Florida Agenda

By San Knew, MSW

Those of you who read this column regularly may tend to be surprised by what you learn. I like to think this is done with a combination of statistical science and wit (if I say so myself). But occasionally I find myself challenged to find the balance between tasteful humor and knowledge. This is one of those times. With that in mind, you may prefer to enjoy your morning coffee and bagel before reading on.

We are talking about yeast infections here, so get set. Most of us think that yeast infections (Candida) are primarily a female problem. It may surprise you, however, to learn that men can also contract or develop yeast infections. Penile, anal and yes, oral, are all types of yeast infections in men. Most commonly, penile yeast infections among men are transmitted sexually,normally after sex with a carrier female, which makes it surprising that yeast infections are not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Men who engage in vaginal sex with an infected female partner can pass the infection to anyone (male or female). This is one means of the spread of the infection (anally and orally). The rate of infection is higher among uncircumcised men since the foreskin can trap in moisture. General symptoms of penile infection are identified as itching (similar to jock itch), burning during sex and urination, soreness, and redness

of the tip of the penis. Some men may also experience a white, clumpydischarge (not to be mistaken for semen).

Anal infection symptoms are usually isolated to itchiness and redness. Men who also engage in unprotected anal sex (even with an uninfected partner) may develop an infection. This can occur when bacteria in feces comes into contact with the penis, (another reason to avoid that “not so fresh” feeling).

Oral infection (thrush) is usually recognized by white patches covering the inside of the mouth. Patches may be on the insides of the cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, and lips and gums as it spreads. Partners performing oral sex on uncircumcised men are at greater risk, again due an increased likelihood of trapped bacteria.

Additional means of infection among men include the prolonged use of antibiotics and men with compromised immune systems. Antibiotics do not discriminate between bad and good bacteria, thus creating an ideal environment for the infection to cultivate. In addition, diabetic individuals are also likely to develop yeast infections due to high levels of sugar in the body – specifically in urine.

Fortunately, prevention and treatment for all these types of yeast infections are fairly simple. Your own personal hygiene is always a good place to start. Also, try being mindful to wash any areas of the body that can trap moisture (foreskin) and remember to completely dry these areas. Severe cases in partners can be identified easily, especially if you are taking the time to playfully “inspect.” Usually treatment includes a week-long regimen of topical cream and abstinence, the latter perhaps being the most difficult of the two.

Sam Knew, MSW is an educator and a local counselor. He can be reached at samknewmsw@gmail.com or
www.facebook.com/samknew

Sam Knew

There’s a pretty good argument why baseball is one of American’s many favorite pastimes. It could be because of its humble beginnings in our backyards, the excitement of the seventh inning stretch, or even the body hugging uniforms. But honestly, what’s not to love? Balls, men and team showers. With paralleling references like that, it’s no wonder that sex is usually described in baseball terms.

I’m pretty sure I know where “first base” begins and what’s considered a “home run,” but what falls in between varies on each of our own moral compasses, including oral sex. And just like the game, a good game plan can make all the difference–especially to your health.

The risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STD) orally varies depending on the disease itself. The most common oral STDs include herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HPV. The rate of contracting HIV orally is debated among experts; however, most conclude that the risks are low. Health conditions of both “players” are key factors. Open sores, compromised immune systems and viral load are all contributing factors.

Interesting enough, we have some naturally built-in defense systems to help protect us from transmitting and contracting diseases orally. Large sugar-protein  molecules in saliva (glycoprotein) help prevent diseases from being transmitted. Our mouth also has a protective (yet fragile) membrane that safeguards us. In addition, gastric acids in our stomach kill most bacteria and viruses. Again however, a person’s health condition is a contributing factor, including such diseases as oral, throat and stomach ulcers. Now, when was the last time you checked for that?

