A strain of the STD gonorrhea that has turned out to be resistant to antibiotics is creating a sense of global panic, now that the strain has shown up in two people in Hawaii. The idea that this antibiotic-resistant strain of gonorrhea might be related to the alleged "sex superbug" that is immune to all antibiotics has fortunately been debunked, however.
The Hawaiian Health Department has come out saying that the drug-resistant gonorrhea in the aforementioned two cases is indeed not related to the so-called "sex superbug."
"Despite it being a different strain, the emerge [sic] of a gonorrhea that's immune to medication should have people concerned," WebProNews says. "For years, the sexually transmitted disease was on the decline thanks to antibiotics and medication. The number of infections may rise, however, as the disease has evolved immunities to the medication used to treat it."
Another confirmation that the drug-resistant gonorrhea is not related to the dreaded "sex superbug" comes from the State Department Of Health's STD/AIDs Prevention Control's Peter Whiticir, though he did discuss the need for worry about this particular gonorrhea breakout.
"There is no multi-drug super resistant superbug yet in Hawaii or the United States," Whiticir said. "We don't have the superbug in Hawaii ... but I think it does raise people's consciousness that gonorrhea is out there, there are new strains that are developing and evolving and we need to be aware of that and protect ourselves."
Part of the concern lies in the fact that simply because the drug-resistant gonorrhea is not currently relatable to the "sex superbug" does not mean it can't evolve into being so. This means that the gonorrhea strain could end up becoming more dangerous than AIDS, according to WebProNews.
The Center for Disease Control has asked Congress for $50 million to fund research into new gonorrhea infections, as the devastating reality about the "sex superbug" and gonorrhea strain still looms.
Here are a few ways you can make sure that your sex life is as safe as possible:
1. Educate yourself: It's important to be tested and to ask your partner about similar testing. Some diseases such as AIDS can take as long as three months to register, so it's best to be consistent about testing. If you don't trust your partner, you may want to reconsider.
2. Cover up: Using a latex condom is the surest way you can have safe sex, and make sure to never use the same condom twice. Latex gloves and dental dams are other good means for practicing safe sex.
3. Watch out for lubrication: Oil and latex don't mix (read: Oil-based lube can break down your latex condom, rendering it useless), so if you're using lubrication, be mindful of this fact and perhaps find other means of lube aside from Vaseline or other oil-based products. Try water-based products such as: KY Jelly, Wet and Astroglide.
If you have any other questions or concerns about the "sex superbug" or safe sex, iTech Post reminds you it's always best to consult with a physician or medical expert.
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