STDs are a threat to reproductive health. Describe any two such diseases and suggest preventive measures.
Diseases or infections which are transmitted through sexual intercourse are collectively called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Venereal Diseases (VD) or Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI).
Though all persons are vulnerable to these infections, their incidences are reported to be very high among persons in the age group of 15-24 years. STDs can be considered as self-invited diseases.
STDs include gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydiasis, genital warts, trichomoniasis, hepatitis-B, HIV. These diseases may cause some complications Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID), abortions, still births, ectopic pregnancies, infertility, or even cancer of the reproductive tract.
Hepatitis-B and HIV are such diseases that get transmitted by the following ways besides sexual contacts
(i) Sharing of injection needles or surgical instruments with infected persons.
(ii) Transfusion of infected blood.
(iii) Transfer from infected mother to the foetus through placenta.
Preventive Measures
By following simple principles, STDs can be prevented
(i) Avoid sex with unknown partners/multiple partners.
(ii) Always use condoms during coitus.
(iii) Contact a qualified doctor for any doubt in early stage of infection.
Do you justify the statutory ban on amniocentesis in our country? Give reasons.
Yes, the ban is necessary because amniocentesis is misused now-a-days. It is used to determine the sex of the foetus and in many cases it led to female foeticide. It became so serious that it disturbed the male female ratio that can have a negative impact on society. The test is actually meant to determine the genetic defects or metabolic disorders in foetus by doing a chromosomal analysis. In such extreme cases that would be incurable, a decision to abort the foetus could be taken.
Enumerate and describe any five reasons for introducing sex education to school-going children.
The reasons for introducing sex education to school-going children are as follows
(i) At school level, children from age group 12 and above should be counselled for reproductive system, processes and practices and importance of safe and responsible sex.
(ii) Sex related issues and problems like adolescence changes, menstrual cycle, menstrual problems, unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion, reproductive tract infections (STDs) and cancers.
(iii) They should know about body changes during their age and taught about healthy habits including personal cleanliness and hygiene.
(iv) Students should become part of such education, so that they overcome hesitation and gain confidence to discuss any query with their teacher or parents.
(v) Counselling and awareness regarding reproductive organs, safe and hygienic sexual practices will play an important role to make people reproductively healthy.