Sexually Transmitted Disease

No entro mi puerta (Don't Enter My Door) pt.1

A case study of medical concern with emphasis on sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases or sometimes known as STD is considered as one of the most threatening condition that can affect the pregnant mother and her unborn child. There are many complications that can occur once the baby was delivered normally. A pregnant mother who has STD must be carefully managed with medical intervention because there are certain drugs that can affect the growth and development process of the fetus.

Definition

• It is spread through sexual contacct with an infected partner;
• Although STDs can be serious, during pregnancy certain STDs place the mother at greater risk for problems because of theor potential effect on the pregnancy, fetus, or neonate.

The story behind it

• STDs can be caused by numerous organisms. These incliude:
• Fungi
• Bacteria
• Protozoa
• Parasites
• Viruses
• Regardless of the cause, the organism invades the body, placing the mother and fetus at risk for problem.

The clinical manifestations

• The signs and symptoms exhibited by the mother with STD typically involve some type of vaginal discharge or lesion;
• Vulvar or vaginal irritation, such as itching, commonly accompany the discharge or lesion.

Medical Management

• Pharmacological therapy with antifungal or antimicrobial;
• Safe-sex practices; and
• Treatment of partner

Implications

• Explain the mode of transmission of the STD and educate the people about measures to reduce the risk of transmission;
• Administer drug as indicated
• Instruct the mother in drug therapy regimens as appropriate;
• Advise the mother to comply with therapy, completing the entire course of drug therapy.
• Urge the mother to refrain from sexual intercourse until the active infection is completely gone;
• Instruct the mother to have her partner examined so that treatment can be initiated, thus preventing the risk of infection;
• Provide comfort measures for the mother to reduce vulvar and vaginal irritation;
• Encourage the mother to keep the vulvar area clean and dry;
• Advise her to avoid using strong soaps, creams, or ointments unless prescribed.
• Suggest the use of cool or tepid sitz baths to relieve itching;
• Encourage the mother to wear cotton underwear and avoid tight fighting clothing as much as possible;
• Instruct the mother is safe sex practices, including the use of condoms and spermicides such as nonoxynol 9;
• Encourage follow-up to ensure complete resolution of the infection (if possible)

Possible Complications

• Preterm labor
• Premature rupture of the membrane (PROM)
• Neonatal conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva/sore eyes)
• Pneumonia
• Congenital herpes in the neonate
• Ophthalmia Neonatorum
• Respiratory distress syndrome