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HPV

Central Park Medical Associates is the expert in diagnosing and treating genital warts and HPV in NYC. Our Venereal Wart Treatment Center and Genital Wart Treatment Center were the first specialty practices of their kind in the New York area and we are the office that all Manhattan doctors refer their patients to. We have been treating penile warts, anal warts, vaginal warts, Rectal warts and all HPV infections and infections of venereal warts for over 20 years in a private, caring and compassionate manner.

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) includes more than 70 different varieties of the virus, some of which are not sexually transmitted, including warts present on the hands and feet. Our practice specializes in treating sexually transmitted genital warts in New York. These warts can take on many different types of appearances, may be raised or flat, small or large, and can range from pink to dark brown in coloration. There may be one or more visible warts on the skin and they may or may not cluster together.

Many people infected with sexually transmitted HPV will not have any visible signs, which mean that they may not even realize they have become infected with the disease. Often, we can detect these so-called microscopic warts using specialized equipment, however, some cases of HPV will not result in any warts at all.

If symptoms do occur, symptoms will usually happen within a few weeks after the individual becomes infected. Sometimes, however, they will take months or years to appear. This is why it is especially important to be tested and treated right away. Call Central Park Medical Associates today to schedule a private and confidential screening. We offer same-day testing, results, and the latest in laser therapies for New York HPV.

Genital Warts/ HPV Testing and Treatment in NYC

Central Park Medical Associates Offers Private, Discrete, And Expert Genital Wart Treatment for Anal Warts, Penile Warts, Vaginal Warts and Rectal Warts. They Treat Their Patients In A State Of The Art Medical Center In NYC. We are THE GENITAL WART TREATMENT CENTER and have been specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of all STDs, with a special emphasis on the expert and painless treatment of all genital warts for the past 20 years in New York City.

GENITAL WARTS (condyloma acuminata)

What are Genital Warts?

Genital warts (sometimes called condylomata acuminata or venereal warts) are single or multiple bumps that appear in the genital areas of men and women including the vagina, cervix, penis, anus and rectum. Like warts that appear on other areas of your skin, genital warts are caused by a virus called HPV.

There are several options for the treatment of genital warts. Often, prescription home treatments will be combined with office treatments and several treatment sessions may be necessary
How Will Central Park Medical Associates Treat My Warts? How Can I Prevent Genital Warts and Protect My Partner? Can Genital Warts be "Cured"? How did I get Genital Warts? What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

Cryotherapy - warts are destroyed with a very cold spray
Podophyllin - a liquid that can only be applied by a physician
Laser, Electrocautery and Surgical Excision are other methods
Prescription Therapy: Condylox and Aldara are prescription medicines to be used at home.

What if I am Embarassed About My Genital Warts?

Why Do I Need to see a Doctor?

There are no effective treatments for genital warts available without prescription, including those advertised on the internet. Do not try to treat genital warts with over-the-counter medications, which aren't intended for use in the genital area. Doing so can cause even more pain and irritation. In addition, you must visit a physician to be examined and tested for other sexually transmitted diseases. Please do not allow fear to delay your treatment, because everything is easier to treat when caught early

What is HPV?

What is Genital HPV Infection?

Genital human papillomavirus (also called HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of males and females. These HPV types can also infect the mouth and throat. Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it. HPV is not the same as herpes or HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). These are all viruses that can be passed on during sex, but they cause different symptoms and health problems.

How do people get HPV?

HPV is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. HPV may also be passed on during oral sex and genital-to-genital contact. HPV can be passed on between straight and same-sex partners-even when the infected partner has no signs or symptoms.

A person can have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sexual contact with an infected person. Most infected persons do not realize they are infected or that they are passing the virus on to a sex partner. It is also possible to get more than one type of HPV.
Very rarely, a pregnant woman with genital HPV can pass HPV to her baby during delivery. In these cases, the child can develop Juvenile-Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (JORRP).

More Q&A about the Health Effects of HPV

Genital HPV Infection - Fact Sheet

What is genital HPV infection?

Genital human papillomavirus (also called HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of males and females. These HPV types can also infect the mouth and throat. Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it.

HPV is not the same as herpes or HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). These are all viruses that can be passed on during sex, but they cause different symptoms and health problems.

What are the signs, symptoms and potential health problems of HPV?

Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems from it. In 90% of cases, the body's immune system clears HPV naturally within two years.

But sometimes, certain types of HPV can cause genital warts in males and females. Rarely, these types can also cause warts in the throat -- a condition called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis or RRP.

Other HPV types can cause cervical cancer. These types can also cause other, less common but serious cancers, including cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and head and neck (tongue, tonsils and throat).
The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types that can cause cancer. There is no way to know which people who get HPV will go on to develop cancer or other health problems.

Signs and symptoms of HPV-related problems:

Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or groups of bumps in the genital area. They can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower. Health care providers can diagnose warts by looking at the genital area during an office visit. Warts can appear within weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected partner-even if the infected partner has no signs of genital warts. If left untreated, genital warts might go away, remain unchanged, or increase in size or number. They will not turn into cancer.

Cervical cancer usually does not have symptoms until it is quite advanced. For this reason, it is important for women to get regular. Screening tests can find early signs of disease so that problems can be treated early, before they ever turn into cancer.

Other HPV-related cancers might not have signs or symptoms until they are advanced and hard to treat. These include cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and head and neck.

RRP causes warts to grow in the throat. It can sometimes block the airway, causing a hoarse voice or troubled breathing.

How do people get HPV?

HPV is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. HPV may also be passed on during oral sex and genital-to-genital contact. HPV can be passed on between straight and same-sex partners-even when the infected partner has no signs or symptoms.

A person can have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sexual contact with an infected person. Most infected persons do not realize they are infected or that they are passing the virus on to a sex partner. It is also possible to get more than one type of HPV.
Very rarely, a pregnant woman with genital HPV can pass HPV to her baby during delivery. In these cases, the child can develop RRP.

How does HPV cause genital warts and cancer?

HPV can cause normal cells on infected skin to turn abnormal. Most of the time, you cannot see or feel these cell changes. In most cases, the body fights off HPV naturally and the infected cells then go back to normal. But in cases when the body does not fight off HPV, HPV can cause visible changes in the form of genital warts or cancer. Warts can appear within weeks or months after getting HPV. Cancer often takes years to develop after getting HPV.

How common are HPV and related diseases?

HPV (the virus). Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV. Another 6 million people become newly infected each year. HPV is so common that at least 50% of sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives.
Genital warts. About 1% of sexually active adults in the U.S. have genital warts at any one time.
Cervical cancer. Each year, about 12,000 women get cervical cancer in the U.S.
Other cancers that can be caused by HPV are less common than cervical cancer. Each year in the U.S., there are about:

3,700 women who get vulvar cancer
1,000 women who get vaginal cancer
1,000 men who get penile cancer
2,700 women and 1,700 men who get anal cancer
2,300 women and 9,000 men who get head and neck cancers.

[Note: although HPV is associated with some of head and neck cancers, most of these cancers are related to smoking and heavy drinking.]
Certain populations are at higher risk for some HPV-related health problems. This includes gay and bisexual men, and people with weak immune systems (including those who have HIV/AIDS).

RRP is very rare. It is estimated that less than 2,000 children get RRP every year in the U.S.

How can people prevent HPV?

There are several ways that people can lower their chances of getting HPV:

Vaccines can protect males and females against some of the most common types of HPV. These vaccines are given in three shots. It is important to get all three doses to get the best protection. The vaccines are most effective when given before a person's first sexual contact, when he or she could be exposed to HPV.

Girls and women: Two vaccines (Cervarix and Gardasil) are available to protect females against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. One of these vaccines (Gardasil) also protects against most genital warts. Both vaccines are recommended for 11 and 12 year-old girls, and for females 13 through 26 years of age, who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. These vaccines can also be given to girls as young as 9 years of age. It is recommended that females get the same vaccine brand for all three doses, whenever possible.

