Communicable Diseases of The Reproductive System

Communicable Diseases of the Reproductive System
Communicable diseases of the reproductive system are also called Sexually Transmitted
Diseases (STDs) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). They are caused by bacteria, viruses
and fungi. It affects the reproductive organs and then spread to other parts of the body. These
diseases are transmitted as the name suggests by sexual activities mainly sexual intercourse and
by other ways such as skin-to-skin contact, through bodily fluids, contact with infected blood,
infection before birth, infection during birth and infection by breastfeeding.
Different types of STDs, its causes, symptoms and treatment or prevention methods
Source: Concise Revision Course CSEC Integrated Science by Anne Tindale, Peter DeFreitas
and Shaun deSouza.
Infection Cause Symptoms Treatment and
control methods
Gonorrhoea Bacteria ● Discharge from penis or Treat with
vagina. antibiotics.
● Pain or burning sensation No vaccine exists.
when urinating.
Syphilis Bacteria ● Painless round sores around Treat with
the genitals. antibiotics.
● A red non-itchy rash that No vaccine exists.
spreads over the body.
● Swollen glands in the neck,
groin and armpits.
● In the longer term, brain
damage and stillbirths.
Chlamydia Bacteria ● Usually shows no Treat with
symptoms. antibiotics.
● Discharge from penis or
vagina.
● Pain or burning sensation
when urinating.
Herpes Virus ● Recurring painful blisters on Treat with antiviral
the genitals and surrounding drugs to reduce
Herpes simplex
areas. symptoms.
virus (HSV)
No cure or vaccines
exists.
Hepatitis Virus ● Flu like symptoms, nausea, Treat with antiviral

vomiting, diarrhea, dark drugs to slow
coloured urine, jaundice reproduction of the
(yellowing of the skin). virus.
● Can lead to serious liver Don’t use
damage if left untreated. intravenous drugs
(injections) or share
cutting instruments.
Use sterile needles
for all injections.
Vaccinate all
children, adolescents
and at-risks persons.
Human Virus ● Can cause cancer of the There is no medical
Papilloma cervix, vagina or penis. cure.
Virus (HPV)
● Cause genital warts that are Genital warts can be
cauliflower shaped removed by
abnormal growths that are medication or
highly contagious by surgery.
skin-to-skin contact.
Can be prevented by
vaccination.
Controlling and preventing STDs can vary but some common methods which can be used to
control and prevent all are:
● Use of educational programmes
● Abstain from sexual activities until marriage
● Use condoms
● Trace and treat all sexual partners of the infected person.
AIDS and HIV
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome stand for AIDS. It is caused by the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus attacks the body’s immune system, mainly the white
blood cells that is responsible for your body to fight infections and diseases thus leaving you’re
your body unable to do so becoming ill. HIV does not attack the body but it weakens its
defenses, leaving the body open to be attacked by other bacteria, viruses or fungi.
Transmission of HIV/ AIDS
A person can contract HIV/ AIDS by:
● Unprotected sexual intercourse (especially with more than one partner)
● Infected blood from blood transfusions, sharing needles of drug addicts
● Can be passed from infected mother to the unborn child through the placenta during
pregnancy, whilst giving birth and by breastfeeding.
Symptoms of AIDS
AIDS appear as flu-like symptoms, high temperatures and swollen glands at first. Then for about
the next 10 years there usually no symptoms as the virus continues to damage the immune
system. After symptoms like weight loss, prolonged fevers, tiredness, night sweats, swollen
glands and skin rashes appear. The person’s body is open to infections like pneumonia,
tuberculosis and different types of cancers. These conditions will cause the person to die.
Treatment of HIV/ AIDS
● There is no cure or vaccines for HIV/ AIDS
● Treat with antiretroviral drugs to slow reproduction of the virus.
● Treat with antiretroviral drugs to enhance the immune system.
● Treat with drugs to treat other infections.
Prevention of HIV/ AIDS

● Practice the ‘ABC’ method:
o Abstinence from sexual intercourse
o Be faithful to one partner (reducing the number of sexual partners)
o Condom use. There are both male and female condoms that prevent contact of
bodily fluids but it is not 100% effective
● Do not share needles, razors and other personal items that can come in contact with blood
or bodily fluids.
● Do blood screening before or during pregnancy.
● Screen blood donors before they donate blood.
● Ensure all equipment for body piercing and tattooing are clean and sterile.
Living with HIV/ AIDS

There is no cure for HIV and infected persons will have to live with it for the rest of their lives.
It is not possible to contract HIV/ AIDS by kissing, touching (shaking hands), breathing the same
air as an infected person, touch the same object as an infected person and insect bites.
Sadly, many infected persons are rejected by their families and communities because of false
information. They lose their jobs, families and friends. Many rely on charitable support to
survive. There is a need for support groups where members can openly discuss their problems
and get the support needed. Treatment should be made more affordable.
Risks and Responsibilities of Sexual Activity
Risks and responsibilities of sexual activity include:
● Unwanted pregnancy as many young persons are not ready to become parents.
● STDs as some do not have a cure and can be life-threatening.
● Physical, emotional and psychological consequences as it involve strange and new
feelings that some persons find it difficult to cope with. Some may not be socially of
financially ready to deal with the consequences.
● It is important that persons are not forced to participate in sexual activity as it can affect
them emotionally, physically and psychologically. Persons must seek counselling. Sexual
activity is illegal with persons who are under aged and must be reported to the police.
● To help persons cope with their sexual feelings and experiences, they should seek
counselling from professionals.

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Communicable Diseases of the Reproductive System

Hepatitis Virus ● Flu like symptoms, nausea, Treat with antiviral

Prevention of HIV/ AIDS

Living with HIV/ AIDS

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