Genital herpes is another SDI, it is an infection of the genitals that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: type 1 (HSV-1), and type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in and released from the sores that the viruses cause, but they also are released between outbreaks from skin that does not appear to have a sore. Men get genital herpes around their penis and woman around their vagina. First symptoms on genital herpes are muscle aches, head aches, vaginal discharge, painful urination and swollen tender lymph nodes. Later outbreaks are much less severe such as a tingling sensation near infection just before blisters, and inflammation. Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during unprotected sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected. HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but it more commonly causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called “fever blisters.” HSV-1 infection of the genitals can be caused by oral-genital or unsafe genital-genital contact with a person who has HSV-1 infection. Genital HSV-1 outbreaks recur less regularly than genital HSV-2 outbreaks. Using medication can shorten the outbreak of the infection and lowers chances of the infection coming back and making later outbreaks less severe. Using antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir all of them must be taken for 7-10 days.. All of these medications have different prices and are available and can be afforded in all developed countries but not in developing countries. It is improving, there have been many studies and ‘medical stations’ built to improve in availability of antiviral drugs in third world countries. There are generally no long term effects with genital herpes if treated.
Source B
Vagina with sores
Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan a unicellular . It is usually spread through unprotected sexual intercourse. Anyone who's sexually active can catch the infection then pass it on. An infected pregnant woman can also pass on the infection to her unborn child. Trichomoniasis cannot be spread through contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.
Only 50 % of all women that get exposed to an HSV virus show any symptoms, but some of the symptoms may appear 5-28 days after being exposed will cause soreness and itchiness near the vagina (see source B), thick vaginal discharge, pain whilst passing urine and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Males hardly ever get any symptoms but if they do they will be; pain whilst passing of urine, white discharge from the penis and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Trichomoniasis can be cured but if not completely treated the infection could get passed on and you pay get a higher chance of getting a HIV or another STI. Trichomoniasis is usually treated quickly and easily. Most cases will be treated using an antibiotic known as metronidazole, which if taken correctly, is at least 95% effective. You will usually have to take metronidazole twice a day, for 5-7 days. Metronidazole can cause nausea, vomiting and a slight metallic taste in your mouth. In third world countries such as Africa studies and tests are going on and they found out that 65% of all pregnant women had trichomonas, this was cured as fast as possible but metronidazole is not a very available drug in Africa having to have everything brought from abroad.
All three STI’s can lead to severe consequences if left untreated but are also easily prevented by for example using protection such as a condom available every where. There are also many other ways to prevent from getting STI’s for example, for women using a cap that you place in your vagina. In third world countries you are extremely lucky if you get to go to school and get a job other than working in agriculture.In more developed countries such as the Netherlands, even during crises there is enough money and everyone can go to school. It would be very difficult to teach children and adults there without disrupting their culture about the about sanitary and other basic health care issues which are not known there. That wouldn’t even be possible due to the lack of money and power in hands of the country and government
Amount of people diagnosed with different SDI’s in North Africa and middle East 2006
Amount of people diagnosed with different SDI’s in the Netherlands in 2006
Source A
In the Netherlands (as shown in source A) there are slightly under 500 times less people diagnosed with syphilis in 2006 than in North Africa and the Middle East
There were also twice as many people diagnosed with Trichomoniasis in North Africa (look at Source B). There is probably such a large difference between the two places (Northern Africa and the Netherlands) because of the development status. The Netherlands is very developed and Africa is still struggling to develop.
Source B
.
Since people in third world countries are not aware of many of the STI’s possibly
none at all they can not treat the infections and prevent them.
So are STI’s generally dangerous? The answer may vary, some infections do not cause any long term affects and possibly no symptoms but that is if they are treated correctly. One major issue with having no problems whilst being infected is spreading it on to other people. Many of the treatments are not available in developing countries such as Africa (has many, many more infected people than in the Netherlands- developed country).
So be sure to always have safe sex to lower the chances of getting an STI.
Bibliography
1. CGMH, Trichomoniasis, 14-101-09, 2008, <>
2. Emedicine, Genital Herpes, 14-10-09, 2009, EMedicinceHealth, <>
3. Google, Sypilis, 14-10-09, <>
4. NHS, Syphilis, 14-10-09, 31-12-2007, <>
5. RIVM, Herpes Genitales, Hoe vaak komt het voor en hoeveel mensen sterven eraan? 14-10-09, 2006
<>
6. RIVM, Syphilis, Hoe vaak komt het voor en hoeveel mensen sterven?, 14-10-09, 2006, <>
7. SexuelVoorlichting, Ziektes, trichomonia, 14-10-09, 2008, <>
Source A