Boys and men: One available vaccine (Gardasil) protects males against most genital warts. This vaccine is available for boys and men, 9 through 26 years of age. For those who choose to be sexually active, condoms may lower the risk of HPV. To be most effective, they should be used with every sex act, from start to finish. Condoms may also lower the risk of developing HPV-related diseases, such as genital warts and cervical cancer. But HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom - so condoms may not fully protect against HPV.
People can also lower their chances of getting HPV by being in a faithful relationship with one partner; limiting their number of sex partners; and choosing a partner who has had no or few prior sex partners. But even people with only one lifetime sex partner can get HPV. And it may not be possible to determine if a partner who has been sexually active in the past is currently infected. That's why the only sure way to prevent HPV is to avoid all sexual activity.

How can people prevent HPV-related diseases?

There are ways to prevent the possible health effects of HPV, including the two most common problems: genital warts and cervical cancer.

Preventing genital warts:

A vaccine (Gardasil) is available to protect against most genital warts in males and females.

Preventing Cervical Cancer:

There are two vaccines (Cervarix and Gardasil) that can protect women against most cervical cancers. Cervical cancer can also be prevented with routine cervical cancer screening and follow-up of abnormal results. The Pap test can find abnormal cells on the cervix so that they can be removed before cancer develops. An HPV DNA test, which can find HPV on a woman's cervix, may also be used with a Pap test in certain cases. Even women who got the vaccine when they were younger need regular cervical cancer screening because the vaccine does not protect against all cervical cancers.

Preventing Anal and Penile Cancers:

There is no approved screening test to find early signs of penile or anal cancer. Some experts recommend yearly anal Pap tests to screen for anal cancer in gay and bisexual men and in HIV-positive persons. This is because anal cancer is more common in those populations. These tests are not routinely recommended for anal cancer screening because more information is still needed to find out if they are effective.

Preventing Head and Neck Cancers:

There is no approved test to find early signs of head and neck cancer, but tests are available by specialized doctors for persons with possible symptoms of these cancers.

Preventing RRP:

Cesarean delivery is not recommended for women with genital warts to prevent RRP in their babies. This is because it is not clear that cesarean delivery prevents RRP in infants and children.

Is there a test for HPV?

The HPV tests on the market are only used to help screen for cervical cancer. There is no general test for men or women to check one's overall "HPV status," nor is there an HPV test to find HPV on the genitals or in the mouth or throat. But HPV usually goes away on its own, without causing health problems. So an HPV infection that is found today will most likely not be there a year or two from now.

Is there a treatment for HPV or related diseases?

There is no treatment for the virus itself, but there are treatments for the diseases that HPV can cause:

Visible genital warts can be removed by the patient him or herself with medications. They can also be treated by a health care provider. Some people choose not to treat warts, but to see if they disappear on their own. No one treatment is better than another.
Cervical cancer is most treatable when it is diagnosed and treated early. But women who get routine Pap tests and follow up as needed can identify problems before cancer develops. Prevention is always better than treatment.

Other HPV-related cancers are also more treatable when diagnosed and treated early.

RRP can be treated with surgery or medicines. It can sometimes take many treatments or surgeries over a period of years.

HPV and Men - Fact Sheet

What is Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus. Most sexually active people in the United States (U.S.) will have HPV at some time in their lives. There are more than 40 types of HPV that are passed on through sexual contact. These types can infect the genital areas of men, including the skin on and around the penis or anus. They can also infect the mouth and throat.

What are the health problems caused by HPV in men?

Most men who get HPV (of any type) never develop any symptoms or health problems. But some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Other types can cause penile, anal, or head and neck cancers. The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types that can cause cancer. Anal cancer is not the same as colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is more common than anal cancer, but it is not caused by HPV.

How common are HPV-related health problems in men?

About 1% of sexually active men in the U.S. have genital warts at any one time.

Each year in the U.S. there are about:

800 men who get HPV-related penile cancer
1100 men who get HPV-related anal cancer
5700 men who get HPV-related head and neck cancers. [Note: although HPV is associated with some of head and neck cancers, most of these cancers are related to smoking and heavy drinking.]

Some men are more likely to develop HPV-related diseases than others:

Men who have sex with men are about 17 times more likely to develop anal cancer than men who only have sex with women.
Men with weakened immune systems, including those who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are more likely than other men to develop anal cancer. Men with HIV are also more likely to get severe cases of genital warts that are harder to treat.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Most men who get HPV never develop any symptoms or health problems. But for those who do develop health problems, these are some of the signs and symptoms to look for:

Signs of genital warts:

One or more growths on the penis, testicles, groin, thighs, or anus.
Warts may be raised, flat, or cauliflower-shaped. They usually do not hurt.
Warts may appear within weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected person.

Signs and symptoms of anal cancer:

Sometimes there are no signs or symptoms.
Anal bleeding, pain, itching, or discharge.
Swollen lymph nodes in the anal or groin area.
Changes in bowel habits or the shape of your stool.

Signs of penile cancer:

There may be no signs or symptoms until the cancer is quite advanced.

First signs: changes in color, skin thickening, or a build-up of tissue on the penis.
Later signs: a growth or sore on the penis. It is usually painless, but in some cases, the sore may be painful and bleed.

Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancers:

Sore throat or ear pain that doesn't go away
Constant coughing
Pain or trouble swallowing or breathing
Weight loss
Hoarseness or voice changes that last more than 2 weeks
Lump or mass in the neck
Cancer that forms on the vocal cords are often found early because they cause hoarseness. Cancers that start above or below the vocal cords are often found at later stages.

How do Men get HPV?

HPV is passed on through genital contact-most often during vaginal and anal sex. HPV may also be passed on during oral sex. Since HPV usually causes no symptoms, most men and women can get HPV-and pass it on-without realizing it. People can have HPV even if years have passed since they had sex. Even men with only one lifetime sex partner can get HPV.

Is there a test for HPV in men?

Currently, there is no test to find HPV in men. The only approved HPV tests on the market are not useful for screening for HPV-related cancers or genital warts in men.

Some doctors use anal Pap tests to screen for anal cancer in men, however, there is no routine screening recommended for anal cancer. Anal cancer screening cannot be recommended until more research is done on how best to screen for anal cancer and if screening can reduce the risk of anal cancer.

There is no approved test to find genital warts for men or women. However, most of the time, you can see genital warts. Some doctors may use a vinegar solution to help find flat warts-but this test can sometimes wrongly identify normal skin as a wart. If you think you may have genital warts, you should see a health care provider.

There is no test for men to check one's overall "HPV status." But HPV usually goes away on its own, without causing health problems. So an HPV infection that is found today will most likely not be there a year or two from now. REMEMBER: HPV is very common. Most men with HPV will never develop health problems from it. Finding out if you have HPV is not as important as finding out if you have the diseases that it can cause.

Screening tests are not available for penile cancer.
You can check for any abnormalities on your penis, scrotum, or around the anus. See your doctor if you find warts, blisters, sores, ulcers, white patches, or other abnormal areas on your penis-even if they do not hurt.

Is there a treatment or cure for HPV?

There is no treatment or cure for HPV. But there are ways to treat the health problems caused by HPV in men.

Genital warts can be treated with medicine, removed (surgery), or frozen off. Some of these treatments involve a visit to the doctor. Others can be done at home by the patient himself. No one treatment is better than another. But warts often come back within a few months after treatment-so several treatments may be needed. Treating genital warts may not necessarily lower a man's chances of passing HPV on to his sex partner. Because of this, some men choose not to treat genital warts. If they are not treated, genital warts may go away on their own, stay the same, or grow (in size or number). They will not turn into cancer or threaten your health.

Penile and anal cancers can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Often, two or more of these treatments are used together. Patients should decide with their doctors which treatments are best for them.

Are there ways to lower my chances of getting HPV?

A safe and effective HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is available to protect males against the HPV types that cause most (90%) of genital warts. The vaccine is available for boys and men, ages 9 through 26 years. It is given in three shots over six months.

