What is a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

An STD is an illness that is spread through sexual contact.

How can sexually transmitted diseases be avoided?

1. The less sexual partners a person has, the lower the risk of infection from a STD.
   
   
2. Most sexually transmitted diseases can be avoided to a large extent by practicing safe sex and by using a condom.
   
   
3. Most sexually transmitted diseases can be cured if they are diagnosed and treated in their early stages.
   

The most common diseases and their symptoms are described below.

Herpes genitalis (genital herpes)

Genital Herpes is a highly contagious viral condition caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It principally infects the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals and rectum, but can also appear in areas such as the mouth. It is transmitted primarily through physical and sexual contact. During birth, the presence of herpes simplex virus on the genitalia or in the birth canal is a threat to the infant. Infection in the newborn infant can lead to herpetic meningitis, herpetic viremia (herpes virus particles present in the blood) and chronic skin infection.

The symptoms of herpes simplex virus usually occur a week after infection, but sometimes take longer to appear. Initially, the skin becomes reddened and multiple small blisters filled with a clear, straw-coloured fluid appear. Prior to the presence of blisters, the infected individual may also experience increased skin sensitivity, tingling, burning or pain at the site where blisters will appear. Later, the blisters burst leaving shallow, painful ulcers which eventually scab and heal over a period of 7 to 14 days.

The outbreak may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

1. swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes in the groin area.
   
   
2. in women, vaginal discharge and painful urination.
   
   
3. in men, a possibility of painful urination if the lesion is near the opening of the urethra.
   
   
4. fever.
   
   

In most cases, a description of the condition and the appearance of the blisters will be enough to make a diagnosis. The GP may also advise referral to a specialist genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic for confirmation of the diagnosis.

There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus; once infected, patients will remain a carrier for the rest of their lives. Some remedies, however, can reduce the duration of the eruption. In addition, by being more aware of the initial symptoms of recurrence (skin sensitivity and tingling), timely treatment with medication such as aciclovir (Zovirax tablets/suspension) will often abort the outbreak of blisters.

The best way to avoid transmission is to avoid direct contact with an open lesion. People with herpes simplex virus should avoid sexual contact when active lesions are present.

Although the symptoms of genital herpes may not be present, it is important for those infected to inform their partner that they have the disease. This will encourage both parties to use barrier protection ocndoms to prevent the spread of the illness. Using condoms and not sharing towels are good ways of reducing the chance of infection in the first place.

How to avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Avoid high-risk behaviours and practise safe sex.

1. Though not necessarily practical or desirable, abstinence is the only way to completely prevent STDs.
   
   
2. Avoid sex with many different partners.
   
   
3. Always use condoms.