Understanding STD and Pregnancy

The worldwide statistics for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are increasing every year. The number of new infections and STD-related deaths per year reach hundreds of thousands to millions in all regions of the world. Whenever and wherever unsafe sex is practiced, women and men are both likely victims for infections, diseases, and even death.

When a couple performs unprotected sex, they are not only risking infection from STD’s, but also increasing the probability for pregnancy. In many societies today, many unwanted pregnancies occur, which are results of unsafe sex and certain lifestyle choices. In many cases, these pregnancies eventually lead to abortion, which is still an issue debated by several governments and religious organizations. When a woman with an STD becomes pregnant, and continues with unsafe sex, she puts herself and her unborn child at risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, the STD’s with the highest prevalence among pregnant women are bacterial vaginosis, herpes, and chlamydia. Every year, there are about 800,000 pregnant women in the United States with bacterial vaginosis and herpes. About 200,000 pregnant women are diagnosed with chlamydia yearly. Trichomoniasis follows with about 80,000 per year, and gonorrhea and hepatitis B infect around 40,000 pregnant women every year.

Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina. Normally, there is a population of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the vagina, and they are commonly termed as good bacteria. These bacteria help maintain the normal pH or acidity of the vagina. Normal pH helps prevent further infection, as well as form a natural acidic birth control barrier, in which sperm are killed.

Vaginosis occurs when bad bacteria thrive and multiply in the female genital area. This may be caused by multiple sexual partners, or by using intrauterine devices as birth control. Treatments for vaginosis include antibiotics, and in some cases, Lactobacillus acidophilus are introduced to the area to allow them to grow. A pregnant woman with bacterial vaginosis may be at risk for HIV if left untreated. Her baby may be premature or have a low birth weight, which is less than five pounds.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, and is characterized by genital sores or blisters, fever, symptoms similar to flu, and skin irritations. Genital herpes is more common in women than in men. The CDC states that one in four women in the United States have genital herpes, while only one in five men do.

There is no known cure yet for genital herpes, but many antiviral treatments can relieve the symptoms. For pregnant women, the viral infection can pose a threat to the unborn baby. In many cases, if a women contracts genital herpes while pregnant, a caesarian section should be done. Passage of the baby through the birth canal may infect the child.

During pregnancy, many STD’s can be treated with drugs without potentially harming the baby. Pregnant mothers are advised to have regular prenatal check-ups as well as undergo screening for STD’s. Any infection detected can easily be treated to prevent transmission to the unborn child.