Condoms (if used with every sex act, from start to finish) may lower your chances of passing HPV to a partner or developing HPV-related diseases. But HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom-so condoms may not fully protect against HPV.
Because HPV is so common and usually invisible, the only sure way to prevent it is not to have sexual contact. Even people with only one lifetime sex partner can get HPV, if their partner was infected with HPV.

I heard about a new HPV vaccine - can it help me?

The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) works by preventing four common HPV types, two that cause genital warts and two that cause some cancers. It protects against new HPV infections; it does not cure existing HPV infections or disease (like genital warts). It is most effective when given before first sexual contact (i.e., before he may be exposed to HPV).
Some men may benefit more from this vaccine than others.

Males who have not yet had sex will benefit most from the vaccine, since they are unlikely to have been infected with HPV. Young sexually active men may also benefit from the vaccine, but they will get less benefit from it if they have already been infected with HPV.
Young men who have sex with men might benefit more from this vaccine, especially if they have had few or no partners prior to vaccination, since they are more likely to develop HPV-related diseases than other men.

The HPV vaccine is very safe and effective, with no serious side effects. The most common side effect is soreness in the arm.
Available data show that the vaccine can protect men against genital warts. It is possible that this vaccine also protects men from HPV-related cancers, like anal and penile cancers. Studies are being completed to evaluate this.

I just found out that my partner has HPV ...

What does it mean for my health?

Partners usually share HPV. If you have been with your partner for a long time, you probably have HPV already. Most sexually active adults will have HPV at some time in their lives. Men with healthy immune systems rarely develop health problems from HPV.

Condoms may lower your chances of getting HPV or developing HPV-related diseases, if used with every sex act, from start to finish. You may want to consider talking to your doctor about being vaccinated against HPV if you are 26 years or younger. . But not having sex is the only sure way to avoid HPV.
If your partner has genital warts, you should avoid having sex until the warts are gone or removed. You should check for any abnormalities on your penis, such as genital warts. Also, you may want to get checked by a health care provider for genital warts and other sexually transmitted disease (STDs).

What does it mean for our relationship?

A person can have HPV for many years before it is found or causes health problems. So there is no way to know if your partner gave you HPV, or if you gave HPV to your partner. HPV should not be seen as a sign that you or your partner is having sex outside of your relationship.

I just found out I have genital warts ... What does it mean for me and my partner?

Having genital warts may be hard to cope with, but they are not a threat to your health. People with genital warts can still lead normal, healthy lives. Because genital warts may be easily passed on to sex partners, you should inform them about having genital warts and avoid sexual activity until the warts are gone or removed. There are ways to protect your partner.

You and your partner may benefit from getting screened for other STDs.
It is not clear if there is any health benefit to informing your (future) sex partners about a past diagnosis of genital warts. This is because it is not known how long a person remains contagious after warts are gone.

HPV is the virus that causes common warts and genital warts. The virus infects the top layers of your skin. Many people infected with HPV have no symptoms and no warts, but they are still contagious.

They are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or (rarely) oral sex with someone who is infected.Genital warts can be treated, and probably cured in some cases. A "cure" means that the virus is gone. There is no reliable way to determine whether or not the HPV virus is gone. Treatments are effective at getting rid of the visible warts, but the virus may persist in the skin, and cause new warts to develop months or years later.If you or your sexual partner has warts that are visible in the genital area, you should avoid any sexual contact until the warts are treated.

Condoms may reduce the risk of spread. Be aware that people with no visible warts may be infected with the HPV virus (they may not even be aware themselves that they have it) and spread it to you.There is no reason to be embarrassed about this very common medical condition, however we respect your concerns. You will be treated with sensitivity and respect for your privacy by our expert medical Providers. No one else, including the staff, will learn about your condition. Women may request a female nurse to be present in the room during treatment, and men (or women) may request no one to be present other than the doctor.Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. Other types are associated with anal cancer, and cancer of the penis (a rare cancer).

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Herpes

Central Park Medical Associates offers private New York herpes testing and treatment. Herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease that is referred to as herpes simplex. While many people associate herpes exclusively with STDs (herpes simplex virus 2 or HSV-2), other types of herpes such as cold sores (herpes simplex virus 1 or HSV-1), chicken pox and shingles are also part of the herpes family.

Herpes can occur anywhere on the skin, and can be painful and embarrassing. The herpes virus blends into the DNA of the genes it infects and makes copies of those genes to spread to other individuals. As the immune symptoms weakens, blisters occur. This is what is commonly referred to as a herpes outbreak.

A blood test or culture can identify the presence of herpes, and a number of medications are available to reduce or prevent future herpes outbreaks. Herpes can be serious if it infects people with weakened immune symptoms.

At Central Park Medical Associates, we offer private and confidential Herpes 1 and 2 testing, using the ELISA testing technique. With 20 years of experience and board certified doctors, you can be assured that you will get the best medical care. We allow for a confidential in-room check-in/check out process for the ultimate in privacy. Additionally, our practice consists of dermatological and medial facilities so the purpose of your visit is always discreet. Our staff is always caring, supportive and will do everything they can to make your visit comfortable.

We offer same-day herpes testing and treatment in New York. Call today!

Central Park Medical Associates offers Rapid, Confidential Herpes Testing Onsite in their CLIA Certified Lab.

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Most individuals have no or only minimal signs or symptoms from HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. When signs do occur, they typically appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break, leaving tender ulcers (sores) that may take two to four weeks to heal the first time they occur. Typically, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first outbreak. Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years.

How common is genital herpes?

Results of a nationally representative study show that genital herpes infection is common in the United States. Nationwide, 16.2%, or about one out of six, people 14 to 49 years of age have genital HSV-2 infection. Over the past decade, the percentage of Americans with genital herpes infection in the U.S. has remained stable.

Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (approximately one out of five women 14 to 49 years of age) than in men (about one out of nine men 14 to 49 years of age). Transmission from an infected male to his female partner is more likely than from an infected female to her male partner.

How do people get genital herpes?

HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in and released from the sores that the viruses cause, but they also are released between outbreaks from skin that does not appear to have a sore. Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected.

HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but it more commonly causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called "fever blisters." HSV-1 infection of the genitals can be caused by oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a person who has HSV-1 infection. Genital HSV-1 outbreaks recur less regularly than genital HSV-2 outbreaks.

What are the signs and symptoms of genital herpes?

Most people infected with HSV-2 are not aware of their infection. However, if signs and symptoms occur during the first outbreak, they can be quite pronounced. The first outbreak usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted, and the sores typically heal within two to four weeks. Other signs and symptoms during the primary episode may include a second crop of sores, and flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. However, most individuals with HSV-2 infection never have sores, or they have very mild signs that they do not even notice or that they mistake for insect bites or another skin condition.

People diagnosed with a first episode of genital herpes can expect to have several (typically four or five) outbreaks (symptomatic recurrences) within a year. Over time these recurrences usually decrease in frequency. It is possible that a person becomes aware of the "first episode" years after the infection is acquired.

What are the complications of genital herpes?

Herpes

Genital herpes can cause recurrent painful genital sores in many adults, and herpes infection can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. Regardless of severity of symptoms, genital herpes frequently causes psychological distress in people who know they are infected.

In addition, genital HSV can lead to potentially fatal infections in babies. It is important that women avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy because a newly acquired infection during late pregnancy poses a greater risk of transmission to the baby. If a woman has active genital herpes at delivery, a cesarean delivery is usually performed. Fortunately, infection of a baby from a woman with herpes infection is rare.

Herpes may play a role in the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Herpes can make people more susceptible to HIV infection, and it can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious.

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

The signs and symptoms associated with HSV-2 can vary greatly. Health care providers can diagnose genital herpes by visual inspection if the outbreak is typical, and by taking a sample from the sore(s) and testing it in a laboratory. HSV infections can be diagnosed between outbreaks by the use of a blood test. Blood tests, which detect antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection, can be helpful, although the results are not always clear-cut.

