| Author | Topic |
hkhan
UNITED KINGDOM
|
 Topic initiated on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 - 12:35 PM 
Sexually Transmitted Infections(STI) & Reasons
we further the discussion going on under'any Canadians' under this thread and invite the participants as this is something public members from all backgrounds have been approaching us for. we welcome any updates and information including suggested solutions as below which i came across during a recent 5 day workshop on the topic at piccadilly circus london, organized by BASHH(british association of sexual health and hiv)
What are "core groups"?
Groups in the population with high rates of partner change who mix together & contribute disproportionaltely to STI transmission,e.g.commercial sex workers & their clients.
Wasserheitand Aral,adapting Hethcote and Yorke, 1984
"
pp Jackie Cassell
Prof. of Primary Care Epidemiology
Consultant in GUM(Genitourinary Medicine) & in Health Protection
Brighton & Sussex Medical School
UK
j.cassell@bsms.ac.uk |
|
HandS
UNITED KINGDOM
|
 Posted - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 - 12:42 AM 
Even in the days before penicillin became available in World War II to cure syphilis, the number of reported syphilis cases peaked at 575,000, and that total included individuals who never could be treated and developed the late stages of the disease that cause brain and heart damage.
Syphilis cases dropped to their lowest ever total in 2000 soon after health officials had announced a national syphilis elimination program.
But cases have risen each year since then to 9,756 cases in 2006. Most cases have involved gay men, who account for about 65 percent of cases, and to a lesser extent women. Also, a small number of cases have occurred among newborns.
The reference for this News is from the New York times
and the Link is http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/health/14diseases.html?_r=1&;ref=us&oref=slogin |
|
Shilba
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 - 1:31 PM
|
HandS
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 - 3:10 PM
New and Grevious problems in MSM-(Men having sex with Men)
STIs bringing new diagnostic challenges
A new outbreak of the sexually transmitted infection lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) has been detected in the UK, say experts.
Professor Catherine Ison from the Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections in London says: "From October 2004 to the end of April 2007, 492 cases of LGV were diagnosed in the UK. These cases were predominantly in men who have sex with men(MSM) and many of the patients were also infected with other STIs, particularly with HIV."
Very few cases have been detected in the UK and other developed countries until recently, but there are currently reports of an outbreak in Europe.
LGV is caused by certain strains of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, explained Professor Ison yesterday (November 28) at the Federation of Infection Societies Conference 2007 at the University of Cardiff, UK.
Overall, the number of STI cases has risen by two per cent in the UK this year. But cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea are slightly down.
Professor Ison said: "We have made advances in diagnosis by using molecular tests such as the nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) which give us a more accurate results, faster turnaround times and can be used with non-invasive samples.
"While the advances in technology have enabled progress in many areas, the new tests should only be used by experts who understand their advantages and disadvantages and can interpret the test results properly," she added. "We are very concerned that some of the new tests are being offered for sale over the internet, for home use, when they should really only be used in clinics."
Findings presented at the Federation of Infection Societies Conference 2007 held at the University of Cardiff, UK, from November, 28-30, 2007.
http://www.doctors.net.uk/news/article.aspx?newsid=7507 |
|
hkhan
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 9:46 PM
a few years back i saw an old asian lady in gynae clinic with genital warts. she was fully dressed in hijab and when i told her that it is a sexually transmitted infection, she was shocked. i felt v sorry for her when she opened up with me after listening to my sympathetic words;but something i wish more people in our muslim and asian community must be aware of-
that since she entered into menopause(age 50 +) she did not think that sex was important anymore in her marital life;although her husband reminded her frequently that he still needed her physical company but she thought it wud spoil her ibadah/worship etc. and she rather pray n fast as much as possible- specially when children were also grown up and getting married, having ther children, hence the lady thought they should now say gudbye to sex in their marital life.
however,she said, that her husband was not ready for this and she could regretfully think now that he had been out and about in commercial sex areas apparently despite being a person who prayed and fasted and kept a beard. she blamed herself for his misguidance and cried.
our older sisters and mothers must keep such facts in mind and must not make 'islam' a reason for such ignorant acts. rather look after themselves more around menopause and older age so that their poor husbands who are trying to abide by th elaws of God, are not compelled to enter into sin.
