There is a wide variety of sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted diseases, so take a look at the news, we have provided below and learn how to protect yourself against them.
What are STIs and sexually transmitted diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections are sexually transmitted infections or diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, anal and sex. Some sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted by syringes after being used by someone who is infected with an STD.

You can discover more about the wide variety of sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections below, as we have listed a lot of useful information on a number of the most widespread.

Types of infection

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in England. Chlamydia often has no visible symptoms, which means it can often not be diagnosed. However, once diagnosed, the infection can be treated.

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause pelvic pain, pain during sex, and sometimes bleeding between periods. Men can suffer from a swelling of the tube that leads from the bladder up penis, in addition to swelling of the tube leading from the testes to penis.

HIV is the most serious STDs. It attacks the body’s natural immune system, which usually defends the body against infection and disease.

HIV infects cells that are called CD4 cells and are responsible for the fight against infection. After getting the HIV virus, the CD4 cells are destroyed by HIV. This leaves a person who is infected with HIV with a high risk of developing an infection, or diseases like leukemia.

Where to Go

If you think you have a sexually transmitted disease or STD, there are many sexual health clinics to be able to offer tests and offer treatment. To find out where your local clinic is, simply contact your local health authority and they will gladly help.

On the other hand, you may visit Dr. which will also be able to help you. Do not be ashamed of the explicit nature of your problem – Dr. seen often related to sexual health.

Protecting Yourself

There are several ways to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections, although only abstinence is 100% safe. However, sexually active people can protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections and sexually transmitted diseases by ensuring that they regularly STI and STD testing.

By: Jade Simpson

Relaxation is the key. Have sex when you and your partner, both are relaxed. There is not a specific time to have sex. May it be the break of dawn, afternoon or the darkness of night. More important than time of day is the time you have to spend. Have a lot of time to have sex the first time. For ‘lot of time’ I mean at least the whole day, including sleep time.

So, what do you do if you haven’t had sex before? You were friends and now you are in a loving relationship and now you both are sure that the time is right to move on. But first of all make a mental check list of the things that matter. Here are a few thoughts:

Be sure you both want to go further. Alternatives are there – mutual masturbation and oral sex are often just as satisfying, for example. Find a comfortable place where you feel safe. The back seat of an auto, jeep, car or truck isn’t a great sensation enhancer. Sex is an intimate activity, but many times people are more reluctant to discuss it. If you can’t talk openly, then maybe you need to rethink your plans. You must be legally able to have sex. You must think about contraception and protection from sexually transmitted diseases. The latter being more important if one of you is not a virgin

So, let’s assume that you have taken care of all these things. Now, you are going ahead with one of the most blissful and fulfilling things that two human beings can do. You now need to know what to do. First of all, don’t fear. When you are aroused you will find the physical and emotional aspects of sex all come more naturally than you would ever have imagined. Communication is the key here. Tell your girl that it’s your first time. Is it her first time too? If not, then you are lucky (?), because she can help you. There’s no point pretending you are an experienced lover if you are not.

There is often a lot of pressure to have full sexual intercourse at the first time, but mutual masturbation is better than full sexual intercourse. She can bring you off by hand, or even by mouth. You can give her pleasure by hand or mouth. for most men, giving oral sex to a woman is a very, very exciting experience, because the scent and taste of such close sexual contact with a woman are very arousing indeed. Furthermore, when you come to put your penis inside her, it may be easier if you have spent some time gently playing with her vagina and vulva beforehand. Many couples like at an early stage of sex play is to have the man to gently put a finger inside the woman’s vagina: this can be exciting for both of them, and it can help give the man confidence that getting his penis in will not be difficult which it won’t be if she is well-lubricated.

For ‘that’ special day, eat something light. A heavy meal can make you sleepy. Don’t drink too much alcohol. It may also make his erection much more difficult to achieve and you want to spend more time in the bedroom than the bathroom anyway.

Use a condom if she isn’t on the pill or if you are unsure of each other’s sexual history!!

All in all, the happiness of the experience is mostly down to you being relaxed and happy with each other. Most likely your first time will be only moderately successful, but you need to expect that – don’t look for the earth to move – that will come later! What is most important is that you like being together and feel no regret, shame or embarrassment about the experience. Above all, don’t be insincere (e.g. don’t tell her you love her if you don’t!). My final word is one of caution – don’t go the whole way unless both of you really want to. Above all, don’t do it because you feel pressured to do it. Most of all, enjoy yourself. You will see how good it is to be a man!

The international development secretary, Douglas Alexander, promised £1bn over the next eight years to the fund, but campaigners said this fell far short of the G8 pledge to treble contributions by 2010. “This is only £125m a year. Currently the UK gives £100m a year,” said Steve Cockburn, of the Stop Aids campaign.

“It is astonishing how quickly promises become meaningless. In June the G8 promised to treble the size of the Global Fund by 2010, in order to tackle three diseases that kill 6 million people each year. Then in July, at the UN, Gordon Brown claimed moral leadership by warning the world that promises to tackle poverty and disease must be not be broken. Yet today the government has done exactly that, and sadly the effect will be felt by millions of people affected by Aids, TB and malaria across the world.”

The announcement at the labor party conference comes only two days before the start of a major Global Fund replenishment conference in Berlin, where the donor countries will meet to commit new money for drugs, prevention strategies and improvements to the health services of developing countries.

Campaigners, who include Oxfam and Action Aid as well as US groups, are concerned that the low offer from the UK will have an impact on the generosity of other European nations. The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, is hosting the conference and had been expected to make a substantial increase in Germany’s contribution. Beyond Europe, there are greater worries about the effect on the US. The US undertakes to provide a third of the money for the Global Fund – an amount that rises or falls according to other countries’ contributions. Campaigners – including Elton John writing in the Guardian on Saturday – had called on Britain to give £700m over the next three years.

UN AIDS today raises the bar again in a report that concludes that available resources for HIV/Aids must more than quadruple from their 2007 level if the world is to achieve the goal set by the G8 of universal access to treatment for all. Some $42.2bn (£20.9bn) will be needed by 2010, it says, rising to $54bn by 2015.

The health department would not give them clearance to employ Pelela, but they also refused to give them a statement saying it was not a violation to employ him. The restaurant’s owners felt they had no choice but to let him go, so Pelela was fired in October 2005. Attorney Joyce L. Davis of Raleigh, NC, then enlisted the help of Lambda Legal to sue the restaurant under the Americans With Disabilities Act. Lambda Legal is a national legal organization that sues businesses for perceived civil rights infringements, on behalf of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and people who are HIV-positive.

Attorney Andrew Hanley of Wilmington, NC, who represented the restaurant, said that the owners felt they had done the right thing by firing Pelela, and they thought they had a strong defense. But they could not afford to fight Lambda Legal in federal court, so they were forced to settle with Pelela out of court for an undisclosed amount of money. “It’s just one of those issues,” Hanely said, “Where if you’re a mom-and-pop business, it’s hard to fight these national interest groups.” In addition, the restaurant had to promise that it will conduct training sessions about how HIV is transmitted, and will ensure that it does not discriminate against employees who are HIV-positive.

“There is no risk of transmission of HIV through the preparation of food, yet myths about transmission are clearly running rampant,” said Greg Nevins, senior staff attorney in Lambda Legal’s Southern Regional Office in Atlanta. “We are happy to see the owners of this restaurant instituting a policy based on the facts and training their employees on the truth about HIV transmission.”

The website of the Centers for Disease Control says people can be infected with HIV if “infected blood gets into a worker’s open cut or a mucous membrane (for example, the eyes or inside of the nose).” The site also says that “CDC has investigated only one case of HIV infection that may be attributed to contact with blood during open-mouth kissing.” So evidently there has been at least one person who contracted HIV after HIV-positive blood made contact with their mouth. Since a prep chef might knick his finger without knowing it, and the salad he just prepared might be eaten by a patron who doesn’t know there could be a drop of HIV-positive blood in it, the restaurant’s decision to fire Pelela seems overwhelmingly reasonable. What doesn’t seem reasonable is for the owners of a small restaurant to have to pay him a large sum of money just because they were trying to protect their customers.

The settlement was reached in January. In the meantime, Pelela has found another job and will not return to work at The Causeway Cafe.

Medical abbreviations can be found in the medical as well as non-medical literature. Many of the common medical abbreviations are frequently used in physician orders, to write prescriptions, complete the patient charts and medical records as well as in communication. They boost brevity, convenience and efficiency as long as wisely used. They also save the time of medical professionals who would otherwise have to write very lengthy medical terms. However, you need to avoid certain abbreviations to avoid confusion and mistakes. There are thousands of medical abbreviations and it may be difficult for you to remember all the short forms.

