Diseases or infections which are transmitted through sexual intercourse are collectively called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Venereal Diseases (VD) or Reproductive Tract Infections (RT).
Though all persons are vulnerable to these infections, their incidences are reported to be very high among persons in the age group of 15-24 years. STDs can be considered as self-invited diseases.
STDs include gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydiasis, genital warts,
trichomoniasis, hepatitis-B, HIV. These diseases may cause some complications Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID) abortions, 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 injection neecles or surgical instruments with infected persons
(ii) Transfusion of infected blood,
(iil) Transfer from infectec: mother to the foetus through placenia.
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.
