RGGGH drive to sensitise women to STD effects

Explaining that women with STD can spread the infection to their partners and if pregnant, infect the child transplacentally, the doctor said, “Some of the STDs in pregnant women will have adverse impacts like abortion and stillbirth while diseases can affect the baby. Besides, certain STDs can also lead to cervical cancer.”

Vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, ulcer in the genital region, growth in the genital region, vaginal itching, burning sensation during micturition and increased frequency of micturition, pain during sex and abnormal bleeding per vaginum are the symptoms, she added.

It may be noted that over 50 per cent of new chalmydia and gonococcal cases occur in women aged between 15 and 24. “They may present asymptomatically or through cervicitis and vaginal discharge,” she said.

Stressing on prevention methods, she said, “Condom usage must be promoted. Sex education in schools and colleges should be taken seriously to increase awareness about STDs, their method of prevention and the facilities available for diagnosis and treatment.”