Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are diseases acquired and transmitted predominantly through sexual activity. There are many types of STDs but the way of transmission is the same. The germs are passed from the infected to the non-infected partner. The severity of the disease depends on the load of the microbes entering the body and the overall health status and immunity of the individual. Women are more susceptible to acquiring STDs due to various reasons. Often, they contract infections from their infected sexual partners, as many men avoid using condoms due to perceptions that it diminishes their masculinity. Additionally, disloyalty to their partners can result in acquiring diseases from external sources and subsequently infecting their partners at home. It is not only the immediate sickness, but even the sequel which is troublesome for them. When a woman acquires a sexually transmitted disease, like syphilis, gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, e.t.c., she suffers from painful urination, itching over private parts, and a vaginal discharge. Sexual intercourse also becomes painful. Depending on the disease, there can be an ulcer on the genitals or discharge which may be scanty or profuse curd-like, depending on causative germs. The adjoining inguinal lymph nodes become enlarged and painful. Owing to the STD, a woman acquires chronic pelvic infection. Because of this, she suffers from chronic pain in the lower abdomen and back and painful intercourse. Chronic pelvic infection can cause carcinoma of the cervix in later life. She is also prone to developing urinary tract infections as the germs easily enter the urinary system through the small urethra (tube connecting the urinary bladder to the exterior) of women. This causes painful urination and she has to pass urine many times every day. These problems can be recurrent because whatever treatment is taken will help clear the infection, but it does not provide any immunity for the future. Thus, a woman might get recurrent infections. HIV/AIDS is the lead infection acquired and transmitted through sexual activity. Women are at greater risk for acquiring the infection as vaginal fluid is a more suitable source for HIV virus to enter. The fallopian tubes can get blocked due to the infection leading to ectopic pregnancy which is a potentially fatal condition and needs urgent medical intervention. Blocked fallopian tubes are also one of the causes of sterility. If a lady fails to conceive, it is a big stigma for her and also a mental torture. If a woman conceives, several diseases like HIV/AIDS, syphilis, genital herpes, etc.. can pass from the mother to the baby. The baby can also be infected during vaginal delivery. Thus, an innocent child suffers for no fault of their own. One can easily see the multitude of problems that can arise in women due to an STD. Men also experience issues, but the symptoms tend to be more severe and lead to longer-lasting repercussions and complications in women. All this can be simply prevented by using a condom. Ideally, one should avoid intercourse with an infected partner. Men need to be educated about STDs and the risks they pose to themselves and their partners. This can help prevent many innocent women and children from being infected with STDs and their consequences. Dr Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine.
