What Complications Can Occur With HIV?

Remedies For Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that affects your mouth, throat, or esophagus. It occurs when candida — a fungus that's found in your mouth and digestive tract — multiplies. White patches similar to a rash appear in the mouth, on the tongue and cheeks, and in the throat.

Oral thrush can sometimes cause throat pain and problems swallowing if it affects your esophagus. (Photo Credit: Science Photo Library/Getty Images)

Anyone can develop thrush. Candida, or yeast, is responsible for diaper rash as well as vaginal yeast infections in women. Oral thrush is most common in babies, toddlers, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. People who smoke or wear dentures are also more prone to developing oral thrush.

Oral thrush symptoms in adults 

Oral thrush has different symptoms depending on your age and the type of infection, including: 

White, rash-like patches on the tongue, cheeks, upper mouth, tonsils, and throat

A dry sensation or cotton-like feeling in your mouth

Loss of taste

Raised spots similar to cottage cheese 

Redness and cracking around your mouth

Oral thrush symptoms in infants and nursing people

If your child has oral thrush, you'll see the same thick, white patches on their tongue as well as in their mouth and throat. Other symptoms of this condition in babies include:

A sore mouth

Decreased sucking when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, which results in consuming less milk

White coating on the tongue

Sensitive, cracked, or sore nipples if you're breastfeeding

Symptoms of esophageal thrush

If the yeast overgrowth has reached your esophagus, you may have throat pain and trouble swallowing.

Oral thrush clears up within a few weeks with the proper antifungal treatment. The condition may be harder to treat if you have a weakened immune system from HIV infection, cancer, or diabetes.

Treatment is designed to stop the fungus from spreading, but it's also important to determine the underlying causes. This can prevent future infections and keep yeast under control.

Oral thrush treatment for babies and nursing parents

Your baby's doctor will prescribe an antifungal medication, which you'll apply several times a day to the inside of your baby's mouth with an applicator.

If your baby gets oral thrush while breastfeeding, place pads on your breasts to prevent the infection from spreading to your clothing. Avoid pads with plastic barriers, which can cause yeast to grow. Wear a clean bra every day and talk to your doctor to learn how to clean bottles, pacifiers, and breast pumps.

If you have a mild case of oral thrush after a course of antibiotics, consider eating yogurt or taking an over-the-counter (OTC) acidophilus pill. Probiotics help repopulate the "good" bacteria in your body.

Topical antifungals

Doctors usually treat serious cases of thrush with antifungal medications. They're available as tablets, lozenges, or liquids that you swish around in your mouth before swallowing. Common medications include:

The course of treatment depends on your age and the cause of the fungal infection. A course of medication lasts from 10 to 14 days.

Besides medicine, home remedies can ease oral thrush pain and help you get better faster.

Apple cider vinegar

Studies show that apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties, which makes it suitable for treating thrush. Be sure to dilute it so it won't burn your mouth. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water, swish it in your mouth for about a minute, then spit it out.

Coconut oil pulling for oral thrush

People have used oil pulling for centuries to treat different conditions, including oral diseases. It involves swishing a tablespoon of edible oil, such as coconut oil, in your mouth for 15-20 minutes and then spitting it out. It works by trapping toxins and pathogens and removing them from your mouth. Plus, certain oils have antifungal properties that fight candida, the fungus that causes thrush. Experts suggest oil pulling three times a day. You should also rinse your mouth with water afterward, and brush and floss your teeth. Kids younger than 5 should avoid oil pulling.

Other home remedies for thrush

Here are some other home remedies for thrush that you can use as a mouth rinse:

Saltwater rinse. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt in warm water.

Baking soda rinse. Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in warm water.

Lemon juice. Mix the juice of half a lemon in water.

Turmeric. Mix 1/2 teaspoon turmeric paste with water or milk, add a pinch of black pepper, and heat.

Oregano oil. Mix a few drops of oregano oil with water.

Clove oil. Steep ground cloves in hot water for 5 minutes, then strain.

Practicing good oral hygiene

Take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Don't share your toothbrush with anyone, and replace it often until the infection clears. Disinfect your dentures, as fungus-covered dentures can cause reinfection. Talk to your dentist to learn the best way to clean your appliances.

