Dealing with Sexually Transmitted Diseases During Pregnancy

One of the risks that people take during sexual intercourse is the possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or STD. The consequences of acquiring one are even greater during pregnancy because the condition can severely affect the health of both the mother and her baby. Moreover, contracting such diseases during pregnancy may result to long-term effects on the health of the baby.

Sexually transmitted diseases are one of the leading complications during pregnancy. The infection affects approximately two million women during their pregnancy. This is because getting pregnant offers no fail-safe protection from acquiring the disease, and a woman who is pregnant is as vulnerable as any other woman active in sexual activities. If sexually transmitted diseases are dangerous enough for a woman who is not pregnant, the risks multiply even more for a pregnant woman.

Why STDs are More Dangerous during Pregnancy

Sexually transmitted diseases that are acquired during pregnancy are potentially life threatening. This is because a pregnant woman’s health is very fragile. She must learn how to protect herself and her baby from infection.

The following are the common consequences when contracting sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy:

1) Cervical cancer and other infections in the reproductive system

2) Chronic hepatitis

3) Cirrhosis

4) Early onset of labor

5) Uterine infection

Premature rupture of the uterine membranes that surround the baby

Once a pregnant woman learns that she is infected with sexually transmitted diseases, the first thing that she needs to do is to seek medical treatment right away. However, just like in the case of sexually transmitted diseases affecting non-pregnant women, detection of the disease is difficult. Often, it is only detected when it is already in its advanced stages. Detection at an earlier stage is often difficult and is a very critical element towards proper treatment.

What is even more dangerous with sexually transmitted diseases acquired during pregnancy is the possibility of the transmitting the disease or causing an infection to the infant. For example, syphilis is known to cross the placenta and cause fetal infection, which may affect the development of the baby. Aside from syphilis, other sexually transmitted diseases that can be transmitted to the infant are HIV and genital herpes.

Once infection is passed on to the infant, there are many consequences that will result such as cirrhosis, liver disease, meningitis, hepatitis, blindness or deafness, neonatal sepsis, brain damage, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, low birth weight, and stillbirth.

The Best Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Diseases during Pregnancy

Medical experts suggest that the best way to protect one from sexually transmitted diseases is through a monogamous relationship. This is because any medication taken by a pregnant woman has to be considered against the possible risks, especially towards the health of the baby. Fortunately, there are antibiotics that are safe for pregnant women and can cure some sexually transmitted diseases. However, some STDs such as HIV and genital herpes are not curable during pregnancy and any medication against them is only to reduce the symptoms.
by: James Pendergraft


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Sex During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

When a pregnant woman is dealing with nausea, vomiting and fatigue, morning sickness, and weight gain, it seems that the last thing that she would think about is sex. There are many women who are active when...

they are pregnant. But they think that engaging in a sexual activity might be bad for the baby’s health. Is it really safe to have sex when you are pregnant?

Whether this would bring good news or not, having sex during pregnancy is safe for women who have uncomplicated and low-risk pregnancies.

Normal Pregnancy Allows for Sexual Activity

If you are not sure that you are fit for such an activity, consult a doctor or a midwife. The sexual desires of a woman tend to fluctuate when she is pregnant, but the activity can become awkward and uncomfortable since the body shape of a woman changes considerably.

Always remember that staying intimate doesn’t meant hat you have to engage in sex. Closeness and pleasure can be provided by kissing, touching, cuddling, and manual stimulation. These activities are low risk, and they could not add up to the problems of your pregnancy..

You just have to make sure that your pregnancy is healthy and fit.

Some Risks and Tips

You should also know that a pregnant woman who engages in sex is not a hundred percent safe. There are risks that are associated with the activity, and here are some things to consider:

1) Never engage in practices where your partner blows in the birth canal. It can cause blockage of the blood vessel, which is potentially fatal for the baby and for the mother as well.

2) Never have sex with a partner if you do not know his sexual and health history. This is a risk factor for sexually transmitted diseases and infections, which is very serious on the baby’s part. You are not only putting your life at risk but also the life of the unborn child.

3) Don’t engage in sex if the doctor doesn’t allow you to. This might end up in early labor, potential miscarriage, bleeding, cramping, amniotic fluid leaking from birth canal, cervix problems, and a condition called placenta previa.

4) You might also consider engaging in different sex positions while you are having sex. The traditional man-on-top and spooning position is very uncomfortable for a pregnant woman. It is also important to know that a pregnant woman should not lie flat on her back because the uterus might compress the major blood vessels. This can cause pelvic pressure, intense pain, dizziness, and other uncomfortable and dangerous situations.

Having sex while you are pregnant does not have a direct effect on the baby because it is fully protected by the amniotic sac and the strong muscles of the uterus. Aside from these, there’s a thick mucus plug that seals the cervix and helps guard the baby against infection. It is good to know that the penis does not come into contact with the fetus during sex.
by: James Pendergraft

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Male Latex Condoms and Sexsually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted Diseases, including HIV infection
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, consistent and correct use of latex condoms reduces the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including diseases transmitted by genital secretions, and to a lesser degree, genital ulcer diseases. Condom use may reduce the risk for genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-associated diseases, e.g., genital warts and cervical cancer.

HIV,the virus that causes Aids
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Other diseases transmitted by genital secretions,including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and thrichomoniasis
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, reduce the risk of transmission of STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.

Genital ulcer diseases and HPV infections
Genital ulcer diseases and HPV infections can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. Consistent and correct use of latex condoms reduces the risk of genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected. Condom use may reduce the risk for HPV infection and HPV-associated diseases (e.g., genital warts and cervical cancer). Read Full Article...>>>