What are sexually transmitted infectons and diseases?:
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), also known as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Venereal Diseases (VD) are diseases that are passed on from one person to another through sexual contact, and sometimes by genital contact - the infection can be passed on via vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. Some sexually transmitted infections can spread through the use of unsterilized IV drug needles, from mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding, and blood transfusions.
Sexually transmitted infections have been around for thousands of years.
Microorganisms that exists on the skin or mucus membranes of the male or female genital area can be transmitted, as can organisms in semen, vaginal secretions or blood during sexual intercourse.
The term "venereal disease" is much less used today, while "sexually transmitted diseases" is slowly giving way to "sexually transmitted infections", because the last term has a broader range of meaning - a person can pass on the infection without having a disease (they do not have to be ill to infect other people).
The genital areas are generally moist and warm environments - ideal for the proliferation of yeasts, viruses and bacteria.
Examples of sexually transmitted infections include:
Some infections can be passed on via sexual contact, but are not classed as sexually transmitted infections, because sexual contact is not the primary vector for the pathogens that cause the infections - an example ismeningitis, it can be passed on via sexual contact, but usually people become infected for other reasons.
The WHO (World Health Organization) estimated over ten years ago that over 1 million people each day became infected with a sexually transmitted infection - most experts believe the figure is considerably higher today. The majority of these new infections occur in young adults aged up to 25 years, while approximately one third occur among individuals younger than 20 years of age. Globally, girls aged 14 to 19 are almost twice as susceptible to STIs than boys of the same age.
A 1930 poster USA. Despite over 80 years of trying to combat syphillis - over ten million people were infected last year worldwide. Between 700,000 and 1.6 million pregnancies a year are affected by syphilis. In sub-Saharan Africa, 20% of all perinatal deaths are caused by syphilis.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), 6.8% of girls aged 14 to 19 years have Chlamydia today.
Women with Chlamydia do not usually have signs or symptoms, if there are any, they are usually non-specific and may include:
Chancroid - also known as soft chancre and ulcus molle. A bacterial infection caused by fastidious Gram-negative streptobacillus Haemophilus ducreyi, and is characterized by painful sores on the genitalia. It is spread solely through sexual contact.
Infection rates are very low in rich countries; it is more common in developing nations, especially among commercial sex workers and some low socioeconomic groups.
The average prevalence in the US, UK, Australia, France and Canada is approximately 1 case in every 2 million people. It is a risk factor for contracting HIV, due to their shared-risk exposure; also, one infection facilitates the transmission of the other.
Within one day to two weeks after becoming infected, the patient develops a bump that turns into an ulcer within a day. The ulcer can be from 1/8 of an in to 2 inches across, it is very painful, may have well defined, undermined borders, has a yellowish-gray material at its base. If the base is grazed it will typically bleed. In about 30% to 60% of cases, the lymph nodes swell and become painful (lymphadenopathy).
Women often have at least four ulcers, while men usually have just one. Males tend to have fewer and less severe symptoms. The ulcers typically appear at the groove at the back of the glans penis (coronal sulcus) in uncircumcised males, or the labia minora or fourchette in females.
Photomicrograph of Haemophilus ducreyi, the causative agent of Chancroid
Chancroid is treated with a seven day course of Erythromycin, a single oral 1 gram dose of Azithromycin, or a single IM dose of Ceftriaxone.
Crabs (Pubic Lice) - pthiriasis (pubic lice manifestations) are primarily spread through sexual contact. Pets do not play any part in the transmission of human lice. The lice attach to the pubic hair, and may also be sometimes found in the armpits, moustache, beard, eyelashes, and eyebrows. They feed on human blood.
The vernacular "crabs" comes from the appearance of the lice, with their crab-like claws and body shape.
Genital herpes - this STI is caused by the herpes simples virus (HSV). The virus affects the skin, cervix, genitals, and some other parts of the body. There are two types:
HSV is easily transmissible from human-to-human - by direct contact. Most commonly, transmission occurs through vaginal, oral or anal sex. In most cases, the virus remains dormant after entering a human being.
