Sexually Transmitted Infections in Pregnancy

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased by many folds across all age groups. During pregnancy STIs are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in infant. In some way, this can be described as a health crisis in reproductive and sexual health of women, which constitute as a public health emergency worldwide. A women patient diagnose with one STI is at higher risk for other STIs and so antenatal screening for all STIs including HIV testing is required during the antenatal visit. Pregnant women with STIs should receive comprehensive intervention that includes counselling and behavioral therapy, early notification to the partner and screening, advice on safe sex practices, along with management plan to treat the disease and reduce the risk of potential life threatening complication to the fetus and improve the outcome of the pregnancy. This article presents a brief overview of scope of STIs in pregnant women and its effect on overall women's health and on their pregnancy along with comprehensive interventional strategy against STIs.