List of Medical Acronyms and Abbreviations for Medical Terms
Following is an A to Z list of medical abbreviations and acronyms used as short forms for medical terms. This list contains more than just common medical abbreviations, and would be helpful to you as a reference to know the meaning of abbreviations used in medical fields and specialties.
Abbreviation Medical Term
AAA Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
AAD Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
AAO Alert, awake and oriented
AAS Acute Abdominal Series
AB Abortion
ab, abs Abdomen or Abdominal
ABD Abdomen
ABE Acute Bacterial Endocarditis
ABG Arterial Blood Gas
ABI Acquired Brain Injury
AC Before eating
ACB Aortocoronary Bypass
ACD Anemia of Chronic Disease
ACE Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme
ACL Anterior Cruciate Ligament
ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support
ACS Acute Coronary Syndrome
ACTH Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
AD Alzheimer’s Disease
ADA Adenosine Deaminase
ADD Attention Deficit Disorder
ADH Antidiuretic Hormone
ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADR Adverse Drug Reaction
ADR Acute Dystonic Reaction
AE Hyperkalemia
AED Antiepileptic Drug
AED Automated External Defibrillator
AF Atrial Fibrillation or afebrile
AF Amniotic Fluid
AFB Acid Fast Bacteria
AFP Alpha-fetoprotein
AGN Acute Glomerulonephritis
AI Artificial Insemination or Aortic Insufficiency
AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
AIDP Acute Infectious and Parasitical Diseases
AIDP Autoimmune Progesterone Dermatitis
AIDP Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
AIN Acute Interstitial Nephritis
AKA Above the Knee Amputation
ALA Aminolevulinic Acid
Alc Alcohol
ALD Alcoholic Liver Disease
ALG Antilymphocytic Globulin
ALI Acute Lung Injury
ALL Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
ALP Alkaline Phosphatase
ALPS Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome
ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
ALT Alanine Transaminase
amb Ambulate
AMI Acute Myocardial Infarction
AML Acute Myeloid Leukemia
AMS Acute Mountain Sickness
ANA Anti-nuclear Antibody
ANS Autonomic Nervous System
AODM Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2 Diabetes)
AOM Acute Otitis Media
APC Atrial Premature Contraction
APD Adult Polycystic Disease
APECED Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy
APH Antepartum Hemorrhage
APKD Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease
APLS Antiphospholipid Syndrome
APR Abdominoperineal Resection
APS Autoimmune Polyendocrine/Polyglandular Syndrome
APTT Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time
ARC AIDS-related Complex
ARDS Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
ARF Acute Renal Failure
Arg Arginine
ARM Artificial Rupture of Membranes
ART Antiretroviral Therapy
ARVC Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
ARVD Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia
AS Aortic Stenosis
ASA Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)
ASAP As soon as possible
ASCAD Arteriosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease
ASCVD Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease (Arteriosclerosis)
ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASD Atrial Septal Defect
ASGUS Atypical Squamous Glandular Cells of Undetermined Significance
ASH, ASHD Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Heart Disease)
ASIS Anterior Superior Iliac Spine
ASO Antistreptolysin-O
AST Aspartate Transaminase
ATN Acute Tubular Necrosis
ATNR Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
ATP Adenosine triphosphate
ATP Acute Thrombocytopenic Purpura
ATS Anti-tetanus Serum
AV Arteriovenous/Atrioventricular
AVM Arteriovenous Malformation
AVR Aortic Valve Replacement
AXR Abdominal X-Ray
AZT Azidothymidine
a.a. Amino Acids
A-a gradient Alveolar to Arterial Gradient
A/G Albumin/Globulin ratio
A-V Arteriovenous
A-VO2 Arteriovenous Oxygen
BAC Blood Alcohol Content
BAL Blood Alcohol Level
BAL Bronchoalveolar Lavage
BAO Basic Acid Output
BAT Brown Adipose Tissue
BBB Bundle Branch Block
BBB L Left Bundle Branch Block
BBB R Right Bundle Branch Block
BC Blood Culture
BCAA Brached Chain Amino Acid
BCC Basal Cell Carcinoma
BCG Bacille Calmette-Guerin (Tuberculosis Vaccination)
BCP Birth Control Pill
BD Bipolar Disorder
BDD Body Dysmorphic Disorder
BDI Beck Depression Inventory
BE Barium Enema
BEE Basal Energy Expenditure
BGAT Blood Glucose Awareness Training
BGL Blood Glucose Level
bid Twice a day
BiPAP Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
BiVAD Bilateral Ventricular Assist Device
BK Bradykinin
BKA below-the-knee amputation
bld Blood
BM Bone Marrow
BM Bowel Movement
BMC Bone Mineral Content
BMD Bone Mineral Density
BMI Body Mass Index
BMP Blood Metabolic Profile
BMR Basal Metabolic Rate
BMT Bone Marrow Transplant
BNP Brain Natriuretic Peptide
BOM Bilateral Otitis Media
BOOP Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia
BP Blood Pressure
BPAD Bipolar Affective Disorder
BPD Borderline Personality Disorder
BPH Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
BPM Beats Per Minute
BPPV Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
BRBPR Bright Red Blood Per Rectum
BRCA 1 Breast Cancer 1 (human gene and protein)
BS Blood Sugar
BS Breathe Sound, Bowel Sounds
BSA Body Surface Area
BSE Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
BSL Blood Sugar Level
BRBPR Bright Red Blood Per Rectum
BRP Bathroom Priviledges
BT Bleeding Time
BTL Bilateral Tubal Ligation
BTP Breakthrough pain
BUN Blood Urea Nitrogen
BVP Biventricular Vaginosis
BW Body Weight
BX Biopsy
CA Carcinoma
CA Cancer
Ca Calcium
CAA Crystalline Amino Acids
CABG Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
CAD Coronary Artery Disease
CADASIL Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy
CAG Coronary Artery Graft
CAG Coronary Angiography
CAH Chronic Active Hepatitis
CAH Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
cAMP Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate
CAPD Central Auditory Processing Disorder
CAPD Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Caps Capsule
CAT Computed Axial Tomography
CBC Complete Blood Count
CBG Capillary Blood Gas
CBS Chronic Brain Syndrome
cc Cardiac Catheter
CC Chief Complaint
CCF Congestive Cardiac Failure
CCK Cholecystokinin
CCR Cardiocerebral Resuscitation
CCU Coronary Care Unit
CCU Clean Catch Urine
CCV Critical Closing Volume
CDH Congenital Dislocated Hip
CDP Cytosine Diphosphate
CEA Carcinoembryonic Antigen, Carotid Endarterectomy
CF Cystic Fibrosis
CFS Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
CGL Chronic Granulocytic Leukemia
cGMP Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate
CGN Chronic Glomerulonephritis
CH Congenital Hypothyroidism
CHD Chronic Heart Disease
CHD Coronary Heart Disease
ChE Cholinesterase
CHF Congestive Heart Failure
CHO Carbohydrate
Chol Cholesterol
CHT Congenital Hypothyroidism
CI Cardiac Index
CICU Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
CIDP Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
Circ Circumcision
CIS Carcinoma in situ
CJD Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
CKD Chronic Kidney Disease
CKMB MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase
CLL Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
CML Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia/Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
CMML Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia
CMP Cytosine Monophosphate
CMS Chronic Mountain Sickness
CMV Cyomegalovirus
CN Cranial Nerves
CNS Central Nervous System
CO Cardiac Output, Carbon Monoxide
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
COAD Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease
COCP Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
COLD Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
Conj Conjunctiva
COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COX-1 Cyclooxygenase 1
CP Cerebral Palsy
CP Chest Pain
CPAP Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
CPK Creatine Phosphokinase
CPKMB Creatine Phosphokinase heart
CPP Cerebral Perfusion Pressure
CPR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPT Current Procedural Terminology
CrCl Creatinine Clearance
CREST Calcinosis Raynaud Esophagus Sclerosis Teleangiectasiae
CRF Chronic Renal Failure
CRF Corticotropin-releasing factor
CRH Corticotropin-releasing hormone
CRI Chronic Renal Insufficiency
CRNS Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
CRP C-Reactive Protein
CRT Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
CsA Ciclosporin A
CSF Cerebrospinal Fluid
CT Computerized Tomography
CTA Computed Tomography Angiography
CTP Cytosine Triphosphate
CTS Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
CTU Cancer Treatment Unit
CTX Ceftriaxone Contractions
CV Cardiovascular
CVA Costovertebral Angle
CVA Cerebrovascular Accident
CVAT CVA tenderness
CVC Central Venous Catheter
CVC Chronic Venous Congestion
CVD Cardiovascular Disease
CVI Cardiovascular incident
CVID Common Variable Immunodeficiency
CVP Central Venous Pressure
CVS Cardiovascular System
CXR Chest X-Ray
C/O Complaining of
C&S Culture & Sensitivity
C-Section Cesarean Section
D5W 5% dextrose in water
DAT Direct Antiglobulin Test
DAT Diet as tolerated
DAW Dispense as written
DBP Diastolic Blood Pressure
DBS Deep Brain Stimulation
DBT Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
DC Discharge or Discontinue
DCBE Double Contrast Barium Enema
DCIS Ductal Carcinoma in situ
DCM Dilated Cardiomyopathy
DDD Daily Defined Doses
DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery
DDx Differential Diagnosis
DES Diethylstilbestrol
Detox Detoxification
DEXA Dual Energy X-ray Absorptionmetry
DHE Dihydroergotamine
DHEA Dehydroepiandrosterone
DHEA-S Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate
DHF Decompensated Heart Failure