The signs and symptoms associated with genital herpes, if they do appear, may include:
Hepatitis B - this STI is caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). It is transmitted via contact with infected semen, blood and some other body fluids. A person can become infected by having unprotected sex, using an unsterilized syringe, being accidentally pricked by a sharp object, drinking infected breast milk, or being bitten by an infected person.
The patient's liver swells and he/she can suffer serious liver damage as a result of the infection, which can eventually lead to cancer. In some cases, the disease can become chronic. Blood donation centers always check to make sure the donor's blood is free of the hepatitis B virus.
Click here for a more information on Hepatitis.
HIV/AIDS - HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Put simply, HIV is the virus while AIDS is the illness/disease. When a person has AIDS, their immune system is altered, and they become much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. As the disease progresses, this susceptibility worsens.
HIV exists in the body fluids of infected people, such as semen, blood, breast milk and vaginal fluids. HIV can be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, which may occur during sexual contact (vaginal oral or anal sex), blood transfusions, breastfeeding, childbirth, and the sharing of infected needles.
Click here for a more information on HIV/AIDS.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - a name for a group of viruses that affect the skin, as well as the moist membranes that line the body, such as the throat, cervix, anus and mouth. There are over 100 types of HPV, of which about 40 can affect the genital areas of males and females; these types may also infect the mouth and throat. The ones that affect the genital area are known as genital human papillomavirus.
HPV infection can lead to:
HPV is most commonly transmitted through vaginal or anal sex. However, oral sex and genital-to-genital contact (without penetration) are also avenues for transmission. Infected people with no signs and symptoms can infect others.
An infected pregnant mother can transmit the virus to her baby during childbirth, although this is very rare.
According to the CDC, half of all Americans who are sexually active will become infected with genital human HPV some time in their lives.
The best way to be protect from HPV infection is to be vaccinated.
Trichomoniasis - a common sexually transmitted disease that can affect both males and females. However, women are more likely to experience symptoms. The infection is caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis.
For women, the most common site of infection is the vagina, while for men it is the urethra (urine canal). Transmission may occur either by penis-to-vagina sexual intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact.
While women may be infected from either male or female sexual partners, men nearly always become from having sex with women (not men).
Signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis include:
Molluscum Contagiosum - a contagious skin infection caused by a virus called molluscum contagiosum. There are four types: MCV-1 (most common), MCV-2 (most commonly sexually transmitted one), MCV-3, and MCV-4. When it infects young children it is not considered an STI. Signs and symptoms include small, round bumps and indents on the skin. If left untreated, the bumps usually go away, but this can take up to two years. A health care provider can remove the bumps with chemicals, an electrical current, or by freezing them. There are some prescription medicines that will eventually get rid of the growths.
Click here for a more information on Molluscum Contagiosum.
Molluscum Contagiosum - the dome-shaped round bumps that appear on the skin of an infected person
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - this is a broad term for inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. The disease can eventually lead to scar formation and fibrous brands that form between tissues and organs. In most cases, PID is caused by a vaginal or cervical infection, which then spreads. PID can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites - in the majority of cases the cause is a bacterium.
STIs are the most common causes of PIDs. However, PIDs may also be a consequence of abortion, miscarriage, childbirth, or using an intrauterine device. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common causes of PID.
Untreated PID can lead to chronic persistent pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
Many females with PID have no signs or symptoms. Some women find out after seeing a doctor for an infertility problem. PID caused by Chlamydia usually has no symptoms.
If signs and symptoms do appear, they may include:
Scabies - a contagious skin condition caused bySarcoptes scabiei, a tiny mite. They burrow into the skin and lay their eggs. The patient develops a skin rash and experiences intense itchiness. Sufferers are often unaware of their condition for several weeks after initial infection, which means scabies infestations spread rapidly.
Some experts believe scabies is caused by poor living conditions and a lack of personal hygiene - however, there is no scientific proof of this.
Scabies is most commonly transmitted through close body contact, such as holding hands for a long time or sexual intercourse. Hugging infected people or simply shaking hands with them is unlikely to lead to transmission.
The scabies mite cannot jump or fly. However, it can survive for one or two days after leaving the human body - this means that sharing clothing or bedding with an infected person raises the risk of infection. However, prolonged physical contact, as may occur during sexual intercourse, is the most common route of transmission.