Is there a treatment for herpes?

There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners.

How can herpes be prevented?

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Genital ulcer diseases can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of genital herpes.

Persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with uninfected partners when lesions or other symptoms of herpes are present. It is important to know that even if a person does not have any symptoms he or she can still infect sex partners. Sex partners of infected persons should be advised that they may become infected and they should use condoms to reduce the risk. Sex partners can seek testing to determine if they are infected with HSV. A positive HSV-2 blood test most likely indicates a genital herpes infection.

Doctors refer to the infection commonly known as "herpes" as herpes simplex. The herpes simplex virus can cause sores anywhere on a person's skin. It usually occurs around the mouth and nose or the buttocks and genitals. Herpes simplex infection is painful, embarrassing and often, will reappear again and again.

Say the word "herpes" and most people think of the sexually transmitted disease genital herpes. But herpes is actually the name of a family of viruses, which includes the cold sore virus (HSV-1), genital herpes (HSV-2), infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr Virus), chicken pox and shingles (varicella zoster virus).

The two Herpes Simplex viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2, look identical under the microscope, and either type can infect the mouth or genitals. Most commonly, however, HSV-1 occurs above the waist, and HSV-2 below.
These viruses blend into the DNA of genes after they infect, especially in the nerves. They try to force the body to make copies of them so they can spread to other people. The body's immune system resists this. When one's immune system is weakened, the virus finds a path to the skin and leaks out in tiny blisters. This is referred to as having a recurrence. Pain, burning or unusual tenderness of the skin may begin between one to several days before a recurrence.

Rarely, herpes can be serious in those with weak immune systems, such as newborn babies. More often, herpes is a mild infection. Many people who are infected don't even know that they are, and instead think they are having some chaffing or skin irritation. Years later, when there is a recurrence of HSV, it may be mistaken for an initial attack. This can lead to unfair accusations of infidelity.

Herpes simplex is very common. At least one in six adults in the United States has HSV-2 and half to three quarter of all adults test positive to HSV 1. But only 10% of those exposed get visible sores.

Maintaining general good health and keeping stress to a minimum give the best possible chance to limit recurrences. Fortunately, recurrent infections tend to be milder than the initial attack. Also, HSV-1 infections tend to have fewer recurrences than HSV-2. Both may be set off by a variety of stress factors including fever, stress, irritation at a site previously infected, sun exposure and menstruation. However, for many the recurrence is unpredictable and has no recognizable cause.

Take care of the affected skin area. Keep the area dry and clean during outbreaks to help healing. Avoid physical contact with the area from the time of the first symptoms (tingling, itching, burning) until all sores are completely healed, not just scabbed-over. Wash hands with soap and water if a sore is touched. Better yet, don't touch the sores as the virus can spread. HSV may infect the eye and lead to a condition called herpes keratitis. It feels like there is something in the eye. There is also pain and sensitivity to light and a discharge. This can cause serious eye damage if not promptly treated.

There is a vaccine to prevent herpes being tested, but it has not been approved by the FDA for general use. Several oral anti-viral medications (Zovirax, Famvir and Valtrex) have been developed for severe or frequently returning infections. Low doses are sometimes helpful in reducing the number of herpes attacks in people with frequent outbreaks. There is some evidence that taking these will make HSV less contagious. People who have taken Famvir with the initial attack seem to have fewer recurrences.

Prevention of this disease, which is contagious before and during an outbreak, is important. If tingling, burning, itching or tenderness -- signs of a recurrence -- occur in an area of the body where there was a herpes infection, then that area should be kept away from other people. With mouth lesions, one should avoid kissing and sharing cups or lip balms. For persons with genital herpes, this means avoiding sexual relations and oral and/or genital contact during the period of symptoms or active lesions. Towels should not be shared nor clothing exchanged.

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Chlamydia

Central Park Medical Associates offers private and confidential Chlamydia testing and treatment in NYC. Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis and is the most common STD in the country. Many carriers of the disease may not even realize they are infected, as symptoms are not always evident.

More than 25% of men and 30% of women with Chlamydia will not experience symptoms. Symptoms are similar to gonorrhea and may include a burning sensation, discharge, tenderness and/or pain. Although the disease may appear to be "symptom free," it can lead to serious complications if left untreated, especially for women. Women may develop pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as PID, which can cause infertility. Women who contract the disease while pregnant may experience premature labor and/or pass elements of the disease to the baby.

Because the presence of Chlamydia is often undetectable, it's important that this test be included in routine STD screenings. Those with gonorrhea or syphilis are still at risk for contracting Chlamydia and should take care to protect themselves from exposure. Further, the disease can be transferred back and forth so it's important that anyone who's been exposed seek medical treatment.

Central Park Medical Associates offers a safe and private environment for New York Chlamydia testing and treatment. Our practice consists of a medical and dermatology practice so nobody will ever know the nature of your visit. A simple test can be conducted the same day and, if positive, a prescription of antibiotics will be prescribed for the treatment of Chlamydia.

When treated early, antibiotics are very effective and can prevent long-term complications. Call us today to schedule a confidential appointment.

Chlamydia Treatment and Testing

Central Park Medical Associates in NYC offers Rapid, Confidential Chlamydia Testing Onsite in their CLIA Certified Lab.

Brief facts about Chlamydia:

* Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease
* Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis
* Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexual infection in men
* Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, which can damage a woman's reproductive organs. Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur "silently" before a woman ever recognizes a problem. Chlamydia also can cause discharge from the penis of an infected man.

How common is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. In 2008, 1,210,523 chlamydial infections were reported to CDC from 50 states and the District of Columbia. Under-reporting is substantial because most people with chlamydia are not aware of their infections and do not seek testing. Also, testing is not often done if patients are treated for their symptoms. An estimated 2,291,000 non-institutionalized U.S. civilians ages 14-39 are infected with C. trachomatis based on the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Women are frequently re-infected if their sex partners are not treated.
How do people get chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Chlamydia can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth.

Any sexually active person can be infected with chlamydia. The greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Because the cervix (opening to the uterus) of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured and is probably more susceptible to infection, they are at particularly high risk for infection if sexually active. Since chlamydia can be transmitted by oral or anal sex, men who have sex with men are also at risk for chlamydial infection.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Chlamydia is known as a "silent" disease because the majority of infected people have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure.
In women, the bacteria initially infect the cervix and the urethra (urine canal). Women who have symptoms might have an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. If the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry fertilized eggs from the ovaries to the uterus), some women still have no signs or symptoms; others have lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods. Chlamydial infection of the cervix can spread to the rectum.

Men with signs or symptoms might have a discharge from their penis or a burning sensation when urinating. Men might also have burning and itching around the opening of the penis. Pain and swelling in the testicles are uncommon.
Men or women who have receptive anal intercourse may acquire chlamydial infection in the rectum, which can cause rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding. Chlamydia can also be found in the throats of women and men having oral sex with an infected partner.

What complications can result from untreated chlamydia?

If untreated, chlamydial infections can progress to serious reproductive and other health problems with both short-term and long-term consequences. Like the disease itself, the damage that chlamydia causes is often "silent."

STDs & Infertility

In women, untreated infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This happens in about 10 to 15 percent of women with untreated chlamydia. Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. PID and "silent" infection in the upper genital tract can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues. The damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus). Chlamydia may also increase the chances of becoming infected with HIV, if exposed.

To help prevent the serious consequences of chlamydia, screening at least annually for chlamydia is recommended for all sexually active women age 25 years and younger. An annual screening test also is recommended for older women with risk factors for chlamydia (a new sex partner or multiple sex partners). All pregnant women should have a screening test for chlamydia.

Complications among men are rare. Infection sometimes spreads to the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm from the testis), causing pain, fever, and, rarely, sterility.
Rarely, genital chlamydial infection can cause arthritis that can be accompanied by skin lesions and inflammation of the eye and urethra (Reiter's syndrome).

