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By Ryan Q. De Torres and Carlos Diego A. Rozul Ever had that burning sensation when you pee? Has there been odd smelling discharge staining your underwear recently? That could be a sign of gonorrhea, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections according to the World Health Organization in 2016. But worry not, because there are ways to prevent, detect, and cure gonorrhea infections, so we can all Go No! For Gonorrhea . Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for Gonorrhea. Image retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neisseria_gonorrhoeae#/media /File:Neisseria_gonorrhoeae_PHIL_3693_lores.jpg Cause of Gonorrhea Gonorrhea (also known as urethritis, urethritis, or tulo) is an infection of the mucous membrane surfaces caused by the gram-negative bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae . N gonorrhoeae can be spread through sexual contact (oral, anal, and vaginal) and vertical transmission during childbirth. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum and throat. For ...

By Jacob The wet season has finally come and as it pours isn’t it nice to stay indoors, relax with the person we’re comfortable with and just Netflix and chill?. But it’s important to keep in mind that sex is not just about pleasure, but also health. That’s why practicing a healthy sexual lifestyle  is in your best interest as it keeps you and your partner safe.  LoveYourself created a healthy sexual lifestyle guide called the “Triangle of Self-Care” or TSC. It’s comprised of three easy steps: (1) Timely testing and treatment , (2) Safe and satisfying sex , and (3) Correct and consistent use of condoms . It’s simple, effective, and will take you a long way in your sexual conquest. For most it’s not easy to get themselves tested for HIV  because of the stigma attached to it. But we need to know our status so we can do what we need to move on. We can get tested again after the window period and continue safer sex options if negative, or pursue treatment and aim to be un...

By Ulysses Konstantin Largado and Jhemarie Arca Much has been said about what one can do to prevent getting infected with HIV. In recent years, as we’ve seen an alarming spike in reported cases in the Philippines, most campaigns are aimed at educating Filipinos on how to lower their risks. This approach remains to be the focus, and for good reason. As of the December 2017 HARP data , over 48% of reported HIV cases since 1984 are under Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) - the science of suppressing the virus to levels that are essentially low, it can no longer be detected (“undetectable”) during tests, which also means it can no longer be transmitted. Note that HIV can only be transmitted through 3 modes: blood and blood products, mother-to-child, and unprotected penetrative sex. The effectiveness of ART in lowering the viral load benefits not only the PLHIV undergoing treatment, but also other people who are at risk of HIV infection through sexual contact and mother to child transmission. It...