Sexually-transmitted Diseases

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If you use a condom to keep AIDS away, you will also be safe from other sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) too. For, AIDS is just one of the many STDs you could contract with unsafe sex.

Sexually-transmitted Diseases

Sexually-transmitted Diseases [Illustration by Shinod AP]

Of the more than 20 pathogens that may cause STD, the most commonly known are syphilis, gonorrhoea, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venerium, donovanosis, besides the most infamous AIDS.

Genital herpes and Hepatitis B, which are common viral infections, and Candida Albicans, a common fungal infection, and Trichomonas Vaginalis, a protozoal infection, can also be transmitted during sexual intercourse.

Symptoms

  • Infection in the urethra.
  • Infections in the vagina and/or the cervix.
  • Genital ulceration.
  • Infection in the fallopian tubes.
  • Infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
  • Postnatal and perinatal morbidity.
  • Hepatitis and hepatic carcinoma.
  • Genital carcinoma.
  • Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome.

 

Factors influencing STDs

  • Lack of health awareness.
  • Migration of people from rural to urban areas.
  • Marital status such as single, separated, divorced or delayed marriage.
  • Prostitution.
  • Emotional immaturity.
  • Use of drugs and sharing the same needle or using unsterilised needles for medication.
  • Transfusion of infected blood.

 

Complications

In a pregnant woman, congenital syphilis can cause a still birth or foetal defects.

In infants, a gonorrhoeal infection can cause blindness and chlamydia trachomatis can lead to eye infections and fatal pneumonia. STD can also cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

Prevention and control

Case detection: The disease has to be detected early. Pregnant women, blood donors, industrial workers, army personnel, policemen, refugees and prostitutes should be tested periodically for STD.

Tracing the contact: When a patient is diagnosed, the sexual partner of that patient has to be identified, located and treated.

Adequate treatment of patients and health education can ensure a control over the diseases.

Contraceptive: Mechanical barriers, such as condoms and diaphragms can be used for protection against STD infection.

Vaccines: Hepatitis B is the only STD that can be prevented by vaccination. This has also raised hopes that vaccines will be discovered for other STDs.