PREVENTION AND

TREATMENT OF
REPRODUCTIVE TRACT
INFECTIONS AND SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
INCLUDING HIV/AIDS.
DEFINITION.

STI prevention means : reducing exposure—by using

condoms and reducing numbers of sex partners.
Condoms must be used correctly and consistently to
prevent STI.
Adolescents should receive support for decisions to
delay sexual activity.
The risk of iatrogenic infection can be reduced by
good infection control procedures.
 HOW TO PREVENT SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED
INFECTIONS.

The best way is to prevent STI is to avoid exposure. At this first level
of prevention, the likelihood of being exposed to STI can be reduced
by:

Delaying sexual activity (for adolescents);

Decreasing the number of sex partners;
using condoms correctly and consistently.
STI prevention involves prompt recognition and effective treatment
DELAYING SEXUAL ACTIVITY.

Adolescents can avoid STI and pregnancy, at a time when they are particularly
vulnerable, by delaying sexual activity until they are older. Support for delaying
sex is perhaps most important for young girls, who may face severe social and
health consequences if they become pregnant or develop an STI. The bodies of
adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to cervical infections that can lead
to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Adolescents
should know that they can get support and confidential information on
methods—including condom use—for preventing pregnancy and STI when
they decide to become sexually active.
 DECREASING THE NUMBER OF SEX PARTNERS

miting the number of sex partners can help reduce exposure to STI. For
xample, people in mutually monogamous relationships (where both partners
ave no other sex partners) have no risk of STI if both are free of infection.
any monogamous women with only one lifetime sex partner, however,
evelop an STI—their risk of infection comes from their partner’s behaviour
nd not their own. Sexual abstinence is another way to avoid risk of STI
lthough other RTIs are still possible).

any people need strategies other than monogamy or abstinence at some

oint in their lives. Monogamous relationships do not provide protection from
CORRECT AND CONSISTENT USE OF
CONDOMS.

Condoms are the most reliable method available for situations

where people want to protect themselves or their partner from
any risk of STI. Used correctly, they form a barrier that keeps
out even the smallest bacteria and viruses.

Male condoms made of latex are widely available, inexpensive

and highly effective. Because they are easy to carry, protection
can be available at any time.
To use a condom correctly:
... … CONT’
STI can still occur despite condom use, however. Genital ulcers or
warts can be transmitted through contact with parts of the body not
covered by the condom. More commonly, though, people get an STI
because they misuse condoms, or use them inconsistently. When
handled or stored incorrectly—in wallets or in a hot place, for
example—or if used with oil-based lubricants, condoms may fail.
Condom breakage is usually due to incorrect use.

Most importantly, condoms can only protect against STI when they
are used consistently and correctly. When used correctly during
every act of intercourse, condoms can greatly reduce the risks of
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF A MALE CONDOM

1. Remove the condom from the package carefully, to avoid tearing.

2. Squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom. .
3.Unroll the condom onto the erect penis.
4. After ejaculation, withdraw the penis from
the vagina while the penis is still erect. Hold on to the rim of the
condom while withdrawing to prevent it from slipping off and the
semen spilling into the vagina.
FEMALE CONDOMS

Female condoms are becoming more widely available and have the
advantage for women that their use is more in their control than use
of male condoms. One type of female condom is currently on the
market, under various names. It is made of polyurethane plastic,
which is sturdier than latex. Only one size is made and fitting .
Unlike latex male condoms, which are weakened by oil-based
lubricants, the female condom may be used with any type of
lubricant without its strength being affected. It is prelubricated, but
users may add more lubricant.
... ..CONT’
Despite its advantages, the female condom has some problems. The
device protrudes from the vagina and thus requires the acceptance
of the male partner. Also, it cannot be used at the same time as the
male condom, which means it cannot provide back-up protection if
the male condom breaks or slips.

Research into other female-controlled methods is under way.

Microbicides (chemicals that kill RTI organisms) are being tested for
their safety and effectiveness in protecting against STI and HIV, as
are other barrier methods such as the diaphragm. None of these
methods has yet been shown to provide protection equal to the male
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF A FEMALE
CONDOM.

The female condom is a soft, loose-fitting sheath with a flexible

polyurethane ring at each end. The inner ring at the closed end is
inserted into the vagina. The outer ring at the open end remains
outside the vagina during intercourse and covers outer genitalia.

1. Remove the female condom from the package, and rub it between
two fingers to be sure the lubricant is evenly spread inside the
sheath. If you need more lubrication, squeeze two drops of the extra
3. Using your index finger, push the sheath all the way into
your vagina as far as it will go. It is in the right place when you
cannot feel it.
Do not worry, it cannot go too far.
4. The ring at the open end of the female condom should stay
outside your vagina and rest against your labia (the outer lip of the
vagina). Be sure the condom is not twisted. Once you begin to
engage in intercourse, you may have to guide the penis into the
female condom. If you do not, be aware that the penis could enter
the vagina outside of the condom’s sheath. If this happens you will
not be protected.
 5. After intercourse you can safely remove the female
condom at any time. If you are lying down, remove the
condom before you stand to avoid spillage. Before removing
condom from vagina, make sure you twist it to prevent semen
from spilling.
Dispose of the female condom safely (where it cannot cause
any hazard). Do not reuse it.
TREATMENT
Treatment varies and may include medication and
practising safe sex to avoid spreading the disease to
others. Ceftriaxone and erythromycin are the
recommended treatments for gonorrhea.
Antibiotic therapy for the affected patient and the
sexual partners of patients is recommended.
THANK YOU.
REFERENCES :