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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Since the 1990s, prevalence of STIs has continued to rise in most countries, including developed countries.9,10 The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that 340 million new cases of curable STIs (syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, occur every year.11 Worldwide, the largest proportion of STIs is believed to occur in people younger than 25 years, with more than a fifth to greater than half of some STIs occurring in young people.9-12 In the UK, for example, around one in ten sexually active young women (and many men) are infected with Chlamydia, and in the last six years alone, syphilis rates have increased by 500%, and the incidence of gonorrhea has doubled.13 According to UK statistics, standards of sexual health are rapidly declining.13
STIs include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Genital Warts
- Genital Herpes
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HPV (human papilloma virus)
- HIV and AIDS
- Syphilis
- Scabies and Pubic Lice
- Trichomonas Vaginalis.
Common signs of STIs are:14
- Unusual discharge of liquid from the vagina or penis
- Pain or burning during urination
- Genital itching, rashes, lumps or blisters
- Pain or bleeding during or after sex.
However, symptoms can vary from infection to infection and many STIs are asymptomatic (e.g. some Chlamydia and gonorrhoea). Patients may also have more than one infection at one time.14
The vast majority of contraceptives do not protect against STIs, so if a patient’s sexual history reveals high-risk behaviour, it may be worth explaining how this risk can be reduced.
Further information.
For more information on sexually transmitted infections, please visit the Centres of Disease Control & Prevention website at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm »
References
- Panchaud C, Singh S, Feivelson D, Darroch JE. Sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents in developed countries. Int Fam Plan Perspect 2000; 32: 24-32.
- Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W Jr. Sexually transmitted infections among American youth: incidence and prevalence estimates. Perspect Sex Reprod Health 2004; 36: 6-10.
- WHO. Global prevalence and incidence of selected curable sexually transmitted infections: overview and estimates. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2001.
- Dehne KL, Riedner G. Sexually transmitted infections among adolescents: the need for adequate health services. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2005.
- House of Commons Health Committee. Sexual Health: Third Report of Session 2002-2003. The Stationery Office Limited, June 2003. London. Accessed on 1 April 2005 at: http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office
.co.uk/pa/cm200203/cmselect
/cmhealth/69/69.pdf.
- Leidenberger FA. Klinische Endokrinologie fur Frauenarzte. Berlin, Germany: Springer Verlag, 1998
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