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8.1 Sexually transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are passed from one person to
another through sexual contact. The causes of sexually transmitted diseases are bacteria,
parasites, yeast and viruses. They are transmitted from infected person to a healthy person
through unsafe sexual contact. Unsafe sexual contact refers to the sexual contact before
maturity of sex organs, sexual contact with multiple partners, sexual contact without
using condoms and unnatural sexual activities.
There are more than 20 types of sexually transmitted diseases. Among them, the major
STDs are HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Genital herpes, Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhoea,
Chancroid, etc. Most STDs affect both men and women, but in most cases the health
problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it
can cause serious health problems for the baby.
STDs caused by bacteria, yeast or parasites can be treated by antibiotics. But there is no
cure for STDs caused by viruses. However medicines can often help with the symptoms
and keep the disease under control. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but
does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs.

Fig: 1
Person suffering from AIDs Person having syphilis Person having gonorrhoea

The most effective way of preventing STDs is to stay far from having sex. Some vaccinations
may also decrease the risk of certain infections including Hepatitis B and some types
of HPV. Safer sex practices such as use of condoms, having only one sex partner. Most
STDs are curable. Of the most common infections syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and
trichomoniasis are treatable and curable, while herpes, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS and HPV
are treatable but not curable.
In this unit, we will study in detail about HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chancroid, etc.

Some Major Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

HIV/AIDS
AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is a syndrome caused by a virus called
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The disease alters the immune system, making
people much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. This susceptibility worsens as
the syndrome progresses.

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