|
Trichomoniasis:
- Estimated to be most common STI globally
- Associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes
Chlamydia and gonorrhea:
- High rates in young adults
- May lead to PID
- Can infect newborn during childbirth
Syphilis:
- High risk of congenital infection
|
The most common STI that can be cured with antibiotics is trichomoniasis,
a protozoan infection. Globally, trichomoniasis is estimated
to account for more than half of all STI infections. If untreated,
trichomoniasis has been associated with adverse outcomes of
pregnancy and facilitating HIV transmission.
Two bacterial STIs that are particularly common among young
adults are chlamydia and gonorrhea. In 1995, it was estimated
that more than 30 million new cases of chlamydia and 20 million
new cases of gonorrhea occurred among young adults - about one-third
of the total cases worldwide. Chlamydia and gonorrhea may lead
to PID, and they can be transmitted from mother to infant during
delivery.
In many countries, syphilis is a problem for young adults.
Although syphilis can be diagnosed and treated, young adults
do not generally go to clinics where this can be done. Pregnant
women with syphilis have a high risk of transmitting the disease
to the child during pregnancy. A simple test that does not require
expensive laboratory equipment can determine if a woman or man
has syphilis. All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis
since treatment prevents transmission to the unborn child.
|