That being said, there are risk-reducing precautions one can keep in mind. Of course there’s good ‘ole abstinence (at least long enough to get to know your partner), followed by testing. “Suiting up” for the “big game” is another option; this includes using a barrier method, such as a condom. Some complain of a lack of sensation, and others of the taste. However, condoms come in an assortment of textures and flavors for just those reasons. For our extreme, more trusting (or daring) players, who choose to go at it commando (unprotected), you can reduce your risk by limiting your exposure to bodily fluids (such as semen).

The longer you’re exposed, the greater your risk. One option is to move the “finish line.” Preferably somewhere where fluids are less likely to enter your bloodstream. However, you still run the risk of exposure with “pre-game” anticipation. Lastly, in the conventional wisdom and words of Stanford University, “swallow or spit, just don’t let it sit.” No matter how you play it, it’s cle ar you need

a solid game plan ahead of time. This can make the difference between a perfect season and overtime at your doctor’s office.

Sam Knew, MSW is an educator and a local counselor. He can be reached at samknewmsw@gmail.com

By SAM KNEW, MSW

Long before tangled bed sheets, before the first kiss, before cocktails or a promising “hello,” there’s a cosmic element that draws two people together – one that may not require any words at all. But who knew it may be what you aren’t saying that’s costing you your health – and maybe your life? In the heat of passion, it isn’t always easy to ask your partner about their sexual history or health status. And the end result can be one of the 12 million new sexually transmitted infections (STI) reported each year.

Oddly enough, in an era where condoms are passed out in schools and shopping centers and sex is used to sell everything from bottled water to dental plans, it’s a wonder that so many of us have trouble talking about sex. But for those who enjoy a little verbal foreplay, choosing your words carefully can make the issues of protection a non-issue. By incorporating the mention of condoms and other types of barriers into your “flirt dialog,” you can set a precedent that tells your partner what’s expected.

If words escape you in the heat of the moment, there are a few options that may make it a little easier to negotiate the terms of engagement. Consider getting creative – using your mouth to slip on a condom can be a sexual turn on and leaves little to be discussed. However, the passion doesn’t always make its way to bedroom, so you may want to consider placing condoms in other areas around the home – or even car for that matter. The female condom, which is gaining more popularity and approval among gay men, is another safe alternative. One advantage is that the sexual recipient (the bottom) can place the device in place hours before hand and not have to interrupt foreplay placing in the device or bother negotiating safe sex practices with their partner.

Of course, like any advice, it’s always easier said than done, and sometimes we can make the conversation even more difficult throwing alcohol and drugs into the mix. Needless to say, our inhibitions and judgment are impaired with either. Studies report that 60% of STDs are transmitted when the partners are under the influence. Not to mention the numerous sexual assaults of women and men which occur while intoxicated.

But for all of the alternatives offered, there’s no substitute for the real thing. Having a direct conversation with your partner can eliminate a lot of dancing around the issue – and can actually make your sexual experience a more pleasant, worry-free one. Starting the conversation doesn’t have to be embarrassing or uncomf

ortable. You could start by offering your own status or preference, like “I’m STD free,” or “I only use condoms”. What you do want to avoid, though, are vague and uncommitted statements like, “I prefer condoms” or “could we use a condom?” This might give your partner the misconception that safe sex is an option – when it clearly isn’t.

Sam Knew, MSW is an educator and a local counselor. He can be reached at samknewmsw@gmail.com

By San Knew

Recently, a reader commented that as often as he reads about sexually transmitted diseases and infections, it’s amazing anyone would want to have sex at all. So I thought I would take a moment to share all the wonderful benefits to having a healthy and safe sex life. Aside from the opportunity of sharing an amazing experience with someone, there are other parts of your body that can reap the benefits, as well.

Did you know that an average of 30 minutes of sex could burn up to 85 calories

? But not to worry, for all of you who are taking it slow – you don’t have to go all the way to get all of the benefits. Daily Muscle published its own unofficial finding and broke down the numbers to “the build up”. The publication attributes somewhere between 120 to 235 calories for kissing, approximately 8 calories for undressing and an actual orgasm can burn as many as 100 calories. And not only can these benefits be seen in one’s waistline, but there’s some good things happening inside your body, as well.