How does chlamydia affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

STDs & Pregnancy

In pregnant women, there is some evidence that untreated chlamydial infections can lead to premature delivery. Babies who are born to infected mothers can get chlamydial infections in their eyes and respiratory tracts. Chlamydia is a leading cause of early infant pneumonia and conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

There are laboratory tests to diagnose chlamydia. Some can be performed on urine, other tests require that a specimen be collected from a site such as the penis or cervix.

What is the treatment for chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. A single dose of azithromycin or a week of doxycycline (twice daily) are the most commonly used treatments. HIV-positive persons with chlamydia should receive the same treatment as those who are HIV negative.

All sex partners should be evaluated, tested, and treated. Persons with chlamydia should abstain from sexual intercourse until they and their sex partners have completed treatment, otherwise re-infection is possible.

Women whose sex partners have not been appropriately treated are at high risk for re-infection. Having multiple infections increases a woman's risk of serious reproductive health complications, including infertility. Retesting should be encouraged three months after treatment of an initial infection. This is especially true if a woman does not know if her sex partner received treatment.
How can chlamydia be prevented?

The surest way to avoid transmission of STDs is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Latex male condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of chlamydia.

CDC recommends yearly chlamydia testing of all sexually active women age 25 or younger, older women with risk factors for chlamydial infections (those who have a new sex partner or multiple sex partners), and all pregnant women. An appropriate sexual risk assessment by a health care provider should always be conducted and may indicate more frequent screening for some women.

Any genital symptoms such as an unusual sore, discharge with odor, burning during urination, or bleeding between menstrual cycles could mean an STD infection. If a woman has any of these symptoms, she should stop having sex and consult a health care provider immediately. Treating STDs early can prevent PID. Women who are told they have an STD and are treated for it should notify all of their recent sex partners (sex partners within the preceding 60 days) so they can see a health care provider and be evaluated for STDs. Sexual activity should not resume until all sex partners have been examined and, if necessary, treated.

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Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea and is a common STD. Over 700,000 people contract the disease each year. Its presence is particularly widespread in large metropolitan areas such as New York City.

Gonorrhea symptoms usually occur two to five days and can include burning sensations, discharge, pain, increased urination, swollenness and/or even a sore throat. Men may sometimes not experience symptoms for more than a month, and some people may not experience symptoms at all. Women may experience pain in the lower abdomen if the disease spreads to the fallopian tubes and may exhibit feverish symptoms.

If the disease gets into the bloodstream, fever, rash and arthritic-type symptoms may occur. For women, it's especially important to treat gonorrhea as quickly as possible to avoid long-term complications that may include scarring of the fallopian tubes, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or sterility. If detected early on, a course of antibiotics can be very effective at treating the disease for both men and women.

More than half of people with gonorrhea also have Chlamydia. If both diseases are present, they can be treated at the same time. Typically, a DNA test is used to screen for gonorrhea as it is more effective at identifying the disease than a standard culture.

Central Park Medical Associates offers private and confidential gonorrhea testing and treatment in NYC. We've been in practice for more than 20 years and treat our patients with the utmost care, respect and courtesy. Our practice consists of a medical and dermatological office so nobody will know the nature of your visit. Call us today to schedule a confidential gonorrhea test in New York.

GONORRHEA - GET THE FACTS

Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea.

* If they occur, symptoms in men and women vary depending on what part of the body is infected: Gonorrhea can affect the anus, eyes, mouth, genitals, or throat.
* This disease can impact a woman's ability to have children if left untreated.

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix (opening to the womb), uterus (womb), and fallopian tubes (egg canals) in women, and in the urethra (urine canal) in women and men. The bacterium can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus.

How common is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a very common infectious disease. CDC estimates that more than 700,000 persons in the U.S. get new gonorrheal infections each year. Only about half of these infections are reported to CDC. In 2006, 358,366 cases of gonorrhea were reported to CDC. In the period from 1975 to 1997, the national gonorrhea rate declined, following the implementation of the national gonorrhea control program in the mid-1970s. After several years of stable gonorrhea rates, however, the national gonorrhea rate increased for the second consecutive year. In 2006, the rate of reported gonorrheal infections was 120.9 per 100,000 persons.

How do people get gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. Ejaculation does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be transmitted or acquired. Gonorrhea can also be spread from mother to baby during delivery.

People who have had gonorrhea and received treatment may get infected again if they have sexual contact with a person infected with gonorrhea.

Who is at risk for gonorrhea?

Any sexually active person can be infected with gonorrhea. In the United States, the highest reported rates of infection are among sexually active teenagers, young adults, and African Americans.

What are the signs and symptoms of gonorrhea?

Some men with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all. However, some men have signs or symptoms that appear two to five days after infection; symptoms can take as long as 30 days to appear. Symptoms and signs include a burning sensation when urinating, or a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Sometimes men with gonorrhea get painful or swollen testicles.

In women, the symptoms of gonorrhea are often mild, but most women who are infected have no symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they can be so non-specific as to be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. The initial symptoms and signs in women include a painful or burning sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods. Women with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications from the infection, regardless of the presence or severity of symptoms.

Symptoms of rectal infection in both men and women may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements. Rectal infection also may cause no symptoms. Infections in the throat may cause a sore throat, but usually causes no symptoms.

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HIV

Central Park Medical Associates offers private and confidential HIV testing in New York. HIV is also known as the human immunodeficiency virus and it is the virus that causes AIDS. The disease weakens the body's ability to fight infections and is terminal. There are no known cures for HIV/AIDS at this time, however, medications can slow the pace at which the virus manifests itself and lessen its side effects.

HIV infections can take two different forms: HIV-1 and HIV-2. Most case of HIV in the United States are of the HIV-1 variety. AIDS, also known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is the most advanced version of HIV-1.

HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, but can also be transmitted through contaminated blood. Mothers are at risk for passing the disease to their children before, during or after birth. Almost half of all mothers who are carriers of HIV result in the baby receiving the disease.

Central Park Medical Associates offers the ELISA test in our certified in-house lab. We can have results ready in 15 minutes while you wait. Our New York HIV testing is private and confidential for your complete assurance. Our practice consists of a medical and dermatological practice so nobody will ever know the nature of your visit. We also offer in-room check-in/check-out procedures for maximum privacy.

Additionally, we employ highly professional, experienced and caring staff to answer your questions and make you feel comfortable. Please contact us today to schedule an HIV test in New York.

At Central Park Medical Associates we have you HIV results in 15 minutes while you wait in our private and discrete, state of the Art medical center. Our CLIA certified lab will give immediate results.

HIV

CDC estimates that more than one million people are living with HIV in the United States. One in five (21%) of those people living with HIV is unaware of their infection.

Despite increases in the total number of people living with HIV in the US in recent years, the annual number of new HIV infections has remained relatively stable. However, new infections continue at far too high a level, with an estimated 56,300 Americans becoming infected with HIV each year.

More than 18,000 people with AIDS still die each year in the US.

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM)† are strongly affected and represent the majority of persons who have died. Through 2007, more than 576,000 people with AIDS in the US have died since the epidemic began.

By Risk Group

Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): By risk group, gay, bisexual, and other MSM of all races remain the population most severely affected by HIV.

MSM account for more than half (53%) of all new HIV infections in the U.S. each year, as well as nearly half (48%) of people living with HIV.

While CDC estimates that MSM account for just 4% of the US male population aged 13 and older, the rate of new HIV diagnoses among MSM in the US is more than 44 times that of other men and more than 40 times that of women.

White MSM account for the largest number of annual new HIV infections of any group in the US, followed closely by black MSM.

MSM is the only risk group in the U.S. in which new HIV infections have been increasing since the early 1990s.
Heterosexuals and Injection Drug Users: Heterosexuals and injection drug users also continue to be affected by HIV.
Individuals infected through heterosexual contact account for 31% of annual new HIV infections and 28% of people living with HIV.

