The best way to relieve stress is by making the most effective use of your time. The majority of your daily worries are likely a result of you trying to do too much at once coupled with an inefficient use of the time you have. Give these 10 time-management suggestions a try and then use a little of that time saved to relax and unwind.

1. MAKE LISTS
Though this may sound tedious, writing down a to-do list, keeping a written schedule of events and appointments, scribbling a grocery list and even jotting down important thoughts can keep your head clear so you are more mindfully present with your family and friends, and more capable of handling situations that need quick thinking and problem-solving skills. Lists also keep you organized so you don’t waste time trying to figure out where you are supposed to be, who you are supposed to meet or pick up, and what groceries you need for dinner.


2. SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE
If you try to make every aspect of your life elaborate, you are going to burn yourself out or, worse, feel like a failure because you’ve pulled up short of your expectations. In reality, your loved ones, coworkers or the neighborhood soccer moms aren’t going to notice if you opt to keep things simple (and if they do, they may just follow your lead). For example, instead of making complicated multi-course meals from scratch, let one course be a pre-made dish from the deli. Use frozen foods when you don’t have time to tie on the apron and spend hours in your kitchen. Utilize the local bakery and buy scones for the weekly work breakfast or cupcakes for the kids’ weekend ball tournament. And when planning family get-togethers or parties, don’t do everything yourself – ask others to pitch in on sending invitations, decorating, cooking or buying the beverages.


3. SET BOUNDARIES
Women – the penultimate caregivers, problem solvers and soothe sayers – seem to have the toughest time saying “no.” And the result, unfortunately, doesn’t always result in being a Superwoman. Contrarily, it often results in being super stressed.
Saying “yes” to every person that wants and needs something from you is not going to make you an inherently better person – it will, however, set you up to be in a ceaseless losing battle to do your best at every task you agree to take on. Be realistic with your time and energy, prioritize what it truly important, and tell people “no” so you can feel good about the things you do agree to do.


4. DISCONNECT
Technology is a wonderful thing – it saves time, bridges relationships all over the world, and, if it isn’t already in your hand or briefcase, it is readily available nearly every place you go. However, technology is also a time waster. If you aren’t interrupted by calls and pop-ups, you spend hours wading through useless emails, texting instead of simply placing a call, and perusing endless playlists of music. 

Starting today, turn off your cell phone and computer for one hour and use that 60-minute block to catch up on things that have fallen behind. Pick up around the house, shop for groceries, catch a coffee with a girlfriend or simply unwind and enjoy the uninterrupted quiet time. 



5. STAY ORGANIZED
If much of your time is spent looking for things in the midst of shuffled papers, wrinkled clothes or a jumbled mess of cookware, it is time for you to get organized. It may sound like an insurmountable feat, but having your house, office and even your car neatly organized will result in you spending your time more productively (and undoubtedly with less frustration).


6. PRIORITIZE FAMILY TIME
This does not mean you have to add a few more hours to your day to be with your family. What it does mean is that you put your family on the top of your list and make the most of your time with them. By keeping your family ties strong, you will find that you feel more appreciated, less stressed and far less driven to take on a heft of duties that is going to negatively impact quality time with your loved ones.


7. DELEGATE TASKS AND TO-DO’S
Another bonus of strong family ties is a willingness by the whole family to pitch in and help around the house, freeing up time for you to take care of other obligations or take time for yourself. Have your kids clean up the yard, fold clothes or clean up dishes after dinner. Ask your spouse to help with laundry, feeding the pets and getting the kids ready for bed or school.


You really don’t have to do it all! And, best yet, you are teaching your kids the art and importance of sharing responsibilities as well as giving them life skills that will benefit them as adults.


8. BE THE QUEEN OF MULTITASKING
By keeping a to-do and grocery list handy, you can logistically organize your day so you accomplish a number of things at once. Map out your errands and stops so you can make one big trip through town instead of multiple trips to and from home. Simply find other ways to do two or more things at once. For example, walk your dog and return calls, answer emails while you are waiting for documents or files to download, and clean the kitchen as you cook.


9. DON’T FORGET YOUR HEALTH
It is easy to forsake your own well-being when you are busy taking care of others. However, it is paramount that you spend time minding your health, too. By staying fit, you run less of a risk of falling ill (which will result in you taking sick leave from work, spending less time with your family, and falling behind in the many other things you are used to doing). Go for a walk, take a fitness class at the gym, play ball with your kids, quit smoking, make healthy diet choices, get regular check ups with your doctor, don’t ignore aches or pains, get enough sleep, and make it a point to healthfully manage your stress. By no means attempt to take all of these on at once, but start incorporating them one at a time.


