Archives for November 2021

Why Is Gonorrhea Called The Clap? Origins and Reasons

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It’s not unusual for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to have nicknames. Gonorrhea is a common STD that has long had the nickname “the clap” or “the drip”—and today, many people still refer to it that way. The origins of the nickname go back generations. But why is gonorrhea called “the clap”?

We’ve found several possibilities for why the slang name evolved. Our team at Rapid STD Testing is here to help you understand what getting “the clap” STD means and how the condition affects men and women.

What Is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium, and a person can catch it by making contact with semen and vaginal fluids. For that reason, it’s an STD that both men and women can contract through oral, anal, and vaginal sex with someone who carries the infection.

Gonorrhea is one of the most prevalent STDs globally, especially in people between 15 and 24 years of age. Though the bacteria stay in vaginal fluids and semen, they can cause infections and complications within the throat, mouth, eyes, anus, urethra, cervix, uterus, vagina, and fallopian tubes. Pregnant woman with gonorrhea can pass their infection to their babies during birth.

Men and women who participate in sexual activities with someone infected with gonorrhea are at risk of contracting it themselves. Unfortunately, it’s hard to know if your potential partner has the condition since some people don’t display symptoms of gonorrhea.

Estimates for people who are infected but asymptomatic range from 10% to 50%, making it challenging to know who has the condition without a gonorrhea test. So it’s always a good idea to get a 10-panel STD test from Rapid STD Testing at least once a year or when you change partners.

Some of the common symptoms of gonorrhea in men and women include:

  •     Painful Urination: Urinating may produce a burning sensation when the gonorrhea bacterium is present in the urethra. You’ll need to schedule same-day STD testing to uncover the reason for the painful burning since other conditions can cause the same symptom.
  •     Discharge: Gonorrhea infection often includes abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis. Penile discharge can be green, white, or yellow, and women may notice an unusual increase in vaginal discharge that may be discolored as well.
  •     Swollen or Burning Glands in the Throat: Since oral transmission is possible with gonorrhea, throat glands could become enlarged and painful.

Some people may notice symptoms in their rectal area if they contract the infection through anal sex. Rectal symptoms may include:

  •       Anal itching
  •       Soreness
  •       Rectal bleeding
  •       Painful bowel movements
  •       Anal discharge

Other less common symptoms of gonorrhea in women are abdominal pain, painful intercourse, and bleeding between periods. Men may develop pain or swelling in their testicles.

Early Records of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea has been around for much of human history. In a medical textbook he penned, the Chinese emperor, Huang Ti (circa 2600 BC) described a disease resembling gonorrhea. Many Old Testament scholars believe that Leviticus 15:2 was referring to such a condition in the line stating that “when any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean.”

The famed Greek physician, Galen, who lived from 130-200 AD, named the condition gonorrhea using the Greek terms gonos (semen) and rhoia (to flow). The disease was prevalent in ancient Greece as well as Rome, where soldiers in Julius Caesar’s army reportedly suffered from it.

Gonorrhea soon became associated with prostitution and brothels, and men in military service and on the Crusades became its ready victims. Documents from the English Parliament in 1161 describe a law that the government enacted to help the country reduce the spread of “the perilous infirmity of burning.” King Louis IX of France enacted similar regulations in 1256.

Years later, after the Catholic Church secularized medical practices, doctors began treating commoners and prostitutes experiencing the symptoms of gonorrhea. The treatments of the past are nothing like they are today. Here are some of the outdated and ineffective botanical methods people used to treat gonorrhea in the past.

  •       In the 1600s, people believed an excess of semen caused gonorrhea. Herbalists would use plants like water lilies, white flowering Amaranthus, and roasted apple pulp to treat symptoms.
  •       In the 1700s, powdered coral and black claw tips from crabs replaced herbal concoctions.
  •       In the 1800s, the goal of doctors was to alleviate the infection’s inflammation and discharge using drugs like sandalwood oil and Copaiba balsam, either as capsules or injections into the urethra.

Developments in “The Clap” Treatment Throughout the Years

It wasn’t until 1879 that Albert Ludwig Sigesmund Neisser proved that the N. gonorrhea bacterium was a causative agent of gonorrhea. With his discovery, doctors began applying medical treatments with antiseptic properties to places where the infection would hide: within the membranes of the urethra and cervix.

Before Neisser’s discovery, treating gonorrhea symptoms was incredibly invasive and sometimes dangerous. One of the earliest treatments involved mercury, a natural chemical element toxic to the digestive, immune, and nervous symptoms.

The earliest findings for treating the clap using mercury go back to the Mary Rose, an English warship that sank in 1545. Doctors would use surgical tools, like those on the ship, to inject mercury into the urethra to cure the condition because mercury was known to have antibacterial properties.

By the 1800s, mercury gave way to silver nitrate. That treatment didn’t last long, though. Protargol, a type of colloidal silver, was sold by Bayer in 1887 as an alternative drug.

Other metals that doctors used to combat gonorrhea infections included:

  •       Gold
  •       Arsenic
  •       Bismuth
  •       Antimony

Still, Bayer’s medicine and other drugs with metallic compounds weren’t the most popular treatment of the time. In 1859, cubebs, an Indonesian pepper, and copaiba balsam from a South American tree were the go-to treatments. Doctors used the powdered plants to reduce inflammation and stop the discharge, but both plants irritated the gastrointestinal system.

Despite Neisser’s discovery in 1879, it didn’t result in immediate therapeutic advances. However, in 1910, the New York City Health Department developed an anti-gonococcal vaccine using isolated cultures of the bacterium after the success of tetanus and diphtheria antitoxins from the 1890s. Doubts of the vaccine’s efficacy led to its abandonment in the 1950s.

Healthcare professionals continued treating patients with gonorrhea using other drug treatments until the 1940s, thanks to the discovery of penicillin, an antibiotic. Until then, medical treatment schedules were invasive and intensive, often requiring a different medicine for every day of the week. Patients would inject solutions containing the following compounds into their urethra using an irrigation tube:

  •       Zinc sulfate
  •       Silver nitrate
  •       Protargol
  •       Gold chloride
  •       Potassium permanganate

Penicillin revolutionized gonorrhea treatment because it was effective but with fewer side effects than older medical treatments. With antibiotics, patients no longer needed to undergo complicated therapies. Penicillin-based antibiotic treatments continued until the 1970s when penicillin-resistant gonorrhea strains appeared.

In 1986, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended doctors only administer penicillin to treat gonorrhea in regions where antimicrobial resistance wasn’t high. However, the knowledge of antibiotic resistance wasn’t new because scientists had documented it in the 1940s.

Today, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a two-part therapy using dual antibiotics to combat N. gonorrhea in different ways. The proper medication will cure the infection even though the bacterium continues developing resistance to antibiotic medications.

Why Is it Called the Clap?

