Eradication of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Eradication of Sexually Transmitted Infections

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Any infection, which can be passed on between people through sex, is termed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). They are also called sexually transmitted diseases. Even though many STIs are spread through the exchange of sexual fluids, some are transmitted when there is skin to skin genital contact. While pregnant, a woman can transmit STI to the unborn and even while giving birth. There has been numerous health effects caused by STIs including mild irritations to serious ailments. STIs can affect the fertility of someone, reducing the chances of becoming pregnant. As for the pregnant women, if infected, the infection can have adverse effects to both the mother and the unborn baby. One can experience an ectopic pregnancy, or even have a miscarriage. STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, genital warts, HIV, and syphilis. Due to the adverse effects of the rising number of sexually transmitted infections, there is dire need to reduce and prevent them.

There are several ways in which nurses can employ, to reduce and prevent the spread of STIs in women and unborn babies. For one, they should provide basic information on the transmission of STIs and educate the people on their various symptoms and harmful effects. Through a number of ways, the unborn can contact infections from their mothers. In some STDS, the infection occurs by crossing the placenta to the fetus. As for hepatitis B, and genital herpes, the infection occurs during birth. Likewise, HIV infects the fetus by crossing over by use of placenta when the mother is still expectant, and it can occur as well as when delivering (Leifer, 2011). These infections, cause harmful effects on the baby including: pneumonia, low birth weight, brain damage, deafness and still birth among others.

They should inform them of safer ways to conduct sexual intimacy, like the use of condoms if they cannot abstain. Nurses...