It is estimated that the worldwide incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is 498 million curable cases (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis) which is cause for great concern because untreated STDs facilitate transmission of HIV, increase the costs associated with not detected infections, untreated or poorly treated by self-medication represent a burden for individuals, communities, and governments. However, from several years ago, there are antibiotics and effective chemo-therapeutic agents to treat these infections.
The consequences of infection vary among different populations due to the biological, social, behavioral, economic and programmatic factors that influence psychosocial reactions and the physiological results of STDs.
If not handled properly, STDs can generate high, direct or indirect, as well as other repercussions for people and communities.
These infections influence the high morbidity and mortality rates, mother and child have consequences such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, low birth weight, and HIV infection when not treated properly and on time.
All people who have an untreated STD are found exposed to several serious risks, but the probability that they manifest is higher in places where access to care is limited and treatment is ineffective. This situation occurs in many developing countries where STDs are among the first five reasons why adults come in search for health care services.
About The Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver caused by the virus of the same name (HBV). The acronym HBV can refer to the virus or the disease it causes. HBV infection can be a short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic) illness: Acute HBV disease occurs within 6 months of a person’s exposure to that virus. The acute phase can develop (but not always) into a chronic phase.
Chronic HBV disease is a condition that lasts a lifetime. Without treatment, it can cause cancer or liver damage leading to liver failure.
HBV infection is a contagious disease that can spread from one person to another.
Is Hepatitis B Virus An STD?
How does HBV spread from one person to another? HBV spreads through contact with the blood, semen or other body fluids of a person infected with that virus. Among adults in the United States, HBV spreads mainly through sexual contact.
HBV Can Also Spread From One Person To Another In The Following Way:
- When sharing needles or other drug injection equipment with someone infected with HBV.
- By sharing razor blades, toothbrushes or other items for personal use with someone infected with HBV.
- For an accidental puncture with a contaminated needle or an accidental wound with a sharp object.
- From a mother with HBV to her child during delivery.
Can You Prevent HBV Infection?
Yes. The best way to prevent HBV infection is with the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine.
The CDC recommends that people with HIV and those at risk of HIV infection receive the HBV vaccine (or the combined hepatitis A virus vaccine [HAV] and HBV). Housing partners and sexual partners of people with HBV should also receive the vaccine against that virus.
All people, including those with HIV, can also take the following steps to reduce the risk of HBV infection:
- Use condoms during sex to reduce the risk of infection with HBV and other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis.
- Do not inject drugs. However, if they do, they should not share needles, syringes or any other drug injection equipment.
- Do not share toothbrushes, razors or other personal items that may come in contact with the blood of another person.
- If a tattoo or a perforation is made on any part of the body, make sure that the used instruments are sterilized.
Conclusion
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are one of the main causes of acute illness, infertility, long-term disability and death in the world and it has serious medical and psychological consequences for millions of men, women and children. Hepatitis B has been cataloged as a STD since one of the ways of transmission is through sex with infected people.
Also Read:
- Viral Hepatitis: A, B, C, Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Phases of Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, Treatment
- Toxic Hepatitis: Definition, Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis, Treatment
- Neonatal Hepatitis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications
- Hepandnavirus or Hepatitis B Virus
- How Hepatitis is Cured or Treated?