10. RELAX AND UNWIND
One of the biggest reasons women feel so short on time is because they often fill up the time they save with other to-do’s. Make it a point to use these time-saving suggestions and then wisely carve out a part of your week – or even day – to relax, unwind and recharge. Not only will this leave you feeling less stressed, it will compel you to appreciate and prioritize moments when you aren’t pressed for time.

Sleep Disorders in Women

Women are twice as likely as men to have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. Younger women have sounder sleep with fewer disturbances. Some women, however, are prone to sleep problems throughout their reproductive years. Only recently has the medical community focused on women's sleep disorders.  

A number of factors may affect women’s sleep. Changes in hormonal levels, stress, illness, lifestyle, and sleep environment may impact sleep. Pregnancy- and menstrual-related hormonal fluctuations may affect sleep patterns, mood, and reaction to stress. Many women have premenstrual sleep disturbances. Difficulty falling asleep, nighttime waking, difficulty waking up, and daytime sleepiness all are linked to premenstrual changes. Insomnia (sleeplessness) is one of the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Psychosocial stress may threaten sleep more than hormonal changes. Many young women reduce sleep to cope with work and their roles as mothers and wives. They ignore fatigue and other effects of inadequate sleep. About 30% of employed women report sleep problems. Sleep problems are more common in women older than 40 years. Getting enough sleep improves job performance, concentration, social interaction, and general sense of well-being.  Pregnancy may also disturb sleep. During the first trimester, women need more sleep and feel sleepier during the day. During the second trimester, sleep improves. During the third trimester, women sleep less and are more awake. The most common reasons for sleep disturbances are frequent urination, heartburn, general discomfort, fetal movements, low back pain, leg cramps, and nightmares. Swelling in nasal passages may cause snoring and sleep apnea during pregnancy.  As women age, physical and hormonal changes make sleep lighter and less sound. Sleep disturbances become more common during menopause. Women wake up more often at night and are more tired during the day. Hot flashes and night sweats linked to lower levels of estrogen may contribute to these problems. During the menopausal years, snoring becomes more frequent. After menopause, women get less deep sleep and are more likely to awaken at night than during menopause.   

Pain, grief, worry, certain medical conditions, medications, and breathing disorders may disturb sleep in menopausal and postmenopausal women.

The most common sleep problem in women is insomnia. This includes trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or early awakening, and inability to resume sleep. Other common sleep disorders are sleep-disordered breathing, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and narcolepsy. 

Sleep-disordered breathing occurs with loud snoring, interrupted breathing during sleep, disrupted sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Sleep apnea increases in women older than 50 years.  

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) can disturb sleep profoundly. The causes of these conditions are unknown. RLS occurs before sleep starts and causes calf discomfort and restlessness in the legs that is relieved by movement. PLMD causes periodic leg movements that may awaken the person from sleep. RLS may cause insomnia. PLMD may cause excessive sleepiness. Both conditions are more common in older people.

Narcolepsy causes excessive daytime sleepiness. The major features of narcolepsy are sleep attacks and cataplexy. Sleep attacks are an irresistible urge to sleep. Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone typically preceded by emotional states. Other narcolepsy symptoms are sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations. Patients with narcolepsy often have disrupted sleep.

Discuss any sleep problems you have with your physician. Your doctor may recommend that you see one of the physicians at Lakeside Women’s Hospital’s Sleep Center.
Kellie R. Jones, M.D.
Azhar Khan, M.D.

Sleep Center (405) 606-2727

Making the Decision to Get Pregnant:
The decision to get pregnant shouldn't be made lightly. You need to factor in all of the mental, physical and emotional requirements you have and address these first. Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you ready for a baby?
• Do you have the insurance you need?
• Can you afford what your insurance won't cover?
• Can you fix the difference between the two?
• Do you know what maternity and paternity benefits you have?
• What will you need before the baby? (Space, Car, Baby Stuff, etc.)

Pre-pregnancy:
When planning for a pregnancy it is always a good idea to have a visit with your physician. This consultation is known as a preconception health visit. The point of the visit is to get a picture of your health and to prepare your body for conception. This will help you ensure that you are physically ready for pregnancy and that your baby will be as healthy as possible.

