics for bacterial infections or antiviral drugs for viral infections.

Sexual Problems: Managed through a combination of medical treatments , lifestyle changes, or hormonal treatments depending on the underlying cause.

5. Impact on Health:

STDs: Can lead to serious health complications if untreated, such as infertility, organ damage, or increased risk of HIV transmission. For effective STD treatment in Delhi, timely medical intervention is crucial.

Sexual Problems: Primarily affect sexual function and emotional well-being, but do not pose direct physical health risks unless linked to an underlying condition like cardiovascular disease.

6. Prevention:

STDs: Prevented by practicing safe sex, using condoms, getting vaccinated (for HPV and hepatitis), and regular testing.

Sexual Problems: Prevention focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, maintaining cardiovascular health, and seeking help for mental health issues.

These distinctions are important for understanding how each condition affects sexual health and overall well-being.

Dr. Vinod Raina, Sexologist Doctor

Address: E-34 Ekta Apartment, saket New Delhi – 110017

Contact: 7687878787, 9871605858

[darkmaga-retard]

Robin Westenra

Sep 03, 2024

Bill Gates is working with Fauci to develop a new ‘supervirus’ that will combine RNA from SARS-CoV-2, mpox and HIV which will be capable of wiping out the vast majority of the population in a short space of time.

According to Biotech Analyst Karen Kingston, the supervirus will be aerosolised and sprayed on billions of humans worldwide.

Karen Kingston: The covid-mpox-HIV supervirus

They are attempting to develop a virus that combines RNA from SARS-CoV-2, mpox and HIV.  The aim is to have a “supervirus” that can be aerosolised and then from the resulting mpox infections, HIV can be transmitted to others through direct skin-to-skin contact, Karen Kingston says.

Why do they want to develop HIV that is skin contagious? Because the aim is to weaken our immune systems; all of our immune systems, not only those who have been vaccinated.

On Wednesday, Karen Kingston joined Brannon Howse to discuss the US House Committee questioning the alliance of the Biden-Harris Administration alliance with the Chinese Communist Party (“CCP”) and the US biopharmaceutical FDA trials being conducted by the Chinese military.

They also followed up on a discussion they had in June 2022 about how HIV and mpox are encoded into the SARS-2 mRNA virus and its mRNA injections.

“It appears that the NIH has been funding the creation of a highly debilitating immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that can be transmitted via an injection, or even via skin-to-skin contact during herpetic skin lesion breakouts (“mpox”),” Kingston said.

[qnewsau]

Let them know

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/let-them-know/

Let them know

When you need to tell a partner, a hot hook-up or injecting partner, that you’ve picked up a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and that they also might need to get tested, it can be an uncertain or awkward conversation to have.

What do you say? How do you tell them? How are they going to react? and can you trust them?

This process called disclosure or notification can feel difficult or even embarrassing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with doing this. Whether it’s a partner, lover, friend-with-benefits or fuck-buddy, this conversation can be daunting to work out the words to use or how much detail to share.

‘Giving it a miss’ is the easy way out. If you care about the health of your partners, this is a crucial conversation to have so they can also get tested and if possibly treated. Many partners and lovers are grateful to have been told, so they can take care of their own health, let other partners know or even be there as a support for you.

Today there’s a range of options to share this news with people who need to know. Normally, telling your partners is carried out by yourself with the support of a nurse, social worker or doctor at the clinic where you were diagnosed. Of course, depending on the relationship, you might prefer to raise the topic yourself with your partner.

You can also let them know through an anonymous SMS from a website, like https://letthemknow.org.au, https://www.bettertoknow.org.au or https://www.thedramadownunder.info/let-them-know.

Positive Life NSW offers another option. We have people (peers) who’ve been in your shoes and can support you when you’re ready to notify a sex or injecting partner. We’re here to support you when you’re ready, whether it’s an STI, hepatitis C (HCV) or even HIV.

This can be done in your own time, on your own terms, in your own way. Whether you want advice on how to work out who you need to talk with, brainstorm some ideas, or rank the order of risk among your casual or regular sex partners, reach out.

Telling partners about an STI diagnosis can be confronting. Our peers know that disclosure can be challenging, so we’re going to ensure there’s information tailored for ‘high-risk’ situations where you feel there might be physical, social or sexual violence, so your safety is the top priority. Being in control, means feeling better about yourself, and your partners are likely to respect your disclosure.

Contact Positive Life NSW if you’re looking for support or if you have any questions or concerns about HIV diagnosis and disclosure on (02) 8357 8386, 1800 245 677 (freecall) or email contact@positivelife.org.au. -Positive Life NSW is the representative body for all people living with HIV in NSW. To find out more go to www.positivelife.org.au

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I’m still here: living with HIV since 1984

HIV and Mental Wellbeing

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[coochiequeens]

Hey CNN how about a story mentioning the men spreading STIs?

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle/Getty ImagesCNN — 

The Houston Health Department has reported a syphilis outbreak, with an increase of 128% among women in the city, and a ninefold increase in congenital cases in Houston and the surrounding Harris County area since 2019.

Rates of congenital syphilis are skyrocketing in the US. Here's why

Health officials announced the outbreak in a Thursday news release.

According to the department, new infections rose by 57% from 2019 to 2022. There were 2,905 new infections in 2022, compared to 1,845 new infections in 2019.

There were 674 cases among women in 2022, a steep increase from 295 cases in 2019, according to the release. And there were 151 cases of congenital syphilis in 2021, the latest year for which statistics are available, compared to just 16 cases in 2016.

Congenital syphilis happens when a pregnant person passes the bacterial infection to their baby in the womb. Untreated congenital syphilis can lead to stillbirth or damage the baby’s organs or bones.

“It is crucial for pregnant women to seek prenatal care and syphilis testing to protect themselves from an infection that could result in the deaths of their babies,” said Marlene McNeese Ward, deputy assistant director in the Houston Health department’s Bureau of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis Prevention, in the news release. “A pregnant woman needs to get tested for syphilis three times during her pregnancy.”

Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis at their initial prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and at delivery, according to the release.

The health department is waiving all clinical fees for sexually transmitted infections at its health centers, according to the release.

Additionally, the department “will expand the use of its HIV/STD mobile clinic to increase the number of community screening sites and set up in areas considered hot spots, selected from disease monitoring and case management data,” the release said.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection commonly spread through sexual contact. The disease usually starts with a painless sore on the genitals or mouth – direct contact with the sores spreads the infection.

When it’s caught early on, syphilis is easily treatable with antibiotics. But without treatment, the infection can lie dormant in the body for years or even decades before attacking the brain, nerves, eyes, and other organs. It can cause deafness, blindness, and death.

Congenital syphilis has skyrocketed across the US, particularly in the South and Southwest. Infections in newborns have risen about 700% across the country over the past decade, a CDC official previously told CNN. Experts attributed the rise to a combination of factors including lack of public funding for sexual health programs, a shortage of qualified personnel, and uneven coverage for screening by Medicaid.

Because syphilis in its early stages may not have obvious symptoms, pregnant people and their health care providers might not notice it or screen for it at all.