Visual Findings of 9 Sexually Transmitted Infections

Researchers Unzip Symptoms Of The 'male Menopause'

Scientists have for the first time identified the symptoms associated with what has been termed late-onset hypogonadism or 'male menopause' caused by a reduction in testosterone production in ageing men.

But the researchers say that unlike the female menopause, which affects all women, the male menopause is relatively rare, affecting only 2% of elderly men, and is often linked to poor general health and obesity.

The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, should provide new guidance to physicians prescribing male testosterone therapy, a practice that has increased by 400% in the United States, though not elsewhere, since 1999.

The University of Manchester researchers, working with colleagues at Imperial College London, UCL (University College London) and other European partners, measured the testosterone levels of 3,369 men between the ages of 40 and 79 years from eight European centres and asked details about their sexual, physical and psychological health.

The team found that only nine of the 32 candidate symptoms were actually associated with low testosterone levels, the most important being the three sexual symptoms – decreased frequency of morning erection, decreased frequency of sexual thoughts (sex drive), and erectile dysfunction.

The study concluded that the presence of all three sexual symptoms, together with low testosterone levels, was required to establish a diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism, although other non-sexual symptoms may also be present.

These other symptoms included three physical symptoms – an inability to engage in vigorous activity, such as running or lifting heavy objects, an inability to walk more than 1km, and an inability to bend, kneel or stoop – and three psychological symptoms – loss of energy, sadness, and fatigue. However, these non-sexual symptoms were only weakly related to low testosterone.

Additional symptoms often said to be associated with the male menopause but which the study was able to discount as not being testosterone related included changes in sleeping pattern, poor concentration, feeling worthless, nervousness or anxiety and difficulty getting up from a chair.

"The diagnosis of classical hypogonadism is corroborated by underlying diseases affecting the testes or pituitary gland, which controls testicular function, but this well-practiced diagnostic approach is frequently found wanting when dealing with the age-related decline of testosterone in elderly men who are prone to have a significant background of non-hormone-related complaints," said lead author Professor Fred Wu, from The University of Manchester's School of Biomedicine.

"Our findings have for the first time identified the key symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism and suggest that testosterone treatment may only be useful in a relatively small number of cases where androgen deficiency is suspected, since many candidate symptoms of classic hypogonadism were not associated with decreased testosterone levels in older men."

The research, part of the European Union-funded European Male Ageing Study, also identified the thresholds of testosterone below which certain symptoms become increasingly prevalent. Documentation of levels of testosterone below these thresholds is required to confirm the diagnosis of hypogonadism in symptomatic elderly men.

However, even with the nine rigorously selected symptoms, differences in testosterone levels between symptomatic and non-symptomatic men were marginal, highlighting the weak overall association between symptoms and testosterone levels.

Professor Wu added: "The long list of nonspecific symptoms that have a potential association with testosterone deficiency makes it difficult to establish a clear diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism. This situation is further complicated when you consider that even the most specific sexual symptoms of androgen deficiency was relatively common among men with normal testosterone levels.

"It is therefore important to specify the presence of all three sexual symptoms of the nine testosterone-related symptoms we identified, together with low testosterone, in order to increase the probability of correctly diagnosing late-onset hypogonadism. The application of these new criteria should guard against the excessive diagnosis of hypogonadism and curb the unwise use of testosterone therapy in older men."

Ends

A copy of the paper 'Identification of Late-Onset Hypogonadism in Middle-Aged and Elderly Men' is available on request.

For further information contact:

Aeron HaworthMedia RelationsFaculty of Medical and Human SciencesThe University of Manchester

Tel: 0161 275 8383Mob: 07717 881563Email: aeron.Haworth@manchester.Ac.Uk

What To Know About Male Breast Cancer

Male breast cancer is a rare type of cancer that typically causes cancerous (malignant) cells develop in tissues in the breast or chest. Risk factors like a family history of cancer and radiation treatment of the chest increase your chances of developing this condition. Male breast cancer is estimated to cause less than 3,000 new cases a year in the United States, representing about 1% of all breast cancer cases.

