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Women and Infant Health (WIN)
English Translation of Cue Cards
THE IUD
WHAT IS THE IUD?
The Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a small plastic device that fits inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The newer, more effective IUDs have copper wire or copper bands wrapped on the plastic.
HOW THE IUD WORKS
The IUD prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg.
HOW TO USE THE IUD
- In a short, simple procedure, a trained doctor inserts the IUD into the uterus.
- To make sure the IUD is still in the uterus, reach inside the vagina with your fingers to feel the strings of the IUD.
- If you want to get pregnant, ask the doctor to remove the IUD.
ADVANTAGES
- Highly effective
- Once inserted, provides up to 10 years of protection
- Does not interfere with sex
- Can be inserted immediately after childbirth by specially trained doctors and used during breastfeeding.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
- More monthly bleeding and cramps
- Spotting between menstrual cycles
- Women exposed to STDs are more likely to get pelvic infection
- Sometimes IUDs come out of the uterus into the vagina
THE IUD SHOULD NOT BE USED BY A WOMAN WHO:
- May be pregnant
- Has an active cervical or pelvic infection, including sexually transmitted diseases
- Has had pelvic inflammatory disease in the past 3 months
- Has abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown origin
- Has genital cancer
- Has severe anemia (hemoglobin < 9 grams)
- Is at high risk for exposure to sexually transmitted diseases
- Has any medical condition that lowers resistance to infection (including HIV)
FOLLOW-UP
Return to the clinic for a check-up 4-6 weeks after insertion, when not menstruating. Come sooner if you have any questions or problems.
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IN CASE OF:
- Suspected pregnancy
- Extremely heavy vaginal bleeding (twice as much bleeding or twice as long as usual)
- Severe abdominal pain; pain or bleeding with intercourse
- Signs of infection: abnormal vaginal discharge, chills, fever
- IUD strings are missing, or feel shorter or longer than usual
IMPORTANT POINTS FOR HEALTH WORKERS
- Copper IUDs are highly effective. Pregnancy rates with the Copper T380 are less than 1% per year.
- About 95 million women worldwide use IUDs. In Northern Europe over 20% of married women use IUDs.
- Copper IUDs are effective from 4 to 10 years.
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SYMPTOTHERMAL METHOD (NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING)
WHAT IS THE SYMPTOTHERMAL METHOD?
A woman observes her fertility signs (primarily cervical mucus and basal body temperature) every day to determine when she is fertile. To prevent pregnancy she abstains from intercourse on potentially fertile days. To achieve pregnancy a couple has intercourse on fertile days.
HOW THE SYMPTOTHERMAL METHOD WORKS
A woman is fertile for about 6 days during every menstrual cycle. To determine when she is fertile, a woman observes the cyclical changes in her fertility signs.
HOW TO USE THE SYMPTOTHERMAL METHOD
- Cervical Mucus Sign: After menstruation the woman checks for cervical mucus each day. She may check her cervical mucus by 1) directly obtaining a sample of mucus with her finger from the entrance to her vagina, or by 2) obtaining a sample on tissue when she wipes after urinating. If any cervical mucus is present, the woman is potentially fertile and must abstain from intercourse.
- Basal Body Temperature Sign: The woman also checks her resting (basal body temperature) temperature each morning before getting out of bed and records the reading on a special chart. She is infertile when for three consecutive days her temperature is at least 0.2 degrees Celsius higher than six previous days.
- Additional Signs: Additional signs of fertility that some woman check regularly are changes in the opening of the cervix and calculations based on the length of the menstrual cycle.
- Go to a specially trained health care provider to learn to use the symptothermal method correctly.
ADVANTAGES:
- No side effects and nothing taken or used inside the body
- Effective if rules are followed very carefully (93-97%)
- Both partners are involved in family planning
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS:
- Regular abstinence is required each month
- The woman must check her temperature and cervical mucus daily for at least half of the menstrual cycle.
- High risk of pregnancy if not used correctly
THE SYMPTOTHERMAL METHOD SHOULD NOT BE USED:
- Until a woman has learned to identify the potentially fertile days of her cycle
- If the couple cannot or will not abstain on days when the woman is potentially fertile.
