Sex

[hm1park]

This discussion isn't about the good kind of sex, moreso about the result of those little critters we call STI's or sexually transmitted infections. It's the joke many corpsmen will tell about hanging out with their guys. The Marine who quietly says to his corpsman, "Hey Doc, I've got this stuff on my junk I need you to check out." or "It burns when I piss" We dutifully take care of them.

So I was looking at the new guidelines for PFA and in my health & wellness rambling, was looking at STD statistics for the DOD. It reminded me of past times when I've had differences of opinions with fellow corpsmen, namely preventive medicine technicians on the proper treatment of "conscience checks" or routine testing for males.

http://www-nehc.med.navy.mil/hp/sharp/index.htm

http://www.personalmd.com/news/a1997040105.shtml

http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/STDFact-Chlamydia.htm#symptoms

All active duty females who are sexually active get an annual pap, gonhorrea, & clamidia testing. This leaves the guys untested with the exception of the HIV once every year or two (If compliant) A guy walks into a clinic and says "I want to be tested for STD's" and the response typically (In my experience) from the corpsman who has that duty is "Our SOP is to not test asymptomatic males or do conscience checks.

So the numbers that are posted on the above NEHClink indicate what our current STD rates are. I believe these rates are inaccurate because we don't allow our sailors and marines to become comfortable getting checked out routinely if they so desire. Although condoms are very effective at preventing some STD's, they are not very effective at protecting all. Clymidia has been found to be asymptomatic in males as well.

If Navy medicine truly wants to put a dent into unwanted pregnancies and STD's, we need to allow more dialogue and open door policies than we do. Education needs to be more thorough than "Just wrap it up" or scare tactics showing nasty photos of infections during our STD briefs.

So, what do you all think? Are we appropriately serving our patients? What could be done differently? Have you all seen different policies and practices at your MTF's?

[Da-Chief]

HM1,

I have upgraded the status of this message as your are putting out powerful gouge.. Thanks

Chief

[Doc_Pardue]

The military has always had a problem of STD's. It seems this happens where ever you have a group of 18-35 year olds. I remember I was in Vietnam my last 3 months at our base camp. All medics spent first 9 months in the field then back to the base camp aid station before going home. There were no females at our base camp as we were an all male infantry unit. Our Base Commander stopped by the aid station to check on a few of his men. He was not happy when he discovered that all the patients there that morning were being treated for STD's.

So the discussion began with the Commander and our BN Surgeon Dr. Adams. Somehow, in the middle of the talk a good friend of mine, Harold Peterson,who never learned to be quiet stated, I know how to stop the problem...well, our beloved Dr. Adams appearred a bit upset when he saw who it was that made the comment and me saying How do we do that Harold? The Base Commander, COL Smith, said I am all ears...Harold went on to say why don't we open a Steam Bath next to the Aid Station that way the girls can be inspected and tested every so often...and any female that had VD could not work until she was treated and passed inspection thus reducing the spread of VD.

Dr. Adams, said Oh Harold, that will never work, besides, who would do the inspections. Harold volunteered him and me. COL Smith thought for a moment and said, he didn't think it would work having a Whorehouse in his base camp, the Chaplains would never approve of such a thing. Harold then says if I can get the Chaplins to approve it would you allow us to make it happen. COL Smith thought a moment and said if it would cut down the number of men being treated for VD and being able to stay on duty where they were needed.

So here goes Harold, with me in tow, to see the Chaplains. Now mind you, Harold had not stepped foot in the Chappel the whole time he was there. When he made his proposal to the Chaplains they listened to him and then said, do you really expect us to approve of such a thing. Harold then made the most profound statement, so you guys are going to explain to the wife's and girlfriends why their soldiers came home and gave their wifes and girlfriends VD...both Chaplains gave their blessings.

So Harold and I made several trips to another Base Camp (the Navy) and picked up supplies to include kits to check for VD. At first, the hospital supply clerk, stated no way he was going to give the kits to an all male unit. Finally, one of the Navy Doctors gave us the kits when he was told of the reason for the need.

So, Harold single handedly, helped set up our first prevention clinic. With me being his committee of one fighting to keep our men safe.