Signs and symptoms of scabies may not become apparent for several weeks after initial infection, and may include:
Syphilis - this STI is the result of infection byTreponema pallidum, a bacterium. It is transmitted by sexual contact - the infected person has a syphilis lesion. An infected mother can pass on this STI to her baby during pregnancy, which can result in stillbirth or serious birth defects. An infected person, when exposed to HIV, has a higher risk of becoming HIV-positive.
There is a 9 to 90 day incubation period after initial infection - average time 21 days, before the initial signs and symptoms of the disease emerge. Each syphilis stage has characteristic signs and symptoms. Some infected people have no signs, while for others they may be mild. In some cases, even if signs and symptoms go away, the bacterium is still there and can cause serious health problems later on.
Click here for a more information on Syphilis.
Syphilis rates in the USA (Source: CDC)
Gonorrhea - also known as the clap or the drip, this sexually transmitted bacterial infection usually attacks the mucous membranes. Gonorrhea is the second most common STI in the USA, after Chlamydia. The bacterium, which is highly contagious, resides in the warm and moist cavities of the body.
The majority of infected women show no signs or symptoms. If left untreated, females may develop pelvic inflammatory disease, while males may develop inflammation of the prostate gland, urethra, or epididymis.
The disease is caused by the proliferation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The disease can survive in the vagina, penis, mouth, rectum, or eye; it can be transmitted in a variety of sexual contacts. As soon as a person is infected, he/she risks spreading the bacteria to other parts of their body - somebody may inadvertently rub their eye and spread the infection; this prolongs the treatment period. A mother can pass the infection on to her baby during childbirth.
Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea may appear from two to ten days after initial infection, in some cases it may take 30 days. Some patients have such mild symptoms that their infection is mistaken for something else, such as a yeast infection.
Males may have the following signs and symptoms:
Click here for a more information on Gonorrhea.
If the pregnant mother has gonorrhea, there is a 28% chance that her baby will develop gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum, which affects the corneal epithelium causing microbial keratitis, ulceration and perforation, according to the CDC.
Abstain - abstaining from any sexual act is probably the most effective way to avoid becoming infected with an STI.
Be faithful to one uninfected partner - be in a long-term relationship with a person who is not infected, and remain faithful.
Vaccinations - there are vaccinations which can protect from eventually developing some types of cancer caused by two STIs - the HPV (human papillomavirus) and Hepatitis B vaccines.
Check for infections - before sexual intercourse with a new partner, check that the partner and yourself have no STIs.
Drink alcohol in moderation - people who are drunk are more likely to engage in risky behavior. Avoid using some recreational drugs which may also affect judgment.
Explain you want safe sex - before engaging in any sexual act with a new partner, make it clear that you would only consider safe sex.
Education - parents and schools need to teach children about the importance of safe sex, and explain how to prevent becoming infected with an STI. This should also include explaining that the safest protection is to wait to have sex.
Sexually transmitted infections have been around for thousands of years.
Microorganisms that exists on the skin or mucus membranes of the male or female genital area can be transmitted, as can organisms in semen, vaginal secretions or blood during sexual intercourse.
The term "venereal disease" is much less used today, while "sexually transmitted diseases" is slowly giving way to "sexually transmitted infections", because the last term has a broader range of meaning - a person can pass on the infection without having a disease (they do not have to be ill to infect other people).
The genital areas are generally moist and warm environments - ideal for the proliferation of yeasts, viruses and bacteria.
Examples of sexually transmitted infections include:
- Chalmydia
- Chancroid
- Crabs (Pubic Lice)
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts
- Hepatitis B
- HIV/AIDS
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Trichomoniasis (parasitic infection)
- Molluscum Contagiosum
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Scabies
- Syphilis
- Syphilis, gonorrhea
- Trichomoniasis (Trich)
- Yeast infections
Some infections can be passed on via sexual contact, but are not classed as sexually transmitted infections, because sexual contact is not the primary vector for the pathogens that cause the infections - an example ismeningitis, it can be passed on via sexual contact, but usually people become infected for other reasons.
