Education regarding sexually transmitted disease (STD) is usually very poor. Its teaching in schools is often ignored as an embarrassing subject. With the advent of AIDS this attitude has to be changed.
The important STD's are:
° Syphilis
° Gonorrhoea
° Non-specific urethritis
° Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
° Lymphogranuloma venereum
° Yaws /framboesia
Other STD's, which are not as serious, include genital warts, thrush (vaginal candidiasis) and trichomonas. If you suspect you have contracted an STD, seek medical advice.
SYPHILIS
Syphilis is not common today. Henry VIII, King of England, was reputed to have suffered from the disease. The effectiveness of penicillin is probably the cause of the lower incidence of the disease.
It presents itself as a sore or primary chancre. This occurs on the glans in the male penis and in the vagina or cervix in the female.
It can also occur on the lips and in the mouth. If untreated, the first sores heal after about 6 weeks. The disease then migrates into the blood stream and may invade the walls of blood vessels.
This is illustrated by a generalised rash and often the appearance of 'snail track' ulcers on the tongue. This phase of the disease is called secondary syphilis.
The rash disappears and the third stage of syphilis may appear at variable times. This is associated with insanity, delusional states. If you suspect you have contracted syphilis, seek medical advice.
GONORRHOEA
Gonorrhoea is very common. It is one of the oldest diseases known to man. It's caused by a small bacteria (similar to the type which causes pneumonia).
The disease presents a discharge from the urethra, which is creamy or milky in consistency and associated with frequency and pain when passing urine.
If left untreated many complications can arise. Possible narrowing of the urethra and severe joint deformity. If you suspect you have contracted gonorrhoea, seek medical advice.
NON-SPECIFIC URETHRITIS
Non-specific urethritis is in many respects similar to gonorrhoea. It presents itself with a history of watery discharge from the urethra and may be associated with frequency or pain on passing urine.
It is essential to obtain medical advice so that the correct diagnosis can be made. If you suspect you have contracted non-specific urethritis, seek medical advice.
ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)
Although only recognised for the last seven years, it's probably been around for much longer. Now world-wide, there is no vaccine and no cure.
It is caused by a virus called HIV. All those infected by the virus are at risk of developing AIDS, which is fatal.
The body loses its power to combat infection so that the whole immune system is disabled. Even those who do not develop AIDS are thought to remain infected and infectious all their lives.
Some people believe its spread has been restricted to the male homosexual community. This is incorrect as it can be passed between heterosexuals.
However, the predicted explosion among heterosexuals has not so far materialised.
Enormous research into the disease is under way. Some chemicals are already in use and are thought to delay the onset of the full disease.
Work is also being directed towards developing a vaccine to protect individuals.
The 2 main ways of catching the virus are:
° Having sex with an infected person
° If blood contaminated by the virus gets into your body
People can be infectious to others even if they look and feel completely well. They may not even know they have the virus. Therefore, it makes sense to protect yourself:
° Don't have sex with anyone other than your usual partner
° If you have sex with someone else, always use a condom
The practice of putting on a condom just before ejaculation, but after penetration, must be avoided. This will not protect you from AIDS.
In some parts of the world, the spread of AIDS is a result of drug addiction, through the sharing of infected needles and equipment.
If you must inject, never share needles. If you suspect you have contracted AIDS, seek medical advice.