When people call gonorrhea “the drip,” they are referring to one of the primary symptoms of the infection: pus-like discharge from the penis or vagina. However, discharge is a symptom of other STIs, such as chlamydia, which often confuses people about which STI they possibly have if they experience drippy or runny discharge.

The more frequently used slang for gonorrhea is “the clap.” Unlike “the drip,” the reason why people say “the clap” is less certain.

So, why is gonorrhea called “the clap?” Let’s explore some possible theories.

French Origins

The term may come from “clapier,” a Middle French slang word for a brothel stemming from the 1500s. Since gonorrhea is sexually transmitted, many people with infections would be prostitutes and their customers, who would then spread it to other partners.

In medieval Paris, prostitutes would live and work in the brothel district called Les Clapiers, which translates to “rabbit huts.” Rabbits are universally known to lead prolific sex lives and reproduce quickly, so the term became associated with prostitution and then with the disease of prostitutes.  Men with the clap would say they had “clapier bubo,” meaning they had an infection of the penis resulting from a trip to a brothel.

Archaic English Roots

Old English may also be responsible for people referring to gonorrhea as the clap. Some etymologists believe the term comes from the English word “clappan,” which means to beat or throb. Unlike clapier, which refers to where or how someone could get the bacterial infection, clappan could indicate the throbbing sensation men experience in their penises due to inflammation or the painful urination that both men and women experienced.

Medieval “Clapping of the Penis”

Despite the folk medicinal treatments people had to treat gonorrhea throughout the centuries, some treatments may have been more hands-on—and harsh. For instance, some theories exist that medieval doctors would try to alleviate men’s discharge and inflammation by “clapping.”

The treatment (which lacks evidence) would have been a disturbing process of “clapping” or slamming the infected penis between heavy objects or the doctor’s hands to force the pus-like emissions from the urethra.

May have People believed that removing the pus-like material from the penis was the best way to cure the affliction. It’s not surprising if the supposed treatment did little to treat the infection because it would have caused pain and bodily damage but not treat the infection.

Don’t Clap for This Drip

This history should make you happy to be living in the 21st century! So, why is gonorrhea called the clap? No one knows for sure. But gonorrhea testing from Rapid STD Testing will let you know if you have the condition so you can get quick, modern treatment with antibiotics. 

 

Is Semen Good For You? Benefits and Risks

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When a man gets frisky alone or with a partner, and he climaxes, he’ll ejaculate and release semen. It’s a natural process that’s vital for procreation. But is semen good for the partner? That’s a question many people have when they’re thinking of engaging in sexual activities with a man, like unprotected sex or swallowing semen.

If you’re asking that question, you might be surprised to learn about the many health benefits of semen. Like most things, though, there are risks to swallowing semen orally or taking it vaginally or anally.

For anyone wondering, “Is semen good for you?” continue reading to understand the health advantages of sperm as well as its downsides.

Components of Semen

Semen (or seminal fluid) is the material that ejects from a penis during climax. It is a creamy, white, viscous substance that may have a faint gray or yellow hue. It contains two components: spermatozoa (or sperm) and fluid consisting of water, plasma, and mucous.

About 1% to 5% of semen consists of sperm, the male reproductive cells that fertilize a woman’s egg. While the egg contains half the genetic code necessary for creating a human embryo, the tadpole-like sperm cells carry the other half.

Much of the rest of semen consists of plasma fluid, which can be up to 80% water. The purpose of the fluid is to keep the sperm viable during the fertilization process.

The seminal vesicle in the male pelvis is where the body produces the semen. When semen passes through the body’s ejaculatory ducts, it mixes with fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands. The viscosity of semen comes from the fructose-rich seminal vesicle fluids, which make up about 65% to 70% of the seminal fluid base.

Enzymes, acid phosphatase, and citric acid from prostate gland secretions are responsible for semen’s white color. A clear secretion from the bulbourethral glands has a jelly-like consistency and accounts for less than 1% of semen composition.

Within these fluids and secretions are more than 50 compounds, including immunosuppressants, endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Semen also contains traces of:

  •       Fructose
  •       Cholesterol
  •       Chlorine
  •       Calcium
  •       Sodium
  •       Vitamin B12

Health Benefits of Semen Through the Vaginal or Anal Intake

People often have sex as a way to feel good and de-stress, but why is intercourse effective? The answer to that question is the same for “Is semen good for you?” Releasing semen is generally healthy for men, but it also has benefits for their partners.

It might sound unusual, but research suggests that exposure to semen may be enhancing for manes’ sexual partners due to the material’s mood-boosting components. Not only does its chemical makeup boost a recipient’s mood, but it also has beneficial vitamins and anti-depressants that can positively affect other aspects of their lives.

Enhances Mood

Seminal fluid contains many hormones that can affect a person’s mood, including testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and prostaglandins.

 People tend to be happier after sex, but a controversial psychological study from SUNY researchers on the mood-enhancing effect of semen absorption found that women who regularly engaged in unprotected sex and had exposure to semen were less depressed than women who didn’t.

The researchers claim to have ruled out alternative variables and explanations, from physiological differences to psychological differences and factors in the relationships.

Helps in Relaxation

If you’re ready to relax and get a good night’s sleep, you might want to consider having sex with a faithful partner after you both visit Rapid STD Testing and take a reliable 10 panel STD test. Not only will pleasurable sex relax your body, but absorbing semen vaginally may also help you get physically and mentally calm enough to fall asleep.

Endorphins are one of the components of a man’s semen. These compounds trigger the body into feeling positive and happy, but they also act as sedatives. Semen also has traces of melatonin, which directly affects your sleeping cycle.

Reduces Anxiety

Semen has many components, and some of them possess anti-depressant qualities that could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. One such component is the nerve growth factor (NGF), a neurotrophin hormone.

One research study suggests that NGF levels drop in people with depression. So, by increasing the body’s NGF levels through exposure to semen, people may feel happier naturally. People may also feel less anxious or stressed due to other mood-enhancing compounds within semen, such as:

  •       Serotonin — promotes feelings of happiness and well-being
  •       Melatonin — helps with sleep and the timing of the body’s circadian rhythms
  •       Oxytocin — acts as “the love hormone” that makes a person feel happy and cuddly

Benefits of Consuming Semen Orally

People often wonder if it’s healthy to consume semen. It can be. The material is protein-rich.

You might be hesitant about swallowing sperm because you don’t know if semen tastes good or not. The answer depends on the ejaculating person because no two people have the same bodies and diet. To some people, semen tastes sweet, while others say it tastes salty, bitter, or slightly acidic.

Beyond taste and kinkiness, you might want to consume sperm orally to experience the following benefits.

Increased Lifespan

A surprising benefit of consuming semen is a longer lifespan. Spermidine is a compound within semen and foods like corn, whole grains, mushrooms, and soy products. According to a study within the Cancer Research journal, there is evidence that spermidine may prolong lifespan.

Researchers found that mammals were more likely to live longer and have fewer liver issues than untreated individuals during the study. By eating foods rich in spermidine, including semen, you could extend your lifespan.

