Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) : Diseases or infections which are transmitted through sexual contact (intercourse) are collectively called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or Veneral Diseases (VDs) or Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI).
Most common STDs and their causative organisms are shown in the following table.
Except for Hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV infection, all the above diseases are completely curable if they are detected early and treated properly.
The common modes of transmission of STDs are:
a) Sharing injection needles
b) Sharing surgical instrument with infected persons
c) Transfusion of contaminated blood
d) From mother to foetus.
The common symptoms of most of the STDs are: a) Itching
b) Fluid discharge
c) Slight pain and swelțing in genital-region
d) Pelvic inflammatory diseases
e) Abortions
f) Still births
g) Ectopic pregnancies
h) Infertility and cancer of reproductive tract persons in the age group of 15-24 years are more vulnerable to contract.STDs.
The measures to be taken to prevent STDs are
a) Avoiding sex with unknown multiple partners
b) Using condoms compulsorily during coitus.
c) Consulting qualified doctor for early detection of STDs and getting complete treatment in case of infections.