DI Diabetes Insipidus
DIC Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
DID Dissociative Identity Disorder
DIP Distal Interphalangeal Joint
DiPer Te Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus
Dis Dislocation
DiTe Diphtheria Tetanus
DIU Death in Utero-Stillbirth
DJD Degenerative Joint Disease (Osteoarthritis)
DKA Diabetic Ketoacidosis
dl Deciliter
DLE Disseminated Lupus Erythematosus
DM Diabetes Mellitus
DMD Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
DMD Doctor of Dental Medicine
DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNR Do not resuscitate
DO Doctor of Osteopathy
DOA Drugs of Abuse
DOA Dead on Arrival
DOB Date of Birth
DOE Dyspnea on Exertion
DP Dorsalis Pedis
DPH Diphenylhydantoin
DPL Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage
DPT Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus-DPT vaccine
DSA Digital Subtraction Angiography
DSM Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
DT Diphtheria Tetanus
DT Delirium Tremens
DTA Descending Thoracic Aorta
DTP Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis
DTR Deep Tendon Reflex
DU Duodenal Ulcer
DUB Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
DVT Deep Vein Thrombosis
DX Diagnosis
dz Disease
D & C Dilation and curettage
D/C Discharge
d.d. Differential Diagnosis
EAA Essential Amino Acids
EACA Epsilon-aminocaproic acid
EBL Estimated blood loss
EBM Expressed Breast Milk
EBT Electron beam tomography
EBV Epstein-Barr Virus
ECF Extracellular fluid
ECG Electrocardiogram
ECHO Echocardiogram
ECMO Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
ECT Electroconvulsive Therapy
ED Erectile Dysfunction
ED Ectodermal Dysplasia
EDD Estimated Date of Delivery
EDH Epidural Hematoma
EDM Esophageal Doppler Monitor
EDTA Ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid
EEG Electroencephalogram
EEX Electrodiagnosis
EF Ejection Fraction
EFAD Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency
EGD Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EI Emotional Intelligence
EKG Electrocardiogram
ELISA Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay
EmBx Endometrial Biopsy
EMF Endomyocardial Fibrosis
EMG Electromyography
EMR Electronic Medical Record
EMU Early Morning Urine Sample
EMV Eyes, motor, verbal response
ENT Ear, Nose and Throat
EOM extraocular Muscles
EOMI Extraocular Movements Intact
EPH Edema Proteinuria Hypertension
EPO Erythropoietin
EPS Electrophysiology
EQ Emotional Intelligence Quotient
ER Emergency Room
ERCP Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
ESBL Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase
ESR Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
ESRD End-Stage Renal Disease
ESV End-systolic Volume
ESWL Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
ET Endotracheal
Etiol Etiology
ETOH Ethanol
ETS Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy
ETT Endotracheal Tube
EUA Examination under Anesthesia
EUP Extrauterine Pregnancy
EUS Endoscopic Ultrasonography
EVAR Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
EVF Erythrocyte Volume Fraction
Exam Examination
Exp Lap Exploratory Laparotomy
E. Coli Escherichia Coli bacteria
F Fahrenheit
Fab Fragment Antigen Binding
FAMMM Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome
FAP Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
FB Foreign Body
FBC Full Blood Count
FBE Full Blood Exam
FBG Fasting Blood Glucose
FBS Fasting Blood Sugar
FDA Food and Drug Administration
FDC Follicular Dendritic Cells
FDIU Foetal Demise in Utero
FDP Fibrin Degradation Product
Fe Iron
fem Female
FEV Forced Expiratory Volume
FFA Free Fatty Acids
FFP Fresh Frozen Plasma
FHR Fetal Heart Rate
FHS Fetal Heart Sound
FHT Fetal Heart Tones
FHx Family History
Flu Influenza
FMF Fetal Movements Felt
FMP First Menstruation Period (Menarche)
fMRI Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
FNA Fine Needle Aspiration
FNAB Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy
FNAC Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
FNC Full Nursing Care
FNH Focal Nodular Hyperplasia
FOBT Fecal Occult Blood Test
FOS Full of Stool
FPG Fasting Plasma Glucose
FRC Functional Residual Capacity
FROM Full Range of Motion
FSBS Finger-stick Blood Sugar
FSE Fetal Scalp Electrode
FSH Follicle-stimulating Hormone
FTA Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody
FTA-ABS Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption
FTT Failure to thrive
FU Follow-up
FUO Fever of Unknown Origin
FVC Forced Vital Capacity
FWB Full Weight Bearing
Fx, # Fracture
F/C Fevers and/or Chills
G Gravidity
G6PD Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase
GA General Anaesthesia
GABA Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
GAD Generalized Anxiety Disorder
GB Gallbladder
GBM Glomerular Basement Membrane
GC Gonorrhea or Gonococcus
GCA Giant Cell Arteritis
GCS Glasgow Coma Scale
GDA Gastroduodenal Artery
GDLH Glutamate Dehydrogenase
GDP Guanosine Diphosphate
GERD Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
GETT General by Endotracheal Tube
GFR Glomerular Filtration Rate
GGT Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase
GH Growth Hormone
GHFR Growth Hormone Releasing factor
GI Glycemic Index
GI Gastrointestinal
GIFT Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer
GIST Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
GIT Gastrointestinal Tract
GITS Gastrointestinal Therapeutic System
GMC General Medical Condition
GMP Guanosine Monophosphate
GM-CSF Granulocyte-Monocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor
GN Glomerulonephritis (Nephritis)
GnRH Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
GOAT Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test
GOD Glucose Oxidase
Gomer Get Outta My ER
GORD Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
GOT Glutamic-oxalacetic Transaminase
GPT Glutamic-pyruvic transaminase
gr Grain
GRAV I First Pregnancy
GSW Gun Shot Wound
GTT Glucose Tolerance Test
GU Gastric Ulcer
GU Genitourinary
GVHD Graft-versus-host disease
Gym Gymnasium
Gyn Gynecology
GXT Graded Exercise Tolerance (stress test)
HA, H/A Headache
HA Hypertonia Arterialis
HAA Hepatitis Associated Antigen
HAART Highly Active Anti-aetroviral Therapy
HACE High Altitude Cerebral Edema
HAD HIV-associated dementia
HAE Hereditary Angioedema
HAPE High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
HAV Hepatitis A Virus
Hb Hemoglobin
HB Heart Block
HbA Hemoglobin A
HbA1C Glycosylated hemoglobin
HbF Fetal Hemoglobin
HBP High Blood Pressure
HBsAg Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
HBV Hepatitis B Virus
HCC Hepatocellular Carcinoma
hCG Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
HCL Hairy Cell Leukemia
Hct Hematocrit
HCT Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
HCTZ Hydrochlorothiazide
HCV Hepatitis C Virus
HD Hodgkin’s Disease
HDL High-density lipoprotein
HDL-C High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
HDU High Dependancy Unit
HDV Hepatitis D virus
HEENT Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat
HELP, HELLP Hypertension, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets
HEMA Hydroxy Ethyl Methacrylate
Hema Hematest
HES Hydroxyethyl Starch
HETE Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid
HEV Hepatitis E Virus
Hgb Hemoglobin
HGH Human Growth Hormone
HGPRTase Hypoxanthine-guanine Phosphoribosyl Transferase
HGV Hepatitis G Virus
HH Hiatus Hernia
HHT Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectisia
HHV Human Herpesvirus
HI Homicidal Ideation
Hib Haemophilus Influenzae B
HIDS Hyper-IgD Syndrome
HIT Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HJR Hepatojugular Reflex
HL Hepatic Lipase
HL Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
HL Hearing Level
HLA Human Leukocyte Antigen
HLA Histocompatibility Locus Antigen
HLHS Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
HMD Hyaline Membrane Disease
HMGR 3-hydroxy-30methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase
HMG-CoA 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA
HMS Hyper-reactive Malarial Splenomegaly
HMSN Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy
HN Hemagglutinin-neuraminidase
HND Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
HNPCC Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer
HOB Head of Bed
HOCM Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
HONK Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma
HPA Hypothalamic-Pituiatary-Adrenal Axis
HPETE Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid
HPF High Power Field (Microscopy)
HPI History of Present Illness
HPOA Hypertrophic Pulmonary Osteoarthropathy
HPL Human Placental Lactogen
HPV Human Papillomavirus
HR Heart Rate
HRT Hormone Replacement Therapy
hs Hours of Sleep
HSC Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin
HSG Hysterosalpingogram
HSM Hepatosplenomegaly
HSP Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
HSV Herpes Simplex Virus
HT, HTN Hypertension
Ht Height
HTLV Human T-lymphotropic Virus
HTPA Hypothalamic-pitutary-adrenal axis
HTVD Hypertensive Vascular Disease
HUS Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
HVLT High-velocity Lead Therapy
Hx History (medical)
h/o History of
H/H Henderson-Hasselbach Equation
H & E Hematoxylin and Eosin
H & H Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
h.s. At Bedtime
H-S Heel-to-shin test
H&M Hematemesis and Melena
H&P History and Physical Examination
I131 Radioactive Iodine
IA Intra-arterial
IABP Intra-aortic Balloon Pump
IAI Intra-amniotic Infection
IBC Inflammatory Breast Cancer
IBD Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IC Informed Consent
IC Intensive Care
IC Ileocecal
IC Immunocompromised
IC Interstitial Cystitis
IC Immune Complex
IC Intracardiac
ICCU Intensive Cardiac Care Unit
ICD Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator
ICDS Integrated Child Development Services Program