Improved Brain Function

According to a 2019 study on fruit flies, the sex peptide or protein transferred from males during sex can improve memory. During the experiment, researchers from PSL Research University at France’s national center for scientific research (CNRS) realized that the sex peptide would make its way through the female’s body, affect the insect’s eating habits, and alter its long-term memory capabilities.

Though the study focused on fruit flies, it does suggest that other organisms, like humans, might experience the same positive effects.

Ingestion of Nutrients

Semen contains many nutrients, most of which you need each day as part of a healthy diet. Seminal fluid has so many nutrients because ejaculate can contain 200 million to 300 million sperm, on average. The cells need sufficient energy to travel the long distance from the seminal vesicles to the woman’s fallopian tubes and withstand the harsh vaginal environment along the way.

Most men produce about a teaspoon of ejaculate, which contains about the same amount of calories as a stick of gum. Some of the nutrients in semen besides protein are:

  •       Lactic acid
  •       Vitamin C
  •       Ascorbic acid
  •       Zinc
  •       Fat
  •       Potassium

Swallowing semen is generally healthy because of its nutrients. However, the quantity of vitamins and compounds is too low to affect one’s health substantially.

Possible Risks From Semen

Despite the health advantages of semen exposure, it can be risky if you have unprotected oral or vaginal sex to be able to experience those effects. Semen can contain sexually transmitted viruses and bacteria that an infected man can pass on to his partner. Examples of STDs found in semen include chlamydia, hepatitis B and C, and herpes.

It’s possible to contract these STDs and others through direct contact with sexual fluids, either orally, vaginally, or anally. Transmission of an oral sex STD is substantially higher if you have an open sore or a dental issue like bleeding gums from periodontal disease. That’s why it’s vital to protect yourself through safe sex practices and regular screenings from Rapid STD Testing.

Many people know the dangers that STDs pose regarding vaginal intercourse, but they don’t always show the same concerns for oral sex and swallowing seminal fluid. Unfortunately, consuming semen infected with chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to throat infections that may or may not produce pain.

Herpes simplex 1 passes from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. If you contract it orally, you could develop blisters or cold sores around the mouth, on the lips, or in the throat.

Semen allergies are another risk, especially for those who never touched or tasted semen previously. An allergic reaction to seminal fluid varies, but it can include the following symptoms around the contact site:

  •       Redness
  •       Pain
  •       Hives
  •       Itching
  •       Swelling

Some people may have difficulty breathing after exposure to semen. Allergies to semen are rare but not impossible, possibly affecting up to 40,000 women in the United States. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you have trouble breathing or experience severe allergy symptoms.

A common misconception about swallowing semen is that it’s possible to reduce the risk by spitting it out instead of eating it. It doesn’t matter if you ingest the material or spit it out—having the ejaculate in your mouth is enough to increase your risk of contracting a viral or bacterial infection.

The same goes for vaginal sex. Whether a man ejaculates or not in a vagina, a mouth, rectum, or within the genital area, his partner is at risk if he has an STD. The best protection against STDs is condoms for safe sex.

Things to Remember When It Comes to Semen

There’s no shame in taking in semen vaginally or consuming it orally if you and your partner regularly undergo screenings at a local Rapid STD Testing center. Interacting with bodily fluids like semen is typical in many sexual activities, including oral sex.

The composition of male ejaculate is inherently healthy and contains nutrients, hormones, and compounds that are generally beneficial to the mind and body. However, you should keep several things in mind before engaging in any unprotected sexual activity involving semen.

1. Semen undoubtedly contains many chemical compounds like melatonin and serotonin that can possibly act as anti-depressants and mood enhancers. Despite that, some studies that claim to “prove” the compounds’ effectiveness require more research.

2. It’s rare but possible to have an allergy to seminal fluid. If you’re encountering semen vaginally or orally for the first time, act cautiously in case you are hypersensitive to it.

3. When you break down the nutritional value of semen, it’s healthy to consume. However, ejaculation doesn’t produce enough semen to be nutritious if you eat it.

4. Semen carries STDs, so to be safe, it’s best to get a rapid STD test at least once a year or before switching sexual partners.

Don’t Get Ahead of Yourself

So, is semen good for you? It can be, but it also carries risks. Before interacting with semen, get same-day STD testing from Rapid STD Test.

 

What You Need to Know About STD From Sex Toys

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Discover the best ways to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Practicing safe sex represents one of the best ways to avoid STDs. But what about STDs contracted from sex toys? If you think you might have contracted an STD, you should immediately schedule a rapid STD test.

Bacterial and viral STDs can spread through sex toys. This does not mean you need to stay away from adult toys and accessories. However, you need to learn how to protect yourself and maintain good sexual health. Let’s examine how you catch an STD from sex toys and how to prevent it from happening to you.

What Are Considered Sex Toys?

Before we talk about STDs, let’s clarify which objects qualify as sex toys. Sex toys, also known as marital aids or adult toys, serve as devices that people use to increase their pleasure during masturbation or sex.

Many people use them for all sorts of purposes. Adult toys include dildos, vibrators, BDSM apparatus, slings, and more. You can find male and female sex toys in adult toy stores, online sex shops, pornography stores, department stores, or pharmacies.

Many people use sex toys to heighten their sexual pleasure. The idea of viewing sex toys as taboo has long since passed. Whether you choose to use one or not depends entirely on your personal preferences. However, you need to practice proper hygiene when using sex toys.

STDs Transmitted Through Sex Toys

Can an STD stay on toys? Yes. An individual can become infected with an STD by an adult toy previously used by another person. The sex toy acts as a non-living carrier of the disease. If you think you have an infection, book an appointment for a 10-panel STD test.

Let’s break down the STDs that may transmit through sex toys.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs among sexually active young adults and teenagers. This infection often goes undetected. Symptoms include:

  •     Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus
  •     Pain during urination
  •     Bleeding between periods, stomach pain, and bleeding after sex
  •     Swelling and pain in the testicles

You can contract chlamydia through:

  •     Unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex
  •     Sharing unwashed sex toys
  •     Contact between partners’ genitals
  •     Infected vaginal fluid or semen entering your eyes

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually transmitted during sex. Syphilis can cause significant problems if left untreated. The symptoms include:

  •     Small, painless ulcers or sores in the vagina or mouth, on the penis, or near the anus
  •     Red rashes on the soles of feet or palms of hands
  •     Tiny skin growths around the anus or vulva
  •     White patches around the mouth
  •     Headaches, tiredness, high temperature, and joint pain
  •     Swollen glands in the groin, neck, or armpits

Syphilis mainly spreads through contact with an infected sore during anal, vaginal, or oral sex. It can also spread through shared sex toys. Drug addicts stand a higher chance of contracting syphilis due to infected needles.