CBS News reported that researchers found, “having sex twice or more a week reduced the risk of fatal heart attack by half for men, compared with those who had sex less than once a month”. There are also reports correlating fewer cancer diagnoses among men with high frequency of ejaculation. The Journal of the American Medical Association found that “Frequent ejaculations (21 or more a month) were linked to lower prostate cancer risks in older men, as well, compared with less frequent ejaculations of four to seven monthly.” Wilkes University has also conducted its own study, in which it identified that people who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of antibodies, which can protect you from getting colds and other infections.

However, as most of us already know, the best benefit of great sex is how it makes us feel. One reason for those good vibrations may be explained by studies showing increased levels of oxytocin during sex. Oxytocin is a chemical produced in the brain, usually associated with “pair bonding” (it’s also referred to as the “love hormone”). These increased levels are associated with a reduced sense of pain and feelings of anxiety and an increased sense of generosity and intimacy. Additionally, CNN shared a study published in Biological Psychology, that found “people who had sex more often tended to have lower diastolic blood pressure.” The study also linked the finding to feelings of decreased stress levels in general for those individuals.

So there you have it, no mention of the 19 million new sexually transmitted infections (STI) reported each year, nor mention of the $14.7 billion spent on STI related healthcare costs; just the benefits of a HEALTHY and SAFE sexual experience, which we should all take advantage of. Did I mention HEALTHY and SAFE?

Condom … check.

Playful body inspections … check.

Names … check.

So, what are you missing that might put you in danger of becoming one of the three hundred million plus people in the world who contract “Sarcoptes Scabiei Var. Hominis,” or what’s more commonly referred to as “scabies”. This infestation of the skin by human itch mites has the possibility of burrowing into the layers of the skin, causing an irritable rash while laying its eggs. And this is one sexually transmitted disease (STD) you can contract even with your clothes on.

Transmission of scabies is primarily through skin-to-skin contact, which is why it is considered an STD. Scabies mites can also be spread through casual contact, such as “dancing, close personal contact, and normal intimate contact between members of a family,” according to Varment Guard, a pest control service. However, scabies can also be contracted via clothes, towels or bed sheets. In addition, individuals with compromised immune systems are at risk of contracting a severe form of scabies called “crusted” or “Norwegian Scabies,” which is more easily transmitted.

The most common symptom of scabies is itchiness, usually in areas of the body such as the elbow, between the fingers, armpit, breast, nipples, penis and buttocks. The female mites are responsible for burrowing eggs below the skin, creating grayish-white or skin-colored lines on the surface of the skin. The intense skin itching can lead to further infections, allowing bacteria into the skin, possibly causing inflammation of the kidneys and, for a few dozen individuals each year, death.

Unfortunately, individuals can go weeks – even months – before symptoms

develop. However, it is still possible to contract scabies from an infected person who doesn’t display symptoms. A person with crusted (Norwegian) scabies can spread the disease “by brief skin-to-skin contact or by exposure to bedding, clothing, or even furniture that he/she has used,” according to the Center for Disease Control, which is why those infected should seek immediate treatment. Itching may still continue up to three weeks after a topical lotion treatment is applied, which should be simultaneously followed by a laundry list, including bedding, towels and clothes.

So, what should be left on your checklist to avoid this type of STD? Here’s a hint … two words. That’s right, “personal hygiene”. Maintaining personal hygiene is vital and a great indicator of your partner’s health status. Although contraction of scabies is not a reflection of one’s personal hygiene, individuals with good personal hygiene and sanitary living condition are less likely to contract the disease. In addition, infected individuals with good hygiene have less mite infestation, decreasing the rate of transmission to others.

By sam knew, msw

Sam Knew, MSW is an educator and a local counselor. He can be reached at samknewmsw@gmail.com

By Sam Knew, MSW

Share and share alike may be a good philosophy in general, but when it comes to the bedroom it may benefit you to be a little selfish with your toys. The rate of transmission for sexually transmitted infections (STI) with the use of sex toys varies, and there are numerous contributing factors – but without question – you are at risk.