- By women who do not have a steady partner
- By couples who are at high risk for STDs
FOLLOW-UP:
- Return to the clinic if you have problems identifying your fertile days or if you have any questions.
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DMPA: AN INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTIVE
WHAT IS DMPA?
The injectable, DMPA (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or depo provera), contains a synthetic hormone like the natural hormone progesterone. One injection every three months prevents pregnancy.
HOW DMPA WORKS:
The hormone in the injectable prevents ovulation.
HOW TO USE DMPA:
A doctor or nurse gives the injection:
- in the first 7 days after menstrual bleeding starts
- immediately after childbirth if not breastfeeding
- 6 weeks after childbirth if breastfeeding
ADVANTAGES:
- Highly effective
- Does not interrupt sex
- Greatly reduces menstrual blood flow (a benefit for anemic women)
- Can be used during breast-feeding
- Less risk of developing endometrial cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, and tubal pregnancy
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:
- May stop monthly menstrual flow (amenorrhea). This is not harmful and does not mean permanent infertility
- Bleeding between periods for the first few months
- Slight weight gain
- Headaches
- Return of menstruation and fertility delayed for 6 to 9 months after discontinuing the injectable
DMPA SHOULD NOT BE USED BY A WOMAN WHO:
- May be pregnant
- Has breast cancer now or in the past
- Has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Has viral hepatitis or liver tumors
- Has cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease
- Has severe diabetes
FOLLOW-UP:
- Return to the clinic every 3 months for the next injection
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IN CASE OF:
- Severe headaches with vision or speech problems
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (2 times as much or 2 times as long as usual)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pain or infection at the injection site
IMPORTANT POINTS FOR HEALTH WORKERS
- DMPA is very effective. The pregnancy rate is less than 1% per year.
- Over 10 million women worldwide use injectable contraceptives.
- About 90% of women using injectables will have changes in their menstrual cycles. One-third or more will completely stop menstruating. Women need to be counseled in advance to expect these changes and reassured that they are not harmful.
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WHAT IS LAM?
LAM is an a natural method for preventing pregnancy that a breastfeeding woman can use for the first six months after childbirth.
HOW LAM WORKS
LAM is based on the physiology of breastfeeding. The baby's suckling stops the release of the hormones that cause ovulation.
HOW TO USE LAM
- LAM only works if the woman breastfeeds her child regularly and frequently.
- The woman must breastfeed at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night. Through the course of breastfeeding, several signs must be observed to determine if LAM is still an effective contraceptive method.
ADVANTAGES
- More than 98 percent effective
- Encourages healthy breastfeeding practices
- Indicates when to begin another family planning method for continued protection
- Nothing to buy
- Does not interfere with sexual relations
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
- The woman must breastfeed at least every 4 hours during the day and at least every 6 hours at night.
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IN CASE OF:
- Breastfeeding difficulties such as engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis, and abscess should be treated immediately.
FOLLOW-UP
- When any one of the three conditions for LAM use change, client should begin another family planning method that does not interfere with breastfeeding.
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FAMILY PLANNING COUNSELING AFTER CHILDBIRTH
WHY IS FAMILY PLANNING COUNSELING AFTER CHILDBIRTH SO IMPORTANT?
- Using contraception prevents closely spaced pregnancies. This benefits the health of mothers and children.
- Women are fertile and at risk of another pregnancy within 42 days after childbirth, depending on the extent of breastfeeding.
- Counseling and/or referral to family planning services after childbirth increases the likelihood that women will begin using a method soon and will use it correctly.
- Doctors should counsel women about contraception during pregnancy as well as after delivery.
- If a woman has not chosen a specific method after delivery and if she is not breastfeeding, be sure to recommend and if possible provide condoms so she will be protected until she makes a final decision.
- Breastfeeding is very important to infants' health. There are safe and effective family planning methods that do not interfere with breastfeeding.
WHAT CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS ARE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE AFTER CHILDBIRTH?
