The use and physical effects of intravaginal substances in Zairian women
Article Abstract:
The use of intravaginal substances among women in Zaire to dry and tighten the vagina and enhance sexual pleasure may cause genital irritation and inflammation. Among Zairian women interviewed, most of the substances inserted into the vagina were fresh leaves from native plants, powders or stones. Both men and women preferred that the vagina be dry and tight during sexual intercourse. Twenty-one of 50 prostitutes and 17 of 49 non-prostitutes had used intravaginal substances in their lifetime. Only a few of the women used the substances regularly. Eight women had vaginal exams before and after inserting the leaf or powder they normally used. Six of the seven women who inserted leaves had signs of inflammation on the cervix and vaginal wall when the leaves were removed. None experienced any pain, itching or discharge. The eighth woman used a powder that did not produce inflammation but was gritty and could cause abrasions during intercourse. Further research is needed to see if these practices and the associated inflammation facilitate disease transmission.
Publication Name: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0148-5717
Year: 1993
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Evidence of thorough reporting of sexually transmitted diseases in a Southern rural county
Article Abstract:
Private physicians in the rural South appear to report more of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to the local health department than physicians in other regions. Previous research has shown that in regions of the US other than the South, physicians report only about 50% of STDs. During an eight-month period, researchers compared the number of gonorrhea and chlamydia cases reported by 24 physicians in rural North Carolina with laboratory tests results. For two months, investigators telephoned 19 of the physicians weekly to obtain STD reports. During the eight-month period of standard surveillance, physicians reported 72% of all gonorrhea cases and 55% of all chlamydia infections. These percentages increased during telephone surveillance when physicians reported 88% of gonorrhea cases and 79% of chlamydia infections. Approximately 10% of the STDs would not have been reported without the weekly telephone calls. Physicians commonly failed to report an STD because they misplaced information or felt that some STDs were less important to report.
Publication Name: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0148-5717
Year: 1995
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