Care of 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 in the world because they are highly infectious. In fact, the third world countries are the hardest 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 justification of this discussion is to point out strategies that are used to care for patients with sexually transmitted diseases.
According to the World Health Organization, the most common and most infectious 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 in ensuring 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 the common STDs and be informed of the results and the way forward 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 rate of infections. Specifically, most STDs can be treated based on some principles. Firstly, the infection can be tackled by eradicating the 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 this does not mean the disease is completely exterminated, only indicates that the symptoms cannot be easily noticed (Faxelid, 1997). Therefore, the healthcare treatment is usually given by the above principles.
Notably, the prevention and control of the STDs are based on some strategies. Firstly, the individuals at risk should be educated and advised on ways in which they can avoid contracting STDs. Therefore, the initiative should entail encouraging changes in sexual behavior or use of recommended protection methods. Secondly, the medical practitioners should provide counseling sessions for adults who have once contracted STD or those who are at risk of contracting the disease. In fact, counseling should be extended to the adolescents who are sexually active. Thirdly, those who are at risk of contracting STDs should be encouraged to abstain or reduce the number of sex partners. Indeed, self-restraint should be highly supported by those people who have contracted STD until they have completed the entire medication. In essence, the use of condoms is also an effective way of reducing the spread and transmission of STDs and should be highly encouraged amongst the people who are sexually active (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 who are at risk will go a long way in curbing the spread and transmission of the diseases and assist those who are affected to live positively.