As a group, women account for 27% of annual new HIV infections and 25% of those living with HIV.
Injection drug users represent 12% of annual new HIV infections and 19% of those living with HIV.

By Race/Ethnicity

African Americans: Among racial/ethnic groups, African Americans face the most severe burden of HIV and AIDS in the nation.

While blacks represent approximately 12% of the U.S. population, they account for almost half (46%) of people living with HIV in the US, as well as nearly half (45%) of new infections each year. HIV infections among blacks overall have been roughly stable since the early 1990s.

At some point in their life, approximately one in 16 black men will be diagnosed with HIV, as will one in 30 black women.

The rate of new HIV infections for black men is about six times as high as that of white men, nearly three times that of Hispanic/Latino men, and more than twice that of black women.

The HIV incidence rate for black women is nearly 15 times as high as that of white women, and nearly four times that of Hispanic/Latino women.

Hispanics/Latinos: Hispanics/Latinos are also disproportionately impacted.

Hispanics/Latinos represent 15% of the population but account for an estimated 17% of people living with HIV and 17% of new infections. HIV infections among Hispanics/Latinos overall have been roughly stable since the early 1990s.

The rate of new HIV infections among Hispanic/Latino men is more than double that of white men and the rate among Hispanic/Latino women is nearly four times that of white women.

 

What is HIV and how can I get it?

HIV - the human immunodeficiency virus - is a virus that kills your body's "CD4 cells." CD4 cells (also called T-helper cells) help your body fight off infection and disease. HIV can be passed from person to person if someone with HIV infection has sex with or shares drug injection needles with another person. It also can be passed from a mother to her baby when she is pregnant, when she delivers the baby, or if she breastfeeds her baby.

What is AIDS?

AIDS - the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - is a disease you get when HIV destroys your body's immune system. Normally, your immune system helps you fight off illness. When your immune system fails you can become very sick and can die.
What do I need to know about HIV?
The first cases of AIDS were identified in the United States in 1981, but AIDS most likely existed here and in other parts of the world for many years before that time. In 1984 scientists proved that HIV causes AIDS.
Anyone can get HIV. The most important thing to know is how you can get the virus.

You can get HIV:

• By having unprotected sex- sex without a condom- with someone who has HIV. The virus can be in an infected person's blood, semen, or vaginal secretions and can enter your body through tiny cuts or sores in your skin, or in the lining of your vagina, penis, rectum, or mouth.
• By sharing a needle and syringe to inject drugs or sharing drug equipment used to prepare drugs for injection with someone who has HIV.
• From a blood transfusion or blood clotting factor that you got before 1985. (But today it is unlikely you could get infected that way because all blood in the United States has been tested for HIV since 1985.)
Babies born to women with HIV also can become infected during pregnancy, birth, or breast-feeding.

You cannot get HIV:

• By working with or being around someone who has HIV.
• From sweat, spit, tears, clothes, drinking fountains, phones, toilet seats, or through everyday things like sharing a meal.
• From insect bites or stings.
• From donating blood.
• From a closed-mouth kiss (but there is a very small chance of getting it from open-mouthed or "French" kissing with an infected person because of possible blood contact).

How can I protect myself?

• Don't share needles and syringes used to inject drugs, steroids, vitamins, or for tattooing or body piercing. Also, don't share equipment ("works") used to prepare drugs to be injected. Many people have been infected with HIV, hepatitis, and other germs this way. Germs from an infected person can stay in a needle and then be injected directly into the next person who uses the needle.

• The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a longterm mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected.

• For persons whose sexual behaviors place them at risk for STDs, correct and consistent use of the male latex condom can reduce the risk of STD transmission. However, no protective method is 100 percent effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STD. The more sex partners you have, the greater your chances are of getting HIV or other diseases passed through sex.

• Condoms used with a lubricant are less likely to break. However, condoms with the spermicide nonoxynol-9 are not recommended for STD/HIV prevention. Condoms must be used correctly and consistently to be effective and protective. Incorrect use can lead to condom slippage or breakage, thus diminishing the protective effect. Inconsistent use, e.g., failure to use condoms with every act of intercourse, can result in STD transmission because transmission can occur with a single act of intercourse.

• Don't share razors or toothbrushes because of they may have the blood of another person on them.

• If you are pregnant or think you might be soon, talk to a doctor or your local health department about being tested for HIV. If you share HIV, drug treatments are available to help you and they can reduce the chance of passing HIV to your baby.
How do I know if I have HIV or AIDS?

You might have HIV and still feel perfectly healthy. The only way to know for sure if you are infected or not is to be tested. Talk with a knowledgeable health care provider or counselor both before and after you are tested. You can go to your doctor or health department for testing. To find out where to go in your area for HIV counseling and testing, call your local health department or the CDC INFO, at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

Your doctor or health care provider can give you a confidential HIV test. The information on your HIV test and test results are confidential, as is your other medical information. This means it can be shared only with people authorized to see your medical records. You can ask your doctor, health care provider, or HIV counselor at the place you are tested to explain who can obtain this information. For example, you may want to ask whether your insurance company could find out your HIV status if you make a claim for health insurance benefits or apply for life insurance or disability insurance.

CDC recommends that everyone know their HIV status. How often you should an HIV test depends on your circumstances. If you have never been tested for HIV, you should be tested. CDC recommends being tested at least once a year if you do things that can transmit HIV infection, such as:

• injecting drugs or steroids with used injection equipment
• having sex for money or drugs
• having sex with an HIV infected person
• having more than one sex partner since your HIV test
• having a sex partner who has had other sex partners since your last HIV test.

If you have been tested for HIV and the result is negative and you never do things that might transmit
In many states, you can be tested anonymously. These tests are usually given at special places known as anonymous testing sites. When you get an anonymous HIV test, the testing site records only a number or code with the test result, not your name. A counselor gives you this number at the time your blood, saliva, or urine is taken for the test, then you return to the testing site (or perhaps call the testing site, for example with home collection kits) and give them your number or code to learn the results of your test.
If you have been tested for HIV and the result is negative and you never do things that might transmit HIV infection, then you and your health care provider can decide whether you need to get tested again.

You are more likely to test positive for (be infected with) HIV if you:

• Have ever shared injection drug needles and syringes or "works."
• Have ever had sex without a condom with someone who had HIV.
• Have ever had a sexually transmitted disease, like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
• Received a blood transfusion or a blood clotting factor between 1978 and 1985.
• Have ever had sex with someone who has done any of those things

What can I do if the test shows I have HIV?

Although HIV is a very serious infection, many people with HIV and AIDS are living longer, healthier lives today, thanks to new and effective treatments. It is very important to make sure you have a doctor who knows how to treat HIV. If you don't know which doctor to use, talk with a health care professional or trained HIV counselor. If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, this is especially important.
There also are other things you can do for yourself to stay healthy. Here are a few:

• Follow your doctor's instructions. Keep your appointments. Your doctor may prescribe medicine for you. Take the medicine just the way he or she tells you to because taking only some of your medicine gives your HIV infection more chance to grow.
• Get immunizations (shots) to prevent infections such as pneumonia and flu. Your doctor will tell you when to get these shots.
• If you smoke or if you use drugs not prescribed by your doctor, quit.
• Eat healthy foods. This will help keep you strong, keep your energy and weight up, and help your body protect itself.
• Exercise regularly to stay strong and fit.
• Get enough sleep and rest.

HIV Testing

Central Park Medical Associates offer a rapid reagent Elisa Test in their CLIA certified laboratory which will give you results in about 15 minutes.

About HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV/AIDS weakens a person's ability to fight infections and cancer. HIV transmission can occur with unprotected sex or with needle sharing. Symptoms of HIV vary widely. A person may have HIV symptoms or AIDS symptoms without knowing it until they get HIV testing. There is no HIV cure at this time although medications can delay the onset of AIDS.
HIV infections may be caused by one of two retroviruses, HIV-1 or HIV-2. HIV-1 has caused a worldwide epidemic, but HIV-2 tends to be limited to West Africa.

