The rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in developing and underdeveloped countries is high and it is a serious threat to the human resource of these countries. It is the most common form of contagious disease. For example, in Africa, milliares of infection are reported from year to year. But the preventive measures by WHO is not sufficient because other problems like poverty lack of education, sanitation facilities, health care, personal hygien, Preventione, etc are closely related to it. But in America, the reports show a reduction in the rate of infection. For every country, its human resource plays an important role in development. But the spread of STI is capable to hinder the growth of the country and eventually, its economy. Sexually transmitted infections spread from one person to another person through direct sexual contact. The bacteria, parasites, and viruses help the transmission from one person to another person. The fact sheet on sexually transmitted infections by WHO points out that the health workers had to fight with over thirty different sexually transmitted microorganisms. “There are more than 30 different sexually transmissible bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Several, in particular HIV and syphilis, can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth, and through blood products and tissue transfer.” (Fact Sheet – Sexually Transmitted Infections). The infection becomes more complicated because the diseases that are transferred to the mother can reach the child during birth. The peculiarity of STI is that some infections can be treated and cured but some other cannot be cured. Here, the only way is to keep away from infection. It is evident that prevention is the only way to fight STIs. The measures are taken by WHO to prevent transmission play an important role at the international level. The threat of STI is a threat to the human race and the effort to prevent it is to save the human race from doom. The person who is infected may not show any symptoms of infection for a long time. But they are the carriers of the infection and they can transfer it to others. Another problem related to STI infection is that the person who gets infected may not know about the infection. STI infection affects health and causes severe damage to the body. Moreover, sexually active people are exposed to STIs. They unknowingly carry and transmit it to their family members. The spread of SIT is like wildfire. So, to prevent STIs is to help the human race to be away from extinction. Let us discuss some of the Sexual Transmitted Infections and the preventive measures that help to prevent STI infections.
Different types of STI
Most STIs are a serious threat to health and even become deadly to cause the death of the infected person. Most of the STIs are bacterial or viral infections. The bacterial-infected STIs are treated with the help of antibiotics. But the viral STI infections cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be treated. So it is advisable to be away from STIs.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
Both are bacterial infections and occur at the same time. In the initial stages, no symptoms can be seen. If it is seen, it will be painful or frequent urination. A preventive measure to avoid infection is to be away from sexual contact during treatment.
Human Papillomavirus
It is a viral infection, which is common in the US, and more than 100 types of viruses is identified. Vaccination is the only treatment that can prevent infection.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection and it directly affects many parts of the are human body and causes severe health problems. If it is identified in the initial stage it can be easily treated and cured. Infection occurs due to the direct contact of individuals.
Genital Herpes
It is a viral infection and is common among the people of the US. Its symptoms are sore on or around the genitals.
HIV/AIDS
This is the most important among STI infections. Infection is through sexual contact and there is a high chance of widespread. When infected, the virus enters the bloodstream the infected badly affects the immune system. This leads to another set of diseases that eventually cause the death of the infected person.
Trichomonas
A microscopic parasite is behind the infection and it spread through sex. This can be cured through proper treatment.
Preventive measures
An invitation to health, a book on health by Hales, Dianne points out the importance to cultivate a healthy lifestyle among young people. Only a sound mind in a sound body can preserve our health. So it is important to know more about the preventive measure against STIs.
- It is advisable to abstain from risky sexual intercourse (more than one partner).
- Limit sexual relationships with an uninfected partner.
- Use male or female condoms.
- Safe sexual behaviors.
- Attending counseling sessions on STIs.
So, it is evident that sexually transmitted infections are capable to threaten human survival but preventive measures can reduce the rate of infection and the seriousness of diseases related to infection. The foretold preventive measures can help an individual to be away from infection and to enjoy healthy sexual life. The most important thing that is to be remembered is- to prevent the spread of STI is so easy from the individual level. But to treat and cure the diseases associated with infection is not so easy. The attempts of WHO and the government of the US can reduce the rate of infection. Moreover, care on individual health and personal hygiene can prevent STIs.
Works Cited
Fact Sheet – Sexually Transmitted Infections. World Health Organization. 2008.