During the visit you will answer a round of health questions. This will be used by your practitioner to help determine if you have any chronic diseases that require regulation before getting pregnant. This is also the perfect time to bring in a list of your medications so that you can get advice on if any medications need to be discontinued or switched before or during pregnancy. This is also a great time to ask about birth control. Many women who are taking birth control pills are unsure about when they need to stop taking the pill in order to conceive.
You will have a physical examination which is likely to include your annual pap smear and a breast exam. Your practitioner will go over what steps you need to take in order to prepare your body for pregnancy.

It is advisable to go for this appointment at least six months prior to wanting to get pregnant. This gives you time to work on any health issues you may have. Though some women choose to go just a menstrual cycle or two before getting pregnant. Your physician can also give you general advice on getting pregnant. This may include figuring out how to tell when you ovulation. Because pinpointing ovulation will help you get pregnant more quickly. They will also give you advice on nutrition, prenatal vitamins and when to seek prenatal care or advice on not getting pregnant as quickly as you would like.

Planning Pregnancy for Your Body: Your baby has the best chance of being healthy when you plan for pregnancy. This means you need to see your physician for a preconception health visit. Here you'll talk about managing any chronic conditions you have like asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. What to do with the current medications you take before, during and after pregnancy. You will also discuss how to take prenatal vitamins (including folic acid*) to help aid you in a healthy pregnancy. You should also discuss birth control options and changes you need to make before attempting to get pregnant.

How to Get Pregnant: It is important that you know the basics of conception. This will help increase your chances of pregnancy every month. The key is to find out when you ovulate. You can figure this out by a simple calendar method, ovulation prediction kits or monitors, and other devices to predict ovulation. You will want to have sex near ovulation, since the egg is only viable for about 24 hours. The good news is that sperm lives longer. Taking Charge of Your Fertility is an amazing book to help you with fertility charting and getting pregnant.

Pregnancy Testing:
Once you start trying to get pregnant, you may be anxious for your period every month. What may surprise you is that it usually takes more than a month of well- timed sex to get pregnant. This does not mean that you are infertile. If you find that your period is delayed or that you are experiencing signs of pregnancy, consider taking a pregnancy test.

Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is one of the first decisions expectant parents will make. Although there's no right or wrong choice, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) joins other organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dietetic Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) in recommending breastfeeding as the best for babies. Specifically, the AAP says babies should be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months and that breastfeeding should continue until 12 months (and beyond) if both the mother and baby are willing.

But breastfeeding (or nursing) may not be possible or preferable for all women. The decision to breastfeed or formula feed your baby should be based on your comfort level with breastfeeding as well as your lifestyle.

Breast milk is the ideal form of nutrition for newborns, but for mothers who are unable to breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is a good alternative. If you feed your baby with a commercially prepared formula, be assured that your baby's nutritional needs will be met. And you'll still bond with your baby just fine. After all, whether with breast milk or formula, feeding is an important time of connection between mother and baby.

The decision to breastfeed or formula feed your baby is a very personal one. But here are some points you may want to consider as you decide which is best for you and your new addition.

Breastfeeding: The Advantages

Nursing can be a wonderful experience for both mother and baby. It provides ideal nourishment and a special bonding experience that many nursing mothers cherish. Below are some of the many benefits of breastfeeding.

Infection-fighting - Antibodies passed from a nursing mother to her baby can help lower the occurrence of many conditions, including:

.        ear infections

.        diarrhea

.        respiratory infections

.        meningitis

Other factors help to protect a breastfed baby from infection by contributing to the infant's immune system by increasing the barriers to infection and decreasing the growth of organisms like bacteria and viruses.

Breastfeeding is particularly beneficial for premature babies and may also protect children against:

.        allergies

.        asthma

.        diabetes

.        obesity

.        sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

As a group, formula-fed infants have more infections and more hospitalizations than do breastfed babies.

Nutrition and ease of digestion - Often called the "perfect food" for a human baby's digestive system, breast milk's components - lactose, protein (whey and casein), and fat - are easily digested by a newborn's immature system.

As a group, formula-fed infants have more difficulty with digestion than do breastfed infants. Breast milk tends to be more easily digested so that breastfed babies have fewer incidences of diarrhea or constipation.

Breast milk also naturally contains all the vitamins and minerals that a newborn requires. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates formula companies to ensure that they provide all the known necessary nutrients in their formulas. Commercial formulas do a pretty good job of trying to duplicate the ingredients in breast milk - and are coming closer - but haven't matched their exact combination and composition. Why? Because some of breast milk's more complex substances are too difficult to manufacture and some have not yet been identified.

