Doctors stress on prevention of STIs

Doctors said STIs can be transmitted through unprotected sex, transfusion of unscreened blood, sharing of needles by intravenous drug users, and also from a pregnant mother to her child. 

Stressing on the importance of early diagnosis, Dr R Jayanthi, Dean, said, “All government hospitals have STI clinics with well trained medical officers, laboratory technicians and dedicated counsellors. It is therefore important for those who have the symptoms, as well as all pregnant women and their spouses, to be screened.” 

Drugs for treatment of STIs are available in all government hospitals free of cost. “Besides, syndromic treatment for STIs is given after minimal investigation at all Primary Health Centres and government hospitals, except medical colleges,” she added.