Diseases or infections which are transmitted through sexual intercourse are collectively called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Venereal Diseass (VD) or Reproductive Tract infections (RTI)
Though all persons are vulnerable to these infections, their incidences are reported to be very high among persons in the age gruop of 15-24 years . STDs can be considered as self-invited diseases.
STDs include gonorrhea syphiils gential herpes, chlamydiasis, gential warts, trichomoniasis, hepatitis -Bm HIV . These diseases may cause some compliations Pelvic Infammatory Diseases (PID) , abrotions, still births, ectopic pregnancies, infertility , or even cancer of the reproductive tract.
Hepatitis -B and HIV are such diseases that get transmitted by the following ways besides sexual contacts
(i) Sharing of injections needles or surgical instruments with infected persons.
(ii) Transfusion of infected blood.
(iii) Transfer from infected motehr to the foetus through placenta.
Preventive Measures
By following simple principles. STDs can be prevented
(i) Avoid sex with unknown partners/multiple partners.
(ii) Always use condoms during coitus.
(iii) Contact a qualified doctor for any doubt in early stage of infection.