Free - Breast milk doesn't cost a cent. And because of the immunities and antibodies passed onto them through their mothers' breast milk, breastfed infants are sick less often than infants who receive formula. For example, researchers have determined that infants who are exclusively breastfed for 4 or more months have 40% fewer episodes of ear infections. That means they make fewer trips to the doctor's office, which equates to fewer co-pays and less money doled out for prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

Likewise, women who breastfeed are less likely to have to take time off from work to care for their sick babies. In a cost study published in the April 1999 issue of the journal Pediatrics, researchers determined that infants who were never breastfed would incur additional medical costs of $331 to $475 per year.

Different tastes - A nursing mother will need 500 extra calories per day to produce breast milk, which means that she should eat a wide variety of well-balanced foods. This introduces breastfed babies to different tastes through their mothers' breast milk, which has different flavors depending on what their mothers have eaten.

Convenience - With no bottles to mix and sterilize and no last-minute runs to the store for more formula, breast milk is always fresh and available. And because breast milk is always the right temperature, there's no need to warm up bottles in the middle of the night. It's also easy for breastfeeding mothers to be active - and go out and about - with their babies and know that they'll have food available for whenever their little one is hungry.

Obesity prevention - Recent studies indicate that breastfeeding might help prevent childhood and adult obesity. According to the National Women's Health Information Center (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), babies who are breastfed tend to gain less unnecessary weight, which may help them be less overweight later.

Smarter babies - Recent studies suggest that children who were exclusively breastfed for 6 months have IQs 5 to 10 points higher than children who were formula fed.

"Skin-to-skin" contact - Many nursing mothers really enjoy the experience of bonding so closely with their babies. And the skin-to-skin contact can enhance the emotional connection between mother and infant.

Beneficial for mom, too - The ability to nourish a baby totally can also help a new mother feel confident in her ability to care for her baby. Breastfeeding also burns calories and helps shrink the uterus, so nursing moms may be able to return to their pre-pregnancy shape and weight quicker. In addition, studies show that breastfeeding helps lower the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and also may help decrease the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.

Breastfeeding: The Challenges

Although it is the best nutritional source for babies, breastfeeding does come with some concerns that many new mothers share. Whereas it's easy from the get-go for some, it can be challenging. Sometimes, both mother and baby need plenty of patience and persistence to get used to the routine of breastfeeding. But all the effort is often worth it in the long run - for both the mother and her baby.

Common concerns of new moms, especially during the first few weeks and months, may include:

Personal comfort - Initially, as with any new skill, many moms feel uncomfortable with breastfeeding. But with adequate education, support, and practice, most moms overcome this. The bottom line is that breastfeeding shouldn't hurt.

Latch-on pain is normal for the first week to 10 days, and should last less than a minute with each feeding. But if breastfeeding hurts throughout feedings, or if the nipples and/or breasts are sore, it's a good idea for breastfeeding mothers to seek the help of a lactation consultant, their doctor, and/or their child's doctor. Many times, it's just a matter of using the proper technique.

Time and frequency of feedings - There's no question that breastfeeding does require a substantial time commitment from mothers. Then again, many things in parenting do. Some women may be concerned that nursing will make it hard for them to work, run errands, or travel because of a breastfeeding schedule or a need to pump breast milk during the day.

And breastfed babies do need to eat more often than babies who are fed formula, because breast milk digests faster than formula. This means Mom may find herself in demand every 2 or 3 hours (maybe more, maybe less) in the first few weeks.

This can be tiring, but once breastfeeding has been established (usually in about a month), other family members may be able to help out by giving the baby pumped breast milk if Mom needs a break or has to get back to work outside the home. And it's not long before babies feed less frequently and sleep through the night (usually around 3 months). Also, with a little organization and time management, it becomes easier to work out a schedule to breastfeed and/or pump.

Limiting caffeine - Caffeine intake should be kept to no more than 300 milligrams (about one to three cups of regular coffee) per day for breastfeeding women because it may cause problems such as restlessness and irritability in some babies. But many women are used to drinking less caffeine anyway because they kept their caffeine consumption to a minimum during pregnancy. Women who enjoy caffeine, however, can still have a little by combining caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks, and some might find they're satisfied just by trying similar-tasting non-caffeinated beverages.

Maternal medical conditions, medicines, and breast surgery - Medical conditions such as HIV or AIDS or those that involve chemotherapy or treatment with certain medications may make breastfeeding inadvisable. In these cases, a woman should check with her doctor or a lactation consultant if she's unsure if she should breastfeed with a specific condition or while taking medications.