That was the beginning of my friendship with Harold...

THE DOC WITH A HEART

Memories from youth locked away
Are taken out and remembered
Bonds of beginning friendship are recalled

Events and deeds are the substance
By which one is remembered
God knows we shared a laugh or two

You were many things to many people
Sometimes with too much passion
But almost always with a flair
I remember you as the medic with the biggest heart.

We shared a moment in time
Battalion Aid station, the road trip to Dong Tam
Picking up medical supplies that changed us both forever.

Hopefully we are better men
I know you influenced my life
I am so thankful that you were my friend
One of the heroes in my heart

I would have written this sooner
But still after all these years
I have discovered nothing rhythms
With Harold Peterson.

Copyright November 2004 by Kerry Pardue

[puckmedic]

Incredible story. Those of us who spoke our minds probably impacted more folks than we irritated. Peterson was an HM after my own heart. How lucky the world has experienced men like him (and myself). No modesty intended.

[Doc_Pardue]

Valentine Sex Humor...

[DevilDoc]

Interesting topic so close to Valentine's day....notice how the initials for it are V.D.? Hmmm....

Anyway, I recently had to give the whole annual training/GMT, etc on STD's and HIV to about 800 Marines. They always laugh a little bit, and get a bit embarrassed. It's difficult being a female HM addressing almost all males on these subjects. It's actually more embarrassing for them than it is for me. I have no qualms about talking about these things with them. Coincidentally, I have found that my openness has brought more of them forward to ask questions, such as "Doc, will you tell me if I test Positive for HIV?" My retort, "Do you think you have it? Did you do something you shouldn't have done?"....you get the embarrassed look but inevitably they will talk to you and ask for your help, if you leave that door open. At my lecture this past month, I made it clear to them that they can come talk to us "the Doc's" and ask for testing if they feel they could be in danger of having any STD's. I told them that we won't judge them or make fun of them. We will make sure they get the treatment they need, and noone else will know of it. Remarkably, afterwards many came to me and asked alot of questions. They are under the impression that the yearly HIVblood test, also tests them for other STD's and that if they don't get any calls in the office, then they must be clean. I saw some pretty surprised faces when I told them they are incorrect in thinking that.

It's important that you let the Marines, Sailors, soldiers, etc, know exactly what they are tested for, so they are not in the dark, thinking they are ok when they might not be. The statistics are incredibly high for the military with STD's and every time we have a war, these numbers increase. These are only the one's that seek out treatment. What about those who are too embarrassed to say anything or ask for help. Believe me when I say, there are a great number of them!

The military needs to step up to the plate and get everyone tested yearly, especially after deployments. In the long run, it would save alot of grief for all parties involved. Consider that syphillis can eventually turn into severe brain damage and then death. Preventable, even treatable in the early stages. It's a shame that the government doesn't think this is just as important as testing for HIV.

I am doing my part to make what little difference I can, by assuring them that they are free to talk to us without judgement. I just hope that more Doc's will do the same.

[Da-Chief]

Devildoc,

Good onya..

Good gouge.. Thanks!

HMC

[crazycajun]

It's good to see people talking about Prevention Classes...means I don't have to give to many....J/K

SHARP does put out good stats and keeps the pulse on STDs.

CDC also puts out Weekly/Monthly stats based all U.S. States.

Another good location for local is you local Public Health Office/Clinic and even you local Preventive Medicine Shop. I know Camp Lejeune's Disease Intervention Unit(Bldg 65)is a great resorce for stats aboard Lejeune.

Though I've heard a many stories from people and how they became infected. Some are just simply amazing and most are to graphic to put here!

[mstandeven]

I think that is a great idea. That goes along with the whole idea of keeping costs down. If it is mandatory after deployments TAD etc..By practicing prevention money will be saved on treating the symptoms that arise...As well as catching it before it leads to hospitalization or death. Let alone the therapy costs of aquiring such V.D. that can't be cured. Thus saving even more money...WOO HOO, I'm sure big Navy would love that!!! Lets face it we can talk on practicing safe sex all day long, however with human nature factor, people still have unprotected sex, AND sex with individuals that don't want to share anything except the herptic ulcers/HIV etc... that they have...

HM2