Introduction
Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are key public health problem in India with significant effect on sexual and reproductive health. Any infection of the reproductive system is known as reproductive tract infection (RTIs). It includes sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as other infections of reproductive system that are not caused by sexual contact. Infections transmitted from person to person by sexual contract are known as STIs (sexually transmitted infections).1 Sexually transmitted Diseases (STDs) also referred to as sexually transmitted infections and venereal diseases are illness that have significant probability of transmission between humans by means of sexual behaviour including oral sex, anal sex and vaginal intercourse, is also influenced by demographic and socio-economic profile of patient.2 STIs and their complications are among the top five diseases categories for which adults seek health care. Globally around one third of sexually transmitted infections occur among people younger than 45 years of age, with 80% occurring in developing countries and in India alone 79 million cases occur.3
World health organization estimates 357 million new cases of four treatable sexually transmitted infections (Syphilis- 6 million, Neisseria gonorrhoea-78 million, Chlamydia trachomatis-131 million, Trichomonas vaginalis- 142 million) among 15-49 years age group people. Prevalence of viral sexually transmitted infections is also rising with 291 million cases of Human papilloma virus and 417 million Herpes simplex type 2 infection in women.4
WHO estimates that 400,000 new cases of sexually transmitted infections occur daily in the South East Asian Region (SEAR) alone South East Asian regions has 20% shares of global STI burden & 18% of global cost. 19 million new infections occur every year, almost 50% of them among people of 15 to 24 years age group.56 5% men and 11% women in age group of 15-49 years have STI/RTI related symptoms. Women are more vulnerable to STIs for socio-economic and biological reasons.7 Compared to men, women have lower status, education, income and power. They find it difficult to obtain information about disease prevention and to seek and receive health care. Biologically also women are more vulnerable to STI/RTIs during sexual intercourse, as vaginal surface area is large, more unsafe to sexual secretions than the primary penis which is skin covered. The amount of male ejaculate, potentially infected, deposited in vagina during coitus is larger than vaginal and cervical secretions, potentially infected, to which male partner are exposed. More so, women infected with sexually transmitted infections are more likely to be either completely asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic compared to men. Hence there is urgent need to screen all asymptomatic pregnant women and contraceptive users for RTI/STI.
Out of more than 30 pathogens, eight known to be transmitted through sexual contact have been associated with higher incidence of illness. of these 8 infections, four are currently curable: trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and syphilis (Bacterial stis). The other four are viral infections and are incurable but can be mitigated or modulated through treatment: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus or herpes, HIV and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infection.8 66
There is remarkable decrease of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea and syphillis) with chancroid virtually on edge of disappearance. Viral sexually transmitted infections; genital warts, hepatitis B and herpes simplex have anrising trend. There is notable burden of lower reproductive tract infections; Candidiasis, trichomoniasis and Bacterial vaginosis among women with no evidence to indicate decrease in prevalence, thus affecting quality of reproductive health.3 666 Bacterial vaginosis and trichomonal vaginalis increases acquisition and transmission of STI's.
STDs have been associated with spontaneous abortions, stillbirth, low birth weight, prematurity, preterm labour, premature rupture of membranes and endometritis in post - partum period. Long term sequel such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic hepatitis and cervical cancers are also observed in women with these infections in pregnancy.9 The global strategy for prevention and control of STIs 2016-2021 aims priority action for ending STI epidemic as a public health concern.10
Major target for attainment of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals is universal access to reproductive and sexual health for all. The strategy proposed on STIs remains one of the three health sector strategies for 2016-2021. It aims at ending STI epidemics as key health concerns with 90% reduction in incidence of treponema pallidum globally, 90% reduction in incidence of Neisseria Gonorrhoea (2018 global baseline) and to sustain 90% nationwide coverage and at least 80% coverage in every district in countries with Human papilloma virus vaccine in their National Immunization Programme.10 In specific population, STIs prevalence increases the risk of transmitting and acquiring HIV infection by 2 to 3 times.3
STIs are biological cofactors and markers for high risk behavior for HIV infection.5 Thus, strict measures for STI Control can be a strong strategy to reduce HIV transmission. Reproductive Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Adolescent Programme (RMNCH+A) and STI/RTI Control and Prevention Programme, is useful in implementing effective User friendly syndromic management of RTI/STIs for general population with focus on pregnant / non-pregnant women, children, Adolescents and High risk behavior groups at primary, secondary and tertiary care levels through network units and rural hospitals.3 Service providers are trained to address STI/RTI among high risk groups. A user friendly syndromic approach endorsed by WHO and National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) as an effective means to treat symptomatic STI/RTI is available at every health care facility.3 When laboratory tests also supplement, it is called Enhanced Syndromic Approach.
Detailed history, sexual history, risk assessment, local examination including per speculum/bimanual pelvic examination and laboratory investigations with audiovisual privacy, confidentiality and non-judgmental attitude is performed after informed consent in all women presenting with discharge per vaginum/pain lower abdomen/genital ulcer disease in gynaeout-patient department.Table 1,Table 2,Table 3,Table 4 Clinical spectrum of RTI/STI is noted for accurate diagnosis with provision of Enhanced syndromic management and partner treatment Table 5. Male condom use prevents HIV transmission by 80-95%. It is one of most important means of preventing STIs. CDC has incorporated condom as an essentials component in public health strategies to prevent STIs.11 Provision of condom & counseling for correct & consistent use of condom with every act of sex remains cornerstone of syndromic management.
Vaccination are available for prevention of several infections that are sexually transmitted or associated with sexual activity. Quadrivalent or 9-valent HPV vaccine offers protection against HPV 18 and 16 as well as type 11 and 16 which causes genital warts. HPV vaccine is available for all females in age group of 9 to 26 years.
Table 1
History taking
Table 2
High risk assessment
Table 3
Local examination in female patient
Table 4
Laboratory investigations in RTI/STI
Table 5
Clinicalspectrum & syndromic management of RTI/STI
Partner notification
Reach Sex Partners and offer them Treatment, Patient referral, Provider referral, Patient provider referral, Couples Approach
Partner management
Timely partner management prevents reinfection, transmission from infected partners and helps in detection of asymptomatic individuals who do not seek treatment. Symptomatic partners to be referred to STI clinic for management. Advise sexual abstinence during course of treatment. Counseling for safe sex with correct and consistent use of condom for all types of intercourse as it reduces transmission of HIV infection to 0–0.2%. Counsel about mutually faithful relationship between two uninfected partners only. Health care providers must practice demonstration and return demonstration of condom use to every RTI/STI client. Condom must be available in adequate quantity in all health care facilities.
Conclusion
Safe sex, Correct & consistent condom promotion for Triple (HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B) protection and User Friendly Syndrome specific partner management in reproductive age esp. adolescence and high risk group is the need of the millennium as STIs fecilitate HIV transmission. Adequate control and/or elimination of sexually transmitted infections will contribute in reducing disease and Human suffering. All Pregnant women should be screened for STIs at first prenatal visit. Eliminate Mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and HIV Zero new infections, zero sexually transmitted infection-related complication and deaths with free and easy access to prevention and treatment services for sexually transmission infections.