Symptoms can differ based on the type of male breast cancer as well as how far it has spread. If untreated, cancer can spread from the breast to other parts of the body. Treatment options depend on how advanced and severe the cancer is.

Health recognizes that not everyone who is female was born with female reproductive organs and that not everyone who is male was born with male reproductive organs. Health also recognizes that people may not identify as any one sex or gender. The information in this article is based on how researchers present their results, and the gender- and sex-based language used most accurately reflects their research design and outcomes.

Male breast cancer is classified based on the type of cancer cells that arise as well as the tissues they affect. The most common forms include: Invasive ductal carcinoma: This type represents 90% of all male breast cancer cases. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) starts in a milk duct (inactive in most males at birth) and spreads to fat surrounding the breast. These ducts are smaller and more central in people assigned male at birth, so this cancer can spread to the nipple. Ductal carcinoma in situ: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) also develops in the ducts of glands, but the cancer cells haven't spread to other tissues. Healthcare providers consider this a pre-cancer because not all cases of DCIS lead to IDC, the invasive type. Invasive lobular carcinoma: This type is very rare in males but the second most common type in females. Cancer cells develop in the lobules of the glands in the breast. They can remain pre-cancerous (in situ) or become invasive and spread.    Paget disease: About 5% of male breast cancer cases are this type of cancer. Paget disease starts in the breast ducts and spreads to the nipple and the areola (darker tissue surrounding the nipple). Affected areas become crusty, scaly, or red, and lumps can form. Inflammatory breast cancer: This type of cancer is rare and aggressive. Instead of causing lumps like other male breast cancers, its symptoms include warmth, tenderness, and inflammation in the breast. Symptoms of male breast cancer can vary based on type and how far it has spread. By definition, pre-cancerous forms don't cause any physical signs, but clinical tests can detect abnormal cells. Typical signs include: Growths: The development of a painless lump is the main sign of most types of male breast cancers. Lumps typically develop on one side of the chest. Nipple retraction: Male breast cancer causes the nipple to retract or pull back inward. The nipple can also become painful. Redness: Patches of red and flaking skin can develop on the breast. Irritation: The skin on the chest might become irritated, itchy, and inflamed, and dimples might form. Nipple discharge: Blood or clear fluid can leak from the affected nipples.    Swollen glands: This is a sign that the cancer is spreading. Glands called lymph nodes (a part of the immune system) in the armpits swell and grow larger. Male breast cancer arises when abnormal cells develop in male breast tissue, often in the ducts of the milk glands or the lobules of these glands. These become cancer cells, dividing uncontrollably and eventually spreading to lymph nodes and other tissues. It's unclear why these cancer cells develop. However, changes in hormone levels, gene mutations, and environmental factors might all contribute. Risk Factors Several health factors can increase the risk of developing male breast cancer. Risk factors include: Age (over 71 years old) Family history of breast cancer Mutations of certain genes, especially BReast CAncer gene 1 (BRCA1) and BReast CAncer gene 2 (BRCA2) History of radiation therapy treatment for cancer Klinefelter syndrome, a rare genetic disorder in which males are born with an extra X chromosome Liver disease causing cirrhosis (liver scarring) Being overweight or having obesity Estrogen hormone exposure, as in therapy for prostate cancer or other conditions When diagnosing male breast cancer, healthcare providers try to rule out other potential causes of symptoms. These include gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in males), abscesses (puss-filled bumps in the chest due to infection), and cancer spreading from other parts of the body. In addition to taking your medical history, your healthcare provider may perform the following diagnostic tests: Physical exam: The healthcare provider checks for any growths in the chest and looks for other signs of the disease. Mammogram: This type of X-ray lets healthcare providers screen breast tissue for signs of abnormal cells and tumors. Ultrasound: This form of imaging uses sound waves to create three-dimensional images of tissues to distinguish cancerous growths from other conditions and screen for signs of spread to lymph nodes. Biopsy: In this minimally invasive procedure, healthcare providers collect a small sample of abnormal tissue for laboratory evaluation to confirm cancer diagnosis. Stages of Breast Cancer Based on the results of your tests and biopsies, your healthcare provider will stage the disease, often using the tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) system: Stage 0 (T0): Clinical tests can detect evidence of abnormal cells, but there are no noticeable tumors. In situ (Tis): There are cancer cells in the ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ), but the cancer hasn't formed tumors or spread to other parts of the breast. Stage 1 (T1): Tumors two centimeters (cm) or less (about 0.75 inches) have developed in the breast, but there are no signs of spread elsewhere. Stage 2 (T2): The tumors are still confined to breast tissues but are between 2.1-5 cm (about 2 inches).    