Depending on how sex toys are used, they come into contact with bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, blood and feces. Each of these carries its own risk of transmitting STIs and other types of infections. Even if your sex toy party is a party of one, you run similar risks. Using the same toy from one orifice to the other without proper sanitation can lead to numerous types of self-inflicted infections. Hepatitis A is an infection one can contract when using a sexual toy that is contaminated with fecal matter, even if it’s the users own fecal matter.

One option to reducing your risk is choosing the right sex toy. The Coalition Against Toxic Toys (CATT) suggests, “Sex toys should be non-porous. Examples of safe, non-porous materials include: high-quality silicone, glass, surgical steel, ceramic and medical grade plastics.” These types of toys are also easier to clean and less likely to trap bacteria.

There has been an increasing trend to avoid toys made of phthalates (FAY-lates), also known as jelly rubber, a chemical used to make plastics.

Phthalate chemicals are used today in perfumes, hair sprays, plastic raincoats, nail polish, carpets, furniture and medical devices. They are even responsible for that “new car smell” MSNBC recently reported. The main concern with phthalates products is the lack of regulations – and in high concentration it can be toxic. Studies also report linking phthalates to infertility and other reproductive problems, cancer and liver and kidney damage.

In addition, keeping your toys clean is critical. Toys made of more porous materials may be harder to keep clean, and allow bacteria to be trapped and transmitted. These types of types of toys are also more vulnerable when cleaned improperly. Some studies have concluded that using harsh cleaning chemicals and excessive heat, as found when one uses a dishwasher to clean his/her toys, can compromise the protective layers of some toys.

Condoms are also widely recommended when using sex toys. An advantage to using condoms is fast, easier clean up. Especially during sex, they allow partners to safely share sex toys. Maintaining your toys is also just as important. Allowing them to dry completely, storing away from direct sunlight and following any suggested maintenance by the manufacturer. This includes using the proper lubricants, so not to damage your toys – or your health.

 



Sam Knew, MSW is an educator and a local counselor.

He can be reached at samknewmsw@gmail.com

CDC issues report warning of spike in new infections

By BOB KECSKEMETY & JEREMY JONES

Charles Martin, (photo) chief executive officer of SoBAP, cautions community about syphilis.

South Beach AIDS Project (SoBAP) has issued a syphilis alert that affects Miami- Dade and Broward counties. The alert, which was posted to SoBAP’s website, singles out South Beach, Liberty City and the Wilton Manors/Fort Lauderdale areas. It comes just days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a report stating that syphilis and chlamydia infection rates are on the rise.

The CDC report, “Trends in Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the United States,” states that syphilis cases continue to rise among homosexual men and young African-American men. Overall, syphilis cases continue to spiral upward. There were 5 percent more syphilis cases in the past year and a whopping 39 percent more cases since 2006.

Gonorrhea infections, however, are at their lowest since the CDC started tracking the disease in 1941.

In South Florida, the STD infection rates are alarming. Of those being tested for syphilis, more than 65 percent were co-infected with HIV/AIDS. As of June 2010, there were 141 reported cases of syphilis among gay men, and of those men, 61 percent were co-infected. In Miami-Dade, 251 gay men tested positive for syphilis, and 65 percent of them were co-infected. Additionally, 65 percent of minority gay men in the Miami/South Florida market are co-infected with syphilis and HIV.

“These are pretty daunting statistics for gay men in Miami and Fort Lauderdale,” says Charles Martin, chief executive officer of SoBAP. “Minority gay men bare a higher burden of co-infection of syphilis and HIV.”

Primary and secondary syphilis cases among young black men aged 15 to 24 continue to increase significantly — indicating a concerning new trend. Between 2005 and 2009, the primary and secondary syphilis rate among young black men aged 15 to 24 tripled (from 19.3 per 100,000 in 2005 to 58.2 in 2009). This trend, the CDC said, may also be contributing to disproportionately high rates of HIV among young black men.