they must continue to buy n wear nice clothes, jewellery , makeup, perfumes, shoes etc for their 'old but gold'  hubbies, join them on holidays, walks, shopping etc both keeping themselves fit n healthy by looking after their diet and exercise etc. and even by seeing psycho-sexual counsellors /gynaecologists, general practitioners and other relevant practitioners depending on their area and availability, if they are having problem in function, libido, etc.
they have to do these things within the beautiful and reasonable limits our beautiful and uncomparable religion gives us-considering all this as well an ibadah/act of worship . our beloved prophet sws looked after himself untill his last years of life and remained active and muscular, not with a pot belly & lazy mind.
we obviously have to balance with our other efforts for hereafter, caring for those around us and sharing our happiness and peace with them.
ignorance is a killer. i hv therefore decided to work more on this sub-speciality subject of mine in community gynaecology specially in our community for young and old equally and hv also started to respond to the calls i have been receiving from the local media including channel 4, to discuss such issues amongst our community due to the hangovers quite a few of us have because of cultural and ignorance factors even about religion itself. |
|
HandS
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 8:55 PM
Here is a very important paper about the risk behaviour causing AIDS and some tips for tackling it.
How do sexual networks affect HIV/STI prevention?
Do networks affect transmission?
The different ways persons select partners affect how quickly HIV/STDs can spread. Exclusively monogamous persons are, by definition, not part of a sexual network. If both are HIV-negative they remain so.
Serial monogamists are persons who go from relationship to relationship one at a time. If they have unprotected sex, they have a higher risk of HIV/STDs than exclusively monogamous persons. Earlier partners’ risk may affect later partners.
Concurrent relationships involve having more than one sexual partner in a given period and going back and forth between them. This increases the probability for transmission, because earlier partners can be infected by later partners. Further, they can serve as “nodes”, connecting all persons in a dense cluster, creating highly connected networks that facilitate transmission. Concurrent partners can connect each of their respective clusters and networks as well. Concurrency alone can fuel an epidemic even if the average number of partners is relatively low.2
The two networks above show that what matters is not simply risk behavior, but risk configuration. Each has 8 persons (circles) connected into 9 relationships. Two persons each have 3 partners, and the other six each have 2 partners. Yet transmission will be less efficient in network A, and prevention will be more difficult in network B. In A, in just two steps from the index person, half the network can be infected and half spared; in B, two steps can result in everyone being infected except for the person on the extreme right. In A, sparing half the population from exposure requires cutting one bridge, while in B, it requires cutting three bridges. In a word, for epidemics, network structure is destiny.3
To follow the bridges and networks check the given link
http://www.caps.ucsf.edu/pubs/FS/networks.php |
|
HandS
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Tuesday, July 8, 2008 - 3:44 PM
> 1) LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX, SEXUALITY & FREE MIXING, E London, 7th July
> 2) OVER 35 MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT: Canary Wharf, 9th July
> 3) WEST OF LONDON MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT : Slough, 12th July
> 4) MUSLIM DOCTORS MARRIAGE EVENT: C London, 25th July
>
> 1) LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX, SEXUALITY AND FREE MIXING
>
> Date: Monday 7th July 2008
> Time: 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm
> Venue: Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LS
>
> Guest speakers include: Imam Suhaib Webb (USA), Shaykh Haitham
> al-Haddad (MRDF, UK) & Sister Humera Khan (An Nisa Society, UK).
>
> “Your women are a tilth for you so go to your tilth as you will,
> and send (good deeds) before you for your own selves; fear Allah
> and know that you will (one day) meet Him. (O Muhammad), give
> glad tidings to believers.” (Quran, 2:223)
>
> Allah (swt) is the One who has created sexual desire in humans, and
> if these are satisfied through halal means then one is rewarded. We
> also know of numerous hadith showing the Prophet's (saw) willingness
> to discuss these matters openly. It should therefore be obvious that
> education about issues related to sex is not only acceptable but
> important. Muslims may disagree about the age at which sex education
> begins, but some do not discuss the subject at all. As a result, the
> first introduction that their children receive regarding such matters
> is through TV, internet, school friends or even unlawful avenues. In
> his book Al-Majmu’ Sharh Al-Muhadhdhab, Imam An-Nawawi mentions that
> Imam Ash-Shafi’i is of the opinion that parents are obliged to give
> their children education about sexual matters in the appropriate way.