ICD-10 International Classification of Diseases – 10th revision
ICF Intracellular Fluid
ICG Impedance Cardiography
ICH Intracerebral Hemorrhage
ICP Intracranial Pressure
ICS Intercostal Space
ICU Intensive Care Unit
ID Infectious Disease or Identifying Data or Identification
IDA Iron Deficiency Anemia
IDC Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
IDC Indwelling Catheter
IDC Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma
IDDM Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
IDL Intermediate Density Lipoprotein
IDP Infectious Disease Precautions/Process
IF Immunofluorescence
IFG Impaired Fasting Glycaemia
Ig Immunoglobulin
IgA Immunoglobulin A
IgD Immunoglobulin D
IgE Immunoglobulin E
IgG Immunoglobulin G
IgM Immunoglobulin M
IGT Impaired Glucose Tolerance
IHC Immunohistochemistry
IHD Ischemic Heart Disease
IHSS Idiopathic Hypertropic Subaortic Stenosis
IM Intramuscular
IMA Inferior Mesenteric Artery
IMB InterMenstrual Bleed
IMI Intramuscular Injection
IMN Infectious Mononucleosis
IMS Irritable Male Syndrome
IMT Intima-media Thickness
IMV Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation
Inc Incomplete
Inf Injection
INF Intravenous Nutritional Fluid
INH Isoniazid
IO Intraosseous Infusion
IOL Induction Of Labor
IOP Intraocular Pressure
IP Interphalangeal Joint
IPPB Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing
IPPV Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation
IPS Intra-Peritoneal Sounds
IQ Intelligence Quotient
IRDM Insulin Resistant Diabetes Mellitus
ISA Intrinsic Sympathomimetic Activity
ISDN Isosorbide dinitrate
ISH Isolated Systolic Hypertension
ISMN Isosorbide Mononitrate
IT Interthecal
ITP Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
ITU Intensive Treatment/Therapy Unit
IU International Units
IUCD Intrauterine Contraceptive Device
IUD Intrauterine Death
IUD Intrauterine Device
IUFD Intrauterine Foetal Demise
IUI Intrauterine Insemination
IUP Intrauterine Pregnancy
IUS Intrauterine System
IV Intravenous
IVC Intravenous Cholangiogram
IVC Inferior Vena Cava
IVDU Intravenous Drug User
IVF In vitro fertilization
IVF Intravenous Fluids
IVP Intravenous Pyelogram
IVPB Intravenous Piggyback
IVU Intravenous Urogram
IVUS Intravascular Ultrasound
IV-DSA Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography
I&D Incision and Drainage
I&O Inputs and Outputs, Intake and Outputs
i.s.q. No change
JIA Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
JMS Junior Medical Student
JODM Juvenile-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
JRA Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
JVD Jugular Vein Distension
JVP Jugular Venous Pressure
K Potassium
KA Ketoacidosis
KBr Potassium Bromide
Kcal Kilocalorie
KCCT Kaolin Cephalin Clotting Time
kg Kilogram
KIV Keep in View
KLS Kidney, Liver, Spleen
KOR Keep Open Rate
KS Kaposi’s Sarcoma
KSHV Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated Herpes virus
KUB Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder
KVO Keep Vein Open
L Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)
L Lumbar vertebrae
LA Left Atrium, Lymphadenopathy
Lab Laboratory
LABBB Left Anterior Bundle Branch Block
LAD Left Anterior Descending-Coronary Artery
LAD Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
LAD Left Axis Deviation-Electrocardiogram
LAD Lymphadenopathy
LAE Left Atrial Enlargement
LAHB Left Anterior Hemiblock
Lam Laminectomy
LAP Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase
Lap Laparotomy
LAR Low Anterior Resection
LARP Left-Anterior, Right-Posterior
LAS Lymphadenopathy Syndrome
LASIK Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis
Lat Lateral
lb, LB Pound
LBBB Left Bundle Branch Block
LBO Large Bowel Obstruction
LBP Low Back Pain
LCA Left Coronary Artery
LCIS Lobular Carcinoma in situ
LCM Lymphocytic Meningitis
LCX Left Circumflex Artery
Lc of ch Laxative of choice
LDH Lactate Dehydrogenase
LDL Low Density Lipoprotein
LDL-C Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
LE Lupus Erythematosus
LE Lower Extremity
LEC Lupus Erythematosus Cell
LES Lower Esophageal Sphincter
LES Lupus Erythematosus Systemicus
leu Leukocytes
LFT Liver Function Test
LGL Lown-Ganong-Levine Syndrome
LGM Lymphogranulomatosis Maligna
LGV Lymphogranuloma Venereum
LH Luteinizing Hormone
Lig Ligament
LIH Left Inguinal Hernia
LLE Left Lower Extremity
LLL Left Lower Lobe
LLQ Left Lower Quadrant
LM Left Main
LMA Left Mentoanterior-Fetal Position
LMCA Left Main Coronary Artery
LMD Local Medical Doctor
LMP Last Menstrual Period
LN Lymph Node
LOA Left Occipitoanterior
LOC Level of Consciousness
LOP Left Occipitoposterior
LORTA Loss of Resistance To Air
LOS Length of Stay
Lot Lotion
Lp Lipoprotein
LP Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
LPH Left Posterior Hemiblock
LPL Lipoprotein Lipase
LPN Licensed Practical Nurse
LR Lactated Ringer’s Solution
LRTI Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
LTAC Long-term Acute Care
LSB Left Sternal Border
LSD Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
LUL Left Upper Lobe-Lung
LUQ Left Upper Quadrant
LV Left Ventricle
LVAD Left Ventricular Assist Device
LVEDP Left Ventricular End Diastolic Pressure
LVEF Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
LVF Left Ventricular Failure
LVH Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
LVOT Left Ventricular Outflow Track
Ly Lymphocytes
lytes Electrolytes
L&D Labor and Delivery (Childbirth)
L-DOPA Levo-Dihydroxyphenylalanine
M Murmur (heart murmur)
MAE Moves All Extremities
MAL Midaxillary Line
MAO-I Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor
MAP Mean Arterial Pressure
MAS Morgagni-Adams-Stokes Syndrome
MAST Medical Antishock Trousres
MARSA Methicillin and Aminoglycoside-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MAT Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia
MBT Maternal Blood Type
MC Metacarpal Bone
MCH Mean Cell Hemoglobin
MCH Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin
MCHC Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration
MCP Metacarpophalangeal Joint
MCV Mean Cell Volume
MC&S Microscopy, Culture and Sensitivity
MDD Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression)
MDE Major Depressive Episode
MDI Metered Dose Inhaler
MDS Myelodysplastic Syndrome
MEDLINE Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online
MEN Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
mEq milliequivalent
MeSH Medical Subject Headings
met Metastasis
MET Metabolic Equivalent
mg milligram
Mg Magnesium
MgSO4 Magnesium Sulfate
MGUS Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
MI Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
MIC Minimum Inhibitory Concentration
MICA Mental Illness and Chemical Abuse
MICU Mobile Intensive Care Unit
MIP Maximum Inspiratory Pressure
mL milliliter
MLC Mixed Lymphocyte Culture
MLE Midline Episiotomy
MM Myeloid Metaplasia
MMEF Maximal Mid Expiratory Flow
mmol millimole
MMPI Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Mo Monocytes
mod Moderate
mod Modified
MODY Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young
MOM Milk of Magnesia
Mono Infectious Mononucleosis (Glandular Fever)
MOPP Mechlorethamine, Vincristine, Procarbazine and Prednisone
MPD Myeloproliferative Disease
MPV Mean Platelet Volume
MR Mitral Regurgitation
MR Modified Release
MR Mental Retardation
MRA Magnetic Resonance Angiography
MRCP Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography
MRG Murmurs, Rubs and Gallops
MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRSA Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
MS Multiple Sclerosis
MS Mitral Stenosis
MS Mental Status
MSE Mental Status Examination
MSH Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone
MSM Methylsulfonylmethane
MSSA Methicillin-sensitive Staph aureus
MSO4 Morphine or Morphine Sulfate
MSU Midstream Urine Sample
MSUD Maple Syrup Urine Disease
MT Metatarsal Bone
MTBI Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
MTP Metatarsalphalangeal Joint
MTX Methotrexate
MVA Motor Vehicle Accident
MVC Motor Vehicle Crash
MVI Multivitamin Injection
MVP Mitral Valve Prolapse
MVPS Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome
MVR Mitral Valve Replacement
MVV Maximum Voluntary Ventilation
M&M Morbidity & Mortality
Na Sodium
NABS Normoactive Bowel Sounds
NAD No Abnormality Detected
NAD No Apparent Distress
NAS No Added Salt
NB Newborn
NBN Newborn Nursery
NC Nasal Cannula
NC Nerve Action Potential
NCC Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy
NCS Nerve Conduction Study
NCT Nerve Conduction Test
NCV Nerve Conduction Velocity
ND Not Done
Ne Neutrophil Granulocytes
NE Norepinephrine
NEC Not Elsewhere Classified
NED No Evidence of Recurrent Disease
Neg Negative
Neo Neoplasm
NES Not Elsewhere Specified
NFR Not for Resuscitation
ng Nanogram
NG Nasogastric
NGT Nasogastric Tube
NGU Non-Gonococcal Urethritis
NHL Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
NICU Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
NIDDM Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2 Diabetes)
NK Natural Killer Cells
NKA No Known Allergies
NKDA No Known Drug Allergies
NI Normal
NLP No Light Perception
NLP Neuro-Linguistic Programming
NM Nuclear Medicine
NMR Nuclear Magnetic Resoance
NNH Number Needed to Harm
NNT Number Needed to Treat
NO Nitric Oxide
No. Number
NOF Neck of Femur Fracture
Non rep. Do not repeat
NOS Nitric Oxide Synthase
NOS Not Otherwise Specified
NPH Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Npl Neoplasm
NPO Nil per os
NPTAC No Previous Tracing Available For Comparison
NRB Non-Rebreather Mask
NREM Non-Rapid Eye Movement
NRM No Regular Medications
NS Normal Saline
NSA No Significant Abnormality
NSAID Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
NSCC Non-squamous-cell carcinoma
NSD Normal Spontaneous Delivery (Natural Childbirth)
NSE Neurospecific Enolase
NSR Normal Sinus Rhythm
NST Non-Stress Test
NSTEMI Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