While these numbers are worrisome, Martin says the statistics are actually higher since a lot of people don’t know they are infected with syphilis. And that’s due to the lack of symptoms, which can take years, if ever, to surface. Miller says that a recent STD report indicates that more than 56 percent of people are unaware they have syphilis.

“There are lot of factors at play here, including lack of protection and the fact that the I-95 corridor makes it easier for people to party between Miami and Fort Lauderdale and spread the infection. We have some of the worst and highest numbers in the country” said Martin.

Syphilis was nearly eliminated in Broward County in 1998 and officials were hopeful for total elimination within two years. However, since that year, syphilis rates have skyrocketed with officials pointing to bareback parties organized online as a major reason for the rise. An official from the Broward County Health Department did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment on the spike in infections.

Since 2000, the largest increase in syphilis cases has been among men who have sex with men. In 2009, MSM accounted for nearly two-thirds of syphilis cases, up from just 4 percent in 2000.

Blue Mannix, the testing initiative manager at the Pride Center/GLCC, said that the center does not test specifically for STDs but is aware that syphilis is on the rise.

“When we do our HIV testing to those with high-risk behaviors,” said Mannix, “we tell them they can also be exposed to gonorrhea and syphilis, and so we do recommend getting tested for STDs. Hopefully in the future we will be able to do free STD testing at the center but we do not have the funds right now.”

SoBAP, according to Martin, is hoping to offer free syphilis testing beginning early next year. That would be in addition to the free HIV testing it already offers.

What’s on the Sheets May be as Important as What Happens Between Them

By SAM KNEW, MSW

Condom… check. Playful body inspections… check. Names… check.

So what are you missing that might put you in danger of becoming one of the three hundred million plus people in the world that contract “Sarcoptes Scabiei Var. Hominis” or more commonly referred to as “scabies”? This infestation of the skin by human itch mites has the possibility of burrowing into the layers of the skin, causing an irritable rash while laying its eggs. And this is one sexually transmitted disease (STD) you can contract even with your clothes on.

Transmission of scabies is primarily through skin-to-skin contact, which is why it is considered an STD. However, scabies can also be contracted via clothes, towels, or bed sheets. They can also spread the scabies mite if the items were recently in contact with a person who has scabies, according to Maryland Department of infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration. In addition, individuals with compromised immune systems are at risk of contracting a severe form of scabies called “crusted” or “Norwegian Scabies,” which is more easily transmitted.

The most common symptom of scabies is itchiness, usually in areas of the body such as the elbow, between the fingers, armpit, breast, nipples, penis and buttocks. The female mites are responsible for burrowing eggs below the skin creating grayish-white or skin colored lines on the surface of the skin. The intense skin itching can lead to further infections, allowing bacteria into the skin, possibly causing inflammation of the kidneys; and for a few dozen individuals each year – death.

Unfortunately, individuals can go weeks, even months before symptoms develop.

However, it is still possible to contract scabies from an infected person who doesn’t display symptoms. A person with crusted (Norwegian) scabies can spread the disease “by brief skin-to-skin contact or by exposure to bedding, clothing, or even furniture that he/she has used,” according to the Center for Disease Control, which is why those infected should seek immediate treatment. Unfortunately, itching may continue up to three weeks after treatment topical lotion is applied, which should be simultaneously followed by a laundry list, including bedding, towels and clothes.

So what should be left on your checklist? Hint: two words – that’s right, “personal hygiene.” Maintaining personal hygiene is vital, and a great indicator of your partner’s health status. Although contraction of scabies is not a reflection of one’s personal hygiene, individuals with good personal hygiene and sanitary living condition are less likely to contract the disease. In addition, infected individuals with good hygiene have less mite infestation, decreasing the rate of transmission to others.

Sam Knew, MSW contributes the weekly column “Who Knew” addressing various topics. For questions or comments: troym@jumponmarkslist.com.