But most moms are able to breastfeed even while on medications. Mothers who've had breast surgery, such as a reduction, may have difficulty with supply if their milk ducts have been severed. In this situation, it's a good idea for a woman to talk to her doctor about her concerns and work with a lactation specialist.

Formula Feeding: The Advantages

Breastfeeding is considered the best nutritional option for babies by the major medical organizations, but not every mother chooses - or is able - to breastfeed. Commercially prepared infant formulas are a nutritious alternative to breast milk and even contain iron.

Manufactured under sterile conditions, commercial formulas attempt to duplicate mother's milk using a complex combination of proteins, sugars, fats, and vitamins that would be virtually impossible to create at home. So, if you don't breastfeed your baby, it's important that you use only a commercially prepared formula and that you do not try to create your own.

In addition to medical concerns that may prevent breastfeeding, here are a few other reasons women may choose to formula feed:

Convenience - Either parent (or another caregiver) can feed the baby a bottle at any time (although this is also true for women who pump their breast milk). This allows the mother to share the feeding duties and helps her partner to feel more involved in the crucial feeding process and the bonding that often comes with it.

Flexibility - Once the bottles are made, a formula-feeding mother can leave her baby with a partner or caregiver and know that her little one's feedings are taken care of. There's no need to pump or to schedule work or other obligations and activities around the baby's feeding schedule. And formula-feeding moms don't need to find a private place to nurse in public. However, if Mom is out and about with baby, she will need to bring supplies for making bottles.

Time and frequency of feedings - Because formula digests slower than breast milk, formula-fed babies usually need to eat less often than do breastfed babies.

Diet - Women who opt to formula feed don't have to worry about the things they eat or drink affecting their babies.

Formula Feeding: The Challenges

As with breastfeeding, there are some challenges to consider when deciding whether to formula feed.

Organization and preparation - Enough formula must be on hand at all times and bottles must be made. The powdered and condensed formulas must be prepared with sterile water (which needs to be boiled until the baby is at least 6 months old) or bottled sterilized baby water. Ready-to-feed formulas that can be poured directly into a bottle without any mixing or water tend to be expensive.

Bottles and nipples need to be sterilized before the first use and then washed before every use after that (this is also true for breastfeeding women who give their babies bottles of pumped breast milk). Bottles and nipples can transmit bacteria if they aren't cleaned properly, as can formula if it isn't stored in sterile containers.

Bottles left out of the refrigerator longer than 1 hour and any formula that a baby doesn't finish must be thrown out. And prepared bottles of formula should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 24 to 48 hours (check the formula's label for complete information).

Bottles also may need to be warmed up before feeding the baby, although some babies actually prefer cold bottles to warm. Some parents pop bottles in the microwave for a few seconds; however, the microwave should never be used to warm a baby's bottle because it can create dangerous "hot spots."

Instead, run refrigerated bottles under warm water for a few minutes if the baby prefers a warm bottle to a cold one. Or the baby's bottles can be put in a pan of hot water (away from the heat of the stove) with the temperature tested by squirting a drop or two of formula on the inside of the wrist.

Lack of antibodies - None of the important antibodies found in breast milk is found in manufactured formula, which means that formula doesn't provide the baby with the added protection against infection and illness that breast milk does.

Expense - Formula can be costly. Powdered formula is the least expensive, followed by concentrated, with ready-to-feed being the most expensive. And specialty formulas (i.e., soy and hypoallergenic) cost more - sometimes far more - than the basic formulas. During the first year of life, the cost of basic formula can run about $1,500.

Possibility of producing gas and constipation - Formula-fed babies may have more gas and firmer bowel movements than breastfed babies.

Can't match the complexity of breast milk -  Manufactured formulas have yet to duplicate the complexity of breast milk, which changes as the baby's needs change.

A Very Personal Decision - Whatever nutritional option you choose, be sure to talk to your child's doctor about the choices available to help you make the decision that's best for both you and your baby.

Also called: Sexually transmitted infections, STDs, Venereal disease.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that you can get from having sex with someone who has the infection. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites and viruses. Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby. 

If you have an STD caused by bacteria or parasites, your health care provider can treat it with antibiotics or other medicines. If you have an STD caused by a virus, there is no cure. Sometimes medicines can keep the disease under control. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

There are more than 20 types of STDs, including:

Chlamydia Infections

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. You get it by having sex or sexual contact with someone who is infected. Both men and women can get it. Chlamydia usually doesn't cause symptoms. If it does, you might notice a burning feeling when you urinate or abnormal discharge from your vagina or penis.