>
> With the rapid rise in matrimonial problems, the unfortunate fact
> that pornography is rife in parts of the Muslim world, and the
> confusion about sexuality and gender relations in the West, have
> our scholars and community leaders failed in addressing some of
> the most important problems facing the community today? Some of
> the issues that this discussion seeks to address are as follows:
>
> * If there is no such word for "free mixing" in Islam, why have
> our scholars used 'khalwah' or seclusion as its nearest equivalent,
> and why is there so much emphasis on trying to avoid free mixing,
> especially in the West where strict segregation between the sexes
> is not practically achievable anyway? Does simply speaking to a
> person of the opposite sex with whom you are not married suggest
> that you are trying to get closer to them on a sexual level, and
> are therefore doing something haram? What is the definition of a
> "mixed gathering"? How do we develop natural, modest, friendly yet
> non-flirty behaviour between members of the opposite sex without
> obsessing about free mixing?
>
> *What is the responsibility of the Muslim community towards people
> who are divorced and women in their 30s and 40s who are giving up
> hope of finding someone to get married to? Are we facing a generation
> of Muslims who are unlikely to get married and are resentful that the
> Muslim community has failed them? Could polygamy be a blessing in
> disguise if carried out in a just and responsible way?
>
> * Are you worried and ashamed that there is a growing generation of
> sexually frustrated young people in some parts of the Muslim world,
> especially the Gulf countries, where unnaturally strict segregation
> on the one hand, and bombardment with images of sexually attractive
> women and men through satellite TV and multimedia on the other, is
> leading to perversion, 'desperate' behaviour, and a dark underworld
> of illicit sexual activity?
>
> * How should the community deal with Muslims who are gay or lesbian?
> Should we whip them, should we simply accept them, or should we help
> them to recognise and overcome their situation?
>
> These discussions will be interactive and questions will be taken
> from the audience. This is your chance to ask and find answers to
> questions that have been bothering you for a long time but which
> organisations and movements are too afraid to address. Spaces are
> limited and seats will be allocated on a first come first served
> basis. All are welcome and entrance is free. Islamic Circles will
> be raising funds for its different projects. Note that this is an
> Islamic event, so perverts or those trying to undermine Islam need
> not attend.
>
> For further information please contact:
> Tel: 07956 983 609 / 07504 336 911
> E-mail: marriage@islamiccircles.org
>
> ***********************************************************************
>
> Islamic Circles presents:
>
> 2) OVER 35s MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT
>
> Date: Wednesday 9th July 2008
> Time: 6pm - 9pm
> Venue: 9/10 Jessop Square, Heron Quays, Canary Wharf, London E14 9JB
>
> DEADLINE FOR BOOKING: MONDAY 7TH JULY 2008
>
> A marriage event especially geared towards to Muslims
> of 35 and over. All Muslims irrespective of race,
> origin and statuses are welcome.
>
> This event is for sincere and serious people only,
> not time wasters and people with bad manners.
>
> Light refreshments will be provided. Registration will
> be at 6pm and latecomers will be penalised.
>
> Prior registration is compulsory so please book
> online at www.muslimmarriageevents.org
>
> For more information please contact:
> Tel: 07956 983 609 / 07504 336 911
> E-mail: marriage@islamiccircles.org
> Website: www.muslimmarriageevents.org
>
> ***********************************************************************
>
> Islamic Circles presents:
>
> 3) "WEST" OF LONDON MUSLIM MARRIAGE EVENT
>
> Date: Saturday 12th July 2008
> Time: 4pm - 7pm
> Venue: Langley Pavillion Community Hall, Langley Road, Langley, Slough SL3 8BS
>
> BOOKING DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY 9TH JULY 2008
>
> This event is aimed at those who are aged between 24-35
> years of age. Given the catchment area the majority will be of
> Pakistani orgin but it is open to all Muslims.
>
> Mahrams are strongly encouraged to attend and assist where possible.
> The profiles of brothers and sisters will be displayed for viewing
> and meetings are to be arranged at the venue. No attendance means
> no display of profiles. Only serious people are welcome to participate.
>
> Light refreshments will be available. Registration starts from
> 3.45pm and latecomers will be penalised. An attempt will be
> made to ensure that there is a balanced gender ratio. Spaces
> will therefore be limited and admission will be on a first
> come first served basis. Prior registration is compulsory so
> please book online at our website.