NSU Non-Specific Urethritis
NT Not Tested
NT Nasotracheal
NTG Nitroglycerin
NTT Nasotracheal Tube
NVD Normal Vaginal Delivery
NVD Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea
NVDC Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea and Constipation
n.s. Not Significant
N&V Nausea and Vomiting
O2 Oxygen
OA Osteoarthritis
Obl Oblique
OBS Organic Brain Syndrome
OB-GYN Obstetrics and Gynecology
Occ Occasional
OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCG Oral Cholecystogram
OCNA Old Chart Not Available
OCP Oral Contraceptive Pill
OCPD Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
OCT Optical Coherence Tomography
od Everyday
OD Right Eye (Latin: Oculus Dexter)
OD Occupational Disease
OD Overdose
OE Otitis Externa (Ear Infection)
OGTT Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Oint Ointment
om Every Morning
OM Otitis Media (Ear Infection)
OME Otitis Media with Effusion
on Every Night
OOB Out of bed
OPD Outpatient Department
OPPT Oriented to Person, Place and Time
OPV Outpatient Visit
OPV Oral Polio Vaccine
OR Operating Room
ORIF Open Reduction Internal Fixation
ORSA Oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
OS Orthopedic Surgery
OS Left Eye (Ltin-Oculus Sinister)
OSA Obstructive Sleep Apnea
OSH Outside Hospital
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Osm Osmolarity
Osteo Osteomyelitis
OT Occupational Therapy
OTC Over-the-counter Drug
OTD Out the Door
OTPP Oriented to Time Place and Person
OU Both eyes (Latin: Oculi Uterque)
oz Ounce
O/E On examination
O&P Ova and Parasites
P Phosphorus
P Post
P Pulse
PA Pulmonary Artery
PA Posteroanterior
PA Physician Assistant
PAC Premature Atrial Contraction
PAC Pulmonary Artery Catheter
PAD Peripheral Artery Disease
PAF Platelet Activating Factor
PAF Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
PAI-1 Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1
PAL Posterior Axillary Line
PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support
PAN Polyarthritis Nodosa
PAO Peak Acid Output
PaO2 Peropheral Arterial Oxygen Content
PAO2 Alveolar Oxygen
PAOD Peripheral Artery Occlusive Disease
Pap Papanicolaou Test (Pap Smear)
PAP Positive Airway Pressure
PAP Papanicolaou Stain
PAP Pulmonary Artery Pressure
PARA I Indicating a woman with one child
PAT Paroxysmal Atrial Trachycardia
PCa Prostate Cancer
PCA Patient Care Report
PCA Patient-controlled Analgesia
PCD Postconcussional Disorder
PCI Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
PCL Posterior Cruciate Ligament
PCN Penicillin
PCNSL Primary CNS Lymphoma
PCO Polycystic Ovary
PCOS Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PCP Pneumocystis Pneumonia
PCP Primary Care Physician
PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction
PCS Post-concussion Syndrome
PCV Packed Cell Volume
PCV Polycythemia vera
PCWP Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure
PD Parkinson’s Disease
PD Peritoneal Disease
PDA Patent Ductus Arteriosus
PDD Pervasive Developmental Disorder
PDE Phosphodiesterase
PDR Physician’s Drug Reference
PDT Photodynamic Therapy
PE Pre-eclampsia
PE Pulmonary Embolism
PE Physical Examination
PEA Pulseless Electrical Activity
PEEP Positive End Expiratory Pressure
PEF Peak Expiratory Flow
PEFR Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
PEG Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy
pen Penicillin
PERRL Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light
PERLA Pupils Equal and Reactive to Light and Accomodation
Per Vag Per Vaginam
PET Positron-emission Tomography
PFO Patent Foramen Ovale
PFT Pulmonary Function Test
pg Picogram
PGCS Paediatric Glasgow Coma Scale
pH Hydrogen Ion Concentration
Ph1 Philadelphia Chromosome
PH Pulmonary Hypertension
PHx Past History (medical)
PHTLS Prehospital Trauma Life Support
PI Present Illness
PI Pulmonic Insufficiency Disease
PICC Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
PID Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID Prolapsed Intervertibral Disc
PIH Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
PIP Proximal Interphalangeal Joint
PK Pyruvate Kinase
PKA Protein Kinase A
PKD Polycystic Kidney Disease
PKU Phenylketonuria
PLAT Tissue Plasminogen Activator
PLT Platelets
PMB Post-Menopausal Bleeding
PMH Past Medical History
PMH Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
PMI Point of Maximal Impulse
PMN Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
PMS Premenstrual Syndrome
PMR Polymyalgia Rheumatica
PMR Percutaneous Myocardial Revascularisation
PM&R Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
PND Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea
PNM Perinatal Mortality
POD Postoperative Days
POEMS Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal Protein, Skin Changes
poly Polymorphonuclear Cells
Post Posterior
POX Peroxidase
PP Post-partum
PP Postprandial or Pulsus Paradoxus or Pulse Pressure
PPCS Prolonged Post-Concussion Syndrome
PPD (Cigarette) Packs Per Day
PPD Postpartum Depression
PPD Purified Protein Derivative or Mantoux Test
PPH Postpartum Hemorrhage
PPH Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
PPH Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids
PPI Proton Pump Inhibitor
PPROM Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Ppt Precipitate
PPTCT (HIV) Prevention of Parent To Child Transmission
PPTL Post-Partum Tubal Ligation
PR Prothrombin Ratio
PRA Plasma Renin Activity
PRBC Packed Red Blood Cells
Preme Premature Baby
Prep Preparation
PRIND Prolonged Reversible Ischemic Neurologic Deficit
PRL Prolactin
PRN As Necessary
Prog Prognosis
PROM Premature Rupture of Membranes
PRP PanRetinal Photocoagulation
PRV Polycythemia rubra vera
PS Pulmonic Stenosis
PSA Prostate Specific Antigen
PSH Pscychosocial History
PSP Phenylsulphtalein
PSS Progressive Systemic Sclerosis
PSV Pressure Supported Ventilation
Pt Patient
PT Physical Therapy
PT Prothrombin Time
PTA Peritonsillar Abscess
PTA Post-traumatic Amnesia
PTA Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty
PTA Prior to admission
PTB Pulmonary Tuberculosis
PTC Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography
PTCA Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty
PTD Prior to Discharge
PTH Parathyroid Hormone
PTHC Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography
PTSD Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSS Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome
PTT Partial Thromboplastin Time
PTU Propylthioluracil
PTx Pneumothorax
PUD Peptic Ulcer Disease
PUO Pyrexia of Unknown Origin
PUVA Psoralen UV A
PVC Premature Ventricular Contraction
PVD Peripheral Vascular Disease
PVFS Post-viral Fatigue Syndrome
PVR Pulmonary Vascular Resistance
PVS Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
PVS Persistent Vegetative State
PWP Pulmonary Wedge Pressure
Px Physical Examination
Px Prognosis
p.c. After Food (Latin: Post Cibum)
p.o. By Mouth
p.r. Per rectum
p.v. Per Vagina
P&A Percussion and Auscultation
P&PD Percussion and Postural Drainage
P-Y Pack-years
q Each, every (Latin: Quaque)
q4h, q6h Every 4 hours, every 6 hours
QALY Quality-adjusted Life Years
QNS Quantity Not Sufficient
QOF Quality and Outcomes Framework
Qs/Qt Shunt Fraction
qt Quart
Qt Total Cardiac Output
q.a.d. Every Other Day (Latin: Quaque Altera Die)
q.AM Every morning
q.d. Each Day
q.d.s. Four Times Each Day
q.h. Each Hour
q.h.s. Every bedtime
q.i.d. Four Times Each Day
q.I. As much as you like
q.m.t. Every Month
q.n. Every Night
q.o.d. Every Other Day
q.o.h. Every other hour
q.s. AS much as suffices
q.w.k. Weekly
RA Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA Refractory Anemia
RA Right Atrium
rad Radian
RAD Right Axis Deviation
RAD Reflex Anal Dilatation
RAD Reactive Attachment Disorder
Rad hys Radical Hysterectomy
RAE Right Atrial Enlargement
RAI Radioactive Iodine
RAP Right Atrial Pressure
RAPD Relative Afferent Pupilary Defect
RBBB Right Bundle Branch Block
RBC Red Blood Cells
RBC Red Blood Count
RBP Retino-binding Protein
RCA Right Coronary Artery
RCM Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
RCM Right Costal Margin
RCT Randomized Controlled Trial
RD Retinal Detachment
RDA Recommended Daily Allowance
RDS Respiratory Distress Syndrome
RDW Red Cell Distribution Width
RELP Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism
REM Rapid Eye Movement
RES Reticuloendothelial System
RF Rheumatic Fever
RF Rheumatoid Factor
RFLP Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism
RFT Renal Function Test
Rh Rhesus factor
RHD Rheumatoid Heart Disease
RhF Rheumatoid Factor
RIA Radioimmunoassay
RIBA Radioimmunoblotting Assay
RICE Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation
RIH Right Inguinal Hernia
RIMA Reversible Inhibitor of Monoamine Oxidase A
RIND Reversible Ischemic Neurologic Deficit
RL Ringer’s Lactate
RLE Right Lower Extremity
RLL Right Lower Lobe-lung
RLN Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
RLN Regional Lymph Node
RLQ Right Lower Quadrant
RLS Restless Legs Syndrome
RML Right Middle Lobe-lung
RNA Ribonucleioc Acid
RNV Radionuclear Ventriculography
ROA Right Occipital Anterior
ROM Range of Motion
ROP Right Occipital Posterior
ROS Review of Systems
ROSC Return of Spontaneous Circulation
RPG Retrograde Pyelogram
RPR Rapid Plasma Reagin Test
RQ Respiratory Quotient
RR Respiratory Rate
RRR Regular Rate and Rhythm
RSI Rapid Sequence Induction
RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus
RT Respiratory Therapy
RTA Renal Tubal Acidosis
RTC Return to Clinic
RTS Revised Trauma Source
RU Resin Uptake
RUE Right Upper Extremity
RUL Right Upper Lobe – lung
RUG Retrograde Urethogram
RUQ Right Upper Quadrant
RV Right Ventricle
RV Residual Volume
RVAD Right Ventricular Assist Device
RVF Right Ventricular Failure
RVH Right Ventricular Hypertrophy
RVSP Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure
RVT Renal Vein Thrombosis
Rx Prescription Drug or medical treatment
r/g/m rubs/gallops/murmurs