If your immune system is not compromised, oral thrush should resolve within 2 weeks. If you are immunocompromised or have an underlying medical condition, call your doctor. Here are some symptoms that may be warning signs:

Thrush-like sores that don't go away

Difficulty or pain when swallowing

Thrush symptoms with an underlying medical condition, such as HIV

Seek medical care if you think your child has oral thrush and they:

Are dehydrated

Haven't urinated in more than 8 hours

Have dark urine and a dry mouth

Have bleeding sores in the mouth

Look or act very sick

A candida infection may indicate other diseases or medical problems. Talk to your doctor to set up any additional treatment plans.

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that affects your mouth, throat, and esophagus. It is caused by candida overgrowth, and its symptoms include white patches, dry mouth, loss of taste, and throat pain. It's common in babies, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Treatment involves antifungal medications, good oral hygiene, and home remedies such as apple cider vinegar and coconut oil pulling. Serious cases of oral thrush may require prescription medication. It's important to talk to your doctor, especially if symptoms continue or get worse. Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, are crucial for preventing and recovering from thrush.

How To Give A Blowjob

Oral sex is the act of stimulating a partner's genitals or anus with your mouth and tongue. A blowjob, sometimes called fellatio, is a type of oral sex in which a person stimulates their partner's penis with their mouth and tongue. It can include licking, sucking, kissing, or any other activity that involves the mouth. 

A blowjob, also known as fellatio, is when someone uses their mouth to stimulate their partner's penis. (Illustration: WebMD)

Blowjobs, along with other types of oral sex, are often part of foreplay before vaginal or anal penetration. But you can give or receive a blowjob on its own, or during or after intercourse.

Research suggests that most people have oral sex before their first experience with vaginal or anal penetration.

Who can give and receive blowjobs?

Any consenting adult can give a blowjob, whatever their gender or sexual orientation. Any consenting adult with a penis can receive a blowjob.

What is it like to give or receive a blowjob?

Sensations could range from discomfort to extreme pleasure, so focus on what feels good for both partners while you're discovering oral sex. Keep in mind that each person's anatomy, smell, and taste are different, and so is what they find pleasurable. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, don't be afraid to stop or change what you're doing, or to ask your partner to do so.

Oral sex is all about discovering each other's bodies, so don't feel bad if you don't know what to do at first. There's no one blowjob technique that works best for everyone. Most people figure out along the way what's right for them and their partner. But here's a general idea of how a blowjob might go:

Before giving your first blowjob, talk honestly with your partner about how you feel. Having any kind of sex for the first time could strain your relationship. If you don't think you're ready to give a blowjob and feel like your partner is pressuring you, let them know. Talk to them about how you'll make the experience safe, and tell them if you have any other concerns. The important thing is for you both to enjoy the experience.

If you're ready, try to get a basic idea of the penis anatomy and think about how you want the blowjob to go. Do you want to let your partner come in your mouth? Do you want it to stop before that? Would you prefer to avoid the testicles? Making these decisions beforehand can go a long way toward making the act more pleasurable for both of you. And it's OK if you change your mind along the way.

Once you're with your partner, some foreplay before oral sex is always a good idea. This will help you both feel at ease and excited. At the same time, it can help your partner get hard. Try kissing, caressing, and touching with your hands. Just remember that if either of you feels uncomfortable, it's OK to stop at any stage.

You might start the blowjob by licking and kissing the penis, but at this point, it's all about what you and your partner like. You could also start by putting the penis inside your mouth and gently sucking. Add some stroking with your hand if your partner isn't hard yet. Don't be afraid to ask your partner what feels good.

What happens next is up to you and your partner. Find a comfortable pace and experiment with various techniques using different areas of the penis and your mouth. You might vary whether you use your tongue and how deep the penis goes into your mouth. Using your hands gives you more control and adds sensation for your partner.

Pay attention to what your partner says and their facial and body language to get cues about what gives them pleasure. If you can't tell what they like, stop the blowjob for a second to ask.

Blowjobs often end when both partners want to switch to vaginal or anal sex. Otherwise, if you want to keep going, you can do so until your partner comes, either in your mouth, inside a condom, or anywhere else.

Like all types of sex, oral sex carries a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You could get an infection in your mouth or throat from giving a blowjob to someone with a genital or anal infection. And if you have an STI in your mouth or throat, you could spread it to your partner's penis. Some infections, such as mpox, are also spread through skin-to-skin contact.

