Have you heard of Trichomonas?

 Photo by: Sarah Sudhoff

In a recent study from John Hopkins Medical School on the sexually transmitted infection (STI) Trichomonas Vaginalis, looked at a thousand women from ages 18-89 and the result were a bit surprising:

• Women 50 and older had the highest rate of infection.
• Women 40 and older had the second highest rate of infection.

This was an infection previously believed to be a problem primarily for more younger sexually active woman who had several partner, and also for those having unprotected sex.

Trichomonas also known as Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection like HPV, which affects both woman and men. Unlike HPV, trichomonas is the most common CURABLE STI in sexually active women. According to the CDC an estimated 7.4 million new cases occur each year in women and men. Trichomonas is caused by the single celled protzoan parasite. The vagina is the most common site of infection in women, and the urethra (urine canal) in men. The parasite is transmitted from the penis to vagina (via intercourse) or vulva to vulva contct with an infected partner.  Women can get infected through infected men and women, but men usually contract the infection from an infected woman.

www.trichomonas.blinkweb.com

 Symptoms for MEN

Men usually have no symptoms but some men may experience:

• Irritation inside the penis
• mild discharge
• burning after urination or ejaculation

 Symptoms for WOMEN

• Vaginal discharge  (yellow-green) 
• Vaginal irritation or itching
• Vaginal odor (foul or strong smell)
• Discomfort with intercourse
• Vulvar itching or swelling

Symptoms may appear within 5-28 days of exposure. The parasite is harder to detect in men than in women, therefore it is recommended that your physician perform a physical exam and order a lab test in order to properly diagnose this infection

The infection can be CURED with prescription drug (antibiotics) given by mouth. Both partners should be treated at the same time in order to eliminate the possibility of continuing to pass it to one another and also to effectively rid themselves of the parasite.

Tired of Counting Sheep??

At one time or another we've all had some sleepless nights. Maybe you're worrying about things going on in your life, the never ending "to-do" list running through your head or it can be stress at home or at work that is keeping you up. Both of us mujeres have at one time or another suffered from sleepless nights, and instead of counting sheep we turn to work. There have been many times where at 2am we are working on a blog post, answering emails, even sending emails to each other and then laughing because we got an email right back!

The word IMSOMNIA is Latin for "no sleep".  It is the inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep. Insomnia is also used to describe the condition of waking up not feeling restored or refreshed and is the most common sleep complaint among Americans. According to the National Sleep Foundation one out of two Americans suffer from sleep problems, at one time or another, and about 30-40 % of adults have some symptoms of insomnia, which can be either acute or chronic.

Do you have insomnia? Do you:

• Lie awake for a long time and have trouble falling asleep (are you counting sheep)
• Wake up a lot and have trouble returning to sleep
• Wake up too early in the morning
• Feel like you haven’t slept at all

Although the amount of sleep each person needs will vary, most people need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night to feel refreshed. Lack of quality of sleep will affect your daytime function. You may find yourself feeling very sleepy, moody and with low energy throughout the day. You may also have trouble thinking clearly or staying focused. Women are more likely to have insomnia than men. one reason is that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and menopause can affect sleep patterns. 

Talk to your doctor if you are having problems falling or staying asleep, especially if lack of sleep is now affecting your ability to get through your daily activities.

According to Women's Health  here are some things you can do to get a better sleep:

• Try to go to sleep at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. Do not take naps after 3 p.m!
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day or at night.
• Get regular physical activity, but not too close to bedtime, as it can make it hard to fall asleep.
• Make sure you eat dinner at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
• Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. 
• Follow a routine to help relax and wind down before sleep, such as reading a book, listening to music, or taking a bath.
• If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes or don't feel drowsy, get out of bed and sit in your bedroom or another room. Read or do a quiet activity until you feel sleepy, then try going back to bed.
• Use your bed only for sleep and sex!! 

       Sweet Dreams........................ZZzzzzzz!!                                                     

Intimacy After Cervical Cancer

Who would have though I would be writing about my sex life on a blog? Before I was diagnosed I was very private, but after so many doctors and medical students  were privileged to see my "va jay jay" (a word that Dr. Bailey from Gray's Anatomy uses to described her vagina), I don't mind opening up about this part of my life anymore. My shy husband was mortified when he read my friend, Bianca Laureano's article  "Cervical Cancer, Relationships and Divorce"  where I speak about our sex life. I have done it so often since then, that now he just shakes his head.

I have to be honest and tell you there was no intimacy after my treatments even when the doctor said it was OK. It took us awhile to reconnect. We were both afraid, anxious and worried to even try. We first had to open communication and start slow. The doctors do not give you a manual as to how to go about these things.  

The vagina is a muscle that sometimes shrinks or become narrower (vaginal atrophy) from radiation treatments but it can stretch back out. I had to use vaginal dilators for a while to help my vagina stretch back out otherwise penetration became uncomfortable. Many times vaginal atrophy can also lead to dryness and painful sex so the use of lubrication can also be used to help ease penetration so that it is not painful.

My husband was loving and patient. It took us time and consistency to achieve a "new normal". Together we embarked on a journey to explore each other bodies all over again in a gentler way. We became more in tune with each other and we were able to reach a place that resulted in a more pleasurable way to enjoy each other. Don't get me wrong, it did not happened overnight, it took patience, communication, consistency and love from one another to reach that good place.

Having an open communication with your partner is very important.  Life is not the same after cancer in many aspects, and you and your partner have to find what works for both of you.  There is no manual to follow and I am just giving you a point of reference from my own experience.


I consider myself very lucky to have a guy that was willing to work with me at my own pace and we both found a better place. We enjoy our intimacy much more now than before. 

 Me and my husband Freddie

For more information check out:
Your sex life and Cervical Cancer

Take a Few Precautions to Enjoy Your Summer

Its summertime so we have to make sure that we keep safe while in the sun in order to prevent sunburn and heat related illness.

Protect Your Skin
 Since there are so many sunscreens out in the market it is normal to feel confused when choosing which one will best protect your skin. Currently, standards of protection apply only to ultraviolet B rays, which cause sunburn. Under new rules published in the past few weeks, they will also have to protect against the more penetrating ultraviolet A rays associated with skin cancer. These ultraviolet A rays penetrate glass and pose the greatest risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

Under the new rules:
- The FDA will prohibit sunscreen marketing claims like "waterproof" and "sweat proof," which the agency states "are exaggerations of performance."

- The FDA also proposes capping the highest SPF value at 50, unless companies can provide results of further testing that support a higher number.

- FDA says manufacturers must phase out a four-star system currently used by some companies to rate UVA protection.

Last year an estimated 68,130 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer - and an estimated 8,700 died, according to the National Cancer Institute. 

Keep Your Cool
Summer's high temperatures can be dangerous and heat stroke is the most serious kind of heat related illness so please keep hydrated in extremely hot days. Wearing light weighed, light colored clothing and avoiding strenuous exercise can help, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The signs for heat stroke are:
-  high fever
-  rapid heart rate
-  nausea
-  vomiting or headache

If someone is suffering from a heat stroke, make sure you move the person to a cool place, apply cool water and fan the skin until you can get the person to a hospital.

Enjoy Your Summer!!!!