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If Breastfeeding |
If Not Breastfeeding |
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Condoms |
Can begin using as soon as sexual activity resumes |
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Combined Oral Contraceptives |
Can begin anytime after she stops breastfeeding or 6 months after delivery, whichever comes first |
Can begin 3 to 6 weeks after delivery; can begin before menses resume |
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Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptives |
Can begin 6 weeks after childbirth |
Can begin anytime in the first 4 weeks |
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IUD |
Insert 6 weeks after delivery |
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Injectables |
Can begin 6 weeks after delivery |
Can begin immediately after delivery or anytime in first 6 weeks. Can begin before menses resume |
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Norplant Implants |
Can begin 6 weeks after delivery |
Can begin immediately after delivery or anytime in the first 6 weeks |
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Spermicides |
Can begin as soon as sexual activity resumes |
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Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) |
Can begin immediately after delivery |
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Female Sterilization |
Can be safely done within the first 7 days after childbirth or 6 weeks or more after childbirth. Female sterilization and male sterilization (vasectomy) are permanent contraceptive methods. Women and men need to think carefully before choosing sterilization so they will not regret their decision later. |
IMPORTANT POINTS FOR WOMEN
- It is important to give your body a rest after pregnancy and childbirth. You need time and energy to care for yourself and your new baby before you get pregnant again.
- For new mothers, family planning gives you the freedom to enjoy your new baby without worrying about another pregnancy.
- Family planing methods that rely on signs of ovulation (sympto-thermal method, basal body temperature method) or calendar (safe days) are not easy to use after childbirth.
- Women who feed their babies ONLY breast milk and who breastfeed often are usually not fertile (will not ovulate) in the first 6 months after childbirth. Women who give their babies other foods may be fertile (ovulate) sooner. Using breastfeeding to prevent pregnancy is called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method or LAM.
- LAM (breastfeeding) reduces the chances of getting pregnant ONLY if you:
- give your baby breast milk only and no other nourishment
- breastfeed at least 8 to 10 times a day including once at night
- breastfeed at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours during the night
- You and your partner can start having sexual intercourse as soon as it is comfortable for you and if you have no medical complications. If you do have complications ask your doctor when you can begin having intercourse.
- You should see your doctor for an examination six weeks after delivery.
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LOW-DOSE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
WHAT ARE LOW-DOSE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES?
Low-dose oral contraceptives are tablets that contain very small amounts of two hormones like the natural hormones in a woman's body--an estrogen and a progestin. A woman takes one pill every day to prevent pregnancy. Low-dose oral contraceptives are much safer and more effective than the old, high-dose pills.
HOW LOW-DOSE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES WORK
- Prevent ovulation
- Thicken cervical mucus so sperm cannot pass through
HOW TO USE LOW-DOSE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
- Take one pill every day at the same time
- When the pack is empty, start taking pills from a new pack the next day (if 21-day pack, skip one week before starting new pack)
- If you forget to take the pill one day, take the missed pill the next day along with the pill for that day
- If you forget to take pills for two or more days in a row, continue taking one pill each day and either abstain from sex or use a diaphragm or condoms until you start a new cycle of pills.
ADVANTAGES
- Very effective when used correctly
- Very safe
- Can be used continuously for as long as a woman wants; no need for rest periods
- You can stop taking the pill at any time and can become pregnant soon afterwards
- Can be used by nearly all women
- Can be used two to three weeks postpartum in women not breastfeeding
- Does not interfere with sex
- Periods are regular and lighter; many women have less cramping
- Women using low-dose oral contraceptives have less risk of developing:
- Anemia
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ovarian and endometrial cancer
- Benign breast tumors
- Tubal pregnancy
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
- Many women have no side effects at all.
- The side effects that sometimes occur are not harmful and usually decrease after a few months:
- Mild nausea
- Slight weight gain
- Mild headache or dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting between periods
LOW-DOSE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES SHOULD NOT BE USED BY A WOMAN WHO:
- May be pregnant
- Has unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Is over age 35 and smokes
- Has high blood pressure (over 160/100)
- Has severe diabetes with vascular complications
- Has a history of circulatory problems, such as:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Pulmonary embolism
- Active thrombotic heart disease, bad chest pains, or shortness of breath likely to have been caused by thrombotic heart disease.