Herpes

Herpes is a recurring STD that can spread through oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Can you catch this STD without having sex? Yes. In fact, you can get herpes from drink sharing. The symptoms of this disease include:

  •     Small blisters that leave open sores around the anus, genitals, or thighs
  •     Burning, itching, or tingling around the genitals
  •     Pain during urination
  •     Unusual vaginal discharge

You can contract genital herpes during:

  •     Skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sex
  •     Manual stimulation of the genitals when someone carries the infection on their fingers
  •     Sharing sex toys

Hepatitis

Hepatitis B spreads through bodily fluids, including blood. It infects the liver and may cause severe damage if left untreated. The symptoms include:

  •     Fever, aches, and tiredness
  •     Appetite loss
  •     Diarrhea
  •     Stomach pain
  •     Yellow eyes and skin

Hepatitis B can spread when individuals do not take proper safety measures when using sex toys.

HIV

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) damages cells in the immune system. This process weakens your body’s ability to fend off diseases. The symptoms of HIV include a flu-like illness that occurs two to six weeks after the infection.

Once these symptoms disappear, the infected individual may not display any other symptoms. During this time, the virus continues to cause damage to the immune system.

HIV can spread through unprotected sex and shared needles. You can also catch this STD from sex toys.

Other Possible Diseases to Contract From Sex Toys

Can you get an STD from a sex toy? Yes. Various other diseases can also spread when you practice unsafe sex toy usage. These include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, or urinary tract infections (UTIs). Using sex toys for anal play can cause other infections as well. Parasites like giardia lamblia, intestinal amoebas, and bacteria can spread through exposure to fecal matter.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis usually causes unusual vaginal discharge. It increases the risk of acquiring infections like chlamydia.

The common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:

  •     Strong, fishy, unusual vaginal discharge, usually after sex
  •     Changes in the consistency and color of the discharge

Bacterial vaginosis spreads due to:

  •     Active sex life
  •     Multiple sex partner changes
  •     Contraceptive devices and intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  •     Use of perfumed products around the vaginal region  

Different Infections

Can you get STIs from sex toys? Yes. You can contract different infections because of shared sex toys. Some of these infections include gonorrhea, shigella, non-specific urethritis, and Hepatitis A.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that makes you feel like you want to urinate even when you don’t need to pee. It also stings whenever you urinate and can spread from one person to another during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. You can also become infected when sharing sex toys with an infected person.

Shigella

Shigella is a bacterial infection of the intestines. It causes stomach cramps and severe diarrhea in infected individuals. It transmits easily from one person to another, often during oral sex and anal-oral sex.

Non-specific Urethritis

Non-specific urethritis is a bacterial infection that inflames the urethra. This infection spreads much like gonorrhea and leads to similar symptoms. It usually occurs due to excessive sex or masturbation, which irritates the urethra. Non-specific urethritis can also happen as a result of excessive sex toy use during masturbation.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. Hepatitis A can spread through sex and oral-anal sex. You can also become infected if you use an unwashed sex toy previously used for anal sex that contains the Hepatitis A virus.

Can You Get STDs From Sex Toys Even If They Are Clean?

Can you get STDs from sex toys if properly cleaned? No. You do not need to worry about contracting or spreading STDs if you clean your adult toys and accessories thoroughly after use. Sex toys generally come with instructions on how to use, store, and clean them. We recommend reading the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before you use them. 

Use hot water and soap to wash the toy after each use. Also, clean the toys before using them on yourself or your partner. STDs usually spread when you use them for oral, anal, or vaginal sex without properly cleaning them. If you use a shared sex toy, make sure you wash it well before use.

Some sex toys come with mechanical or electrical parts. Washing these may pose a problem. In such cases, remove the batteries and clean any part that comes into contact with your skin or bodily fluids.

A thorough cleaning should remove any viruses or bacteria. Ensure that every crack and crevice of your sex toy gets cleaned. If you use silicone-based sex toys, you can immerse them in boiling water to clean them.

You should also conduct frequent checks for breaks and scratches on the surface of the sex toy. Doing so can lower the risk of infection by a considerable margin. Penetrative sex toys that you insert inside the anus or vagina often carry a greater risk of transmitting infections. You can put a condom over the toy to reduce this risk and dispose of it later.  

Prevention of STD Transmission from Sex Toys

Can you get an STI from sex toys? Yes. However, cleaning your sex toys before use helps prevent STD transmission. Let’s discuss the different types of sex toys and how to clean them.

Porous vs. Non-porous

You can purchase two types of sex toys: porous and non-porous. We recommend non-porous sex toys because they reduce the risk of infection. However, both types remain popular among adult toy enthusiasts.

Porous

Porous sex toys contain many microscopic holes. Bacteria, soap, dust, and perfume can stay inside the holes even after a thorough cleaning.

Porous materials include:

  •         Latex
  •         Thermoplastic elastomer
  •         Thermoplastic rubber
  •         Polyvinyl chloride
  •         Jelly rubber

Non-porous

Toys made of non-porous materials lower the risk of infection once you clean them thoroughly with soap and water.

Non-porous materials include:

  •         Pyrex
  •         Silicone
  •         Glass
  •         ABS plastic
  •         Stainless steel

Non-porous sex toys are best, especially if you share them with your partner. If you own a porous shared sex toy, placing a condom over it reduces the chances of infection.

How to Clean Sex Toys

Properly cleaning your sex toys can prevent the transmission of STDs. The washing methods differ for porous and non-porous toys.

Washing Porous Sex Toys

You should wash porous sex toys made of elastomer, jelly rubber, or latex with a washcloth dipped in soapy, room-temperature water.

You can also use a water-based sex toy cleaner to prevent sexually transmitted infections. These cleaners often provide a gentler cleaning than hand soaps.

Washing Non-porous Sex Toys

Use warm water and soap for non-porous, motorized silicone toys. Use the same for those made of glass, stainless steel, Pyrex, or ABS plastic. For non-motorized toys, use boiling water.

Drying Sex Toys

Always remember to dry your sex toy thoroughly after you finish cleaning it. You can use an air blower or towel to dry it. You can also leave it outdoors to air dry.

Storing Sex Toys

Store your toys in a clean, dry place after you dry them. Many sex toys come in satin stowaway pouches. These pouches protect your toy from debris, dust, and animal fur. Make sure you store your toys in them, if available.

When to Clean Your Sex Toys

We recommend cleaning your toys before and after use. If you share the same sex toy with your partner, make sure you clean it between each use. Cleaning the toy before using it may seem excessive, but it allows you to wash off any collected dust and dirt particles. 

Did You Catch an STD From Sex Toys?

Do you think you might have caught an STD from sex toys? Take control of your reproductive health. Visit a Rapid STD Testing center near you for same-day STD testing!

Is It Illegal to Give Someone an STD?

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A few of our patients have asked, “Is it illegal to give someone an STD?” Venereal diseases, commonly known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that get transferred between sexual partners. While doctors can cure some STDs, other STDs, like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), remain incurable.

Most US states consider the negligent transmission of an STD a criminal offense. However, not all states do. At Rapid STD Testing, we provide rapid STD tests, same-day STD testing, and a 10-panel STD test to give you peace of mind and ensure that you receive treatment as soon as possible.