HIV progressively destroys some types of white blood cells called CD4+ lymphocytes. Lymphocytes help defend the body against foreign cells, infectious organisms, and cancer. Thus, when HIV destroys CD4+ lymphocytes, people become susceptible to attack by many other infectious organisms. Many of the complications of HIV infection, including death, usually result from these other infections and not from HIV infection directly.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe form of HIV infection. HIV infection is considered to be AIDS when at least one serious complicating illness develops or the number (count) of CD4+ lymphocytes decreases substantially.
HIV-1 originated in West-Central Africa in the first half of the 20th century when a closely related chimpanzee virus first infected humans. The global spread of HIV-1 has been documented to have occurred in the 1970s, and AIDS was first recognized in 1981. In North America as of December 2007, about 1.3 million people had HIV infection, and about 46,000 to 56,000 new infections and 21,000 deaths occur each year. Worldwide, about 33.2 million people are estimated to be infected. There are about 2.5 million new infections and 2.1 million deaths each year. Most (95%) occur in developing countries. One half occurs in women, and one in seven occur in children under 15 years old. In parts of Africa, more than 30% of people between the ages of 15 and 45 are infected, threatening to dramatically reduce the life expectancy of a whole generation.

 

Transmission

HIV is transmitted in the following ways:

Sexual contact with an infected person, when the mucous membrane lining the mouth, vagina, penis, or rectum is exposed to contaminated body fluids (as occurs during unprotected sexual intercourse)
Injection or infusion of contaminated blood, as can occur with blood transfusions, the sharing of needles, or an accidental prick with an HIV-contaminated needle.

Transfer from an infected mother to a child before birth, during birth, or after birth through the mother's milk
Susceptibility to HIV infection increases when the skin or a mucous membrane is torn or damaged-even minimally-as can happen during vigorous vaginal or anal sexual intercourse. Sexual transmission of HIV is more likely if either partner has herpes, syphilis, or another sexually transmitted disease (STD) that causes breaks in the skin or inflammation of the genitals. However, HIV can be transmitted even if neither partner has another STD or obvious breaks in the skin. HIV transmission can also occur during oral sex, although it is less common than during vaginal or anal intercourse.

In the United States, Europe, and Australia, HIV has mainly been transmitted through male homosexual contact and the sharing of needles among injecting drug users, but transmission through heterosexual contact has been rapidly increasing. HIV transmission in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia occurs primarily between heterosexuals, and HIV infection occurs equally among men and women. In the United States, about 30% of adults who have HIV infection are women. Before 1992, most American women with HIV were infected by injecting drugs with contaminated needles, but now most are infected through sexual contact.

A health care worker who is accidentally pricked with an HIV-contaminated needle has about a 1 in 300 chance of contracting HIV. The risk increases if the needle penetrates deeply or if the needle contains HIV-contaminated blood (as with a needle used to draw blood) rather than simply being coated with blood (as with a needle used to inject a drug or stitch a cut). Infected fluid splashing into the mouth or eyes has less than a 1 in 1,000 chance of causing infection. Taking a combination of antiretroviral drugs as soon after exposure as possible appears to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of becoming infected from an accident in a health care setting and is recommended.
People with hemophilia used to require frequent infusions of whole blood or other blood products, and many became infected because the blood products they received were contaminated with HIV. AIDS became the leading cause of death among these people. However, since 1985 in most developed countries, all blood collected for transfusion is tested for HIV, and when possible, some blood products are treated with heat to eliminate the risk of HIV infection. The current risk of HIV infection from a single blood transfusion (which is carefully screened for HIV and other blood borne viruses in most developed countries) is estimated to be less than 1 in 600,000.

Mothers and Children: HIV infection in a large number of women of childbearing age has led to an increase in HIV infection among. In about 30 to 50% of pregnancies involving women infected with HIV who are not treated, HIV is transmitted to the fetus through the placenta or at birth during passage through the birth canal. Infants also can contract HIV through breast milk. The risk from breastfeeding depends on the duration of breastfeeding but may be as high as 75%.

Drug treatment of infected pregnant women during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy along with drugs given by vein during delivery can reduce the risk of transmission by about two thirds or more. Delivery by cesarean section and treating the mother at delivery and the baby for several weeks after birth with drugs also reduce the risk. Infected mothers should not breastfeed if they live in countries where formula feeding is safe and affordable. However, in countries where infectious diseases and malnutrition are common causes of infant mortality, and safe, affordable infant formula is not available, the World Health Organization recommends that mothers breastfeed. In such cases, the protection from potentially fatal infections afforded by breastfeeding may counterbalance the risk of HIV transmission.

 

Prevention

Transmission of HIV through its most common routes-sexual contact or sharing of needles-is almost completely preventable. However, the measures required for prevention-sexual abstinence or condom use (see Sexually Transmitted Diseases: How to Use a Condom ) and access to clean needles-are sometimes personally or socially unpopular. Many people have difficulty changing their addictive or sexual behaviors, so they continue to put themselves at risk of HIV infection. Also, safe sex practices are not foolproof. For example, condoms can leak or break.

Vaccines for preventing HIV infection or slowing the progression of AIDS in people who are already infected have so far been elusive. Research continues, but in recent clinical trials, several promising vaccines have not proved useful.
Other measures can help. Circumcision of men, an inexpensive, safe procedure, appears to reduce the risk of infection by about half.
Because HIV is not transmitted through the air or by casual contact (such as touching, holding, or dry kissing), hospitals and clinics do not isolate HIV-infected people unless they have another contagious infection. Surfaces contaminated with HIV can easily be cleaned and disinfected because HIV is inactivated by heat and by common disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide and alcohol. People who are likely to come into contact with blood or other body fluids at their job should wear protective latex gloves, masks, and eye shields. These universal precautions apply to body fluids from all people, not just those from people with HIV, for two reasons: People with HIV may not know that they are infected, and other viruses can be transmitted by body fluids.

People who have been exposed to HIV from a blood splash, needlestick, or sexual contact may reduce the chance of infection by taking anti-HIV drugs (antiretroviral drugs) for a short time. These drugs must be started as soon as possible after the exposure. Taking two or three drugs for 4 weeks is currently recommended. Because the risk of infection varies, doctors and infected people make decisions about preventive treatment individually based on the type of exposure.

 

How can I find out more about HIV and AIDS?

You can call CDC-INFO at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636); TTY access 1-888-232-6348. CDC-INFO is staffed with people trained to answer your questions about HIV and AIDS in a prompt and confidential manner in English or Spanish, 24 hours per day. Staff at CDC-INFO can offer you a wide variety of written materials and put you in touch with organizations in your area that deal with HIV and AIDS.
On the Internet, you can get information on HIV and AIDS from www.AIDS.gov or www.cdc.gov/hiv

 

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New York Syphilis Testing and Treatment

Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It is most common in adults under the age of 30 and is extremely contagious. There are three stages of the disease, and the symptoms vary by stage.

The first phase of the disease is called primary syphilis. Painless sores will usually appear two to three weeks after infection. These sores generally disappear four to six weeks after they make their appearance, even without treatment. If the disease is not treated, secondary syphilis may develop. This occurs in more than a third of cases and can include loss of appetite, rash, fever, fatigue, aches and pains. These symptoms will also disappear within a few weeks if left untreated.

The final phase of the disease is called tertiary syphilis and may cause long-term damage to the heart, brain, skin, bones and nervous system. Because of the potential severity of the disease, it's important to diagnosis and treat syphilis as soon as possible. A simple blood test can be performed to detect the presence of Treponema pallidum. Penicillin is effective at curing the disease if detected early.

At Central Park Medical Associates, we offer private and confidential NY syphilis testing and treatment. We conduct the check-in/check-out process in the privacy of your own screening room for a complete confidential experience. There is also a dermatology practice in the same office so nobody will ever know the nature of your visit. Our professional staff will treat you with the utmost courtesy and respect, and do everything possible to make your visit to our practice comfortable.

