The keys to STD control

The keys to STD control Successful control of sexually transmitted diseases depends on: prevention based on education and behavioural change; the right treatment as soon as possible; the cooperation of the patient; Prevention Abstinence is obvi- ously a foolproof method, but equally obviously it is unac- ceptable to many people. So a number of other preventive methods need to be recommended . In order to avoid catching an infection you can: - stay away from casual relation- ships and reduce the number of your partners; use barrier methods such as condoms. diaphragms and vaginal sper- micides which may provide protection and should be encouraged regardless of the need for contraception . To be effec- tive. condoms must be used consis- tently and correctly and must remain intact. Their use protects both the wearer and his partners. Although urinating and washing the genital area after intercourse have not been proven to be effective in preventing STD trans- mission. they may help you to avoid some genital infections. 16 and treatment of all sexual contacts Top : Sex education from schooldays onwards helps to curb STDs. Above : Smear test for gonorrhoea by a qualified health worker in Singapore. WHO photos by T. Urban and T. Farkas Small inset : Swedish poster advocat- ing use of the condom. Early treatment If you think you have an infection. consult the nearest clinic or your own doctor right away. The sooner an infec- tion is recognised and treated. the easier it will be for the doctor to cure you . Here are some possible signs of infection : - heavy and unusual discharge from the vagina; - discharge from the penis with stain- ing of underwear; - a sore. a blister or a rash near the vagina. penis or anus; - pain or a burning feeling when urinat- ing and a very frequent need to urinate; - and pain when having intercourse. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. especially in women; so if you have any reason to think that you might have been infected. go for a check-up . Remember : early treatment prevents serious complications . W oRLD HEALTH, November 1986 Self-medication is not the answer. Diag- nosis and treatment are jobs for the clinic to carry out. Photo WHO/D. Henrioud Patient cooperation This is a vital part of disease control. All too often, patients stop taking their medication as soon as the symptoms disappear. Do keep to the instructions given by the doctor and do not forget any subsequent appointment so that the doctor can make sure you have been cured . Most of all do not try to treat yourself . Medication given by a "friend" could do more harm than good, as the drug given for somebody else's problem might not be what is required for you . Taking drugs without a proper diagnosis and prescription may only reduce the symptoms without get- ting rid of the disease. Above : Dispensing drugs at an East African health centre. Below : Consultation at a skin-clinic in South-East Asia. WHO photos by W. Lindwer and T. Farkas The sexually transmitted diseases contact tracing brigade in Singapore. Photo WHO!T. Farkas Treating contacts If you have been diagnosed as having an STD, you should stop having sex until treatment is completed . But any sex partners you have had over the previous months, casual or steady, should also consult the clinic or a doctor and be given the benefit of treatment since they may be infected without knowing it and may be infectious to others-including yourself! W oRLD HEALTH, November 1986 17