How to Care for Patients with Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) refer to a selection of clinical syndromes carried by pathogens that may be developed and transmitted from one person to another through sexual activities. Particularly, doctors and other health care providers play an important role in treating and preventing the spread of STDs. Nevertheless, STDs are among the most widespread diseases worldwide because they are highly infectious. In fact, third-world countries are considerably hit by sexually transmitted illnesses. It is important to note that in most countries, HIV is the most widespread infection and the leading cause of STD-related deaths. Therefore, the essence of this discussion is to point out the strategies that are used to care for patients with sexually transmitted diseases.
According to the World Health Organization, the most common and most contagious STDs are gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV, and chlamydia. Accordingly, about 106 million people are infected with gonorrhea each year. Although gonorrhea can be treated using antibiotics, inadequate treatment can destroy reproductive organs. In addition, gonorrhea can become resistant to treatment if the intervention is delayed. However, there have been major efforts to ensure that STD patients are being treated regardless of their status (Workowski and Berman, 2010). In other words, all patients seeking medical help on STDs should be screened for common STDs and be informed of the results and further treatment if they are infected.
The rate of HIV infection is increasing, and since there is no cure, the chances of more contagions are still apparent. However, people living with the virus can use antiretroviral drugs to prolong life and decrease the spreading of infections. Specifically, most HIV-affected people can be treated based on some principles. Firstly, the infection can be tackled by eradicating microbiological organisms. Secondly, the disease can be treated to hamper further infections or transmission. Thirdly, the infection can be reduced by eliminating the signs and symptoms. Although all these treatment procedures do not guarantee that the disease is completely exterminated, they help to indicate the symptoms and prevent exacerbation (Faxelid, 1997). Therefore, the above principles usually give healthcare treatment for patients suffering from STDS.
Notably, the prevention and control of STDs are based on some strategies. Firstly, the individuals at risk should be educated and advised on how to avoid contracting STDs. Therefore, the preventive scheme should encourage changes in sexual behavior or the use of recommended protection methods. Secondly, medical practitioners should provide counseling sessions for adults who once contracted STDs or those at risk of contracting the disease. In fact, counseling should be extended to adolescents who are sexually active. Thirdly, those who are at risk of contracting STDs should be suggested to abstain from partner swinging or reduce the number of sex partners. Indeed, self-restraint should be highly supported by those who have contracted STDs until they complete the entire medication. In essence, using condoms is also an effective way of reducing the spread and transmission of STDs and should be highly encouraged among sexually active people (Faxelid, 1997).
As it is evident from the above discussion, it is important to take care of those individuals who have contracted STDs regardless of their status. By and large, caring for those at risk will go a long way in curbing the spread and transmission of the diseases and assisting those affected to live positively.
References
Faxelid, E. (1997). Quality of care for patients with sexually transmitted diseases in Zambia. East African Medical Journal, 9(5): 361-366.
Workowski, K. A., & Berman, S. (2010). Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2010. Recommendations and Reports of National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, ST, and TB Prevention, 59(RR-12), 1-110.