Call us today for same-day NY syphilis testing, results and treatment!

Syphilis

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It has often been called "the great imitator" because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases.

How common is syphilis?

In the United States, health officials reported over 36,000 cases of syphilis in 2006, including 9,756 cases of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis. In 2006, half of all P&S syphilis cases were reported from 20 counties and 2 cities; and most P&S syphilis cases occurred in persons 20 to 39 years of age. The incidence of P&S syphilis was highest in women 20 to 24 years of age and in men 35 to 39 years of age. Reported cases of congenital syphilis in newborns increased from 2005 to 2006, with 339 new cases reported in 2005 compared to 349 cases in 2006.

Between 2005 and 2006, the number of reported P&S syphilis cases increased 11.8 percent. P&S rates have increased in males each year between 2000 and 2006 from 2.6 to 5.7 and among females between 2004 and 2006. In 2006, 64% of the reported P&S syphilis cases were among men who have sex with men (MSM).

How do people get syphilis?

Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Pregnant women with the disease can pass it to the babies they are carrying. Syphilis cannot be spread through contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.

What are the signs and symptoms in adults?

Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet remain at risk for late complications if they are not treated. Although transmission occurs from persons with sores who are in the primary or secondary stage, many of these sores are unrecognized. Thus, transmission may occur from persons who are unaware of their infection.

Primary Stage

The primary stage of syphilis is usually marked by the appearance of a single sore (called a chancre), but there may be multiple sores. The time between infection with syphilis and the start of the first symptom can range from 10 to 90 days (average 21 days). The chancre is usually firm, round, small, and painless. It appears at the spot where syphilis entered the body. The chancre lasts 3 to 6 weeks, and it heals without treatment. However, if adequate treatment is not administered, the infection progresses to the secondary stage.

Secondary Stage

Skin rash and mucous membrane lesions characterize the secondary stage. This stage typically starts with the development of a rash on one or more areas of the body. The rash usually does not cause itching. Rashes associated with secondary syphilis can appear as the chancre is healing or several weeks after the chancre has healed. The characteristic rash of secondary syphilis may appear as rough, red, or reddish brown spots both on the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet.

However, rashes with a different appearance may occur on other parts of the body, sometimes resembling rashes caused by other diseases. Sometimes rashes associated with secondary syphilis are so faint that they are not noticed. In addition to rashes, symptoms of secondary syphilis may include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue. The signs and symptoms of secondary syphilis will resolve with or without treatment, but without treatment, the infection will progress to the latent and possibly late stages of disease.

Late and Latent Stages

The latent (hidden) stage of syphilis begins when primary and secondary symptoms disappear. Without treatment, the infected person will continue to have syphilis even though there are no signs or symptoms; infection remains in the body. This latent stage can last for years. The late stages of syphilis can develop in about 15% of people who have not been treated for syphilis, and can appear 10-20 years after infection was first acquired. In the late stages of syphilis, the disease may subsequently damage the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Signs and symptoms of the late stage of syphilis include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia. This damage may be serious enough to cause death.
How does syphilis affect a pregnant woman and her baby?
The syphilis bacterium can infect the baby of a woman during her pregnancy. Depending on how long a pregnant woman has been infected, she may have a high risk of having a stillbirth (a baby born dead) or of giving birth to a baby who dies shortly after birth. An infected baby may be born without signs or symptoms of disease. However, if not treated immediately, the baby may develop serious problems within a few weeks. Untreated babies may become developmentally delayed, have seizures, or die.

How is syphilis diagnosed?

Some health care providers can diagnose syphilis by examining material from a chancre (infectious sore) using a special microscope called a dark-field microscope. If syphilis bacteria are present in the sore, they will show up when observed through the microscope.

A blood test is another way to determine whether someone has syphilis. Shortly after infection occurs, the body produces syphilis antibodies that can be detected by an accurate, safe, and inexpensive blood test. A low level of antibodies will likely stay in the blood for months or years even after the disease has been successfully treated. Because untreated syphilis in a pregnant woman can infect and possibly kill her developing baby, every pregnant woman should have a blood test for syphilis.

What is the link between syphilis and HIV?

Genital sores (chancres) caused by syphilis make it easier to transmit and acquire HIV infection sexually. There is an estimated 2- to 5-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV if exposed to that infection when syphilis is present.

Ulcerative STDs that cause sores, ulcers, or breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, such as syphilis, disrupt barriers that provide protection against infections. The genital ulcers caused by syphilis can bleed easily, and when they come into contact with oral and rectal mucosa during sex, increase the infectiousness of and susceptibility to HIV. Having other STDs is also an important predictor for becoming HIV infected because STDs are a marker for behaviors associated with HIV transmission.

What is the treatment for syphilis?

Syphilis is easy to cure in its early stages. A single intramuscular injection of penicillin, an antibiotic, will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than a year. Additional doses are needed to treat someone who has had syphilis for longer than a year. For people who are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics are available to treat syphilis. There are no home remedies or over-the-counter drugs that will cure syphilis. Treatment will kill the syphilis bacterium and prevent further damage, but it will not repair damage already done.
Because effective treatment is available, it is important that persons be screened for syphilis on an on-going basis if their sexual behaviors put them at risk for STDs.

Persons who receive syphilis treatment must abstain from sexual contact with new partners until the syphilis sores are completely healed. Persons with syphilis must notify their sex partners so that they also can be tested and receive treatment if necessary.

Will syphilis recur?

Having syphilis once does not protect a person from getting it again. Following successful treatment, people can still be susceptible to re-infection. Only laboratory tests can confirm whether someone has syphilis. Because syphilis sores can be hidden in the vagina, rectum, or mouth, it may not be obvious that a sex partner has syphilis. Talking with a health care provider will help to determine the need to be re-tested for syphilis after being treated.

How can syphilis be prevented?

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis, is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Avoiding alcohol and drug use may also help prevent transmission of syphilis because these activities may lead to risky sexual behavior. It is important that sex partners talk to each other about their HIV status and history of other STDs so that preventive action can be taken.

Genital ulcer diseases, like syphilis, can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of syphilis, as well as genital herpes and chancroid, only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected.

Condoms lubricated with spermicides (especially Nonoxynol-9 or N-9) are no more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of STDs. Use of condoms lubricated with N-9 is not recommended for STD/HIV prevention. Transmission of an STD, including syphilis cannot be prevented by washing the genitals, urinating, and/or douching after sex. Any unusual discharge, sore, or rash, particularly in the groin area, should be a signal to refrain from having sex and to see a doctor immediately.

 

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STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

An STD can be present in your body for years and still show no symptoms. The only way to know you or your partner have been exposed to an STD is to get tested. Call now to discuss your STD testing options with one of our experienced STD counselors.

Confidential STD testing is available for Herpes type 1 & 2, HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Genital Warts as well as others. We are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all STDs.

We treat each patient with care and respect, and we will do everything we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We provide HIV testing with immediate results and STD testing with same day results. Our STD testing in NYC includes:

HIV
Genital Warts
Herpes Simplex I & II
Chlamydia
Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Hepatitis
And all other STDs

We are part of a larger facility that also has a medical and dermatological practice. When you visit our practice, the purpose of your visit is discrete and confidential. At Central Park Medical Associates, your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. Our NYC testing center offers a private in-room check-in/check-out procedure for a completely confidential visit.

We have board-certified and university-affiliated doctors on staff who will give you the highest quality care. Our New York STD Testing Center has been in business for more than 20 years and our physicians have more than 100 years of combined experience. Our staff is always friendly, courteous and professional.

We are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 8pm for your convenience. We offer same-day venereal disease testing with results generally available while you wait. Should you require treatment, we prescribe medications and/or create a treatment plan that same day.

Please contact us to schedule an appointment. 212-246-0800