5.1.17 Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Venereal Disease (VD) are terms which describe diseases that can be spread during sexual intercourse and some other sexual acts. VD is an outdated term; another term more often used by doctors is Genito-urinary (GU) infections. They are called this because they can affect the genital area, bladder and urethra where the urine passes through.

Some STDs can cause serious and permanent damage to health. Some can make a female infertile. It is important, therefore, that all sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed by a doctor and treated as soon as possible.

Information should be available regarding STD in all of our homes both for the children and their carers.

Some infections lie dormant and do not show any symptoms for several months or more.

There are at least twenty-five known types of STD. A doctor can tell which infection may be present or arrange tests in cases of suspicion of infection. This can be done by:

• A general practitioner.
• A clinic which specialises in genito-urinary infections.

Clinics are special centres designated to treat people of all ages who have genito-urinary infections. These are often attached to main hospitals. Clinics give free, confidential advice and treatment. A child does not need a letter from their GP.

End