Stage 3 (T3): Lumps are larger than 5 cm. Stage 4 (T4): Tumors are spreading to surrounding tissues, and cancer cells reach lymph nodes or other organs. When treating male breast cancer, healthcare providers work to rid the body of cancer tissue or achieve remission. Remission refers to reductions or a complete absence of the signs or symptoms of cancer, though cancer cells may still be present. The specific treatment approach depends on the stage and severity of the disease. Surgery Surgery is the primary option for early-stage male breast cancer, and it's often paired with radiation therapy. This may involve mastectomy (removing the entire breast tissue) or lumpectomy (removing the cancerous lump). If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, surgeons may remove them by performing axillary lymph node dissection. Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy relies on high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It's typically indicated after surgery to get rid of any remaining cancer, especially if the cancer is more advanced. Chemotherapy Commonly known as chemo, chemotherapy involves the intravenous (IV) application (injecting the medication into a vein) of certain drugs to target and kill cancer cells directly. It involves multiple treatments and, like radiation therapy, is often used alongside surgery. Hormone Therapy The hormone estrogen is associated with breast cancer development. Hormone therapies reduce estrogen levels and reduce its effects. Soltamox (tamoxifen) is most commonly used for male breast cancer. Other options include aromatase inhibitors (AI), such as Arimidex (anastrozole) and Aromasin (exemestane). Targeted Therapy h3 Targeted therapies work to interrupt the process of cancer cell formation. They are most often used with other treatments, including drugs that act on hormone receptors or cells with certain gene mutations. These drugs include: Monoclonal antibodies, such as Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Perjeta (pertuzumab) Antibody drug conjugates, such as Kadycla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) and Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan) Kinase inhibitors, including Tykerb (lapatinib), Nerlynx (neratinib), and Tukysa (tucatinib) Generally, the earlier you detect a cancer, the better the outcome. That said, because male breast cancer is so rare, healthcare providers generally don't think there's a benefit to screening for people without symptoms or who aren't at higher risk. However, if you have any growths on your chest, screening is critical. It's also recommended if you have increased risk and have a family history of breast cancer. In addition, medical societies, such as the American Cancer Society, suggest screening if you have mutations of the BRCA gene, which increases your chances of developing this type of cancer and other cancers. When advanced, male breast cancer can cause metastasis, meaning the cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. This leads to serious, fatal complications, most often in the bones, brain, liver, and lung. Here are some complications related to metastatic breast cancer in particular areas: Bone: Cancer that spreads from the breast to the bone causes bone pain and fractures. Liver: Liver cancer causes jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin), abdominal swelling, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss. Lung: When it spreads to the lungs, cancer causes symptoms like breathing difficulties, wheezing, coughing up blood, and chest pain. Brain: Cancer that spreads to the brain causes symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and seizures (irregular brain activity leading to changes in behavior, sensation, awareness, and movement).   Male breast cancer is challenging because it's typically caught at a late stage when it's more difficult to treat. The treatment outcome is significantly affected by how advanced the cancer is. The five-year survival rate for people with stage 1 cancer is 75-95%, but this drops to 20-30% for stage 4. There's little doubt that a cancer diagnosis can be devastating. Treatment side-effects and the progression of the disease can severely affect mental health and quality of life. It's important to have support throughout the journey. Here are some ideas: Connect with emotions: Learning to recognize, accept, and be open about your feelings can help you move through the many emotions you might experience. Focus on self-care: Create space for things you enjoy and practice healthy habits. Get support: Talk to your loved ones, family, and friends about your condition, and seek out help or support when you need it. See a professional: If you're struggling emotionally or mentally, counseling sessions with a therapist or counselor may help. Join a group: Ask your cancer care team about support groups for those living with cancer or survivors.   Use advocacy organizations: Organizations such as the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute can be helpful sources of information. They also support research and promote awareness.   Living with cancer involves adapting to a new way of living. Your priorities will likely change, as may your ability or need to reach out to others for help and support. You will likely experience physical, mental, and emotional changes. Even after treatment, or when your cancer goes into remission, you may worry about its recurrence. Every day may be different, but you always have support of some kind.

