Question 1

What is vaginismus?

Accepted Answer

Vaginismus is currently defined in the DSM 4 (2000) as a “recurrent or persistent involuntary spasm of the musculature of the outer third of the vagina that interferes with sexual intercourse.

The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty these unintentional muscle spasms occur when something, a penis, finger, tampon or medical instrument attempt to penetrate the vagina. The spasms may be mildly uncomfortable or very painful.

Question 2

What causes Vaginismus? Is it caused by sexual abuse?

Accepted Answer

The exact cause of Vaginismus remains unknown and unclear. It is usually not the result of sexual abuse but occasionally we see vaginismus in patients who have suffered from abuse

Question 3

Can vaginismus miraculously disappear?

Accepted Answer

It’s unlikely that Vaginismus would go away on its own. Vaginismus is an involuntary tightness of muscles in the vagina. Since it is involuntary, Vaginismus can only be treated with dilation and Pelvic floor physical therapy. With the right treatment, it can nearly always be helped

Question 4

What are the symptoms of vaginismus?

Accepted Answer

Difficult, painful or impossible vaginal penetration during sex or insertion of anything into the vagina, including sex toys and tampons
Pressure in the vagina
Burning at the vaginal opening

Question 5

What are the types of vaginismus?

Accepted Answer

There are two main types of vaginismus.
Primary
This is when a woman has had pain every time something entered their vagina, including a penis (called penetrative sex), or when they’re never been able to insert anything into their vagina. It’s also called lifelong vaginismus.
Secondary
This is when a woman has had sex without pain before, but then it becomes difficult or impossible. It’s also called acquired vaginismus

Question 6

Could vaginismus be just in my head?

Accepted Answer

The muscle response can be attributed to a limbic system reaction and is not under the immediate direction or control of the woman. Therefore, regardless of the causes of vaginismus, there is always a distinct, sexually crippling, physical side to the condition. It is a condition in which different physical and/or emotional factors may play contributory roles, and so both should be examined as part of the treatment process

Question 7

Is small vagina a cause for vaginismus?

Accepted Answer

When a woman experiences penetration difficulties or tightness, it is rarely due to a small or abnormal vagina, and nearly always due to vaginismus.

Question 8

Could hymen be a cause of vaginismus?

Accepted Answer

Hymen problems rarely cause penetration difficulty.
 In very rare cases, women with unusually thick hymens may have penetration difficulties because of it. However, in practice, most women who believe their hymen is causing a penetration problem actually have vaginismus. Vaginismus is a much more common cause of penetration difficulties, and the symptoms can be almost identical to that of a hymen problem.
 We should encourage women suspecting hymen problems to complete a gynaecological exam with a knowledgeable specialist where issues like this can be discussed, and seek a second opinion when necessary.

Question 9

What are the risk factors for vaginismus?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare experts still don't know exactly what causes vaginismus, but some risk factors include prior surgeries, infections, or childbirth-related injuries, such as vaginal tears. Other risk factors are psychological; anxiety disorders and negative feelings about sex, perhaps stemming from past sexual trauma, are both linked to vaginismus. Individuals who have experienced relationship problems or had a painful first intercourse are at an increased risk for developing vaginismus

Question 10

What conditions are similar to vaginismus?

Accepted Answer

Vaginal atrophy: Lack of oestrogen after menopause makes the lining of the vagina thinner and drier (vaginal atrophy).

Vulvar vestibulitis (provoked vestibulodynia): This condition causes painful sex (dyspareunia). People may have pain from initial penetration throughout the entire experience.

Question 11

What symptoms do stis cause on perineal skin?

Accepted Answer

Warts,
Ulcers,
Inflammation,

Question 12

What symptoms do stis cause on abdomen and inguinal region

Accepted Answer

Abnormal masses or tenderness and inguinal lymph node enlargement

Question 13

What symptoms do stis cause on female genital system

Accepted Answer

Abnormal discharge,
Warts,
Ulcers,
Inflammation,
Vulvitis,
Itching  they can occur on labia vagina or cervix,

Question 14

What symptoms do stis cause on male genital system?

Accepted Answer

Ulcers warts redness itching on penis and genital area

Question 15

How do stis spread?

Accepted Answer

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections usually but not exclusively transmitted via the moist mucous membranes of the penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, rectum, mouth and pharynx during sexual activity

Question 16

What are the stis we know?

Accepted Answer

STIs include syphilis, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, genital warts, chlamydia,Mycoplasma genitalium, trichomoniasis and lymphogranuloma venereum(LGV). Chancroid and granuloma inguinale are STIs seen in tropical countries. Sexually transmissible blood-borne virusesincluding (HIV) and hepatitis B and C are those in which sexual contact is an important, but not the onlymode of transmission. Enteric hepatitis virus A and sexually transmittedenteric infections (STEI) including Salmonella and Shigella may be spreadby oro-anal sexual contact, although this is responsible for only a minorityof cases. Other viruses, including Zika virus and SARS-CoV-2.

