ABU DHABI // Sexually transmitted diseases do not equate to promiscuity, experts have said.
Many believe they come hand-in-hand but that is not an accurate reflection, said Dr Rosalie Sant, a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist at Primavera Medical Centre, in Dubai Healthcare City.
“You may have been unlucky enough that the one person you have been with has unfortunately been with someone else who has been with many partners,” she said.
“The link is quite extensive. But people don’t think like that and say “well, it must be me” or “they are going to think it is me”.”
Dr Nazura Siddiqi, a specialist gynecologist at LLH Hospital in Musaffah, said many fear having an STD will mean they are branded as promiscuous.
“It is a fact that sexually transmitted infections are related to unsafe sexual practices, multiple sexual partners and not using condoms,” she said. “However they can also happen to monogamous partners.”
Dr Rami Mahafza, a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecologist at Canadian Specialist Hospital, agrees.
“It is perceived that the moment a woman is told to undergo an STD test it means that she is promiscuous,” he said. “This actually might not be the case. Unfortunately this mindset prevents many from getting screening.”
Dr Yuliya Burmagina, a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology at Femiclinic, at Dubai Healthcare City, said it is a misconception that STDs are only transmitted through sexual intercourse.
“We forget some other ways of transmission such as through the instruments, for example dental treatments, blood transfusion, from mother to the baby during delivery,” she said.
However many many believe STDs violate traditional cultural and religious values towards sexual behaviour, she said.
“However, some people may be affected without having promiscuous behaviour.
“We need to try to improve the awareness among young people in particular and create an opportunity for people to get checked without being pursued for the fact of being infected.
“It is the better recognition and proper treatment that may will decrease the incidence of STDs.”
jbell@thenational.ae
