Date: 12/1/2008
TUMSPR News: The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the importance of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as one fifth of people who seek health care are patients with these infections.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by more than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites and mostly spread by sexual contacts. Some of these diseases develop a persistent or chronic state such as AIDS, infertility, cervical cancer or even death.
WHO and its partners are trying globally to prevent and contain these diseases. The following fact file which has been taken from the WHO site explains these infections, their effects and ways to stop their spread [1].
1- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are mostly spread from one infected person to another through sexual intercourse. Some infections may also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth. Another way that infections are passed on is through the sharing of blood products or tissue transplants, if proper precautions are not taken. Some diseases caused by STIs include syphilis, AIDS and cervical cancer.
2- STIs often exist without symptoms, particularly in women. Thus, men and women with sexual partners who have STI symptoms should seek care regardless of a lack of signs. Whenever an infection is diagnosed or suspected, effective treatment should be provided promptly to avoid complications.
3- STIs disproportionately affect women and adolescent girls. Every year, one in 20 adolescent girls gets a bacterial infection through sexual contact and infections are seen in younger and younger age groups each year. Improving awareness and knowledge of STIs and how to prevent them among adolescents should be part of all sexual health education and services.
4- Sexually transmitted infections are important causes of Fallopian tube damage that lead to infertility in women. Between 10% and 40% of women with untreated chlamydial infections develop symptomatic pelvic inflammatory disease. Post-infection damage of the Fallopian tubes is responsible for 30% to 40% of female infertility cases.
5- In pregnancy, untreated early syphilis is responsible for 1 in 4 stillbirths and 14% of neonatal (newborn) deaths. About 4% to 15% of pregnant women in Africa test positive for syphilis. Interventions to more effectively screen pregnant women for syphilis and prevent mother-to-child transmission of the disease could prevent an estimated 492 000 stillbirths per year in Africa alone.
6- One of the most deadly sexually transmitted infections is the human papilloma virus (HPV). Virtually all cervical cancer cases are linked to genital infection with the virus. Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women, with about 500 000 new cases and 250 000 deaths each year. The new vaccine that prevents the infection could reduce these cervical cancer-related deaths.
7- When used properly and consistently, condoms are one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs, including HIV infection. Although the female condom is effective and safe, it is not as widely used in national programs because of its higher cost when compared to male condoms.
8- The partner notification process, which is an integral part of STI care, informs sexual partners of patients about their exposure to infection so that they can seek disease screening and treatment. Partner notification can prevent reinfection and reduce the wider spread of infections.
9- Social or economic conditions, and some sexual behaviors increase a person's vulnerability to STIs. Populations most-at-risk for sexually transmitted infections vary from setting to setting, depending on local culture and practices. Interventions to prevent and care for STIs should be intensified for such populations, while ensuring that services minimize potential stigmatization and discrimination.
10- A global strategy to accelerate prevention and control of STIs was developed by WHO through broad consultation among Member States and partners, and then endorsed by the World Health Assembly in May 2006. To build momentum and effectiveness, the 10-year plan includes technical and advocacy components that can be adapted for use around the world [2].
1- http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/sexually_transmitted_diseases/en/index.html
2- http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/sexually_transmitted_diseases/facts/en/index.html
http://publicrelations.tums.ac.ir/english/news/detail.asp?newsID=9723
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