Viral infections,
like herpes and HIV/AIDS, can be controlled, but not cured with medication.
The best treatment for herpes is to avoid infection through the use
of condoms, dental dams, and abstaining from sex if either you or your
partner has active genital or oral lesions. Human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. Infection with HIV can also be
prevented though the use of condoms. It can take as long as 10 years
for someone infected with HIV to show the symptoms of AIDS.
While not a sexually transmitted disease, vaginal
yeast infections can be an irritation and a nuisance,
and can indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition. If
you believe you have a vaginal yeast infection, a visit to your health
care provider or Health Services is recommended. Symptoms include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge (Ranges from
a slightly watery, white discharge to a thick, white, chunky discharge
(like cottage cheese)
- Vaginal and labial itching, burning
- Redness and/or inflammation of the vulvar
skin
If you are concerned that you may have a sexually
transmitted disease, please come to Health Services and speak to one
of our nurses or seek medical attention from you own medical provider.
Another excellent resource is the STD
Clinic at the Monroe County Department of Health:
855 West Main St. (Bullshead Plaza)
Rochester N.Y. 14611
(585) 464.5928
They provide free and confidential care. No appointment is necessary.
Hours are:
| Monday |
9:30 am to 3:30 pm |
| Tuesday |
8:30 am to 3:30 pm |
| Wednesday |
8:30 am to 3:30 pm |
| Thursday |
9:30 am to 3:30 pm |
| Friday |
9:30 am to 11:30 am |
For more information:
Acquaintance Rape
If you or someone you know is raped the first thing you should
do is contact Public Safety or the Police if off-campus. Do not change
clothes or take a shower. Contacting these professionals is the first
step to getting the help you need.
In 8 out of 10 rape cases, the victim knew
the perpetrator and it is estimated that 1 in 5 college women experienced
completed or attempted rape during their college years. You can stay
in control and reduce your personal risk if you identify and change
the things you do that put you in danger.
- Most importantly,
drink alcohol less or not at all.
- If you do drink, do so in moderation (no
more than a drink an hour with food).
- Drink alcohol only in safe, supervised
places.
- Work with your friends to take care of
each other.
- Avoid walking home alone after a party.
- Use a buddy system or use campus escort
services when walking on or around campus after class hours, especially
at night.
- Look out for other women who may be at
risk. Intervene by alerting others or calling Public Safety if necessary.
- Avoid going by yourself to a room with
a man who has been drinking - whether it's his room, your room, or
someone else's room.
- Tell a friend where you're going and when
you'll be back.
- Trust your instincts if you feel threatened
or unsafe with someone.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form
in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of
the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). The
cervix leads from the uterus to the vagina (birth canal).
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over
time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go
through changes known as dysplasia, in which cells that are not normal
begin to appear in the cervical tissue. Later, cancer cells start to
grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas.
Pap smears are recommended after the
age of 18. In general a gynecological exam is recommended on
a yearly basis, but may vary based on sexual history.
Cervical cancer can be detected and treated
in these early stages with regular screening.
Infection with the sexually transmitted disease
human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor for development
of cervical cancer. Not all women with HPV infection will develop cervical
cancer. Women who do not regularly have a Pap smear to detect HPV or
abnormal cells in the cervix are at increased risk of cervical cancer.
Other possible risk factors include the following:
- Giving birth to many children
- Having many sexual partners
- Having first sexual intercourse at a young
age
- Smoking cigarettes
- A diet lacking in vitamins A and C
- Oral contraceptive use ("the Pill")
- Weakened immune system
Breast Cancer
Breast self-exams should be performed monthly.
For women with risk factors, breast cancer can strike at younger ages
and be deadly if not detected early.
See your Primary Care Provider, contact the
American Cancer Society,
or come to Health Services for a guide to self breast exam if you need
instructions.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
UTI’s develop when bacteria get into
the urinary system. They are much more common in women than men. Women
are prone to develop UTI’s following sexual intercourse. Urinating
after sexual intercourse is a simple and effective way to prevent many
UTI’s. UTI’s are treated with antibiotics, so you will need
to seek medical care at Health Services or with your health care provider.
The symptoms of urethral or bladder infection
is:
- Discomfort during urination
- Increased frequency of urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
A kidney infection is a more severe form of
a UTI where the bacteria have spread beyond the bladder. Seek prompt
medical treatment is you have the following symptoms of a urinary tract
infection:
- Back pain
- Side or flank pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Fever and/or shaking chills
- Generalized fatigue or ill feeling
Diet and Exercise
Women are not immune from Heart Disease! Establishing
good diet and exercise habits in youth is the key to preventing heart
attacks, stroke, and obesity related illnesses, but it is never too
late to start. Plus there is the added benefit of looking and feeling
your best!
- Limit fat and cholesterol
- Emphasize fruits, whole grains, and vegetables
- Women require at least 1000mg per day of
calcium (through calcium rich foods, dairy products and/or calcium
supplements.)
- Aerobic, weight bearing exercise is recommended
for 30 minutes at least three times a week. Consider weight training
for strong bones.
For more information online:
Tobacco Use
Quit
Smoking!
Thinking About Stopping Smoking?
Pick
up the phone and call:
New York State Smokers' Quitline
1-866-NYQUITS (1-866-697-8487)
NYS Smokers' Quitsite - http://www.nysmokefree.com |
|
Contact Us
Facebook
@monroecc
YouTube
Share