Being informed is better than being sorry. Dr Rajan Bhonsle tells you all that you need to know about sexually transmitted diseases
FACTS YOU MUST KNOW
• About one out of four people (25 per cent) who have sex with another person get a sexually transmitted disease
• There are more than 30 STDs that are passed from one person to another by vaginal, oral and anal intercourse, or other intimate contact
• Millions of teenage boys and girls have STDs. But many have absolutely no symptoms at all and are not even aware of it
• STDs can cause serious and permanent damage to health without displaying any symptoms. Women who are not treated may never be able to bear children. Some STDs can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy and birth.
CHLAMYDIA
WHAT IS IT?
Chlamydia is the most common STD
WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW?
• About 75 per cent women and 50 percent men with chlamydia have no symptoms of infection
• Chlamydia can cause early labour and delivery and can be passed from mother to baby during birth. Without prompt medical treatment, the infant’s eyes can be seriously and permanently damaged.
SYMPTOMS
In women: An unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding after intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods, abdominal or pelvic pain
In men: Discharge from the penis, burning with urination, swollen and/or painful testicles.
SYPHILIS
WHAT IS IT?
It is a complex disease that causes various symptoms at different stages. It is transmitted through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected person.
WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW?
• It is a very serious infection that spreads through the whole body. Without proper treatment, it can cause heart disease, dementia, blindness, paralysis, and death
• First killer STD that medical science discovered.
• Syphilis can be passed from mother to infant before birth-resulting in congenital syphilis. Babies with congenital syphilis may suffer from blindness, other severe organ damage, and death.
SYMPTOMS
Primary: A small painless sore in the area of sexual contact. It usually appears about two to four weeks after exposure and disappears within four to six weeks
Secondary: A rash all over the body (including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet), swollen lymph nodes in groin, fever, hoarseness of voice or tiredness may be noticed. These also disappear within three to six months without treatment.
Latent: There are no symptoms but the bacterium is still in the body. During this stage bacteria can spread to the eyes, nervous system, cardiovascular system, and even bones. In the Tertiary stage, it manifests in the form of serious diseases of nervous system, cardiovascular system, dementia, blindness and ultimately death.
HEPATITIS B
WHAT IS IT?
Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW?
• HBV directly attacks the liver and can lead to severe illness, liver damage, and in some cases death
• There is no specific treatment or cure for acute hepatitis B and no drugs have been shown to alter the course of infection once someone becomes ill. However, for individuals with chronic hepatitis B, interferon therapy may help
• Of the chronic carriers of this virus, 10-30 per cent will develop chronic liver disease or cirrhosis
• In addition, chronic carriers can infect others throughout their lives, and their risk for developing liver cancer is 200 times higher.
SYMPTOMS
Many people with hepatitis B have no or only mild symptoms. However, some people experience flu-like symptoms or may develop jaundice.
VACCINATION
Although there is no cure for the HBV, there is a safe and effective vaccine that can prevent hepatitis B. This vaccine has been available since 1982 and is given in a series of three shots.
HERPES
WHAT IS IT?
Herpes is an infection caused by two different but closely related viruses — herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW?
• There is no cure for it
• Many people carry the virus in their bodies but do not have their first episode of symptoms until they are infected another time
• In US, herpes infection is a strong and valid reason for easy divorce.
SYMPTOMS
• During oral herpes, ‘Cold sores’ show up on the lips or inside the mouth
• During genital herpes, the most common symptom is a cluster of blistery sores — usually on the penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, buttocks, or anus. Symptoms may last several weeks and go away. They may return in weeks, months, or years
• The symptoms of later episodes are usually less severe than the first.
PREVENTION
• People may be a carrier and not just a sufferer. Hence, they may end up giving you the virus to their partner without even knowing about it. To maintain a monogamous relationship with a committed partner is the only safe way to stay away from STDs
• Don’t rely completely on your condom. Using a condom doesn’t guarantee 100 per cent protection from STDs. Any sexual activity that involves exchange of body fluids (serum, saliva and semen) can spread STDs.
(Dr Rajan Bhonsle is a professor and HOD of Sexual Medicine at
KEM Hospital)