Does the Law Require You to Inform Your Sexual Partner About Your STD?

In most of the 50 states, a person may face criminal charges or a civil lawsuit if they fail to inform sexual partners about their STD and the partner contracts a disease due to sexual activity.

Some STDs, like herpes and HIV, prove highly dangerous and even life-threatening because they remain incurable and require lifelong treatment. Depending on the facts of your case and your location, you may file a civil battery lawsuit or a negligence claim if a partner infects you with an STD.

Civil and Criminal STD Cases

If a sexual partner knows about their STD and intentionally infects you, they may be liable for damages in a civil lawsuit. You have the right to file a civil legal action against the sexual partner who transmitted the disease to you.

In some cases, you can file charges for a civil battery lawsuit and seek damages for emotional trauma caused by the threat of exposure to an STD. Intentional, unconsented, and harmful contact can increase the damages recovered in civil court and may lead to criminal charges.

In less egregious cases, you may wish to file a negligence claim, where you have to prove a breach of the legal obligation to act with reasonable caution and care. You will have to provide substantial evidence that your sexual partner had knowledge of their infection with an STD and failed to disclose that information.

Is It Illegal to Knowingly Give Someone an STD?

Is it illegal to knowingly give someone an STD? Can you go to jail for giving someone chlamydia? If you catch chlamydia when cheating, this bacteria may not show symptoms. It can lie dormant for years and produce low-grade infections in monogamous partners. However, you may still face legal action once the doctors detect the disease in your partner. And, staying with someone who gave you an STD does not automatically offer evidence of consent to the transmission.

When Can Civil Lawsuits Be Filed?

It remains unlawful in most states to have sexual contact with your partner if you know you have an STD and do not disclose it. To sue someone for giving you STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, you file a petition in civil court.

Civil lawsuits allow you to receive fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you suffered after contracting the STD. If you lose your case as a defendant, you must pay monetary damages for your partner’s medical treatment, therapy, loss of time at work, injuries, and more.

When Can It Be Considered a Criminal Charge?

The answer to the question, “Is it illegal to give someone an STD?” differs throughout the United States. Whether the intentional, reckless, or negligent transmission of an STD constitutes a criminal offense depends on the state.

California

Under California Health and Safety Code Section 120290, you can face criminal charges for giving another person an infectious or communicable disease when you:

  • Know that you are afflicted with an infectious or communicable disease
  • Act with the specific intent to transmit the disease
  • Engage in sexual conduct to transmit the disease
  • Successfully transmit the disease to the other person

The state has every right to charge you and pursue a conviction for behaving in a way that presents a danger to society.

Arizona

In Arizona, a person can face criminal charges for transmitting any contagious or infectious disease, including sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

Florida

In Florida, laws regarding the criminal transmission of STDs apply to:

  •     HIV
  •     Chlamydia
  •     Nongonococcal urethritis
  •     Chancroid
  •     Gonorrhea
  •     Lymphogranuloma venereum
  •     Genital herpes
  •     Pelvic inflammatory disease
  •     Granuloma inguinale
  •     Acute salpingitis
  •     Syphilis

Georgia

Under Georgia Code section 16-5-60, the state law creates criminal penalties for specific types of STD transmissions, such as when a person with hepatitis or HIV participates in certain kinds of sexual activity. An individual who recklessly or intentionally infects another person with an STD not listed in the state statute could still be charged with other crimes, like assault.

Illinois

In Illinois, if you know you are HIV-positive, it is criminal to engage in certain types of sexual activity without informing your partner of your disease.

Indiana

In Indiana, only specific activities subject the transmitter to criminal charges. Felonies are classified between Levels 1 and 6, with Level 1 representing the most dangerous offense.

Michigan

Under Michigan law, it is a crime for a person who knows they have AIDS or HIV to have sex with another person without disclosing the infection. Additionally, the deliberate or reckless transmission of herpes, gonorrhea, or syphilis is chargeable as an aggravated assault or battery.

Montana

Under Montana Code Annotated 45-2-101 and 50-18-112, it is a crime for people who know they have an STD to expose another person to it. The law applies to diseases transmitted via sexual contact, unprotected sexual contact, and needle sharing.

Nebraska

Under Nebraska’s Revised Statutes 28-109, 28-308, and 28-310, a person who transmits an STD in Nebraska will face charges under Nebraska’s assault statute. Misdemeanor assault is a crime committed intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly that inflicts bodily injury, including physical pain or impairment.

The crime of felony assault is an act committed intentionally or knowingly that inflicts serious bodily injury. Any injury that involves a lasting impairment or risk of death is a serious bodily injury.

For example, the transmissions of HIV or herpes, which prove life-threatening and incurable, fall into the category of serious bodily injury. Transmission of gonorrhea, on the other hand, falls under bodily injury.

Penalties for Knowingly Transmitting an STD

Is spreading STDs illegal? By law, if the jury finds you guilty of knowingly or recklessly transmitting an STD, you face a criminal penalty.

Fines

Misdemeanor fines for crimes related to the transmission of an STD can cost you up to $1,000. In some states, felony fines cost as much as $50,000.

Jail

A felony conviction can result in a sentence of one year or more in prison. A misdemeanor conviction for transmission of an STD carries a penalty of up 12 months in jail. In a few states, a person who knowingly transmits HIV can receive a life sentence in prison.

Sex Offender Registration

Courts often require a person found guilty of the criminal transmission of an STD often to sign up for the state’s sex offender registry. The sex offender registration list can hold that person’s name for 25 years or longer, making it difficult for them to find housing and work.

Restitution

Restitution payments go to victims who have suffered due to the recklessness or negligence of their partner. Restitution compensates them for the losses they have incurred, such as those related to medical treatment, therapy, loss of time at work, injuries, and much more.

Probation

The court can sentence a person guilty of the unlawful transmission of an STD to a probation term. Probation lasts from about one to three years.

Types of Damages for STD-related Charges

Is it illegal to transmit an STD? If you know you have an STD, then it might be illegal to fail to disclose it to your sexual partner. However, it can prove very challenging to gather proof of the damages caused by an STD. STDs do not always develop immediately, and your body may not show any signs for a long time. If you happen to have other sexual partners during this time, it will complicate the situation further.

Some of the different types of damages for STD-related charges include:

  • Pain and suffering ㅡ Monetary damages to compensate for the pain felt
  • Medical expenses ㅡ Expenses related to medical costs for treating the STD
  • Emotional distress ㅡ Damages related to the fear and anxiety felt after learning you contracted the STD

Practicing Responsible and Safe Sex

Taking STD tests once a year allows you to practice responsible, safe sex. If you have multiple partners, then it remains advisable to undergo frequent testing. You should also go for a test if:

  •         You might start having sex with someone new
  •         You decide to forego barrier protection
  •         Your partner cheats on you
  •         You show symptoms of an STI

How to Practice Safer Sex

You can minimize transmission by practicing safer sex. Have an honest talk with your sexual partner. Make sure to remain truthful about your sexual history. Avoid having sex when you are drunk or high and use a latex or polyurethane barrier for all types of sex.

