SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

The term sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),
includes a range of clinical syndromes that can be acquired and transmitted through sexual activity
and may be caused by various types of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.
Early detection and treatment of STIs reduces the spread of infection and may avoid or delay serious
complications and consequences.

STDs are transmitted when body fluids from an infected person come into intimate contact with
another person. As their name implies, the most common route through which this body fluid
sharing occurs is sexual activity. All forms of sexual activity may involve sharing of body fluids. Sexual
contacts involving any combination of genitals, anus, fingers and/or mouth can place a person at
risk.

STDs can also be contracted through sharing of needles used for injecting drugs. It doesn't matter
what sort of drugs are being used; an insulin user who shares needles is at risk just as is a heroin user
who shares needles. For this reason, people who inject drugs or use needles for other injections (like
insulin) should never share needles with other people. If sharing needles is unavoidable, needles
should be rinsed with bleach for at least 30 seconds (this will kill HIV, but not Hepatitis C). For more
information see this website. Again, it is best to not share needles at all. Each needle should be used
only once.

FIVE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DICEASES

1. Hepatitis B
2. Gonorrhoea
3. Syphilis
4. Genital herpes
5. AIDS

Hepatitis B

Introduction

A severe form of viral hepatitis transmitted in infected blood.

Pathogens

The virus HBV is the pathogen of hepatitis B.

Causes

• Sexual contact
• Sharing of needles
• Accidental needle sticks
• Mother to child
• The pregnant woman can pass HBV to her baby.
 Symptoms
• Abdominal pain
• Fever, joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and fatigue

Precautions

• Vaccination of children at birth.

• Don’t use illegal drugs.
• Be cautious about body tattooing.
• Ask about HB vaccine before travel.
• Use of gloves during medical treatment.
• The donated blood should be tested.

Gonorrhoea

Introduction

A venereal disease involving inflammatory discharge from the urethra or vagina.

Pathogens

Neissesia gonorrhoea is an obligata human pathogen that causes mucosal surface infections of male
and female reproductive tiacts, pharynx and rectum.

Cause

Gonorrhoea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoea. This bacteria is passed from one person to another
during sexual contact.

Symptoms

• Painful urination.
• Pies like discharge from penis.
• Can affect eyes, throat and joints and cause pain in them.

Precautions

• Annual screening of gonorrhoea.

• The sterilized equipment should be used during medical treatment.
• Use tested donated blood.

Syphilis

Introduction

A chrome bacterial that is contracted chiefly by infection during sexual inter course.
Pathogens

• Bacterium Trepenema pallidum. Syphilis is divided in four stages primary , secondary, latent
and tertiary.

Causes

• Trepenema pallidum causes this disease. It is also caused or spread by using the same toilet,
bath tub or eating utensils of infected person.

Symptoms

• Headache
• Stroke
• Loss of pain and temperature sensation.
• Bladder incontinence.
• Due to its four stages symptoms does not occur orderly.

Precautions

• Avoid recreational drugs.

• Avoid the use of infected person’s utensils.
• Be careful during the use of medical equipment’.

Genital Herpes

Introduction

It is a common infection. The virus of this infection lies dormant in the body and can reactivate
several times a year.

Pathogen

The herpes simplex virus HSV is the pathogen of this infection . It is spread by sexual contact.

Causes

Genital herpes is the most common disease. It is caused by HSV type 2 an HSV type 1 . HSV-1 is
more often the cause of cold sore.

Symptoms

• Pain or itching
• Small red bumps
• Ulcers
• Scabs
• Cracked
• Raw
• Tingling

Precautions

• Seek medical guidance regularly

• During pregnancy ask to be tested for it
• Proper medical treatment

AIDS

Introduction

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is chronic and life threatening disease.

Pathogen

Human immune deficiency virus HIV is the only pathogen of this syndrome.

Causes

It is caused by ( - HIV) and HIV is a sexually transmitted infection.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Sore throat and painful mouth sores
• Swollen lymph glands, mainly on neck.

Precautions

• Avoid sexual contact with diseased person

• Adopt the hygienic conditions
• Be careful about the donated blood
• Avoid drugs