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Tests for HIV: ELISA, Western Blot, and Others

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. If HIV infection isn’t treated, a person can develop AIDS, which is a prolonged and often fatal condition. HIV is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact. It’s also spread through blood, blood factor products, injection drug use, and breast milk. To test for HIV, a series of blood screenings may be done, including one called the ELISA test. Read on to learn how these tests are done, what to expect during the tests, and what the results can mean. What are the ELISA test and the HIV differentiation assay? The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), also known as an enzyme immunoassay (EIA), detects HIV antibodies and antigens in the blood....

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5 FACTS ABOUT SEXUALITY AND VAGINAL HEALTH ?

  1. WHAT IS SEXUAL HEALTH? WHO (World Health Organization) explains sexual health as:“…a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality”“Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships…”Sexual health can be disrupted by vaginal problems which may cause discomfort and prevent sexual experiences from being enjoyable. Symptoms of vaginal infections can include:• Redness, pain and itching• Pain or bleeding during sex• Vaginal odor• Yellow, grey, or green discharge• Burning sensation while urinatingAs an effect from suffering from a vaginal infection, you might experience vaginal dryness which can be uncomfortable at best and painful at worst. Vaginal dryness can also be caused by medication and treatments or breastfeeding, amongst other reasons.Nowadays...

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5 Quick Ways to Build Pelvic Muscles and Improve Your Sex Life

Little-known fact: Men have pelvic floors too. While this system of small, internal muscles at the base of the torso is often discussed in relation to pregnancy and childbirth, everyone has a pelvic floor. It supports the bowel, bladder and reproductive organs — and in your 50s, these muscles can grow lax, resulting in bladder leakage. On the plus side, toning your pelvic-floor muscles can fix that problem and also improve sexual function — and pleasure — in both sexes.The classic pelvic-floor exercises for moms are called Kegels; they involve rhythmically clenching the muscles that cut off your flow of urine. But for pelvic health in your 50s, these are “overrated,” according to Nora Arnold, a physical therapist and pelvic-floor...

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Kegel exercises: A how-to guide for women

Kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor exercises, are a series of exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and help to prevent or bladder control and other pelvic floor problems. These exercises can be beneficial for both men and women. They are often recommended for individuals who experience urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or sexual dysfunction. Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum. You can do kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor muscle training, just about anytime.Start by understanding what Kegel exercises can do for you — then follow these instructions for contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles. Why Kegel exercises matterLocation of female pelvic floor musclesEnlarge...

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What is Vaginal PH Balance?

What is pH?‌The pH scale measures the acidity of a substance. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 7 being neutral, and 14 being the most basic. For example, battery acid has a pH of 0, water has a pH of 7, and drain cleaner has a pH of 14.The pH balance of different parts of your body is important for digestion, fighting off infection, and other functions. Your stomach is acidic, which helps it break down food and kill harmful bacteria. Other parts of your body are less acidic. What is a Typical Vaginal pH Level?‌The vagina’s pH level is about 3.8 to 4.5, which means it’s on the acidic side. Its acidity slightly...

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