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FAST FACTS ABOUT STD'S

FAST FACTS ABOUT STD'S

FAST FACTS ABOUT STD'S

(You may also want to check out Unspeakable.Com's STD Clinic Locator)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)What It Is: The virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV works by attacking the body's immune system, leaving it susceptible to fatal infections and cancers.How You Can Get It: Through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. You can't get contract HIV from kissing, hugging, shaking hands, or even donating blood. You can, however, get it through using infected needles.Symptoms: You can be infected with HIV and have no symptoms; AIDS takes an average of 7-9 years to develop once HIV enters the body. Symptoms of AIDS, which are caused not by HIV but by the infections that take advantage of the body's weakened immune system, include rapid weight loss, chronic fever, diarrhea, fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, and nightsweats. These symptoms can last for weeks or months at a time, and will not go away without treatment. With that said, these are symptoms that are seen in many other diseases that are not AIDS-related, so don't panic and assume that one or more of these mean you have HIV or AIDS.Detect It: A blood test will determine whether or not you have HIV. The test can be done at an AIDS testing center, clinic, doctor's office, or even with a home test kit. You can request that testing be confidential.Is It Curable?: No. Contrary to popular belief, there is no cure yet for HIV/AIDS.Is It Treatable?: Yes, but not universally. Although there have been new developments in treatment over the last few years, and many patients' lives have been prolonged, different people respond to these medications in different ways. Treatment to slow HIV's attack on the immune system, which involves combining two classes of drugs, is complicated. The other major focus of HIV treatment is preventing and alleviating AIDS-related infections.Prevent It: Practicing safe sex. Until you trust your partner and know that she or he has been tested for HIV, use a latex condom.Where To Get Help: The CDC National AIDS Hotline, 1-800-342-AIDS; Planned Parenthood's clinic locator, 1-800-230-PLAN.

"HIV - Get Tested!" Week will take place from December 1-9, 2000 in Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Washington, D.C. Visit www.HIVGetTested.Com for details on where to go for free, confidential testing and counseling.

HEPATITIS BWhat It Is: An infection of the liver causes by a virus which is 100 times more infectious than HIV. About 300,000 American contract hepatitis B every year. Although most people recover, some become chronic carriers of the disease. This means more problems down the road, such as liver cancer.How You Can Get It: Hepatitis B is spread like HIV: through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. You can contract the virus through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.Symptoms: Poor appetite, vomiting, nausea, headaches, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, general fatigue. These usually show up within 2 to 6 weeks after infection. If you're a chronic carrier who has no symptoms, you can still pass it (unknowingly) to others.Detect It: If you are experiencing symptoms, or have had sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis B, you can get diagnosed through a blood test.Is It Curable?: Yes.Is It Treatable?: Treatment includes rest, diet, and medication. If your partner or anyone else you come in close contact with is diagnosed with the disease, you can get immunized.Prevent It: Practice safe sex by using a latex condom. To minimize your risk of getting hepatitis B, never share needles, syringes, or any instruments used for ear-piercing, tattooing, and hair removal. Don't share toothbrushes or razors either. If you find that you've contracted hepatitis B, avoid sex and other close contact (even kissing), until cleared by a doctor.Where To Get Help: The National STD hotline at 1-800-227-8922; Planned Parenthood's clinic locator, 1-800-230-PLAN.