Question 17

What are the most common symptoms of stis?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms: genital ulceration, rash, irritation, pain, swelling and urinary
symptoms, especially dysuria. Urethral discharge, vaginal discharge, pelvic pain
or dyspareunia. Testicular pain, abdominal and systemic symptoms

Question 18

Which stis present with urethral discharge in males?

Accepted Answer

Chlamydia gonorrohea mycoplasma genitalium and rarely trichomonas vaginalis,ureaplasma,hsv in males

Question 19

What diseases can present as genital itch?

Accepted Answer

Candidiasis acute/chronic Dermatoses, e.g.eczema or psoriasis Acute herpes Pthirus pubis (‘crab lice’) infection Lichen planus/sclerosis Balanitis(circinate,plasmacell,anaerobic or erosive) Vulvodynia

Question 20

Which diseases present as vaginal discharge?

Accepted Answer

Candidiasis,
Bacterial vaginosis,
Aerobic/anaerobic vaginitis,
Chlamydia,
Gonorrhoea,

Question 21

Which stis present with genital ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Most commonly Herpes

Question 22

Which stis present with proctitis?

Accepted Answer

Proctitis due to STI is almost exclusively diagnosed in MSM, but occasionally
presents in women. STIs that may cause proctitis include gonorrhoea,
chlamydia, herpes and syphilis

Question 23

Difference between HIV and aids

Accepted Answer

Hiv is a chronic manageable infection and AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection

Question 24

How Is HIV Passed From One Person to Another?

Accepted Answer

People get HIV through contact with body fluids that come from someone who has it. The most common ways that someone can get HIV are by:
Having sex  with a person who has HIV without using a condom,
Sharing drug needles or other drug equipment with someone who has HIV,
Using the same needle as someone with HIV when you get a tattoo,
Women with HIV can pass it to their babies before or during birth, and through breastfeeding

Question 25

Maximum transmission of hiv happens through?

Accepted Answer

Blood to blood contact, blood transfusion

Question 26

What are the stages of hiv aids infection?

Accepted Answer

According to CDC we have category A,B C. According to WHO we have stages 1, 2, 3, 4.

Question 27

When was HIV virus discovered?

Accepted Answer

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first recognized in 1981 caused by HIV virus

Question 28

How many types of HIV virus are there?

Accepted Answer

HIV-1 is the cause of the global HIV pandemic, while HIV-2, which causes a similar illness to HIV-1 but progresses more slowly and is less transmissible, is restricted mainly to western Africa.

Question 29

What does HIV virus do to the body?

Accepted Answer

HIV is an enveloped ribonucleic acid (RNA) retrovirus from the lentivirus family. After mucosal exposure, HIV is transported via dendritic cells to the lymph nodes, where infection becomes established. This is followed by viraemia and dissemination to lymphoid organs, which are the main sites of viral replication

Question 30

What are the tests for HIV?

Accepted Answer

Rapid tests, Rnapcr(NAT), HIV 4TH GENERATION TEST, Self testing kits , Westernblot,

Question 31

What is the most advanced test for identifying HIV?

Accepted Answer

HIV 1 and 2 RNA PCR can identify virus at and after 10 days of its entry or last possible exposure

Question 32

Is RNAPCR 100% accurate after 10 days

Accepted Answer

It is highly accurate(95-99%) when compared to other tests

Question 33

What is window period for HIV?

Accepted Answer

Time from the entry of organism into the body till a test can actually detect it.
RNA PCR FOR HIV1  10 DAYS,
HIV 4TH GENERATION TEST after 28 DAYS,

Question 34

What is 4th generation hiv test?

Accepted Answer

The 4th generation test detects antibodies of HIV 1 and 2 as well as P24 antigen of HIV 1, while the 3rd generation test detects only HIV antibodies. HIV P24 antigens are viral proteins that make up most of the core of the virus

Question 35

Is aids dangerous?

Accepted Answer

A person who is effected by hiv virus if left untreated will land into acquired immune deficiency syndrome or aids. Yes its dangerous if left untreated. ART(hiv treatment) should be started as early as possible

Question 36

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Accepted Answer

You cannot rely on symptoms to tell whether you have HIV. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, about two-thirds of people will have a flu-like illness. This is the body’s natural response to HIV infection.

Question 37

I had unprotected exposure yesterday. can I test myself now?

Accepted Answer

No you need to wait for the completion of window period minimum 10 days.

Question 38

Can hiv be cured completely?

Accepted Answer

As of now no medication can completely kill and remove the virus from the body. we can only slow down the replication and control the virus

Question 39

What are the symptoms of AIDS?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hiv infection leads to AIDS.
Symptoms of AIDS can include:
•	Rapid weight loss,
•	Recurring fever or profuse night sweats,
•	Extreme and unexplained tiredness,
•	Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck,
•	Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week,
•	Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals,
•	Pneumonia,
•	Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids,
•	Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders,

Question 40

What is treatment for hiv infection?

Accepted Answer

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a medication regimen used to manage and treat human immunodeficiency virus .

Question 41

Can hiv positive people have sex?

