Actual
reporting of all Sexually Tansmitted Diseases (STD) cases is difficult
because of the social stigma, poor transport facilities, self
and over the counter treatments associated with the diseases.
STDs can cause a wide spectrum of effects on an individual ranging
from complete absence of symptoms to life threatening complications.
Some
Facts
Although
many STDs are curable, some are not, and all can lead to serious
health consequences. In Developing countries it is one of the
top five diseases for which adults seek health care services.
People
with an active syphilis, genital herpes, chancroid infection
or who have chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or trichomoniasis are 3 to
9 times more likely to contract HIV, if exposed, than other
people.
Millions
of women, men and children are affected by long-term complications
of STDs, including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage,
redisposition to Cancer of Cervix and other chronic diseases,
Ectopic Cancer and Cancer of Cervix may be fatal also.
In
men it is present as Genital Ulcers, Chronic Urethritis and
Epididymatis leading to infertility. In children it may result
in blinding eye infections, Pneumonia and low birth weight.
How STD's are transmitted
Unprotected
sexual activities.
Transfusion
of infected blood to normal person.
Contact
of open wound or mucus membrane with infected blood, pus or mucus
secretion.
Mother
to Child during pregnancy & child birth.
Quality STD care includes
the following minimum features
Physicians
and other health care providers who have a non-judgmental attitudes
to clients with STIs.
Adequate
privacy for consultation and clinical examination.
Facilty
for STI counselling that provides accurate information on STIs,
education on condom usage and provision of condoms and promotion
of partner notification.
Facility for basic laboratory investigations.
Effective
prescription practices suited to the need of the client.
Treatment
In
Madhya Pradesh all district hospitals provide treatment to STDs
at STD Clinics
Medical
Colleges are also equipped with STD Clinic, where diagnostic and
treatment facilities are available.
Timely Treatment of STD till cure saves many serious complications
along with reduced chances of HIV transmission.
Complete
treatment of STD patient and his/her partner with regular follow up
and counselling advice to use Condoms helps in the cure of patients.
Importance
of STD Case Management
To
get treatment for their infections at the earliest.
To
avoid spreading STDs to their partners.
To bring their sexual partners for treatment.
To
come back to make sure that they are cured.
To
stay cured without re-infection by using condoms.
To
be satisfied with one sexual partner.
To
protect their new arrivals by attending antenatal clinics.
