The Lowdown on STD’s: Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the third most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States.  It is the most common bacteria causing an STI.  According to a 2007 Center for Disease Control report, South Carolina ranks 3rd out of the 50 states in chlamydial infections.  Those at most risk of infection are single, minority women between ages 15-21 with new or multiple sexual partners.  However, Chlamydia affects women and men of all backgrounds. 

Like all sexually transmitted infections, Chlamydia enters a woman’s body during intercourse.  Chlamydia trachomatis is different from most bacteria in that it must live inside cells, making it difficult to grow in a culture. In this way, it is more similar to a virus.  Chlamydia prefers to live inside the cells of the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and the cells that line the bladder. 

Symptoms
Most women infected with Chlamydia are asymptomatic. Cervical infection may present with pain or bleeding during intercourse or a change in vaginal discharge.  Symptoms of chlamydial infection of the bladder and urethra can mimic a urinary tract infection.  Similar to women, men do not usually have symptoms.  If symptomatic, they may present with a discharge from the penis or pain during urination or ejaculation.

Diagnosis
Prenatal diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia is extremely important. Women with untreated Chlamydia can develop postpartum fever and uterine infection.  Forty percent of babies born to mothers with untreated Chlamydia will develop eye infections.  Worldwide, Chlamydia conjunctivitis is a leading cause of preventable blindness.

The majority of cases are diagnosed during routine gynecologic exams and pregnancy screening.  At the time, physicians may note a discharge from the cervix.  Because Chlamydia does not grow in routine culture, standard diagnostic tests use nucleic acid amplification to detect the proteins that make up the bacteria.

Treatment
The CDC recommends immediate treatment of Chlamydia and encourages expedited treatment of known partners.  The most commonly prescribed antibiotics are macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones.  Because Chlamydia often accompanies a gonorrheal infection, patients diagnosed with gonorrhea are often treated for both.  For those in a relationship, both partners should complete treatment and wait approximately 1-2 weeks after their last dose to have sex to avoid re-infection.  Couples can also use condoms to prevent re-infection.  Condoms are the only reliable method for prevention of Chlamydia transmission.

Effects of Untreated Chlamydia
Due to the absence of symptoms, many women are unaware of current or past chlamydial infection.  Untreated Chlamydia can have devastating effects on the reproductive organs.  Although it initially infects the cervix, Chlamydia can migrate upward into the uterus and fallopian tubes. Upper genital tract infection can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and chronic pelvic pain. 

Women concerned they have been infected with Chlamydia or another sexually transmitted disease can be tested at their physician’s office, the state health department or a non-profit clinic such as Planned Parenthood of America.  MUSC Women’s Health offers a specialty clinic for STI testing and treatment of women and their partners.

by:  Gweneth Lazenby, M.D.

Every year, more than half a million babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick.  Babies who survive often face serious health challenges and can suffer from lasting disabilities.

November is Prematurity Awareness Month, Nov. 17 is Prematurity Awareness Day, and MUSC is partnering with the March of Dimes to protect our smallest patients and reduce the rate of premature birth. 

There are several contributing factors to premature birth, such as women of childbearing age who are uninsured and those who smoke.  Recommendations for improvement are given in each of these areas, for example, federal and state support of smoking cessation as part of maternity care.  Another key recommendation is for hospitals and health care professionals to voluntarily assess Caesarean sections and inductions that occur prior to 39 weeks to ensure consistency with professional guidelines.  Babies born even a few weeks early are at greater risk of serious problems and re-hospitalization. 

“The medical treatment of preterm labor has largely not been very successful, particularly as the cervix becomes more dilated,” said Jill Mauldin, M.D., Perinatal service line medical director. “As a result, a patient’s best weapon to preventing preterm birth is knowledge of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor so that she can adjust her activity level accordingly and contact her provider when she has those symptoms.”

To educate more women in the community on those signs and symptoms, Mauldin gives a weekly update on what to expect in pregnancy in her Pregnancy Week by Week podcast series; http://www.muschealth.com/women/pregnancy_weekly.htm.  Women and Infant Services and the MUSChealth Website recently took silver for the Best in Class Innovators Award category at the Greystone Client Conference for these weekly pregnancy podcasts.

In addition to educational efforts, MUSC bolsters March of Dimes’ mission through fundraising. The MUSC March of Dimes team, March for Babies, hosts several fundraising events throughout the year, such as Blue Jeans for Babies and various bake sales. This year’s Chef Auction held Oct. 29 raised more than $83,000 for March of Dimes.

For more information about premature birth, to find out what you can do to help raise awareness, make a donation, or create a virtual band to honor a baby visit http://www.marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies.

by:  Megan Fink, M.M.C.
MUSC Media Relations

Dr. Jennifer Young sounded off on the HPV vaccine in the November issue of skirt! magazine.  Read more. 