Accepted Answer

A Hiv positive person should avoid sexual activity if his viral load is high for ethical reasons.
when the viral load is undetectable and the other partner should start using PREP as soon as possible

Question 42

Do Only HOMOSEXUAL MEN People Get HIV?

Accepted Answer

SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY DOESN’T DECIDE  an HIV infection. You can get HIV from having sex -- without a condom -- with anyone.although present incidence of hiv is found to be high in MSM

Question 43

Does HIV increase the risk of getting other STI?

Accepted Answer

YES. HIV weakens the immune system making the person susceptible to all types of infections

Question 44

How can HIV be prevented?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding high risk behavior,
Using a condom ,
Avoiding sharing needles,

Question 45

Does masturbation cause HIV/ STI ?

Accepted Answer

The chances are very verylow.When there is no partner involved in masturbation there can be no chance of transfer.

Question 46

Can Latex Condoms Prevent HIV?

Accepted Answer

When used consistently and correctly, they're very good at stopping the spread of HIV during sex. But condom use can't give you 100%protection

Question 47

Can I Get HIV From Oral Sex?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's possible -- whether you're giving or getting oral sex. While no one knows exactly how risky it is, evidence suggests it has less of a risk than unprotected anal or vaginal sex

Question 48

Can I Get HIV From Anal Sex?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In fact, anal sex without a condom is very risky behavior. Either sex partner can become infected with HIV

Question 49

Is protected anal sex safe ?

Accepted Answer

When you have anal sex and use a latex condom. They're more likely to break during anal than vaginal sex, so also use a lot of water-based lubricant to lower the chance of that happening

Question 50

Should I use a condom during oral sex?

Accepted Answer

Yes. its better to using to avoid getting anystis when the health status of the opposite person is not known

Question 51

Can I Get HIV From Getting a Tattoo?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the person who gives you the tattoo uses the same needle that was used on someone who has HIV. That's because any activity that can result in blood getting passed from one person to another carries a risk of HIV infection

Question 52

Can I Get HIV From Someone Sneezing on Me or From Touching Someone's Used Tissue?

Accepted Answer

No. HIV is not passed on in sweat, saliva, or tears

Question 53

which body fluids contain HIV virus?

Accepted Answer

Body fluids that contain the highest concentration of HIV are blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and other fluids that contain blood

Question 54

Can holding hands and sharing a glass of water transmit hiv?

Accepted Answer

Holding hands or touching someone's skin won't cause you to get the virus.
Sharing a drinking glass with someone does not spread the virus

Question 55

Can HIV spread through kissing?

Accepted Answer

Open mouth (French) kissing is very low risk for getting the virus unless there are open sores in the mouth or there is blood present

Question 56

Why Should All Pregnant Women Get Tested for HIV?

Accepted Answer

HIV-positive mothers who get treatment during pregnancy have a much lower chance of passing HIV to their baby before, during, or after birth. The sooner you start treatment, the more effective it is

Question 57

What if I Test Positive for HIV?

Accepted Answer

Prompt, early medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well. We have good treatments today, and much better treatments are in pipeline people are living longer (near normal life span)and with a better quality of life than ever before

Question 58

How Long Does It Take for HIV to Cause AIDS?

Accepted Answer

Before HIV medicines became available, Scientists used to think that about half the people with HIV developed AIDS within 10 years after they were infected. However, current drug therapies have dramatically changed the outlook for people living with HIV

Question 59

Can the virus spread from an insect or mosquito bite?

Accepted Answer

No, HIV virus cannot be spread from an insect or mosquito bite. This is because, the virus cannot survive for long hours outside the human body and dies

Question 60

Do we need to fast or take any special precautions before getting tested?

Accepted Answer

There is no need for to take any special precautions or fast before the test. Also, you can get tested at any time of the day

Question 61

What should a person with HIV do to stay healthy?

Accepted Answer

A HIV positive individual should follow the medication procedure without fail. Apart from on-time treatment, leading a healthy and active life, staying relaxed and happy, eating a healthy diet and regular check-up with the doctor is very important to stay healthy and lead a normal life

Question 62

If both the parents are HIV, what are the chances of the child being HIV positive?

Accepted Answer

In case both the parents are HIV positive, the chances of baby being HIV positive is very high. But with latest advances in medical techniques, treatment options and proper check-ups, it is possible to have a HIV negative baby

Question 63

Do I need to take the drugs for lifetime, after being diagnosed with HIV?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, yes. A person with HIV has to take medications for the rest of the life but there might be changes in the concentration of the drugs that are recommended. Hence, regular check-ups  with a doctor is a must for people with HIV, in addition to following every safe measure to prevent progression of the infection

Question 64

What if the condom broke during sex? What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If it s been less than 72 hours after the incident took place, with the help of medication you can protect yourself from being infected with HIV. All you need to do is visit a local doctor and ask him about PEP, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

FAQs from Dr Durgashree Shetty

Sexologist in Bengaluru

Frequently Asked Questions to Dr Durgashree Shetty - Sexologist in Bengaluru