Many studies have
shown that sexually transmitted diseases constitute a major
health problem in Southern Africa. Over one million people
seek treatment for STD's each year.
In males the symptoms
of a STD include: Burning urine, painful testis, penile
discharge, sores on the penis and swollen lymph nodes in the
groin.
In females symptoms include:
vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, painful intercourse,
vaginal itching, sores on the external genitals and lymph nodes
in the groin.
If symptoms like the above
are experienced, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases and co-infection
with HIV is high and it is therefore important to take the necessary
precautions. These include condoms, spermicides and abstinence
till in a stable relationship.
Sexually transmitted diseases
may be casued by a variety of organisms and may present in many
different ways. The more common forms of sexually transmitted
diseases are showm below:
VIRUSES
Warts,
human papilloma virus (hpv)
The wart virus causes an
overgrowth of skin, forming lumps. There are many types that
affect different parts of the body. They are transmitted by
direct contact.
They are found on the vulva, penis and around
the anus, they may be raised and cauliflower shaped, or flat
and smooth. Warts can be single growths or in groups which vary
in size.
Warts are best treated with the application
of a caustic paint named Podophyllin. Freezing, laser treatment
and cutting them off are other treatment methods.
Recurrence rates are high as the virus remains
in the body. Safe sex is the best method of prevention.
Herpes is caused by the
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV virus
the most common appears around the mouth and is known as a cold
sore. The other occurs around the genital areas or anus. Both
types of this virus can cause infection anywhere in the body.
Transmission is by direct contact. At the
site of infection there is often an itching or tingling sensation
which is followed by an outbreak of blisters which then form
scabs. It is contagious in all stages.
HSV is treated using Acyclovir as an ointment.
Safe sex is the best method of prevention and it is known that
a healthy diet, exercise and rest as well as reducing stress
will help prevent further outbreaks.
The HIV virus causes damage to the body's
immune system, which can progress to Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome. (AIDS) There are two main types of the virus, HIV1
and HIV2.
Transmission is by blood, semen or vaginal
fluids during intercourse as well as shared needles.
There is no vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS,
though treatment is available to manage the various infections
and cancers associated with it. Safe sex and single use syringes
are the best forms of prevention.
Hepatitis, is a virus that can effect the
liver, it is spread by sexual contact, exposure to blood and
from mother to child as well as shared needles. There are
three types A B and C. Hepatitis B is the toughest strain.
Some people infected with Hepatitis B may carry the virus
all their lives. One quarter of these "carriers"
will die from liver disease and cancer. Hepatitis B can be
prevented by vaccination and by practicing "safe sex"
as well as single use syringes.
Pubic Lice are parasites
that live on the skin and suck blood up to six times a day from
their human host.. They inject saliva under the skin, which
causes an itching irritation and this is often the first sign
of infection.
They are transmitted through close bodily
contact and look like a small freckle at the base of the pubic
hair.
Treatment: A 1% Permethrin cream or Gamma
benzene hexachloride may be used to treat pubic lice.
Scabies are a parasite similar
to pubic lice, the female burrows into the skin to lay eggs.
The young nymphs migrate back to the surface of the skin to
mate and the process is repeated. The process of burrowing irritates
the skin, this causes scratching to relieve the symptom. The
scratching helps the mite to migrate further over the body as
the eggs and adults can be transferred under the fingernails.
Transmission is by close physical contact.
Treatment: A 5% Permethrin cream applied
to the whole body is usually effective. This is available from
chemists.
Chlamydia trachomatis is
a germ that can infect the urethra and rectum and is transmitted
by unprotected sex. The symptoms are usually a discharge, stinging
when urinating and a tickling sensation along the penile shaft.
Chlamydia can be diagnosed by your GP and is treated using antibiotics.
Gonorrhea is a bacterium
that causes infection that shows as a discharge from the penile
shaft accompanied by pain when urinating.
Syphilis like gonorrhea is
caused by a bacterium and is transmitted during unprotected
sex. The first stage shows as a small sore or chancre, which
is usually not painful and can be found anywhere on the body.
Six weeks later the second stage appears as a rash accompanied
by swinging temperature and weight loss The third stage attacks
the brain, heart and nervous system which leads to insanity,
paralysis and death.
Transmission is through unprotected sex and
is treated using antibiotics.
RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR USE OF CONDOMS:
1. Latex condoms should be used because they
may offer greater protection against HIV and other viral STDs
than natural membrane condoms.
2. Condoms should be stored
in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
3. Condoms in damaged packages or
those that show obvious signs of age (e.g. those that are
brittle, sticky or discolored) should not be used. They cannot
be relied on to prevent infection or pregnancy.
4. Condoms should be handled
with care to prevent puncture.
5. The condom should be put
on before any genital contact to prevent exposure to fluids
that may contain infectious agents. Hold the tip of
the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis, leaving space
at the tip to collect semen, yet ensuring that no air is trapped
in the tip of the condom.
6. Only water-based lubricants should
be used. Petroleum- or oil-based lubricants should not
be used because they weaken the latex and may cause breakage.
7. Use of condoms containing spermicides
may provide some additional protection against STDs.
However vaginal use of spermicides along with condoms is likely
to provide still greater protection.
8. If a condom breaks, it should
be replaced immediately. If ejaculation occurs after condom
breakage, the immediate use of spermicide has been suggested.
However, the protective value of postejaculation application
of spermicides in reducing the risk of STD transmission is
unknown.
9. After ejaculation, care
should be taken so that the condom does not slip off the penis
before withdrawal; the base of the condom should be held throughout
withdrawal. The penis should be withdrawn while still
erect.
Condoms should never be re-used.
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