SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections are an important risk factor for acquiring HIV infection. The risk behavior of unsafe sex, sex with multiple partners or unknown person can lead to sexually transmitted infections/disease.
Effective control of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)/ Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI) is one of the cost effective strategies for reducing/preventing transmission of HIV as unsafe sex is also the commonest mode of acquiring HIV in India. Early diagnosis, effective & complete treatment of STI/RTI reduces transmission of HIV.
In Mumbai, Sexual & Reproductive health services are provided through 27 Designated STI/ RTI clinics (DSRC) branded as Suraksha Clinic. Standardized STI/RTI services are provided as follows :
- ☛ Syndromic Case Management by trained doctors.
- ☛ Counseling services by trained counselors
- ☛ Condom promotion, partner notification & management, blood test for syphilis
- ☛ Eligible cases are referred to Integrated Counseling & Testing Centers (ICTC) for HIV testing.
Regional STI Training, Research & Reference Lab is set up at B.Y.L Nair Hospital for etiological diagnosis of STI Cases.
☛ The common symptoms of sexually transmitted infections are :–
| Urethral discharge/ Burning or pain during urination / frequent urination | Unusual vaginal discharge |
| Blisters/ulcers on the genitals, anus or surrounding area | Blisters/ulcers on the genitals, anus or surrounding area |
| scrotal swelling / swollen and painful testicles | Lower abdominal pain |
| Itching or tingling in genital area | Itching or tingling in genital area |
| Warts on genitals, anus or surrounding area | Warts on genitals, anus or surrounding area |