The WHO (World Health Organization) estimated over ten years ago that over 1 million people each day became infected with a sexually transmitted infection - most experts believe the figure is considerably higher today. The majority of these new infections occur in young adults aged up to 25 years, while approximately one third occur among individuals younger than 20 years of age. Globally, girls aged 14 to 19 are almost twice as susceptible to STIs than boys of the same age.
A 1930 poster USA. Despite over 80 years of trying to combat syphillis - over ten million people were infected last year worldwide. Between 700,000 and 1.6 million pregnancies a year are affected by syphilis. In sub-Saharan Africa, 20% of all perinatal deaths are caused by syphilis.
Examples of some sexually transmitted infections
Chlamydia - also known as chamydial infection, is an STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), a bacterium that infects humans exclusively. Chlamydia is the most common infectious cause of genital and eye diseases globally - it is also the leading bacterial STI.According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), 6.8% of girls aged 14 to 19 years have Chlamydia today.
Women with Chlamydia do not usually have signs or symptoms, if there are any, they are usually non-specific and may include:
- Cystitis
- A change in vaginal discharge
- Mild lower abdominal pain If the Chlamydia is left untreated, it may lead to the following signs and symptoms
- Pelvic pain
- Painful sexual intercourse, either intermittently or all the time
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
Chancroid - also known as soft chancre and ulcus molle. A bacterial infection caused by fastidious Gram-negative streptobacillus Haemophilus ducreyi, and is characterized by painful sores on the genitalia. It is spread solely through sexual contact.
Infection rates are very low in rich countries; it is more common in developing nations, especially among commercial sex workers and some low socioeconomic groups.
The average prevalence in the US, UK, Australia, France and Canada is approximately 1 case in every 2 million people. It is a risk factor for contracting HIV, due to their shared-risk exposure; also, one infection facilitates the transmission of the other.
Within one day to two weeks after becoming infected, the patient develops a bump that turns into an ulcer within a day. The ulcer can be from 1/8 of an in to 2 inches across, it is very painful, may have well defined, undermined borders, has a yellowish-gray material at its base. If the base is grazed it will typically bleed. In about 30% to 60% of cases, the lymph nodes swell and become painful (lymphadenopathy).
Women often have at least four ulcers, while men usually have just one. Males tend to have fewer and less severe symptoms. The ulcers typically appear at the groove at the back of the glans penis (coronal sulcus) in uncircumcised males, or the labia minora or fourchette in females.
Photomicrograph of Haemophilus ducreyi, the causative agent of Chancroid
Chancroid is treated with a seven day course of Erythromycin, a single oral 1 gram dose of Azithromycin, or a single IM dose of Ceftriaxone.
Crabs (Pubic Lice) - pthiriasis (pubic lice manifestations) are primarily spread through sexual contact. Pets do not play any part in the transmission of human lice. The lice attach to the pubic hair, and may also be sometimes found in the armpits, moustache, beard, eyelashes, and eyebrows. They feed on human blood.
The vernacular "crabs" comes from the appearance of the lice, with their crab-like claws and body shape.
Genital herpes - this STI is caused by the herpes simples virus (HSV). The virus affects the skin, cervix, genitals, and some other parts of the body. There are two types:
- HSVp1, also known as Herpes Type 1
- HSV-2, also known as Herpes Type 2.
HSV is easily transmissible from human-to-human - by direct contact. Most commonly, transmission occurs through vaginal, oral or anal sex. In most cases, the virus remains dormant after entering a human being.
The signs and symptoms associated with genital herpes, if they do appear, may include:
- Blisters and ulceration on the cervix
- Vaginal discharge
- Pain on urinating
- Fever
- Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
- Cold sores around the mouth
- Red blisters - these can be painful, especially after they burst and leave ulcers on the external genital area, rectum, thighs and buttocks.
Hepatitis B - this STI is caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). It is transmitted via contact with infected semen, blood and some other body fluids. A person can become infected by having unprotected sex, using an unsterilized syringe, being accidentally pricked by a sharp object, drinking infected breast milk, or being bitten by an infected person.