Try to urinate after sex to avoid the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Additionally, you can get the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines to stay safe.

Open Communication

Why do you need to tell your partner if you have an STD? STDs cause serious health problems, lower the chances of having babies in the future, and can become life-threatening if not found and treated on time. By remaining honest, you allow your partner to make an informed decision about their health and give them a chance to get checked and treated.

Safe Practices

Always remember to rinse your body after sex to remove any infectious material from your skin. Visit a doctor if you see the following signs and symptoms:

  •     Discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
  •     Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  •     Pain during sex
  •     Itching or burning sensation in the genital region
  •     Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
  •     Bumps and sores
  •     Changes in urination

Know Your Status

Is it illegal to give someone an STD? It depends on the circumstances, but many states have laws that make it a criminal offense to willingly transmit an STD. Stay informed on your sexual health by scheduling annual screenings at a Rapid STD Testing near you. We keep your results private, confidential, and quick.

Are you looking to take an STD test as soon as possible? Call Rapid STD Testing at (866) 872-1888 to speak with a health specialist today.

The Main Causes of Burning Sensation in the Vagina

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Having a burning sensation in your vagina isn’t normal and is a good indicator that something is wrong. The burning feeling can have several different causes, including inflammation of the vulva, vagina, or urinary tract. Distinguishing exactly where the burning sensation comes from makes diagnosing the cause challenging, although when the burning occurs can offer some clues.

Understanding the underlying cause of the burning sensation is essential to getting the right treatment. While it may be tempting to ignore the feeling and hope it goes away, the right thing to do is to seek testing and medical help to address the issue as soon as possible.

STD Causes of Female Genital Burning Sensation

Some causes of genital burning can be due to diseases transmitted during sexual intercourse. STDs are common, but most are easily treatable once diagnosed. Same-day STD testing has sped up the process, allowing you to get on the road to recovery and feeling better.

While all of the following STDs can result in a burning sensation in the vagina, they will have other symptoms that can help your healthcare practitioner narrow down the problem.

HSV-2

Herpes simplex virus 2, or HSV-2, is better known as genital herpes. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause genital herpes, while only HSV-1 causes oral herpes (cold sores). HSV-2 infections are lifelong, which means that once you have the condition, you can get painful flare-ups throughout your life.

HSV-2 is transmitted exclusively through genital contact, even if the person with the virus is asymptomatic at the time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 13% of people aged 15 – 49 live with HSV-2, though women have a higher infection rate than men.

Most HSV-2 infections are asymptomatic, meaning that you won’t even know that you have the virus. However, when symptoms do occur, you’ll notice. The main symptom of genital herpes is a spate of open sores (ulcers) around the anal and genital area. Other symptoms include:

  •       Fever
  •       Body aches
  •       Swollen lymph nodes

The first outbreak of symptoms is often the worst, but many people experience occasional recurrences throughout their lifetime. Antivirals can help control and reduce these symptoms, but they can’t cure the infection itself.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an extremely common STD in the United States. The CDC estimates that there were over 2 million infections in 2018, but only 30% of people showed any symptoms. The infection is more prevalent in women than men and more common in older women than their younger counterparts.

You can get trich through sexual intercourse, where a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis colonizes the lower genital tract, including the vulva, vagina, and cervix. The most common symptoms of trichomoniasis include:

  •       Itching, burning, redness, and soreness
  •       Discomfort while urinating
  •       Change in vaginal discharge, often with a fishy smell

If left untreated, the infection can persist for years and can make it easier to catch other STDs. The only way to correctly diagnose trich is with an STD test, like those offered by Rapid STD Testing labs.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is another extremely common STD that can cause a burning sensation in the vaginal area. However, unlike other STDs, untreated chlamydia infections can have severe and lasting health consequences.

Not only does chlamydia lower your chances of getting pregnant, but it can also infect your newborn and cause ectopic pregnancies. Untreated chlamydia can even increase your chances of catching other STDs.

Common symptoms include:

  •       Abnormal vaginal discharge
  •       Burning feeling when urinating
  •       Bleeding between periods

The only way to confirm the presence of chlamydia is with a dedicated or 10-panel STD test. While chlamydia has a relatively long incubation, it will also appear on the test by the time you see symptoms.

Gonorrhea

Probably one of the best-known STDs, gonorrhea is extremely common and can infect the rectum, genitals, and throat. Younger people have a higher incidence of the infection, but it can affect anyone having any type of unprotected sex.

Most women who have gonorrhea don’t see any symptoms, which is why it’s so important to do regular testing at Rapid STD Testing or any other lab if you’re in an at-risk group. It’s possible to transmit the disease even while asymptomatic, and testing can help you get treatment and stop the spread.

Common symptoms of gonorrhea include:

  •       Burning or discomfort while urinating
  •       Bleeding between periods
  •       Increased vaginal discharge

It’s never a good idea to ignore a burning feeling in your vagina. It can indicate the presence of an STD, which, if left untreated, can dramatically impact your reproductive health.

Other Causes of Burning Feeling in the Vagina

Your vulva and vagina are sensitive ecosystems, and STDs aren’t the only disruptive things that can cause itching and burning. If you’ve done a rapid STD test and seen no results, it’s likely that your burning stems from another source.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Your vagina has a complex bacterial ecosystem that keeps your vaginal pH low to prevent fungal and excessive bacterial growth. Bacterial vaginosis is when this delicate balance shifts, leading to the growth of unwanted bacteria.

While these shifts may be natural, certain things can make them worse, including:

  •       Douching
  •       Sexual intercourse
  •       Antibiotics
  •       Weakened immune system

Bacterial vaginosis has several symptoms, including:

  •       Burning and discomfort while urinating
  •       Fishy vaginal odor
  •       Vaginal and vulval itching
  •       White, gray, or green discharge

In most cases, bacterial vaginosis doesn’t cause any complications and will generally clear up on its own. However, persistent infections can lead to serious consequences, including:

  •       Higher risk of developing STDs
  •       Preterm births
  •       Pelvic inflammatory disease that leads to infertility

Yeast Infection

Most women will develop a yeast infection, or candida, at least twice in their lifetime. The yeast that causes candida occurs naturally in your vagina, but certain bacteria keep its growth in check. If the ecosystem gets disrupted, it can give candida a chance to take over and grow wild.

Simple yeast infections will often clear up on their own, but complicated infections may need medical attention. Symptoms of a complicated yeast infection include:

  •       Four or more yeast infections in a year
  •       Extensive redness or itching that leads to sores
  •       Constant burning sensation

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an extremely common source of vaginal burning. The main cause of UTIs is bacteria that have found their way into the normally sterile urinary system, where they start to cause inflammation and infection.