R/O Rule Out
S Sacrum
S1 First Heart Sound
S2 Second Heart Sound
SA Sinoatrial Node
SAA Syntheric Amino Acid
SAB Staphylococcal Bacteremia
SAB Spontaneous Abortion (Miscarriage)
SAH Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
SAN Sinoatrial Node
SaO2 Oxygen Saturation of Artial Blood
SAPS II Simplified Acute Physiology Score
SAPS III Simplified Acute Physiology Score
SARS Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Sat Saturation
SB Small Bowel
SBE Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis
SBFT Small Bowel Follow Through
SBO Small Bowel Obstruction
SBP Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
SBP Systolic Blood Pressure
SBS Short Bowel Syndrome
SCC Squamous Cell Carcinoma
SCID Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
Scope Microscope or Endoscope
SCr Serum Creatinine
SD Standard Deviation
SDH Subdermal Hematoma
Sed Sedimentation
Segs Segmented Cells
SEM Systolic Ejection Murmur
SFA Serum Folic Acid
SFA Superficial Femoral Artery
SGA Small for Gestational Age
SGGT Serum Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase
SGOT Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase
SGPT Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase
SG cath Swan-Ganz Catheter
SHBG Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
SHx Social history
SHx Surgical History
SI Suicidal Ideation
SI Seriously Ill
SI International System of Units
SI Sacroiliacal (SI Joint)
SIADH Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone
SICU Surgical Intensive Care Unit
SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
sig Write on label
SIMV Synchronized Intermittent Mechanical Ventilation
SIT Stress Inoculation Training
SK Streptokinase
sl Sublingual
SLE Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
SLR Straight Leg Raise
SM Multiple Sclerosis
SMA Superior Mesenteric Artery
SMA Sequential Multiple Analysis
SMA Spinal Muscular Atrophy
SMA-6 Six-channel Serum Multiple Analysis
SMA-7 Serum Metabolic Assay
SMO Slips made out
SMS Senior Medical Student
SMT Spinal Manipulative Therapy
SMV Superior Mesenteric Vein
SN Student Nurse
SNB Sentinel Node Biopsy
SNP Sodium Nitroprusside
SNRI Serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
SOAP Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
SOB Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
SOBOE Short of Breath On Exercise
Sol Solution
SOL Space Occupying Lesion
SOOB Send Out of bed
SOS Save Our Souls
SP Status Post
Spec Specimen
SPECT Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
SPEP Single Protein Electrophoresis
SPET Single Photon Emission Tomography
Sp. Fl. Spinal Fluid
Sp. Gr. Specific Gravity
Sq Subcutaneous
SR Slow Release
SROM Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes
SS Sickle-cell disease (anemia)
SSRI Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
SSS Sick Sinus Syndrome
SSSS Staphylococcal Sclaed Skin Syndrome
Staph Staphylococcus
STD Sexually Transmitted Disease
STAT Immediately
STEMI ST Elevation MI (Myocardial Infarction)
STH Somatotropic Hormone
STI Soft Tissue Injury
STI Sexually Transmitted Infection
STNR Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
STOP Surgical Termination of Pregnancy
Strep Streptococcus
STS Serological Test for Syphilis
Subq Subcutaneous
Supp Suppository
SV Seminal Vesicle
SV Stroke Volume
SVD Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery
SVI Systemic Viral Infection
SVN Small Volume Nebulizer
SVR Systemic Vascular Resistance
SVT Supraventricular Tachycardia
Sx Symptoms
Sx Surgery
SXA Single Energy X-ray Absorptiometer
SXR Skull X-ray
Sz Seizure
s.c. Subcutaneous
s.d. Subdermal
S&E Sugar and Acetone
T Thoracic Vertebrae
Tab Tablet
TAB Therapeutic Abortion
TAH Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
TB, TBC Tuberculosis
TBC Total Body Crunch
TBG Total Binding Globulin
TBI Total Body Irradiation
TBI Traumatic Brain Injury
TBLC Term Birth Living Child
TC Traffic Crash
TCC Transitional Cell Carcinoma
TCN Tetracycline
TCT Thrombin Clotting Time
Td Tetanus and Diphtheria
TdP Torsades de pointes
TEB Thoracic Electrical Bioimpedance
TEE Transesophageal Echocardiogram
TEM Transmission Electron Microscopy
Temp Temperature
TENS Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator
TERN Intern
TF, T/F Transfer
TFTs Thyroid Function Tests
Tg Thyroglobulin
TG Triglycerides
TGA Transposition of the Great Arteries
THR Total Hip Replacement
TIA Transient Ischemic Attack
TIBC Total Iron Binding Capacity
Tib-Fib Tibia and Fibula
TIG Tetanus Immune Globulin
TIPS Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt
TKR Total Knee Replacement
TKVO To Keep Vein Open
TLC Total Lung Capacity
TLC Total Leucocyte Count
TLC Tender Loving Care
TLR Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex
TM Tympanic Membrane
TM Transcendental Meditation
TMB Too Many Birthdays
TME Total Mesorectal Excision
TNF Tumor Necrosis Factors
TMJ Temporomandibular Joint
TNG Trinitroglycerin
TNM Tumor-Nodes-Metastases
TNTC Too numerous to count
TO Telephone Order
TOA Tuboovarian Abscess
TOD Transoesophageal Doppler
TOE Transoesophageal Echocardiogram
TOP Termination Of Pregnancy (Abortion)
TOPV Trivalent Oral Polio Vaccine
TP Totyal Protein
TPa Tissue Plasminogen Activator
TPN Total Parenteral Nutrition
TPR Temperature, Pulse, Respiration
Tr Tincture
TR Tricuspid Regurgitation
TRAM Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap
TRF Transfer
TRF’d Transferred
TRH Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone
TS Tricuspid Stenosis
TSH Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Tsp Teaspoon
TT Thrombin Time
TTE Transthoracic Echocardiogram
TTO To Take Out
TTP Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
TTR Transthyretin
TTS Transdermal Therapeutic System
TTTS Twin To Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Tu Tumor
TUR Transurethral Resection
TURBT Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor
TURP Transurethral Resection of Prostate
TV Tridal Volume
TVH Total Vagina Hysterectomy
tw Twice a week
Tx Treatment
Tx Transplatation (Organ Transplant)
Tx Traction
t.d.s. Three Times a day
t.i.d. Three times a day
T.S.T.H. Too sick to send home
T&A Tonsillectomy with Adenoidectomy
T&C Type and cross-match (Blood Transfusion)
T&H Type and Hold
UA Urinanalysis
UAC Uric Acid
UAC Umbilical Artery Catheter
UAO Upper Airway Obstruction
UBD Universal Blood Donor
UBT Urea Breath Test
UC Umbilical Cord
UC Ulcerative Colitis
UCHD Usual Childhood Disease
UD As directed
UDS Urine Drug Screening
UE Upper Extremity
UFH Unfractionated Heparin
UGI Upper Gastrointesinal
Ung Ointment
Unk Unknown
UOP Urinary Output
UPJ Ureteropelvic Junction
URI Upper Respiratory Infection
URQ Upper Respiratory Quadrant
URTI Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
US Ultrasonogram
US Ultrasound
USG Ultrasonography (Prenatal Ultrasound Imaging)
USP United States Pharmacopeia
USR Unheated Serum Reagin
USS Ultrasound Scan
UTI Urinary Tract Infection
UUN Urinary Urea Nitrogen
UVAL Ultraviolet Argon Laser
U&E Urea and Electrolytes
VA Visual Acuity
VAD Ventricular Assist Device
VAD Venous Access Device
VAD Vincristine Adriblastine Dexamethasone
Vag Vaginal
VAMP Vincristine Adriblastine Methylprednisone
VBAC Vaginal Birth After Caesarean
VC Vital Capacity
vCJD Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
VCT Venous Clotting Time
VCTC Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centers
VCUG Voiding Cysourethrogram
VD Vaginal Delivery
VD Volume of Distribution
VD Venereal Disease
VDRF Ventilator Dependent Respiratory Failure
VDRL Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory
VE Vaginal Examination
VEB Ventricular Ectopic Beat
VF or V-fib Ventricular Fibrillation
VIP Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
VLDL Very Low Density Lipoprotein
VMA Vanillylmandelic Acid
VMA Violent Mechanical Asphyxia
VNPI VanNuys Prognostic Scoring Index (Ductal Carcinoma)
VO Verbal Order
VOD Volume of Distribution
VPA Valproic Acid
VPAP Variable Positive Airway Pressure
VPB Ventricular Premature Beats
VPC Ventricular Premature Contraction
VRE Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus
VRSA Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
VS Vital Signs
VSD Ventricular Septal Defect
VSR Ventricular Septal Rupture
VSS Vital Signs Stable
VT Ventricular tachycardia
VTE Venous THromboembolism
VV Varicose Veins
VW Vessel Wall
VWD Von Willebrand’s Disease
VZV Varicella Zoster Virus
V/Q Ventilation/perfusion Scan
WAP Wandering Atrial Pacemaker
WAT white adipose tissue
WB Whole Blood
WBC White Blood Cell, White Blood Cell Count
WBR whole body radiation
WC white cells
WD well developed
WDL within defined limits
WDWN well developed and well nourished
WF white female
WH Well Hydrated (no Dehydration nor Water Intoxication)
WIA wounded in action
WN well nourished
WNL within normal limits
WO written order, weeks old, wide open.
WOP without pain
WPW Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
WS Waardenburg syndrome
WS water-soluble
WS Werner syndrome
WS West syndrome
WS Wolfram syndrome
WS Williams Syndrome
wt Weight
WWI walking while intoxicated
W-T-D wet to dry
W/ With
w/o without
W/U Workup
W/C Wheelchair
X2d Times 2 days
XL Extended Release
XL Extra Large
XM Crossmatch
XMM Xeromammography
XOM Extraocular Movements
XR Extended Release
XR X-ray Radiography (Radiation Therapy)
XRT X-ray Threapy
XS Excessive
XULN Times Upper Limit of Normal
YF Yellow Fever
YLC Youngest Living Child
YO/yo Years Old
YOB Year of Birth
ytd Year to Date
ZD Zinc Deficiency
ZDV Zidovudine
ZE Zollinger-Ellison
Zn Zinc
ZnO Zinc Oxide
ZIFT Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer
ZSB Zero Stools Since Birth
Z-ESR Zeta Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Sean Sykes, 33, was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday for knowingly exposing a woman to the HIV virus, after he had been previously convicted of the same crime.