The patient's liver swells and he/she can suffer serious liver damage as a result of the infection, which can eventually lead to cancer. In some cases, the disease can become chronic. Blood donation centers always check to make sure the donor's blood is free of the hepatitis B virus.
Click here for a more information on Hepatitis.
HIV/AIDS - HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Put simply, HIV is the virus while AIDS is the illness/disease. When a person has AIDS, their immune system is altered, and they become much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. As the disease progresses, this susceptibility worsens.
HIV exists in the body fluids of infected people, such as semen, blood, breast milk and vaginal fluids. HIV can be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, which may occur during sexual contact (vaginal oral or anal sex), blood transfusions, breastfeeding, childbirth, and the sharing of infected needles.
Click here for a more information on HIV/AIDS.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - a name for a group of viruses that affect the skin, as well as the moist membranes that line the body, such as the throat, cervix, anus and mouth. There are over 100 types of HPV, of which about 40 can affect the genital areas of males and females; these types may also infect the mouth and throat. The ones that affect the genital area are known as genital human papillomavirus.
HPV infection can lead to:
- The abnormal growth and alteration of cells within the cervix, which can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer of the cervix
- Genital warts, the most common STI in the majority of developed nations
HPV is most commonly transmitted through vaginal or anal sex. However, oral sex and genital-to-genital contact (without penetration) are also avenues for transmission. Infected people with no signs and symptoms can infect others.
An infected pregnant mother can transmit the virus to her baby during childbirth, although this is very rare.
According to the CDC, half of all Americans who are sexually active will become infected with genital human HPV some time in their lives.
The best way to be protect from HPV infection is to be vaccinated.
Trichomoniasis - a common sexually transmitted disease that can affect both males and females. However, women are more likely to experience symptoms. The infection is caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis.
For women, the most common site of infection is the vagina, while for men it is the urethra (urine canal). Transmission may occur either by penis-to-vagina sexual intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact.
While women may be infected from either male or female sexual partners, men nearly always become from having sex with women (not men).
Signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis include:
- Vaginal odor
- Vaginal discharge
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Pain when urinating
Molluscum Contagiosum - a contagious skin infection caused by a virus called molluscum contagiosum. There are four types: MCV-1 (most common), MCV-2 (most commonly sexually transmitted one), MCV-3, and MCV-4. When it infects young children it is not considered an STI. Signs and symptoms include small, round bumps and indents on the skin. If left untreated, the bumps usually go away, but this can take up to two years. A health care provider can remove the bumps with chemicals, an electrical current, or by freezing them. There are some prescription medicines that will eventually get rid of the growths.
Click here for a more information on Molluscum Contagiosum.
Molluscum Contagiosum - the dome-shaped round bumps that appear on the skin of an infected person
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - this is a broad term for inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. The disease can eventually lead to scar formation and fibrous brands that form between tissues and organs. In most cases, PID is caused by a vaginal or cervical infection, which then spreads. PID can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites - in the majority of cases the cause is a bacterium.
STIs are the most common causes of PIDs. However, PIDs may also be a consequence of abortion, miscarriage, childbirth, or using an intrauterine device. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common causes of PID.
Untreated PID can lead to chronic persistent pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
Many females with PID have no signs or symptoms. Some women find out after seeing a doctor for an infertility problem. PID caused by Chlamydia usually has no symptoms.
If signs and symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Lower abdominal pain, this may sometimes be severe
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Oligomenorrhea (irregular periods)
- Lower back pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Rectal pain
- Change in vaginal discharge
- Nausea and vomiting
Scabies - a contagious skin condition caused bySarcoptes scabiei, a tiny mite. They burrow into the skin and lay their eggs. The patient develops a skin rash and experiences intense itchiness. Sufferers are often unaware of their condition for several weeks after initial infection, which means scabies infestations spread rapidly.
Some experts believe scabies is caused by poor living conditions and a lack of personal hygiene - however, there is no scientific proof of this.
Scabies is most commonly transmitted through close body contact, such as holding hands for a long time or sexual intercourse. Hugging infected people or simply shaking hands with them is unlikely to lead to transmission.
