Protozoal Infections

Just as bacteria cause infections that are transmitted sexually, another set of single-cell organisms, the protozoans, too can be the cause of the infection. Trichomonas Vaginalis is a prozoan with a distinct tail-like organ used for mobility (called the flagella) that causes trichomonasis. The organism varies in size but can be identified with ease because of its flagella. It primarily infects the vagina. The patient complains of an offensive, thin, yellow discharge.

There may be reddening of the vulva, the vagina and the cervix with vulvovaginal irritation. The infection can be confirmed by microscopic examination of the vaginal smer stained specifically to detect infective organisms. If present, the active parasite with its characteristic movements cannot be missed. Trichomonasis can be treated with anti-microbial agents. It is important to examine the partner and prescribe the same treatment even if the protozans are not detected so that no reinfection takes place.

Fungal Infections :

Fungal infection too are transmitted through sexual contacts. A yeast like fungus, called Candida albicans, can be harboured in women without any signs or symptoms. Usually infected women complain of a vulvovaginal itch or irritation, more so pre-menstrually with vaginal discharge and discomfort in urination. On examination, slight redness or swelling of vulva and a white discharge adnering to the vaginal wall can be seen. Confirmed diagnosis depends on the actual observation of the fungus.

The treatment is rather simple, involving local application of anti-fungal agents. It is most important to step up hygiene so as to avoid auto infection from the bowels or reinfection from the partner. It is recommended that the vulva should be kept cool, clean and dry by wearing cotton undergarments rather that synthetic ones.
Most of the STDs can be avoided by following simple hygienic conditions of bathing and washing the genitals. Unhygienic conditions not only cause infections affecting the reproductive tract but also lead to some irritating infections, like scabies. Scabies, caused by mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) or public lice (Phthirus pubis), are transmitted during intimate body contact, as in sexual intercourse and can be avioded by adopting clean habits.

Prevalence of STDs detected by Papanicolaou (PAP) Smear

 

STDs	Family Planning Clinic o IRR** (%)	Commercil sex Workers (%)
Trichomonas	6.5	10.7
Monolia	6.2	4.6
Clamydia	9.5	10.2
BV*	13.8	41.2
HSV	1.6	3.2
HPV	4.4	17.0
Multiple STDs	4.5	32.0

* Bacterial vaginitis                ** Institure of Research in Reproduction