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 germs causing these diseases vary a
great deal, but all depend on the warmth
and moisture of the sexual organs for
survival. They readily penetrate the delicate
skin and moist membranes that come in
contact during sexual intercourse. Once the
germs have invaded the tissues of the sex
organs, they propagate and spread to other
tissues, even throughout the body in some
cases.
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.
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, Chancroid and Granuloma
inguinale. Thirdly, there are those
characterized 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.
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.