The scabies mite cannot jump or fly. However, it can survive for one or two days after leaving the human body - this means that sharing clothing or bedding with an infected person raises the risk of infection. However, prolonged physical contact, as may occur during sexual intercourse, is the most common route of transmission.
Signs and symptoms of scabies may not become apparent for several weeks after initial infection, and may include:
- A skin rash - small red spots, known as burrow marks; they look like tiny insect bites. Some people may think it is eczema.
- Intense itching, which gets worse at night or after taking a hot shower
- The burrow marks, which typically appear as a small line of at least four tiny spots, appear on the elbows, wrists, around the nipples (in women), near the genitals (in men), and in between the toes and fingers.
- Upon scratching areas of skin where the rash is, the area can become inflamed and crusty sores may develop.
- Less commonly the rash may appear on the buttocks, ankles, axillae (armpits), genitalia (in women), groin, the inside of the elbow, scalp, neck, face, head, shoulders, waist, soles of the feet, lower leg, and knees.
Syphilis - this STI is the result of infection byTreponema pallidum, a bacterium. It is transmitted by sexual contact - the infected person has a syphilis lesion. An infected mother can pass on this STI to her baby during pregnancy, which can result in stillbirth or serious birth defects. An infected person, when exposed to HIV, has a higher risk of becoming HIV-positive.
There is a 9 to 90 day incubation period after initial infection - average time 21 days, before the initial signs and symptoms of the disease emerge. Each syphilis stage has characteristic signs and symptoms. Some infected people have no signs, while for others they may be mild. In some cases, even if signs and symptoms go away, the bacterium is still there and can cause serious health problems later on.
Click here for a more information on Syphilis.
Syphilis rates in the USA (Source: CDC)
Gonorrhea - also known as the clap or the drip, this sexually transmitted bacterial infection usually attacks the mucous membranes. Gonorrhea is the second most common STI in the USA, after Chlamydia. The bacterium, which is highly contagious, resides in the warm and moist cavities of the body.
The majority of infected women show no signs or symptoms. If left untreated, females may develop pelvic inflammatory disease, while males may develop inflammation of the prostate gland, urethra, or epididymis.
The disease is caused by the proliferation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The disease can survive in the vagina, penis, mouth, rectum, or eye; it can be transmitted in a variety of sexual contacts. As soon as a person is infected, he/she risks spreading the bacteria to other parts of their body - somebody may inadvertently rub their eye and spread the infection; this prolongs the treatment period. A mother can pass the infection on to her baby during childbirth.
Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea may appear from two to ten days after initial infection, in some cases it may take 30 days. Some patients have such mild symptoms that their infection is mistaken for something else, such as a yeast infection.
Males may have the following signs and symptoms:
- Burning during urination
- Testicular pain and/or swelling
- A green, white or yellow discharge from the penis
- Spotting after sexual intercourse
- Swelling of the vulva (vulvitis)
- Irregular bleeding (between periods)
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Burning or pain during urination
Click here for a more information on Gonorrhea.
If the pregnant mother has gonorrhea, there is a 28% chance that her baby will develop gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum, which affects the corneal epithelium causing microbial keratitis, ulceration and perforation, according to the CDC.
Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Have "safe sex" - for each sexual act, use a new latex condom, whether it be oral, vaginal or anal sex. Avoid using an oil-based lubricant, such as petroleum jelly when using a latex condom. Non-barrier forms ofcontraception do nothing to protect people from sexually transmitted infections. Examples include oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices.Abstain - abstaining from any sexual act is probably the most effective way to avoid becoming infected with an STI.
Be faithful to one uninfected partner - be in a long-term relationship with a person who is not infected, and remain faithful.
Check for infections - before sexual intercourse with a new partner, check that the partner and yourself have no STIs.
Drink alcohol in moderation - people who are drunk are more likely to engage in risky behavior. Avoid using some recreational drugs which may also affect judgment.
Explain you want safe sex - before engaging in any sexual act with a new partner, make it clear that you would only consider safe sex.
Education - parents and schools need to teach children about the importance of safe sex, and explain how to prevent becoming infected with an STI. This should also include explaining that the safest protection is to wait to have sex.
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