Sykes, who is HIV-positive, spent five years in jail after being convicted in 1997 of infecting two women with the virus. A Missouri law passed in 1988 determined that exposing a partner to the virus without disclosing one’s HIV-positive status is a felony.

In the current case, Sykes was found guilty of exposing a woman to HIV in 2003. The woman has now tested positive.

Prosecutor Dwight Scroggins stated for the jury that Sykes had sexual contact with “numerous” women since his diagnosis, and witness testimony revealed that at least eight women had been exposed – three of whom later contracted HIV.

In a rare move, the case was closed to the public to protect the identities of the women involved.

“I think it’s fairly clear he is a very dangerous individual,” said Scroggins to reporters. “If he is not in prison, he would likely continue to spread HIV.”

Though Sykes claimed that the woman was aware of his status, he apologized. “I will admit that my behavior in the early ‘90s and up until first conviction was not appropriate,” he said. “Even though [the woman] was aware of my status, I should have seen nothing good would come as far as a sexual relationship.”

One of the two women infected by Sykes in the 1990s testified in the current case. A mother of two, the woman stated that her life had been ruined by the disease, and that she has about two years to live. “When I found out that Sean was on trial again for this, it drove me crazy. The main question is why? Why is he doing this?”

While some may argue that a life sentence for this crime is harsh, assistant prosecutor Kathleen Fisher seemed to think it fit just fine. “It’s not an immediate death sentence,” said Fisher to reporters. “But that’s what he’s done to these people, his victims.”

Cutter Biological continued to dump stocks of the Factor VIII blood-clotting agent for haemophiliacs on poor countries for nearly a year after introducing a safer alternative, the report in the New York Times said.

It happened in the early 80s, after the Centres for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, reported in July 1982 that haemophiliacs were becoming ill from blood products.

Up to that time Factor VIII, produced from the plasma of about 10,000 donors, was not screened for HIV, and it became a leading killer of haemophiliacs in the early years of Aids.

Although the concern raised by the CDC had percolated through internal Cutter documents the company, anxious about its slipping sales figures, publicly scoffed at the notion of Aids and that its products were a risk to haemophiliacs.

In June 1983, the newspaper reports, it wrote to its distributors in France and nearly 20 other countries saying: “Aids has become the centre of irrational response in many countries.”

In February 1984, after the danger was incontrovertibly established, Cutter began selling plasma products which had been heat-treated, but it continued to export old stocks of Factor VIII to industrialised and poor countries for more than a year; in part to get rid of old stocks but also to preserve profitable long-term contracts.