Symptoms include:

  •       Burning during urination
  •       Frequent need to urinate
  •       Blood in the urine
  •       Abnormal urine color
  •       Pain in the pelvic area

Menopause

Menopause can dramatically affect vaginal health. Changing hormone levels can cause vaginal dryness that may escalate into vaginal burning, especially during and after sex.

Luckily, the symptoms of menopause are temporary and can be lessened by hormone therapy and other treatments.

Irritants

Your vagina is a mucous membrane and is as susceptible to irritants as your nose, throat, and eyes. Some products can cause an allergic reaction that manifests as a burning sensation.

Some common irritants include:

  •       Spermicides
  •       Latex
  •       Lubricants
  •       Semen
  •       Scented soaps
  •       Detergents
  •       Nickel
  •       Feminine hygiene sprays

The best way to avoid the burning sensation is to avoid the irritant. You may need to try spot testing to identify potential culprits. Luckily, condom makers have started making hypoallergenic condoms that don’t contain latex or rubber, and it’s always a good idea to keep harsh detergents and scents away from the vulva.

Symptoms That Come With Burning Inside the Vagina

In most cases, a burning sensation in the vagina isn’t the only symptom that something’s going on.

Typically, burning indicates a disruption in how the vagina and reproductive system function. Some of the common symptoms that come with burning include:

  •       Additional discharge
  •       Smelly discharge
  •       Strange colored discharge, including green, grey, and white
  •       Bleeding in between periods
  •       Excessive sensitivity and redness
  •       Itching

Diagnosing the cause of burning is difficult because most STDs and non-STD sources of vaginal burning share the same symptoms. Both chlamydia and bacterial vaginosis result in a fishy-smelling discharge, burning while urinating, and spotting between periods.

Since some conditions, like yeast infections, affect almost all women, it’s tempting to wait for the issue to go away. While there are many over-the-counter options, it’s always a good idea to see a medical practitioner if the burning persists.

Since so many STDs have common symptoms, it makes it easy for people to come up with made-up diseases. Blue waffle disease is a fictitious STD that supposedly results in vaginal burning and excess discharge.

That’s why it’s so important to have regular STD testing, especially if you’re in a high-risk category. Rapid STD Testing recommends a full-panel STD test every few months for people with multiple sexual partners.

When Does It Become Life-Threatening?

Vaginal burning can have a wide range of causes, making it difficult to know when to take it seriously. It’s easy to ignore a bit of burning and hope it goes away without visiting a doctor. However, while some causes are relatively benign, other causes of burning can have serious health implications.

Sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia can travel up into the Fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can have huge implications on your reproductive health. PID can cause infertility, and it also raises the risk of preterm births and ectopic pregnancies. The longer these STDs remain in your body, the more damage they will do.

An untreated UTI can lead to kidney disease. Repeated bladder infections raise the risk of acute renal failure, especially if you ignore the early warning signs.

Many STDs can also increase your risk of meningitis (brain infection) or increase the risk of causing meningitis in your unborn baby. Candida can cause meningitis in immunocompromised people, while the herpes simplex virus can cause viral meningitis.

What’s worse is that many people don’t develop symptoms such as burning or abnormal discharges while having one of these devastating conditions. You can have an STD or yeast infection that can cause severe illness in the future and not know it. That’s why testing is essential.

Tips to Prevent Further Complications and Relieve Discomfort or Burning Around the Vaginal Area

In many cases, vaginal irritation will calm down on its own. Here are some of our top tips to keep these minor irritations, allergies, and infections at bay. Note that they are for informational purposes only and don’t constitute professional medical advice.

  •       Avoid scented hygiene products. Many of these products, like douches and feminine sprays, can actually increase smelly discharge and irritation due to their allergenic compounds.
  •       Wash your pubic area with unscented or mild soap and water once per day. Don’t ever use soap on your inner vulva or vagina.
  •       Don’t use a vaginal douche, ever.
  •       Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.
  •       Wear clean cotton underwear and avoid synthetic fabrics.
  •       Use condoms during sexual intercourse to lower your risk of STDs.
  •       If you have vaginal dryness, always use a water-based lubricant before sex.
  •       Avoid having sex until your burning feeling goes away.

However, there are also times when it’s better to see a healthcare professional about a burning sensation in your vagina. If your symptoms persist or get worse after a couple of days, seek professional medical advice.

Even if you don’t have a serious problem, the healthcare worker will be able to prescribe the necessary treatment that will lessen your discomfort and get you on the road to recovery. Leaving these issues unaddressed will only make dealing with the problem harder in the long term.

Medical treatments of vaginal burning include:

  •       Treatment of STDs and bacterial vaginosis with the relevant antibiotic (or antiparasitic, in the case of trich)
  •       Antifungal creams or suppositories (or possibly oral antifungal drugs) that treat candida and other yeast infections
  •       Estrogen-containing creams or hormone therapy to lessen menopause-related itching and burning
  •       Steroid creams to relieve itching and soothe burning in the affected area while the other treatments do their job

Claim Your Life Back with Testing

STDs will often cause vaginal burning and excessive discharge. The best way to deal with a burning sensation in your vagina is to identify the cause, which will include testing. If you suspect that you may have an STD, get in touch with Rapid STD Testing and learn about our selection of tests today!

Is Crabs an STD? Diagnosis and Treatment

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Lice are small parasitic insects that live on the human body and feed on human blood. Scientists distinguish several species of lice, commonly called head, body, and pubic (“crab”) lice. Each species spreads by crawling—they do not hop or fly—and by human-to-human contact.

Almost everyone has heard about the itchiness and discomfort of head lice, which often infect schoolchildren in their hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. However, we don’t talk too openly about pubic lice, which spread, most often, through sexual contact and can cause a lot of itchy misery for a person who catches them. A common nickname for a pubic lice infestation is ‘crabs’ due to how these critters look under a microscope.

Are crabs considered an STD? What can you do to protect yourself against the discomfort and embarrassment of catching and spreading crabs?

We’ve written this guide to help you identify pubic lice infestations and protect yourself and your sexual partners from this preventable condition.

Species and Characteristics of Lice

Both head and pubic lice lay eggs (called “nits”) on hair shafts, while the body louse lays eggs in clothing and bedding. The head louse and body louse species are much larger than the tiny pubic louse, and they have distinguishing shapes.

While part of the same family, pubic lice aren’t the same species as head lice. Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) love coarser hairs. The larger head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are much narrower than pubic lice and stick to softer head hair. You can’t get crabs by having head lice move down into different body regions.

While pubic lice primarily live on hairs in the genital area, they may spread to other hairy parts of the body, such as the armpits, legs, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, or even head hair. What Are Crabs? Pubic lice, aka crabs, are a particular species of louse spread through sexual contact that live in pubic hair, eyelashes, beards, and armpit hair. These insects are obligate parasites, meaning that they need to feed on human blood to survive. Adult lice need to eat every 24-48 hours and will die without a blood feed.