- Deep vein clots in legs (venous Thromboembolism)
- Has breast cancer or a history of breast cancer
- Has active liver or gall bladder disease
- Gets migraine headaches
- Is breast feeding a baby younger than six months
FOLLOW-UP
- Return to the pharmacy or clinic for more pills or if you have any questions or problems.
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IN CASE OF:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe chest pain and shortness of breath
- Severe headaches with vision or speech problems
- Severe leg pain (calf or thigh)
IMPORTANT POINTS FOR HEALTH WORKERS
- Low-dose oral contraceptives contain 35mcg of estrogen or less. They are safer, cause fewer side effects, and are just as effective as high-dose pills which contain 50mcg or more of estrogen. Low-dose pills are now recommended by all major international health organizations.
- About 60 million women worldwide use oral contraceptives. In the United States 17% of all women age 15-44 use oral contraceptives.
- Women who use oral contraceptives are 30 to 60% less likely to develop cancer of the ovary and endometrium than nonusers.
- Switching contraceptive brands is not dangerous and will not reduce contraceptive effectiveness. Slight changes in bleeding may occur.
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BREASTFEEDING
Breastfeeding is the best way to nourish your baby. Breast milk is nature's perfect food with all the nutrients you baby needs for the first four to six months of life. Breastfeeding is the gift every mother can give her baby in the first year of life.
What is exclusive breastfeeding?
Exclusive breastfeeding is giving your baby only breast milk for the first four months of life. This means no formula, water, or other food. Your baby does not need any other nutrition than breast milk during the first 4 to 6 months of life.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby?
- Breast milk is nature's perfect food with all the vitamins, fluids, and calories your baby needs for the first four months. It is more easily digested by babies than formula or other liquids.
- Breast milk has the mother's antibodies that help her baby fight colds and other infections.
- Breastfed babies get fewer colds, earaches and ear infections, diarrhea, and allergies than babies who aren't breastfed.
- Breast milk is always clean, warm, and ready the minute your baby is hungry.
- Breastfeeding gives your baby a feeling of warmth, closeness, and security.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother?
- Breastfeeding immediately after delivery helps prevent excess bleeding.
- Breastfeeding is easy, convenient, and inexpensive. You won't have to buy formula, sterilize bottles, or mix formula in the middle of the night.
- Breastfeeding helps build a special emotional bond between you and your baby.
- Breastfeeding can help you lose some of the weight you gained during pregnancy.
- Exclusive breastfeeding helps prevent pregnancy. Talk to your gynecologist for more information.
What you should know to start breastfeeding
- Start breastfeeding as soon as you can after delivery, in the first hour if possible. At first, your breasts will produce colostrum for your baby. Colostrum is like a natural first immunization. It is clear and is rich in vitamins and antibodies to prevent infection. In 2 to 3 days your breast will start producing breastmilk.
- You don't have to follow a feeding schedule. Breastfeed whenever your baby is hungry, about 8 to 12 times per 24 hours.
- You should nurse your baby on both breasts for 10 to 20 minutes per breast, at every feeding.
- Feed your baby often. The more the often the baby suckles, the more milk your body produces.
- Eat a nutritious diet with meat, vegetables, and fruit. Drink lots of fluid water, milk or juice to help with the production of breastmilk. You should drink 8 ounces (240 millilitres) of water each time your baby feeds.
- Drinking alcohol can harm your baby. Try to avoid alcohol while you are breastfeeding.
- You will know that your baby is getting enough milk because he will gain weight (125-210 grams per week) and have 6 to 8 wet diapers per day.
- You do not need to wash your nipples before or after breastfeeding. Soap and disinfectants can dry out your nipples and cause soreness. You do not need to put brilliantoviy on your nipples.
Potential Problems and Solutions
- Sore or cracked nipples are common when you first start breastfeeding. Do not stop breastfeeding. Wash your nipples with mild soap and warm water and let them air dry. Do not use antiseptics or harsh soaps. Let your baby start feeding on the breast that is least sore. Try different positions for breastfeeding. This varies the area of pressure on your breast. And make sure your baby is latched on correctly with his mouth covering the areola (dark area around the nipple) and not just the nipple.
