Understanding Discomfort and Urgency in the Genital Area: Causes and Solutions
Perineal tightness Sometimes I experience discomfort in my lower abdomen (during non-menstrual periods), accompanied by frequent urination, but only a small amount each time. It feels particularly uncomfortable and tense when I urinate. This morning, I had the same situation, but...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with the obstetrics and gynecology department for diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms sound very much like a urinary tract infection, but during menstruation, it is common to experience discomfort similar to that of a urinary ...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort and Urgency in the Genital Area: Causes and Solutions
Understanding the Risk of STIs from Oral Sex: Key Insights
The likelihood of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from oral sex? Hello, doctor. Recently, I engaged in oral sex (I was the recipient). My partner has no sores or ulcers in their mouth, and there are no wounds on their genitals, so is there no risk of any infection? Additio...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the oral epithelium is considered a mucous membrane and does not have the same level of resistance as regular skin. If it comes into contact with pathogens or viruses associated with sexually transmitted infections, there is a risk of disease transmission. The likelihood o...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of STIs from Oral Sex: Key Insights
Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings
Concerns about the risk of cryptococcal infection? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about the risk of cryptococcal infection: There is a floor-to-ceiling window next to my bedroom that opens to a balcony. I have found 5 or 6 clumps of bird droppings on the balcony railing and f...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, Cryptococcus is actually a type of fungus found in the environment, and it is present in the air, so we encounter it in our daily lives. Generally, individuals with normal immune systems are unlikely to develop diseases caused by Cryptococcus. However, the concentration of...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings
Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Antinuclear antibodies and abnormalities in complement levels C3 and C4? Hello Doctor, my wife has had abnormal antinuclear antibody (ANA) levels in her blood tests over the past few years (both AC-1 and AC-4 are affected), with titers fluctuating between a maximum of 1:320 and a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of abnormal ANA along with decreased C3 and C4 levels suggests a higher likelihood of an autoimmune disease. C3 and C4 are produced by the liver, and generally, they increase in response to stress or infection. However, in cases of...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Occult blood? Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask if there is a relationship between occult blood and the kidneys. My occult blood level increased from 4+ to 5+. Will this affect my kidneys? What does an occult blood level of 4+ indicate? My urine protein and other indices are ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hematuria and occult blood are different. It is important to first confirm the presence of red blood cells in the urine. If red blood cells are present, renal issues such as renal cysts, kidney lesions, stones, or tumors may need to be ruled out. If there is only occult blood wit...[Read More] Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Understanding Congenital Syphilis: Treatment and Implications for Newborns
Congenital Syphilis in Newborns Hello doctor, I had a syphilis infection during my pregnancy, so I brought my baby in for a blood test after she was born. The results showed an RPR of 1:4, and the hospital wants us to be admitted. Can my baby recover after treatment? Will there b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question pertains to infectious diseases, and I recommend that you consult with an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Syphilis: Treatment and Implications for Newborns
Understanding Congenital Syphilis: What to Expect for Your Newborn
Congenital syphilis in newborns? Hello Doctor, I had a syphilis infection during my pregnancy, so I brought my baby in for a blood test after birth. The results showed RPR 1:4, and the hospital wants us to be admitted. Can my baby recover after treatment? Will there be any effect...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question pertains to infectious diseases, and I recommend that you consult with an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to support ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Syphilis: What to Expect for Your Newborn
Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Possibility of infection Hello Dr. Lin, today while traveling by air, I accidentally pricked myself with a plastic fork when I opened it. Although there was no bleeding, it looks a little white, and I'm not sure if the skin is broken. Even though the fork appears to be dispo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Unless there is reasonable suspicion that the fork has come into contact with another person's blood or bodily fluids, there is minimal risk of infectious disease. It is advisable not to worry too much.[Read More] Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Understanding Additional Routes of HIV Transmission Beyond Common Methods
Transmission routes of HIV In addition to 1. high-risk sexual behavior, 2. sharing needles, and 3. vertical transmission from mother to child, are there any other routes or factors that can lead to HIV infection?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Other bodily fluids theoretically also carry risks (such as from needle sticks), but the risk of transmission from a single occurrence is very low. Therefore, the primary modes of transmission are indeed the three mentioned above.[Read More] Understanding Additional Routes of HIV Transmission Beyond Common Methods
Understanding HIV Symptoms After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello doctor, I had unprotected sex with a sex worker on October 16th, and I had already been experiencing cold symptoms, including a runny nose, since October 15th. Today, October 19th, my cold has progressed from just a runny nose to coughing and a scratchy throat...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the incubation period for HIV is at least one week, so if symptoms appear within two to three days, they are likely unrelated. However, if you have engaged in high-risk behaviors, it is still advisable to get tested.[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Infection Risks After Massage: What You Need to Know
Infection may be consulted? Hello doctor, I am currently on a business trip abroad. For the first time, a colleague took me to a massage due to back pain. The establishment was a regular massage parlor without any sexual services. Since I have never had a massage before, I had my...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Based on the photos, it appears to be skin symptoms that resemble friction or treatments involving mugwort; it is unlikely to be a sexually transmitted infection (including HIV). It is recommended to treat it as a regular wound. If there are still concerns, you may consult a near...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks After Massage: What You Need to Know
Can Mouse Droppings Cause Severe Infections and Sepsis?