GENITAL HERPESWhat It Is: A viral infection that often causes sores in the genital area. If these sores are open and exposed to body fluids that carry HIV (through sex with someone who has HIV), genital herpes increases the risk of contracting HIV. Once you contract herpes, you have it for life, along with the estimated 40 million people who also have it. Each year, about 500,000 new people get herpes, and even more who have it but experience no symptoms.How You Can Get It: By touching sores and blisters through vaginal, oral, or anal sex; you can also be exposed to the virus by kissing or caressing the infected areas. Areas where sores form are contagious for days before any visible symptoms break out.Symptoms: Small red bumps that turn into blisterlike sores on the genitals, rear end, thighs, fingers, mouths, etc. Women often experience vaginal discharge and/or burning. Other symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and headaches. All these pop up from between 2 to 20 days after sex with an infected partner. But here's the kicker: some people experience no symptoms.Detect It: A physical examination and/or a clinical test will determine whether you have herpes. The test involves collecting a small amount of fluid from a sore and sending it to a lab to see if the herpes virus is present.Is It Curable?: No.Is It Treatable?: Yes. Prescription antiviral drugs can reduce pain, length, and frequency of herpes outbreaks. The earlier you get treatment, the more effective it will be.Prevent It: Practicing safe sex. Limit the number of sex partners, use a condom all the time, and if you think you might be infected, don't hesitate to get tested.Where To Get Help: The National Herpes Hotline, 1-919-361-8486; The National STD hotline at 1-800-227-8922; Planned Parenthood's clinic locator, 1-800-230-PLAN.

CHLAMYDIAWhat It Is: A bacterial infection that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and/or sterility if not treated in time. Chlamydia has the dubious honor of being the number one bacterial STD in the U.S. Today, with 4 million new cases every year. It's also known as a "silent epidemic" because 75% of the women and 50% of the men with the disease have no symptoms.How You Can Get It: Vaginal or anal sex.Symptoms: Others experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, whitish vaginal or penile discharge, painful or burning urination. Women may also experience lower abdominal pain, painful intercourse, and bleeding between periods. Men may have burning and itching around the opening of the penis and/or pain and swelling in the testicles.Detect It: With a test from a urine sample or a sample of fluid taken from the infected area.Is It Curable?: Yes.Is It Treatable?: Yes. Prescription antibiotics will do the trick. Douches, however, will not—and may cause someone to get treatment too late to keep the disease from spreading.Prevent It: Once again, safe sex is the solution. Approach sexual relationships responsibly, always use a condom, and avoid sexual contact until you can be tested and treated for chlamydia. If you find that you are infected, make sure your partner gets treated so that you won't get re-infected yourself.Where To Get Help: The National STD hotline at 1-800-227-8922; Planned Parenthood's clinic locator, 1-800-230-PLAN.

GONORRHEAWhat It Is: A bacterial infection in the vagina or cervix. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the rectum, urethra, and uterus, potentially causing sterility. Occasionally, gonorrhea that goes without treatment can be fatal. About 1 million people in the U.S. Contract gonorrhea every year.How You Can Get It: Vaginal, oral, or anal sex.Symptoms: Some people have no symptoms; others experience a burning feeling during urination, frequent urination, vaginal or penile discharge, fever, stomach pain, nausea, backache, and painful intercourse. Women can also have bleeding in between periods; about half of the women with gonorrhea have no symptoms.Detect It: Gonorrhea is determined with a medical test in which a sample of fluid is taken from the penis or vagina, then sent to a lab for results.Is It Curable?: Yes.Is It Treatable?: Yes. Prescription antibiotics will kill the infecting bacteria. Treatment that's not completed can spell serious problems down the road, such as abdominal pain, sterility, tubal pregnancy, and painful joints. If you are being treated for gonorrhea, you must stop having sex until you're cured; the same goes for your partner. This will help you avoid getting reinfected or transmitting the disease to someone else.Prevent It: Approach your sexual relationships safely and responsibly: limit the number, always use a condom, and, if you think you may be infected, avoid sexual contact until you can get tested.Where To Get Help: The National STD hotline at 1-800-227-8922; Planned Parenthood's clinic locator, 1-800-230-PLAN.