- Engorgement is painful swelling of the breasts with milk. This often occurs 2 or 3 days after birth when breast milk production begins. The solution is to breastfeed often, every two or three hours, even if you have to wake your baby to feed. Let the baby nurse at least 10 minutes on each side to empty each breast. Putting warm moist cloths on each breast may help the milk flow quickly and ease discomfort. You can also hand express some milk to relieve the pressure.
- Insufficient milk is very rare. If you breastfeed your baby often (at least 8 times per 24 hours) your body will produce enough milk. The more often you breastfeed the more milk your body will produce.
Starting Breastfeeding Right
Breastfeeding is easy once you know how.
- Hold your baby next to your breast with his stomach facing yours.
- Hold your breast with 4 fingers underneath and your thumb on top. Tickle the baby's lower lip with your nipple, and he will open his mouth wide. All babies will do this.
- Place your breast deep into the baby's mouth so his lips and gums cover the dark skin (areola) around your nipple. His chin and the tip of his nose should touch your breast.
- When your baby is finished, slip your finger in the corner of his mouth between his gums to release your breast. This helps prevent sore nipples.
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THE CONDOM
WHAT ARE CONDOMS?
A condom is a close-fitting latex sheath that fits over a man's erect penis before and during sexual intercourse.
HOW THE CONDOM WORKS:
- The condom catches and holds semen that is released during intercourse, so the semen cannot enter the vagina. Condoms prevent STDs (including AIDS) by keeping semen out of the vagina and by preventing vaginal fluids from touching the penis.
HOW TO USE CONDOMS
- Use a new condom each time you have intercourse. Never use the same condom twice.
- Pull the foreskin back. Hold the condom with the rolled edge away from the body and roll the condom onto the erect penis before intercourse and before the penis touches the woman's vagina.
- Before removing penis from vagina, hold the condom at the base of the penis to prevent spilling semen.
- Do not use with any lubricant that contains oil.
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Do not use if the packaging is torn or if the condom feels dried out or sticky.
ADVANTAGES:
- Effective if used correctly every time there is intercourse
- No prescription or medical examination necessary
- No side effects
- Protects both partners against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV/AIDS.
- Men can be responsible for contraception
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS:
- Condoms that are old or damaged sometimes break during intercourse.
- Decrease in sexual sensitivity for some couples.
FOLLOW-UP:
- Return to clinic or pharmacy for more condoms before present supply is completely finished.
- If you have trouble using the condom or forget to use it each time you have sex, return to the clinic for counseling.
IMPORTANT POINTS FOR PROVIDERS
- About 40 million couples worldwide use condoms. In the United States over 10% of women age 15-44 use condoms to prevent pregnancy.
- Condoms are less effective than other modern contraceptives because couples do not use condoms every time they have sex. When condoms are used correctly, the pregnancy rate is about 5% per year.
- Condom use reduces the risk of HIV transmission by about 70%. Condoms also protect against more common sexually transmitted diseases, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Encourage youth to use condoms to protect their fertility.
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FEMALE STERILIZATION
WHAT IS FEMALE STERILIZATION?
Female sterilization is permanent contraception for women who do not want any more children. It is a simple and safe operation.
HOW DOES FEMALE STERILIZATION WORK?
The doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen and blocks the fallopian tubes so sperm cannot reach and fertilize the egg.
ADVANTAGES
- Very Effective
- Permanent; one operation provides life-long contraception
- Does not interfere with sex
- May help protect against ovarian cancer
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
- May be some complications from surgery such as bleeding or infection; these are usually very minor
- May be some pain for several days after surgery
FEMALE STERILIZATION SHOULD NOT BE USED BY A WOMAN WHO:
- Thinks she may want more children
- May be pregnant
- Has untreated pelvic infection including sexually transmitted disease
- Has blood clotting disorder
FOLLOW-UP
- Rest for 2 to 3 days after surgery
- Keep the incision clean and dry for 2 to 3 days after surgery
- Return to clinic in a week if stitches need to be removed
- Do not have sex until all pain is gone
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IN CASE OF:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Bleeding or pus from incision
- Fever
- Suspected pregnancy
IMPORTANT POINTS FOR HEALTH WORKERS
- Female sterilization is the most widely used contraceptive method in the world. Over 140 million women use sterilization for family planning. In the United States almost 18% of all women age 15 to 44 have been sterilized
- Women need careful counseling before sterilization so they understand that the method is permanent. Sterilization can sometimes be reversed, but the surgery is complex and expensive and often does not work
- Female sterilization is a very safe operation. In the United States complications occur in fewer than 1% of procedures
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SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs)
WHAT ARE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases that in most cases are transmitted during sexual contact. Correct information on STIs will enable you not only to protect your health but also assist your friends and relatives with your advice.