In both men and women, chlamydia can infect the urinary tract. In women, infection of the reproductive system can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility or serious problems with pregnancy. Babies born to infected mothers can get eye infections and pneumonia from chlamydia. In men, chlamydia can infect the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm. This can cause pain, fever and rarely, infertility.

You can cure chlamydia with antibiotics. If you are sexually active, you can decrease your risk of getting it by using condoms. Experts recommend that women 25 and younger get a chlamydia test every year.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Gonorrhea

Also called: The clap

Gonorrhea is a curable sexually transmitted disease. It is most common in young adults. The bacteria that cause gonorrhea can infect the genital tract, mouth or anus.

Gonorrhea does not always cause symptoms, especially in women. In men, gonorrhea can cause pain when urinating and discharge from the penis. If untreated, it can cause epididymitis, which affects the testicles and can lead to infertility. In women, gonorrhea can cause bleeding between periods, pain when urinating and increased discharge from the vagina. If untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which causes problems with pregnancy and infertility. Gonorrhea can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy.

You can cure gonorrhea with antibiotics prescribed by your health care provider. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading gonorrhea.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Herpes Simplex
Also called: HSV

Herpes is an infection that is caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral herpes causes cold sores around the mouth or face. Genital herpes affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You can get it from having sex, even oral sex. The virus can spread even when sores are not present. Mothers can also infect their babies during childbirth.

Some people have no symptoms. Others get sores near the area where the virus has entered the body. They turn into blisters, become itchy and painful, and then heal. The virus can be dangerous in newborn babies or in people with weak immune systems.

Most people have outbreaks several times a year. Over time, you get them less often. Medicines to help your body fight the virus can help lessen symptoms and decrease outbreaks. Correct usage of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading herpes.

                                                                                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

AIDS

Also called: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, HIV, Human immunodeficiency virus

AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is the most advanced stages of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is a virus that kills or damages cells of the body's immune system.

HIV most often spreads through unprotected sex with an infected person. AIDS may also spread by sharing drug needles or through contact with the blood of an infected person. Women can give it to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth.

The first signs of HIV infection may be swollen glands and flu-like symptoms. These may come and go a month or two after infection. Severe symptoms may not appear until months or years later.

A blood test can tell if you have HIV infection. Your health care provider can perform the test, or call the National AIDS hotline for a referral at (800) 342-AIDS (1-800-342-2437). There is no cure, but there are many medicines to fight both HIV infection and the infections and cancers that come with it. People can live with the disease for many years.

                                                                        National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

HPV

Also called: Human Papillomavirus

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are common viruses that can cause warts. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Most are harmless, but about 30 types put you at risk for cancer. These types affect the genitals and you get them through sexual contact with an infected partner. They are classified as either low-risk or high-risk. Low-risk HPV can cause genital warts. High-risk HPV can lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus in women. In men, it can lead to cancers of the anus and penis.

Although some people develop genital warts from HPV infection, others have no symptoms. Your health care provider can treat or remove the warts. In women, Pap smears can detect changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer.

Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading HPV. A vaccine can protect against several types of HPV, including some that can cause cancer.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. It infects the genital area, lips, mouth, or anus of both men and women. You usually get syphilis from sexual contact with someone who has it. It can also pass from mother to baby during pregnancy.

The early stage of syphilis usually causes a single, small, painless sore. Sometimes it causes swelling in nearby lymph nodes. If you do not treat it, syphilis usually causes a non-itchy skin rash, often on your hands and feet. Many people do not notice symptoms for years. Symptoms can go away and come back.

The sores caused by syphilis make it easier to get or give someone HIV during sex. If you are pregnant, syphilis can cause birth defects, or you could lose your baby. In rare cases, syphilis causes serious health problems and even death.

Syphilis is easy to cure with antibiotics if you catch it early. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading syphilis.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite. It affects both women and men, but symptoms are more common in women. Symptoms in women include a green or yellow discharge from the vagina, itching in or near the vagina and discomfort with urination. Most men with trichomoniasis don't have any symptoms, but it can cause irritation inside the penis.

You can cure trichomoniasis with antibiotics. In men, the infection usually goes away on its own without causing symptoms. But an infected man can continue to infect or reinfect a woman until he gets treated. So it's important that both partners get treated at the same time. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading trichomoniasis.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention