Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Part Two

Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)- it is easy to perform and it is also faster than the traditional culture test but is not as accurate (Tran, 2001).

DNA probe- this test is expensive but is more specific and convenient than culture, EIA or DFA tests. Genital swipe samples are not necessary. Urine tests can provide accurate results (Tran, 2001).

Nucleic acid amplification (PCR and LCR test)- these test look for genetic material of the organism. These are the tests of choice because they are the most sensitive (more than 90% accurate) and the most specific. They are also convenient because they can be performed on urine samples and do not require a pelvic exam (Tran, 2001).

Some of the treatments available for chlamydia are nutritional therapy, which can consist of low fat and high fiber. Herbal treatments like echinacea and palmetto that can assist with the effectiveness of antibiotics. There is tradition Chinese medicine and homeopathy, which are patient-specific remedies. And of course there are traditional antibiotics like azithromycin and doxycycline (Tran, 2001).

CRABS

I have always heard of crabs but I never really knew what it was until I actually started to research the topic. The scientific name is pediculus pubis; the causal name is public lice. You can get crabs not only by sexually activity but also by using infected towels or wearing infected clothes.

According to the article “information to live by” the signs to look for with this std are:

Itching in your public area

If you see small crab like parasites in your public area

Blue spots, which are bites in your public area (American Social Health Association, 2001)

As for treatment, there are different kinds to choose from. You can use cream rinses or lindane, which is a shampoo. You should also wash and dry all clothes and other possibly infected items in hot water, which should be at least 125 degrees F. Also once you treat crab if you still have itching you can use a hydrocortisone cream.

GENITAL HERPES

This is another std that African American women are at risk for. According to a study by the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver they found that African American women are at highest risk for infection with herpes simplex virus type-2. And the researchers also found than 7.8 percent of African Americans were infected with HSV-2 compared to 23.4 percent of whites

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