HOW ARE STIs TRANSMITTED?
Most STIs are transmitted by vaginal, anal or oral sexual intercourse (or by simply touching genitals) and by blood (especially by dirty needles and syringes). But syphilis and herpes can sometimes be transmitted through deep kissing
STIs (including AIDS) are not transmitted through casual contacts, like touching, handshake, by touching handles or handrails, in public baths or swimming pools, or using dishes and food used by someone.
What are the symptoms of STIs?
- The most common symptoms of STIs in men are: white or yellow discharge from the penis; pain and burning during urination; ulcers, blisters or warts or other types of skin changes on the penis, on the skin of perineum or on the other parts of the body.
- The most common symptoms of STIs in women are: unusual discharge from the vagina, with or without bad odor; itching or irritation of the vagina; ulcers, blisters and other types of rashes around the vagina and on the skin of the perineum or on the other parts of the body; pain during intercourse or urination; lower abdominal pain.
- Sometimes STIs are not accompanied by any symptoms. If your partner has an STI, you also may be infected, even if you have no symptoms. In case of getting HIV infection (AIDS), first symptoms of disease appear after a long period of time.
What are the consequences of STIs?
STIs can seriously harm one's health. In women they can lead to chronic inflammation of sexual organs, ectopic pregnancy, other pregnancy problems or infertility; in men various chronic diseases (including prostatitis), sterility, cancer of the penis. In case if STI is not treated timely, it can become reason of many complications, invalidity and even death.
Can STIs be treated?
Most STIs, e.g. gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis in case of timely treatment can easily be cured. Some STIs, e.g. cytomegalovirus, herpes, HPV, Hepatitis B and HIV-infection (AIDS), are incurable. But if you turn to a doctor in the early stage of the disease and do the full course of treatment, it will be possible to postpone start of your disease for a long time. In such case you will be able to continue living with a full life, since you will know that you are not exposing your family members and relatives to risk.
What should you do if you get an STI?
If you suspect that you're infected with STI, don't panic and don't treat the disease by yourself! Go to a qualified doctor as soon as possible. Then:
- Treat the infection: After the diagnosis is known, follow all the doctor's instructions and continue taking the medicine, even if the symptoms quickly go away and you feel better. If you not treat the disease, the symptoms may return.
- Don't spread STIs: Avoid sex until you finish treatment. If you don't wait, you can transmit the STI to your sexual partner and then get infected from him once again. If you can't avoid sexual contacts, use condoms.
- Help your sexual partner get treated: It can be very difficult to start talking about this, but you have to explain why he/she should go to a doctor and get treated. You may bring your partner to your doctor.
- Return to the doctor to make sure that you've been cured: If you haven't, your doctor may prescribe you the additional treatment.
Protect your future
Most STIs are transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth. Some STIs are transmitted through breast milk (HIV/AIDS, syphilis). STI hinders fetus development, leads to premature birth, stillbirth or birth of ill child. That is why, before getting pregnant visit a doctor and make sure that neither you nor your partner do not have an STI. If you are pregnant already, visit women's consultation timely in order to have a full checkup under doctor's supervision. If you notice any symptoms of STI in any period of pregnancy, visit a doctor as soon as possible. In case of timely treatment the risk of transmitting infection to future child becomes significantly less.
How to prevent STIs?
Condom is the most effective means of protection during sexual contact. If it is used correctly every time, it can protect from most STIs, including HIV/AIDS. But sometimes even a high quality condom does not guarantee full protection since the source of infection may be located in the area not covered with condom (base of penis, perineum, scrotum).
The best way to prevent STI is to have sex only with healthy and faithful partner.
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