Charleston’s Embassy Suites Convention Center became Foodie Heaven for a few hours last week.  Eleven premiere local chefs served up their signature dishes for more than 360 guests who attended the annual Chef’s Auction on October 29th.  The tasting was followed by a silent and upbeat live auction of scores of unique items donated by local supporters.  The chefs, in addition to providing the many first class dishes, also generously donated imaginative dining packages to the auction.  There was spirited but friendly bidding for all of the desirable items.  MUSC Women’s Services was proud to be a top sponsor and early reports indicate that this year’s event raised more than $83,000 for the Charleston chapter.  Thanks to all who contributed to this wonderful cause and made the evening so successful.   

On the heels of the auction is Prematurity Awareness Month.  November 2009 marks the sixth Prematurity Awareness Month, and November 17th the sixth Prematurity Awareness Day.  The alarming increase in premature births over the past decade prompted the March of Dimes to launch a campaign to raise public awareness of premature birth and to find ways to reduce the occurrence.  We invite you to visit the following website, marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies, where you can learn more about the tolls of premature birth, find out what you can do to help raise awareness, or make a donation and create a virtual band to celebrate, honor or remember a baby.

Pictures from March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

Dr. Jennifer Young shared tips for reducing your risk for gynecologic cancers in the Moxie section of the Post and Courier.

Read more.

The most significant compliment you can give us is to tell a friend about your care here at MUSC.  Below are some comments from this past quarter of patient surveys:

- We had a great experience (overall) with Dr. Bridget Williamson with both of our babies.  We would always recommend her if given the opportunity.

- Both Dr. Kohler & Dr. Creasman are exceptional - competent, experienced, up to date, compassionate & give me as much time as I need as my disease progresses.  I have recommended both to others.  They are WONDERFUL!

- Dr. Mauldin is so kind and competent.  I feel safe and am extremely relieved to be under her care.  She provides more than medical attention, but care for her patients.

- NICU staff = awesome.  I felt as though they genuinely cared about the well-being of my child. Outstanding!

- I have traveled over 100 miles for several years because of my confidence in the care I receive from Dr. Underwood & his nurse Eileen.

- Every time I go, the girls in the receptionist area treat me like family.

- I'm so pleased with my choice of Dr. Geier. 

- The nurse got me an ultrasound that same day so I could know exactly how far along I was.  She was very pleasant. 

- Anne at Northwoods is great!  She makes you feel comfortable & is very helpful.

- Dr. James Carter is the best.

- I drive approximately 50 miles to this practice - that's how much I like it.

We strive to provide every patient with very good care.  If for any reason we have not met your needs, please let us know today by commenting below.

Watch The Savage Report on Comcast 2 today and tomorrow as they explore the flu shot controversy-- giving you both sides of the debate.  Dr. David Soper will be on to discuss swine flu and the risks to pregnant women, plus a discussion of vaccinating pregnant women, possible risks, what pregnant women should do, etc.

If so, please tweet, call, text or email them about this link because they may be eligible to participate in an important research study monitoring fetal growth being conducted through the MUSC OB/GYN department and the East Cooper Women’s Center.

STUDY HIGHLIGHTS

• Enrolled patients will undergo 6 ultrasound examinations throughout their pregnancy to follow fetal growth in the womb.

• The purpose of this study is to better understand how normal babies grow and develop inside the womb during an uncomplicated pregnancy.  Developing a normal fetal growth standard will help us better identify growth abnormalities. We will also try to identify causes of growth abnormalities in normal pregnancies.

• Length of participation will vary but will not exceed 9 months.

• Compensation is provided.

Contact Carolyn Williams @ 843-792-0349, Holly Boggan @ 843-876-1434 or Sarah Cordell @ 843-792-6654 for more information. Compensation will be provided to qualified individuals.

MUSC Gynecologic Oncologist, Dr. Jennifer Young, spoke at the press conference for Lowcountry Women with Wings on Wednesday, September 30th.  Dr. Young encouraged women to learn more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, which may lead to early detection of this deadly disease.  Below are pictures from the event by Penny Hoey Photography.

• Symptoms of ovarian cancer

In our family roles as wives, mothers, daughters, nutritional coaches, and caregivers, we women make countless healthcare decisions.  The groceries we buy and the food we prepare determine lifelong preferences for our families.  Our conversations with our children about drugs, alcohol, and sex may have lasting impact on their behavior.  And from well-baby checks for our infants to end-of-life care for our parents, we make countless choices about where our families receive medical treatment.  In fact, it is estimated that 80% of all health care decisions are made by women.

Women Leading Wellness is a workshop series sponsored by women faculty of MUSC in partnership with the Center for Women.  As women we understand the complexities, challenges, and joys of our multiple family roles.  The goal of the series is to engage with the women of the tri-county community to discuss the pressing concerns of women as healthcare leaders within their families and within society.  Each workshop will consist of a panel discussion with MUSC women and community women, with plenty of time allotted for free-ranging discussion with participants.

Please click on www.musc.edu/women for a complete listing of the workshops and for registration information.  Call your sister or best friend, and join us for evenings of discussion that will educate and inspire you in one of the most important roles of your life – a woman leading wellness for her family.