Inquire about the authenticity of this medical news article? Dear Dr. Lin, A family friend recently passed away. The elder had diabetes and felt symptoms of a urinary tract infection, so they took over-the-counter medication. That night, they developed a fever, which subsided af...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, mice and mouse droppings naturally carry many pathogens, and contact with them can indeed lead to severe bacterial infections. However, the progression of the condition you mentioned is not uncommon in diabetic patients and may not necessarily be related to mice. It is imp...[Read More] Can Mouse Droppings Cause Severe Infections and Sepsis?
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Regarding COVID-19 vaccines? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask: I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) on September 10, 2021, my second dose (BioNTech) on November 24, 2021, and my booster dose (BioNTech) on March 1, 2022. I would like to know what the ou...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is a certain probability of severe illness associated with COVID-19, which is related to factors such as the patient's age, pre-existing chronic conditions, and vaccination status. Your situation indicates that the likelihood of experiencing severe illness is lo...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Hematuria Changes in Kidney Health
The glomerulus and occult blood? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 64.6, with the standard being greater than 60. Two years ago, it was 84. Does this indicate a decline in kidney function? Additionally, the urine occult blood test has ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Occult blood testing is different from hematuria; it may be caused by recent infections, kidney stones, medications, or excessive exercise. The filtration rate can vary with fluid intake, renal function deterioration, and increased body weight. It is advisable to assess the prese...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Hematuria Changes in Kidney Health
Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention
Consumption of undercooked pork? Hello: During dinner, I pan-fried some frozen pork collar, and since the meat was cut a bit thick and possibly not fully thawed, I cooked it for about 10 minutes before eating. After consuming some, I noticed the meat was pink, indicating it might...
Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
1. If there have been no symptoms of diarrhea in the past few days, can we rule out concerns, or is there still a possibility of parasitic infection even without diarrhea? 2. How long should one observe symptoms to determine if an infection has occurred? Generally, if there are...[Read More] Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention
Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Alcohol Swabs?
HIV transmission routes (injection) If the alcohol swab was placed on the table and potentially contaminated with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids, the risk of HIV transmission through that swab is extremely low. HIV does not survive long outside the human body, and it is part...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infection....[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Alcohol Swabs?
Does PrEP Affect HIV Testing Results? Understanding Your Risks and Concerns
Does PrEP affect HIV testing? On September 27, I took 2 PrEP pills 2 hours late, and 1.5 hours later, I engaged in unprotected oral sex as a receptive partner with deep kissing, but there was no anal intercourse. From September 28 to October 1, I took 1 pill each day. Afterward, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The report is accurate, but HIV infection has a window period. A negative PCR test on day 13 does not completely rule out the possibility of HIV infection. Currently, there are no studies indicating how long after exposure a PCR test can definitively exclude HIV infection. Genera...[Read More] Does PrEP Affect HIV Testing Results? Understanding Your Risks and Concerns
Could It Be HIV? Understanding Symptoms After Unprotected Sex
Could it be HIV? Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a woman yesterday. I have had a cold for three days, and the day after the unprotected intercourse, I noticed that I have swollen lymph nodes. Could this be HIV? I have never had unprotected sex before.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of...[Read More] Could It Be HIV? Understanding Symptoms After Unprotected Sex
Concerns About Superbug Infections in Home Environments
Concerns about superbug infections? Hello Dr. Lin, In my household, the elderly family members are accustomed to wearing outdoor shoes inside the house, except in the bedroom. Recently, an elderly family member returned home from the hospital and, unbeknownst to the family, wal...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The term "superbugs" does not refer to bacteria that are particularly virulent, but rather to those that have multiple drug resistances. Therefore, if they cause a more severe infection, it can be difficult to treat in the absence of effective antibiotics, posing a sign...[Read More] Concerns About Superbug Infections in Home Environments
Managing Chronic Urticaria: Medication, Allergies, and Health Concerns
Chronic urticaria Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if chronic urticaria can only be managed with medication. I have been taking antihistamines for over two months, and during that time, I felt fine without itching, although sometimes my skin would be a bit red. A few years ago,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The result of the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is acceptable; although it is marked as positive, the value is still within an acceptable range according to rheumatology standards, so there is no need to worry too much. Regarding chronic urti...[Read More] Managing Chronic Urticaria: Medication, Allergies, and Health Concerns