Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

The sexually transmitted diseases are a group of communicable diseases that are transmitted through unsafe sexual contact. Virus, bacteria, pretoria, fungus and ectoparasites cause them. The common STDs are syphilis, gonorrhoea, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis ‘B’, Hepatitis ‘C’, etc.

Syphilis

     Syphilis is a chronic sexually transmitted disease caused by ‘spirochete’ or ‘Treponema Pallidum’. It mainly effects the mucus membrane, heart, liver and central nervous system of the body. It is characterized by primary infection followed by recurrent secondary manifestation and paralysis leading to death. The average incubation period of syphilis is approximately three weeks, though it may be 10 days to 90 days.

Mode of Transmission

The modes of transmission of syphilis are as follows:

.          Unsafe sexual intercourse

.          Direct contact

.          Indirect contact, eg., toilet seats, eating utensils, etc.

.          Homosexual activity is also a means of transmission of early infection of syphilis.

.          Blood transfusion

.          Heredity

Signs and Symptoms

      The symptoms of syphilis appear from few weeks to many years. Thus, it has long communicability. Therefore, the symptoms of syphilis can be divided into primary, secondary and latest syphilis. When the primary and secondary signs and symptoms persist, the disease is highly contagious. The main symptoms of syphilis can be stated as follows:

.        Primary Stage

         A single, painless lesion or sore is called a chancre appears in the genitals, anus,

         lips, tongue, mouth, breast, fingers, etc and they disappear after 1-5 weeks of

         appearance.

.        Secondary Stage

         After one weeks to six months of primary stage, the secondary syphilis signs

         appear which are as follows:

-                A copper-colored rash lasting about six weeks appears on various parts

Of the body

-                Whitish patches in the mouth or throat

-                ‘Patchy’ falling hair

-                Low fever, poor appetite and loss of weight

-                Painless swelling of lymph glands

-                Pain in bones and joints

-                Enlargement of liver and spleen

.        Final Stage

         In the final stage, the disease is considered communicable for approximately four years following initial infection. Syphilis at latest stage can become destructive in nature causing,

-                Heart diseases

-                Paralysis (spinal cord damage)

-                Blindness (Eye problems)

-                Infertility of female and male importance.

Preventive and Controlling Measures

The preventive and controlling measures against syphilis are as follows:

.        Avoid prostitution and sexual promiscuity.

.        Use condom while sexual intercourse and avoid excremental sexual relation.

.        Provision of prompt treatment.

.        Avoid direct contact with infected person.

.        Use sterile syringe and needles.

.        Examine the blood before transmission.

.        Avoid personal belongings of infected person.

.        Health education and sex education should be provided at home, school and in

         the community.

Gonorrhoea

       Gonorrhoea is an infection of genitourinary tract caused by Neisseria Gonococcus. It mainly affects the mucus membrane of genitourinary tract. It is characterized by swelling and whitish discharge from genital organs and dysuria. The average incubation period is approximately 3-9 days.

Mode of Transmission

The modes of transmission of gonorrhoea are as follows:

.       Sexual intercourse

.       Direct contact

.       Mother to baby

.       Fomites of infected persons

Signs and Symptoms

Gonorrhoea affects male, female and newborn baby too. The major symptoms of gonorrhoea are as follows:

.        Frequent and painful experience in urination

.        Whitish discharge from penis in the male and vagina in the female

.        Red spots appear around the genitals

.        Swelling of genital organs, i.e., penis in male and vagina in the female

.        Conjunctivitis in newborn babies

.        Female may suffer from infertility.

Preventive and Controlling Measures

The preventive and controlling measures against gonorrhoea are as follows:

.        Avoid extra marital sexual relations and use of condom in sexual intercourse.

.        Avoid direct contact with infected persons.

.        Avoid infected persons pregnancy.

.        Discourage prostitution and maintain sexual hygiene.

.        Avoid Personal belongings on infected persons.

.         Provide health education along with sex education at home, school and in the

          Community.

.         Early detection and treatment.