SYPHILISWhat It Is: Syphilis can be very serious and actually result in death if left untreated. Like many other STD's, you can have syphilis without knowing it. About 120,000 new cases of syphilis get diagnosed in the U.S. Every year.How You Can Get It: Through oral, anal, or vaginal sex.Symptoms: The preliminary symptoms are often a painless sore around the vagina or penis, or inside the mouth or anus. Even if this sore disappeared on its own, the bacterial infection is still in the body. Later, you might develop flu-like symptoms, as well as potential hair loss and skin rashes. It's rare, but a third stage might develop years later as skin lesions, mental deterioration, loss of balance and vision, numbness, leg pain, and heart disease.Detect It: By getting a blood test; however, it takes 2 to 3 weeks after infection for the blood test to be accurate.Is It Curable?: Yes.Is It Treatable?: Yes, with antibiotic medication.Prevent It: Approach your sexual relationships safely and responsibly: limit the number, always use a condom, and, if you think you may be infected, avoid sexual contact until you can get tested.Where To Get Help: The National STD hotline at 1-800-227-8922; Planned Parenthood's clinic locator, 1-800-230-PLAN.

TRICHOMONIASISWhat It Is: "Trich" is an infection causes by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It hits about 2 to 3 million Americans every year, and weakens the immune system, making an infected person more susceptible to HIV.How You Can Get It: Vaginal sex.Symptoms: Heavy greenish discharge with a foul odor, vaginal itching and/or burning, abdominal pain, frequent urination, painful intercourse. A woman's symptoms can get worse after her period. Most men with trich have no symptoms, but might have symptoms like unusual penile discharge, painful urination, and tingling inside the penis.Detect It: By getting a medical test in which a sample of fluid is taken from the penis or vagina, then sent to a lab for results.Is It Curable?: Yes.Is It Treatable?: Prescription antibiotics.Prevent It By: Practicing safe sex and knowing your partner's sexual history. Because Trichomonia can survive on objects such as sheets, towels, and clothing, it can potentially be transmitted by sharing these. Even though men with the disease are almost always without symptoms, it's extra-important that they be treated so they don't infect others.Where To Get Help: The National STD hotline at 1-800-227-8922; Planned Parenthood's clinic locator, 1-800-230-PLAN.

GENITAL HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV)What It Is: A viral infection that causes genital warts; there are actually over 60 different types of this virus. About 40 million Americans are diagnosed with HPV, with 1 million new cases every year. If HPV goes too long without treatment, the risk of cervical cancer increases.How You Can Get It: Vaginal or anal intercourse; however, you can also contract HPV simply by touching the infected area.Symptoms: Warts on the genitals and anal area. A person may be infected and contagious with no visible warts. Either way, HPV can cause abnormal cell growth on the female cervix. Visible signs of HPV show up within 3 weeks to 6 months after having sex with someone who's infected.Detect It: A doctor can examine the potentially infected area for warts and other unusual tissue. Women can also have a Pap smear, which will detect changes to the cervix that may be caused by HPV.Is It Curable?: No.Is It Treatable?: The warts can be removed, but often return because the virus stays in the body. Your doctor can remove smaller warts, and severe cases can be treated with laser surgery.Prevent It: Condoms provide limited protection. The best way to reduce your risk of getting HPV is to limit your sexual partners. Women should have Pap smears every 6 months to screen for HPV.Where To Get Help: HPV Hotline at 1-877-HPV-5868; the National STD hotline at 1-800-227-8922; Planned Parenthood's clinic locator, 1-800-230-PLAN.

PUBIC LICE and SCABIES

What It Is: Pubic lice, also known as Crabs, are tiny insects that live on the skin. They infect the hairy parts of the body, and lay eggs on body hair. Scabies is the result of a tiny female insect, a mite, burrowing into a person's skin to lay eggs.How You Can Get It: Although these are often spread through sexual contact, you can also get them by using the same sheets, clothes, or towels as an infected person.Symptoms: Extreme itching in the genital areas. With pubic lice, you might see pinhead-sized insects or eggs on the skin or body hair. With scabies, a skin rash may develop.Detect It: A doctor's examination will determine whether you have pubic lice or scabies.Is It Curable?: Yes.Is It Treatable?: Yes, with shampoos, creams, and lotions that are often available without a prescription. Wash all infected clothing, sheets, etc. With very hot water.Prevent It: Know your partner's sexual history.Where To Get Help: The National STD hotline at 1-800-227-8922; Planned Parenthood's clinic locator, 1-800-230-PLAN.

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