Sexually transmitted infections

Infections spread by sexual intercourse are called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), venereal diseases (VD) or reproductive tract infections (RTI).

Common STIs: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydiasis, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis-B, and HIV, which leads to AIDS. HIV infection is the most dangerous of them.

Hepatitis-B and HIV also spread by sharing injection needles or surgical instruments with infected persons, by blood transfusion, and from an infected mother to the foetus.

All except hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV are completely curable if detected early and treated properly.

Early symptoms are minor: itching, fluid discharge, slight pain and swellings in the genital region. Infected females are often asymptomatic and may stay undetected for long.

Mild early symptoms and social stigma keep people from timely testing and treatment.

Untreated STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID), abortions, still births and ectopic pregnancies, and to infertility or even cancer of the reproductive tract.

Anyone can be infected, but incidence is reported to be very high in the 15-24 years age group.

Prevention: avoid sex with unknown or multiple partners; always use condoms during coitus; if in doubt, see a qualified doctor early and complete the treatment.