>
> Parts of the profits from the event will go towards Families
> Relief - Charity No: 1037782. For information about them please
> visit www.familiesrelief.org.uk
>
> For more information please contact:
> Tel: 07956 983 609 / 07504 336 911
> E-mail: marriage@islamiccircles.org
> Website: www.muslimmarriageevents.org
>
> ***********************************************************************
>
> Islamic Circles presents:
>
> 4) MUSLIM DOCTORS MARRIAGE EVENT
>
> Date: Friday 25th July 2008
> Time: 6pm - 9pm
> Venue: Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London E1 6LS
>
> BOOKING DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY 23RD JULY 2008
>
> This event is aimed at those in the Medical profession
> who find it hard to take time out to look for a spouse
> because of work schedules and the lack from support
> from established Associations of their respective
> fields. However it is open to all Muslims from all professions.
> Thus those who are doctors have been given advanced notice to plan
> and take time off from work and not turn up last minute!
>
> Mahrams are strongly encouraged to attend and assist where possible.
> The profiles of brothers and sisters will be displayed for viewing
> and meetings are to be arranged at the venue. No attendance means
> no display of profiles. Only serious people are welcome to participate.
>
> Light refreshments will be available. Registration starts from
> 5.45pm and latecomers will be penalised. An attempt will be
> made to ensure that there is a balanced gender ratio. Spaces
> will therefore be limited and admission will be on a first
> come first served basis. Prior registration is compulsory so
> please book online at our website.
>
> Parts of the profits from the event will go towards
> Doctors World Wide (Registered charity in the UK.
> Reg. No: 1089071), Doctors Worldwide (DWW)
> was established in April 2000 to provide medical relief
> and aid to those who are in need without any access
> or means to basic medical care. Since then, DWW
> has provided medical relief over 10 countries in
> 4 continents. For more information about DWW,
> please visit www.doctorsworldwide.org
>
> For more information please contact:
> Tel: 07956 983 609 / 07504 336 911
> E-mail: marriage@islamiccircles.org
> Website: www.muslimmarriageevents.org |
|
StudyingIslamUK
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Thursday, August 7, 2008 - 5:58 AM
Its a great contrast b/w what islam says about immoral relationship between opposite genders and which over the years Satan has been able to present as just normal whilst fading the concept of sin in this regard.
Chastity and Modesty
"The fourth directive mentioned is that no one should even go near fornication. The reason stated for this is that it is open lewdness and a very dreadful practice. The implication is that no argument is required to prove its awfulness and lewdness. Human nature, unless it is perverted, has always regarded it to be a grave sin and a terrible crime. It is an indubitable reality that the institution of family is as essential a need for a person as air and water are. This institution can only sustain on natural feelings and emotions if the relationship between the spouses is permanent. If this aspect is missing then a society can only consist of a bunch of animals which are devoid of natural and spiritual feelings and emotions; it cannot be founded on right footings.
It is this very terrible nature of fornication because of which the Almighty has not merely forbidden it; He has said to not even go near it. This means that one should keep away from things that may lead to it or may ultimately entice a person to it. The etiquette of gender interaction mentioned in the Qur’ān is stated for these very reasons. A summary of this etiquette is that a man a woman with regard to their physical and psychological needs should guard their gazes and properly cover their private parts and should not do something that rouses sexual emotions. The reason for this is that when Satan wants to give currency to fornication in a society, he first of all begins from these places. It is evident from the Qur’ān that it was through this very way that he had attacked Adam and Eve. On this very basis, popularizing fornication and creating opportunities which lead to it are regarded a crime by the Almighty."
Studying Islam |
|
HandS
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Monday, December 1, 2008 - 10:59 AM
International AIDS Day
1st Dec
One quarter of the women in Sub-Saharan Africa are HIV positive by age 22. This shows the oppression of women like everywhere else in the world. Men do not tend to use condoms there and women have no right to ask them to use it.
Circumcision has been proved remarkably successful in preventing HIV transfer as Langerhen's cells in the foreskin is where the HIV virus resides the most. 50 to 60% reduction has been proved. However the application is not clear yet as men may take this as an advantage to take more risks.
Hence everything comes to education.People need to have other reasons for restraint than just the disease.
