ABU DHABI // Residents who are sexually active should know the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases and have annual screenings to reduce the spread of the diseases, doctors say.
Dr Fady Hachem, consultant of obstetrics and gynaecology at Burjeel Hospital, said women should look for irritation and discharge, and growths. In some cases a fever might also occur.
“Every causal agent has a degree in the severity of the infection. It could be complicated. You can be a carrier and you can have no symptoms,” Dr Hachem said.
Dr Nazura Siddiqi, a gynaecologist at Lifeline Hospital in Abu Dhabi, said symptoms for women included discharge, pain in the lower abdomen or pain during sex.
Symptoms in men include a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, discharge and pain in the lower abdomen, said Dr Manaf Al Hashimi, a specialist in urology at Burjeel Hospital.
“Patients should consult a doctor as soon as they get the symptoms,” Dr Al Hashimi said.
Dr Afaf El Ghanimi, a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Health Plus Women’s Health Centre, said women should have annual chlamydia and gonorrhoea screenings and the tests should be repeated if needed.
“Anyone who has unsafe intercourse or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year,” Dr El Ghanimi said.
Dr Hachem said available vaccinations for hepititis B and human papillomavirus could prevent the disease from recurring.
Sexual education, personal hygiene, knowing the partner well and being honest with each other is also crucial in preventing the occurrence of the diseases.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
