Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are caught by changing sexual partners and by casual sex. They could therefore be completely avoided. Paradoxically, however, they are among the commonest infectious diseases in the world. Between 1949 and 1980 the number of new cases attending NHS clinics increased fourfold (Tables 7.1, 7.2). More than one person in every 100 of the UK population is likely to attend a clinic each year. Over the period referred to, gonorrhoea and non-specific infections increased significantly whereas syphilis has declined. Most important of all, perhaps, is that an estimated 1500–2000 young women become sterile each year as a result of infection by gonorrhoea (Catterall, 1979).