"HandS"
Health and Safety |
|
hkhan
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 8:24 PM
most people get scared when they are offered HIV test during routine SH check; generally it has stll not been accepted that a disease like AIDS could result because of today's lifestyle of free sexual networking amongst communities.
when channel 4 news visited our local community centre to interview us on this subject, they were not happy to hear that muslims believe that extra marital or premarital sexual activity could result in God's curse. they wished to hear reasons which did not involve God. there are lots of hygienic & medical reasons which we added; however the Divine Will for the mankind is to be aware of Him! because this is where his survival exists at the end of the day... |
|
hkhan
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Thursday, March 5, 2009 - 5:04 PM
|
mbellos
NIGERIA
|
Posted - Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 10:53 PM
Perhaps religious leaders need to think twice before speaking about any scientific subject. Also if the Pope would have been honest, would mention that Circumcision stands at the top of the list in preventive measures, not openly announced in the West yet due to the politico-religious reasons!
Finally if he was to speak the Truth, should have clearly said that religion teaches to restrain and hold back one's lusts, family unit must be promoted and sex must not be practiced outside the matrimonial bondage.
Giving only hints due to the diplomatic policy between faith and no-faith and saying protection is not the answer, gave a very confused message and an opportunity to the classes who are not in favour of religion anyway.
Check out the following News:-
Dear friends,
Pope Benedict's statement last week that condoms may aggravate the AIDS epidemic could put millions of lives at risk. Sign the petition to the Pope to take care not to undermine proven AIDS prevention work!
Take Action Now
Last week, on his first visit to Africa, Pope Benedict said that "[AIDS] cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems".
The Pope's statement is at odds with the research on AIDS prevention, and a setback to decades of hard work on AIDS education and awareness. With powerful moral influence over more than 1.1 billion Catholics in the world, and 22 million HIV positive Africans, these words could dramatically affect the AIDS pandemic and put millions of lives at risk. Worldwide concern is starting to show results and a willingness by the Vatican to revise the statement - sign our urgent petition asking the Pope to take care not to undermine proven AIDS prevention strategies:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/pope_benedict_petition
This is not a religious dispute, but a grave public health concern. Personal beliefs of Catholics and all people should be respected, and the Pope's advocacy for a culture of fidelity and respect could be effective in AIDS prevention if condoms were not also discouraged. The Catholic Church engages in a vast amount of social service work, including the care of those living with AIDS. But the Pope's claim that condom distribution is not an effective AIDS prevention mechanism is not supported by research. It's untrue, and if it diminishes condom use, it will be deadly.
The fact is, HIV and AIDS are prevented by condom use. There is no easy solution to the spread of this tragic disease, but condoms and education are the best known prevention combination and have not been found to increase risky sexual behaviour. That is why even priests and nuns working in Africa have questioned the Pope's statements.
We may not be able to ask the Catholic Church to change its broader position, but we are asking the Pope to stop actively speaking out against prevention strategies that work. It's important that people of all beliefs, especially Catholics, call on the Pope to exercise care in his leadership on this issue. Sign below then spread the word to your friends and family - this petition could actually save lives:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/pope_benedict_petition
25 million people worldwide have already died of AIDS, and 12 million children have been left without parents. If enough of us join this outcry, we will win an important battle in the struggle for a world without AIDS.
With hope,
Ricken, Alice, Ben, Graziela, Iain, Brett, Paula, Pascal, Luis, Paul, Veronique, Milena and the whole Avaaz team
PS - this campaign was polled among a randomized sample of 20,000 Avaaz members. Over 90% supported running the campaign, and over 75% of Catholic Avaaz members supported it.
Sources:
The official position of the UN and the World Health Organization on condoms and AIDS prevention:
http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/FeatureStories/archive/2009/20090319_preventionposition.asp |
|
hkhan
UNITED KINGDOM
|
Posted - Thursday, April 23, 2009 - 7:32 PM
On 23rd April 1984, the United States Health Secretary, serving under President Ronald Reagan, made the historic announcement of the discovery of a virus thought to cause AIDS. The virus would eventually be known as HIV.
At her press conference Secretary Margaret Heckler made the astonishing prediction that a vaccine to prevent AIDS could be developed within two years.
Eric Sawyer who was infected with HIV in the 1980s was hopeful.
He reflects on the last 25 years - the friends he has lost, the rage that propels him to keep on living and the unfairness in being able to buy life.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8013896.stm |
|
 Reply to Topic 
Printer Friendly |
| Jump To: |
|
|
|