VI. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS INCLUDING HIV/AIDS

VI. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS INCLUDING HIV/AIDS

A. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

What is a sexually transmitted disease?

The general term sexually transmitted disease (STD) is applied to any of the group of diseases that can be spread by sexual contact.

How do sexually transmitted diseases spread?

STDs are spread from one person to another through intimate sexual contact such as sexual intercourse, oral sex and anal sex.

What are the symptoms of STDs?

The symptoms of STIs may include the following- (i)Itching around the vagina and/or discharge from the vagina in women (ii)Discharge from the penis in men (iii) Pain during sex or when urinating (iv)Painless red sores on the genital area. (iv) Soft flesh coloured warts around genital area (v)Pain in or around the anus for people who have anal sex (vi) Unusual infections, unexplained fatigue, night sweats and weight loss

Is it possible for a person to have STD and not to know about it?

Symptoms of STD in men are often visible, hence they become aware that their sexual organs have been infected. However, women with STIs can be asymptomatic which means that signs of infection are not apparent even though infection is present.

Can STDs cause other health problems?

Yes. While each STD causes different health problems, overall, they can cause cervical cancer and other cancers, liver disease, infertility, pregnancy problems, and other complications. Some STDs increase your risk of getting HIV/AIDS.

What is to be done in case of suspicion of an STD?

If you suspect that you have an STD, don't be shy or afraid to seek help. See your doctor and ask for an STD check up or go consult a skin specialist if you are a male or gynecologist if you are a female. Don't ignore symptoms or wait for them to go away. STDs are common and highly contagious and are more easily treated if caught early.

What are the ways to prevent STD s?

One may protect oneself against STDs by (i) Staying in a monogamous relationship and ensuring that her/his partner is also in a monogamous relationship (ii) Male latex condoms can reduce your risk of getting an STI if used correctly. Be sure to use them every time you have sex. Female condoms aren't as effective as male condoms, but should be used when a man won't use a male condom.

B.HIV/AIDS

What is HIV and AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is caused by the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which attacks the body's immune system - your defense against infections. Without this protection, people with AIDS suffer from fatal infections and cancers.

How is it spread?

HIV is spread from an infected person to someone else when there is an exchange of semen, vaginal fluids or blood. This occurs during (i) sexual intercourse, (ii) through the sharing of needles for injection or (iii) from an infected pregnant mother to her child, at or about the time of birth.

Can HIV be contracted through oral sex?

Although it is possible to become infected with HIV through oral sex, the risk of becoming infected in this way is much lower than the risk of infection via unprotected sexual intercourse with a man or woman.

Is unprotected anal intercourse more of an HIV risk than vaginal or oral sex?

Unprotected anal intercourse does carry a higher risk than most other forms of sexual activity. The lining of the rectum has fewer cells than that of the vagina, and therefore can be damaged and cause bleeding during intercourse. This can then be a route into the bloodstream for infected sexual fluids or blood.

How is HIV not spread?

HIV is not passed on by everyday social contact such as (i) sharing toilets,
(ii) sharing utensils (iii) social gestures like shaking hands, embracing etc. (iv) Pets and biting insects, such as mosquitoes (v) Coughing/ sneezing

Is there a risk of HIV transmission when having a tattoo, body piercing or visiting the barbers?

If instruments contaminated with blood are not sterilised between clients then there is a risk of HIV transmission.This can be avoided by using disposable blades.

Can HIV be transmitted by kissing?

Saliva does not transmit HIV although the virus has been found in the saliva of HIV infected people. If both partners have cuts or sores in the mouth or bleeding gums, infected blood could possibly be exchanged- hence deep kissing should be avoided.

How can I tell if I have an HIV infection?

There is a simple blood test that will tell you if you are infected with HIV. It's called the HIV antibody test. Your body reacts to the presence of the virus by producing antibodies. A test that discovers these antibodies indicates that you are infected.

What is “window period” in HIV testing?

HIV antibodies can take up to 14 weeks or longer to appear in the blood . During this period, known as the “window period” you can test negative but actually have the virus.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

What are the symptoms which manifest immediately following infection?

Many people do not develop HIV AIDS symptoms after getting infected with HIV AIDS . Some people have HIV AIDS symptoms like a flu-like illness within several days to weeks after exposure to the virus. They complain of fever, headache, tiredness, and enlarged glands in the neck. These HIV AIDS symptoms usually disappear on their own within a few weeks.

How long does it take for the disease to progress?

The progression of disease varies widely among individuals. This state may last from a few months to more than 10 years. During this period, the virus continues to multiply actively and infects and kills the cells of the immune system by destroying primary infection fighters, called CD4+ or T4 cells.

What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

Once the immune system weakens, a person infected with HIV /AIDS can develop the following symptoms: (i) Lack of energy (ii)Weight loss (iii) Frequent fevers and sweats (iv) Persistent or frequent fungal infections (v) persistent diarrhoea (vi)Short-term memory loss (vii) Mouth, genital, or anal sores (viii) Cough and shortness of breath

I think I may be infected with HIV or AIDS. What should I do?

See a doctor if you think you may be at risk or if you have symptoms. You may need to have a blood test. A positive result means that you have been exposed to the virus and could pass it on to others.

How is it treated?

There is no cure for HIV infection or AIDS; the virus remains in the body for life. Several drugs are being tried. One of these, AZT, arrests the progress of the HIV infection but is not a cure. There are other drugs to treat the infections and cancers which could develop.