The good news is that, unlike some other parasites that feed on blood, pubic lice don’t carry any bloodborne diseases. Instead, the only symptom you’ll experience from crabs is the itchiness and crawly feeling associated with the lice themselves. If you tend to scratch itchy areas, you may also develop secondary bacterial infections on broken skin from your scratching.

Crabs are one of the most commonly diagnosed STDs that cause itching in the United States. Approximately 3 million Americans get crabs yearly, with an average incidence of 1.3% to 4.6% of the total population. According to the CDC, crabs similarly affect all races and ethnic groups and tend to affect adults more than children.

Interestingly, the global incidence of pubic lice is decreasing yearly. Scientists suspect that current personal grooming trends such as shaving and waxing the pubis are removing the lice’s habitat, preventing them from spreading. By removing their natural habitat, pubic lice are now in danger of becoming an endangered species!

How Can Someone Catch Pubic Lice?

Are crabs an STD?

Crabs are considered an STD because the main transmission method is through sexual contact. The lice will move from one host to another when their pubic hairs are in close proximity and will quickly colonize their new host.

What’s important to note is that you don’t need to have full sexual intercourse to catch crabs. Any activity that brings two rough hairs into close contact with the lice is enough to cause an infestation. Men may even get crabs in their beard after engaging in oral sex with an infected individual.

Are Crabs Only Sexually Transmitted?

While sex is the most common transmission method, there are other ways to catch crabs from an infected person. Sharing towels or clothes with people suffering from a pubic louse infestation can be enough to facilitate spread. Dirty linens may also contain a few nits that can crawl onto a new host during the night.

Pubic lice are happy with any type of coarse hair, including beard and armpit hair. While their preferred habitat is in the pubic area, even sharing a face cloth with an infested person may be enough to transmit the disease.

Common Crabs Transmission Myths

At Rapid STD Testing, we see a lot of people look for excuses for their condition because of the stigma associated with having crabs. A common excuse for getting crabs is that you got it off a toilet seat. This myth is untrue for several reasons, including:

  •       Lice can only survive for a maximum of 48 hours without a meal, meaning that they can’t stay on a surface for a prolonged period of time without dying.
  •       Their legs can’t grasp the smooth surface of a toilet seat, and they’ll get flushed down the toilet sooner than they would latch onto your pubic hair.

Another common myth is that pets can spread pubic lice. Pubic lice are human parasites and can’t survive on pet blood. They rely on human-human body transmission. Dogs and cats have their own types of lice which, in turn, can’t survive on human blood.

Since pubic and head lice are two completely different species, it’s also extremely unlikely that a head louse traveled down to your pubic region and set up in a new territory. Head and body lice have special legs designed for hanging onto smooth hair, while pubic lice can grab onto coarse hair.

Signs and Symptoms of a Crabs Sexual Infection

Pubic lice have an incubation period of around five to seven days after exposure. After this initial stage, you may notice the following symptoms:

  •       Severe itching in the affected area
  •       Blood specks in your underwear
  •       Red or blue spots around the affected area of skin
  •       Rash
  •       Fatigue
  •       Low fever

The reason for the relatively long incubation period is that you’ll only pick up a few adult lice from your partner. These lice need to go through one or more reproductive cycles to build up their numbers. Once they start biting in earnest, you’ll start developing an allergic reaction and noticing their presence.

Both adult pubic lice and their nits are visible to the naked eye. They’re relatively small, around 2mm when fully grown, so you may need a magnifying glass to confirm their presence.

Nits, or lice eggs, are oval and yellowish-white. They usually sit towards the root of the hair shaft and can be difficult to detect if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Recently-hatched “nymphs” are transparent and smaller than adult lice. Adult lice come in an array of colors, ranging from grayish-white to tan or copper. They tend to get darker if they’ve recently fed and may blend in with your skin tone, so you may need to look closely to find them—or use a test from Rapid STD Testing to confirm their presence.

Finding pubic lice may be a challenge since they tend to accumulate close to the body where it’s warmer. They can often move down into the bottom reaches of the pubic area, where detecting them is extremely tricky.

Pubic lice don’t carry bloodborne diseases, which means that getting crabs may be annoying and frustrating but is unlikely to cause severe long-term health issues. Any symptoms associated with a pubic lice infestation result from the body’s allergic reaction to the bites. The moment you remove the lice, the symptoms will soon cease.

Diagnosing Pubic Lice Infestations

Since lice are very good at hiding, it may be a good idea to get a rapid STD test to confirm your suspicions. Generally, a healthcare provider will use visual identification, but they may also send a sample to the lab for further identification.

Getting pubic lice isn’t a sign of having unsafe sex, but healthcare practitioners may recommend a 10-panel STD test if they diagnose pubic lice in a patient. These tests will also check for other common STDs that can often manifest with similar symptoms to lice, such as itching and rashes.

Once the healthcare professional confirms their diagnosis, you should tell recent sex partners and people with whom you’ve shared a bed, clothes, or towels about the condition. These people should get tested for lice as well as soon as possible to prevent further spread. While it’s an awkward conversation to have, the sooner everyone gets the necessary treatment, the better.

Pubic Lice Prevention and Treatment

Luckily, crabs are one of the more easily curable STDs that also cause the fewest long-term health concerns.

Prevention

Ideally, you want to prevent catching any STD, including crabs. The challenge with pubic lice is that common STD prevention methods, like condoms, don’t stop the spread of crabs. Condoms don’t cover the entire genital area, which means that you’ll still get the hair contact needed to transmit the STD.

There are three main ways to prevent or limit the spread of crabs:

  •       Complete abstinence, including abstinence from oral intercourse
  •       Sex with partners whom you know to be disease-free and who will remain so. Monogamous partners are significantly less likely to transmit an STD. If you do have non-monogamous partners, try to have regular same-day STD testing to ensure that both of you are STD-free.
  •       Shaving or body hair removal. Having a clean-shaven groin area can reduce the chances of transmitting the disease. However, if you already have crabs, shaving isn’t an effective treatment option since the lice can jump to other coarse hairs in the vicinity and eventually move up to your armpits and eyebrows.

Treatment

If you have a confirmed pubic lice diagnosis, you’ll be relieved to know that treatment options are extremely simple and effective. Taking a few additional precautions can also help prevent their recurrence and keep you crab-free.

The most common treatment is a lotion or shampoo. Make sure to follow the instructions for best results and to ensure that you eliminate all lice from your body. Here are some general guidelines for pubic lice treatment:

  •       Check your entire body, including underarms, beard, and eyebrows, for lice.
  •       Apply the lotion or shampoo to all the affected areas and other hairy spots, just in case.
  •       Leave the treatment for the allotted time given in the instructions.
  •       Wash off with warm water.
  •       Look for nits and remove them using a fine-tooth comb.
  •       Wash your linens, clothes, and towels using the hot water cycle. The heat will kill off any parasites trying to hide. If you have items you can’t wash, put them in a sealed bag and don’t touch them for a couple of weeks.
  •       Pause your sex life.
  •       Repeat as necessary until you’re clear of lice.

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