STIs that can spread through oral sex include:

How to reduce the risk of STIs

While there's no foolproof method to prevent STIs, preventive measures are essential for safely giving or receiving oral sex:

Use a non-lubricated latex condom during a blowjob (try polyurethane if your partner is allergic to latex).

Use a dental dam if you also stimulate your partner's anus with your mouth.

Don't give a blowjob to anyone with sores in their genital area.

Don't give a blowjob while you have sores or ulcers in your mouth.

Get tested regularly for STIs, including HIV.

Talk to all of your sex partners about their STI status.

Don't brush or floss your teeth shortly before giving a blowjob. You could create tiny cuts that raise the risk of some STIs.

Is swallowing semen safe?

While many people swallow semen as part of a blowjob, this carries some risks. Some STIs can be present in semen, including HIV. So do this only if you know for certain that your partner has been checked for STIs. Never let someone pressure you into swallowing semen. Do this only if you want to.

Can blowjobs get me pregnant?

Blowjobs can't get you pregnant. The only way that this could happen is if semen comes into contact with the vagina after the blowjob. But this is very unlikely if you're only doing oral sex.

Is gagging normal?

Gagging is somewhat normal during blowjobs. But if it bothers you, tell your partner you don't want to do anything that makes you gag. If only a certain technique or position triggers your gag reflex, you can avoid it and switch over to other things. Over time, you'll get to know your limits.

To make the most of the experience for both partners, consider some of these tips:

The penis is a sensitive organ, so start slowly and gently. Increase the intensity and pace if your partner is ready.

Hold their penis at the base as you perform the blowjob to help them stay hard and control how deeply they thrust. This can help you avoid a gag reflex. Add a twisting motion to your hand strokes for variation.

Try moving your tongue in different ways. You might swirl it around the head of the penis or make a flicking motion.

You can also turn and twist your head during the blowjob.

If you want to try the "deep throat" technique, start with your partner lying on their back while you lie on top or parallel to them. Then take their penis as deeply into your mouth as you comfortably can. Once you're both familiar with your limits, you can try a position that gives your partner more control if you like.

Never use your teeth unless you know your partner likes it. And always do so with care.

Try flavored condoms.

Experiment with stimulating your partner's testicles, the underside of the head of their penis (the frenulum), and the area between their testicles and anus (perineum).

Don't forget the rest of your partner's body. During the blowjob, you can use your hands to stroke their nipples, butt, ears, or whatever they enjoy.

Oral sex simply means using your mouth, tongue, throat, or teeth to sexually stimulate your partner. It can also be performed on a vagina (cunnilingus) or the anus (anilingus or "rimming"). There are lots of different ways to do it. Like anything else, it takes practice to do well.

Oral sex is a very personal preference. It can be a wonderful way to share pleasure with and get closer to your partner. But not everyone likes oral sex or wants to give or receive it. You and your partner will need to figure out what works for you and your relationship.

If you have questions about blowjobs and your safety, your doctor or the local health department might be one place to start. Some sources of sexual health information you can find online include:

A blowjob (fellatio) is a type of oral sex in which someone stimulates a partner's penis with their mouth and tongue. There's no one right way to give a blowjob. You and your partner will need to communicate and experiment to find out what's pleasurable for both of you.

Can I give someone who is sleeping a blowjob?

It's never OK to have any type of sexual activity with someone who hasn't consented to it. Consent means clearly and freely communicating that you agree to a sexual activity. It can't be given by anyone who is asleep, unconscious, intoxicated, or underage.

Is a forced blowjob a type of sexual assault?

Sexual assault is having any type of sexual contact with someone who hasn't clearly consented to it. It includes forcing someone to give or receive oral sex.

3 Women Got HIV After 'vampire Facials': CDC Explains How It Happened

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new information about an Albuquerque spa that was shut down by health regulators after clients were infected with HIV.

The report released by the CDC on Thursday contained data that was collected by researchers with the federal agency, and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), about individuals who received "vampire facials," also known as "platelet-rich plasma (PRP) microneedling facials," at the VIP Beauty Salon and Spa and were exposed to HIV.

The CDC described the procedure as "drawing a client's blood, separating the blood into its components of plasma and cells, and using single-use disposable or multiuse sterile equipmentto inject the PRP into the face for cosmetic purposes, such as skin rejuvenation and reducing the appearance of acne scars."

HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system and can lead to AIDS if not treated. The virus can be controlled with medical care but there is no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life, the CDC says.

Unsafe practices at the spa

The CDC report concluded that the VIP Beauty Salon and Spa was an "unlicensed facility that did not follow recommended infection control procedures or maintain client records."

FILE PHOTO- VIP Beauty Salon and Spa. (KRQE)

During an on-site inspection of the spa in the fall of 2018, officials found multiple unsafe practices including:

"Unwrapped syringes were found in drawers, on counters, and discarded in regular trash cans."

"A rack of unlabeled tubes containing blood were located on a kitchen counter."

"Unlabeled tubes of blood and medical injectables (i.E., botox and lidocaine) were stored in the kitchen refrigerator along with food."

Investigators also noted that they did not find a steam sterilizer on the premises.

Clients exposed to HIV

The investigation into the VIP Beauty Salon started in the summer of 2018 after NMDOH was notified of a diagnosis of HIV infection in a woman with no known HIV risk factors who had undergone a vampire facial received at the spa in the spring of 2018.

NMDOH in response sent out several health alerts and hosted walk-in testing events for anyone who was a client of the spa.

The CDC report stated that officials identified five HIV patients who were patrons of the spa. The group included four women and one man who was a sexual partner of one of the four women patients and never received any services from the spa.

Previous Coverage:

Evidence reviewed by researchers suggests that three of the women contracted HIV due to "contamination from an undetermined source at the spa during spring and summer 2018." The report stated that the "three patients in this cluster had no known social contact with one another, and no specific mechanism for transmission among these patients was confirmed."

Information about the three women and their visits to the spa can be found below:

Woman 1 Woman 2 Woman 3 Age 40-50 40-50 40-50 Season and year of HIV screeningand diagnosis Summer 2018 Positive screen:fall 2018;diagnosis:winter 2019 Spring 2023 HIV stage Stage 1 Stage 1 Stage 3 Spa A services received;season and year received PRP withmicroneedling;spring 2018 PRP withmicroneedling;summer 2018 PRP withmicroneedling;summer 2018 (Information taken from the CDC's table: Characteristics of patients with confirmed HIV infection associated with receipt of cosmetic injection services at spa A — New Mexico,2018–2023. **Note: the table above is not an exact replica of the table created by the CDC and information is displayed differently for clarity and understanding of this report.)

Researchers determined that the one woman and her male partner who were diagnosed with HIV were exposed before the woman received cosmetic injection services at the spa. Officials made this conclusion based on the fact that the woman and man "had stage 3 or chronic HIV infections," and the woman reported a positive HIV screen in the summer of 2016, nearly two years before she started PRP with microneedling at VIP Beauty Salon and Spa.

Information about the woman and her male partner can be found below:

Woman 4 Man 1 Age 50-60 40-50 Season and year of HIV screeningand diagnosis Positive screen:summer 2016;diagnosis:fall 2021 Fall 2021 HIV stage Stage 3 Stage 3 Spa A services received;season and year received PRP with microneedling(multiple procedures);spring and summer 2018 None (Information taken from the CDC's table: Characteristics of patients with confirmed HIV infection associated with receipt of cosmetic injection services at spa A — New Mexico, 2018–2023. Note 1: The woman and man in this table are believed to have contracted HIV before the woman sought services at the spa. Note 2: the table above is not an exact replica of the table created by the CDC and information is displayed differently for clarity and understanding of this report.)

Blood specimens from the five patients and a former client with a 2012 HIV diagnosis were submitted to the CDC for nucleotide sequence analysis. The CDC report noted that "all five patients were confirmed to have spa–related cases."

According to the CDC, the agency previously had no reports of HIV transmissions through cosmetic injection services via contaminated blood. This investigation "is the first to associate HIV transmission with nonsterile cosmetic injection services," the report stated.

The CDC noted that free testing remains available for former VIP Beauty Salon and Spa clients and the investigation and public health response are continuing.

Spa owner charged

The owner of the spa, Maria Ramos De Ruiz, pled guilty to five counts of practicing medicine without a license in late 2022. She was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. VIP Beauty Salon and Spa closed on Sept. 7, 2018.

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