In 1985, the Times reports, a company taskforce asked: “Can we in good faith continue to ship non-heat-treated coagulation products to Japan?”

It also found documents from 1984 directing a distributor in Hong Kong to use up the old produce before selling newer stocks, and advised doctors there who asked direct questions about the risk of HIV infection that its products were not hazardous.

“There is excess non-heated inventory,” the minute of a November 1984 company meeting said.

Yesterday the company, which has paid $600m (£375) to settle lawsuits brought by thousands of American haemophiliacs infected by its products, defended its actions.

“Bayer has always behaved responsibly, ethically, and humanely,” it said in a statement from its headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany.

“Decisions made nearly two decades ago were based on the best scientific information of the time and were consistent with the regulations in place.”

The documents which formed the basis of the New York Times report were produced in connection with the lawsuits.

The total number of people in Asia and Latin America infected by HIV or who died from Aids after being treated with the products from Cutter is unclear, but the paper said that at least 100 were infected in Taiwan and Hong Kong alone.

Cutter appears to have exported more than 100,000 vials of the older product to Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan and Argentina.

Scientists are still searching for a true genital herpes cure. Like many other viruses, symptomatic treatment is often the best road to go down, and the terrible symptoms can indeed by significantly reduced by a natural remedy.

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Symptoms usually appear as blisters around the genital area and/or rectum. The blisters break, leaving painful ulcers or tender sores which can take up to a month to heal. Often, sufferers will then get further outbreaks.

Although embarrassment can sometimes prevent people from going to their doctors, many millions worldwide will seek a genital herpes cure during any given year. In America alone, it is estimated that 45 million adults have genital herpes, with around 1 million people becoming infected each year.

The infection can stay in the body forever, although attacks may decrease over time. Genital herpes can be passed to someone else even when you experience no symptoms yourself.

Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Symptoms vary from person to person and often begin 2 weeks after having sexual contact with an infected person and can include:

    * Burning and itching in the genital or anal area
    * Fever/flu like symptoms
    * Pain in the genitals, legs or buttocks
    * A feeling of pressure below the stomach
    * Blisters or sores around the genital area
    * Swollen glands
    * Aching muscles
    * Pain on urinating caused by urine touching the sores

Sometimes, people may have only minor symptoms and may be completely unaware that they are infected. However, they can still spread herpes. Small sores or red bumps may be mistaken for something completely different, such as insect bites.

Can I get Genital Herpes again?

As there is no formal genital herpes cure, the virus stays in the nerve cells even after all the symptoms have gone. The virus can become active at any time. Some people are more prone to attacks than others and this may be due to lowered immune systems or possibly being under stress.

How can I tell if I have Genital Herpes?

Doctors can usually diagnose an attack by the appearance of the sores. To confirm, they will usually take a sample for testing.

If there is no Genital Herpes Cure, what is the treatment?

As with many other viruses, there is to genital herpes cure. However, some doctors will prescribe antiviral drugs which may shorten infections or make them less severe.

There is a very effective natural herpes treatment which has been shown to safely and effectively relieve the symptoms of genital herpes.

It is very different to other treatments as it comes in the form of a liquid oral spray which is very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. This means that your symptoms will start to ease very quickly so you can resume your normal activities.

For many decades, homeopathic doctors have been successfully using the ingredients in this remedy separately with the aim of treating the individual symptoms. However, it has been proven that by combining several ingredients, many symptoms can be dealt with in one convenient treatment.

It is very safe, with no side-effects and will not make you drowsy

Self Help Tips

The following will help speed healing and prevent the outbreak being passed on:

    * Keep the area dry and clean
    * Wash hands after contact with the sores/blisters
    * Try not to touch the area any more than is necessary
    * Avoid sexual contact until the sores have gone

Instead of the sludgy often semi-liquid meth normally sold, this was a crystalline, rocklike substance, that produced an immediate and very euphoric rush. Again the West Coast and Hawaii were the first to feel the impact of this designer meth.

One of the most troubling problems to come out of using crystal, is increased, often uncontrollable sexual urges. Male users have been quoted in major studies, stating they have had up to 500 sexual partners, while using crystal meth. They can go for hours on end, without ejaculation, leading to multiple sexual encounters without the use of condoms. They claim the urge for sex is insatiable, and they can’t seem to exert any control over their actions while under its influence. Yet, while crashing, they end up feeling empty and spent.

In the gay community, party clubs are often hubs for groups of these users, who dance to a dull throbbing music, and endlessly seek sexual gratification. Los Angeles and San Francisco are experiencing a huge increase in antibiotic resistant STD’s and HIV, including more virulent forms, that are directly attributable to the use of crystal meth.

The gay community is not the only sector of our society impacted by this hypersexualized behavior. Mainstream rave and party clubs provide, and even encourage both the use of ice and the mindless sex that accompanies it. In addition date rape drugs like rufi’s and ecstasy are freely available, leaving many young men and women totally unaware of the dangers they face-not only from multiple rapes to HIV exposure.

In my opinion, the saddest are the children who are living in homes where this drug is available. The incidences of sexual molestation and rape are extremely high. Given the above information, it isn’t hard to understand why this would be common. If an adult-and I use that term loosely here, can’t find another outlet, what better than a helpless child?

These are the true victims of this epidemic, our children. Not only do they suffer from neglect and the violence they witness between adults, they suffer environmental effects that can impact them all their lives. When sexual abuse is present, the shame is overwhelming. These children rarely talk about home or confide in anyone. They live with the huge outbursts of rage and paranoia this drug induces, and are terrified to even hint at what’s happening at home. If they place trust in the wrong person, they know perfectly well they will end up dead.

Meth users range in age from 8 to as old as 60 in rare cases. Many women use the drug to lose weight and attain that anorexic ideal so espoused by our society. Men may begin by taking it to alleviate depression or experience an increase in power and acuity, only to find themselves hopelessly addicted.

If you even suspect a loved one or friend is using this drug, you must try and help get intervention. So many families and lives are being destroyed by this hugely popular narcotic. Learn to look for the signs of meth use, and be aware of where your children are and who they spend time with. If you notice these signs, get help.

–Agitation

–Paranoia

–Decreased appetite

–Euphoria

–Heavy perspiration, even in cold weather

–Periods of sleeplessness and hyperactivity, followed by depression and prolonged sleeping.

–Irregular breathing and accelerated pulse rates, accompanied by flushing and pinpoint pupils.

Wait until you feel it safe to calmly discuss the issue with your child or loved one. Don’t threaten or confront anyone who is actively high, you could become a statistic. Talk with your police department, and ask for help in dealing with the problem. Many police agencies have highly trained counselors who can offer suggestions and direct you towards resources to help.

Remember, there is no typical user, and not one of us can safely assume our loved ones are exempt from danger. Methamphetamine addiction is a national problem of staggering proportions. We all need to become involved, particularly where children are concerned. They need us to care enough to intervene when we see they are endangered. If we don’t, this will become another multi-generational problem that in the end will end up defeating us all.

1. If the woman is in the category of ‘high risk pregnancies’, then it is better to stick to standard sexual positions. Leave fantasy out of the bedroom for a while, or consult your physician to find out what positions are safe in your particular case.

2. In the case of a normal pregnancy, it’s perfectly safe to have sex until the woman’s water breaks. After than, any sexual intercourse or insertion into the vagina can cause infection.

3. Now’s the time, more than ever, to stay faithful to your spouse. This not the time to catch an STD, as it could seriously harm your baby.

4. In all likelihood, women may have longer lasting orgasms than when they were not pregnant. Enjoy it while it lasts! This is perfectly normal.

5. Some women may experience cramps after an orgasm. This is also normal and not a cause for concern.

6. Cunnilingus (going down on a woman), is fine, but make sure that no air is blown into the vagina.

7. Sometimes a woman may notice spotting, or she may start bleeding from her vagina. If this occurs, she should consult her gynecologist immediately. Until the gynecologist has given her the green signal, sexual activity should be stopped.

8. After delivery, wait for 4 to 6 weeks before resuming intercourse, in the case of a normal delivery. If the woman has had a c-section, the wait may be longer, depending on the time it takes for the stitches to heal. If the pain is still there, consult your gynecologist before having sex.

9. Sometimes, while nursing, the woman may get aroused. She may even have an orgasm. This is perfectly normal, so there’s no need to beat yourself up with feelings of guilt.

10. When having sex after delivery, if the woman is still nursing, milk may leak from her breasts during orgasm. This, again, is perfectly normal and no cause for concern.

11. Her vagina may not get as lubricated as it did pre-pregnancy, especially during the period she is still nursing. Make use of artificial lubricants like KY Jelly. Steer clear of Vaseline!

12. And remember, if sex is not on the cards as often as you like, focus on romance. Do things together. Sing to your baby, go for long walks, hold hands, or just cuddle up. It’s time to fall in love – all over again!