Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases are popularly
called venereal diseases. They are
contagious diseases, easily transmitted by
sexual contact from an infected person to a
sexual partner who is otherwise healthy.
The sexually transmitted diseases cause
various kinds of suffering with tragic
results as damage to an unborn child,
infertility and even premature death. Once
established in a person’s body, the disease
tends to persist, if untreated, for the
duration of life. Syphilis and gonorrhoea are
the best-known venereal diseases, but the
range also includes genital herpes,
candidiasis and warts, as well as
trichomoniasis, chancroid, staphylococcal
infections and Lymphogranuloma
venereum.
In spite of our present knowledge of these
diseases and in spite of the availability of
effective treatment, the number of cases of
sexually transmitted illness has increased so
alarmingly that they are virtually out of
control. Changes in public attitudes towards
sexual matters, widespread use of
contraceptive pills and the emergence of
resistant strains of organisms seem to have
contributed to the increase of these
diseases.
The symptoms of sexually transmitted
diseases vary, depending on the causative
agent. There may be abnormal discharge
from the sexual organ, with foul odour and
itching sensations, as in Gonorrhoea,
Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis. There may
be ulcers and pinching sensations as in
genital herpes simplex, staphylococcus,
syphilis and chancroid. Thirdly, there are
those characterised by the appearance of
lumps and bumps in the private parts, as
observed in cases of genital warts and
Lymphogranuloma venereum.
It should be well understood that when a
sexually transmitted disease is diagnosed in
a man or woman, the disease has probably
already passed on to the sexual partner, it is
therefore important that both should
treated to prevent re-infection.
Also, it is strongly advised that any
suspicion of a venereal disease or of
possible exposure to infection, calls for
urgent medical attention. In fact, prolonged
cases of venereal infections have been
shown to predispose one to more
dangerous infections such as HIV/AIDS.
In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advocated
that in order to avoid suffering in the midst
of plenty, we must turn to NATURE. Some of
the natural remedies being advanced for
the treatment and control of sexually
transmitted diseases include the extracts of
local herbs such as Allium cepa, Senna alata
and Plumbago zeylanica.