exception! Most have been recognised for centuries and some -- Chlamydia and HIV/AIDS -- within the last 20 years. Most can be completely cured. Some -- herpes and HIV/AIDS -- cannot. These two and others which are not correctly treated have the potential to lead to more serious health problems.

Prevention of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases or STD for short, can be accomplished in several ways: By helping people to recognise the behaviours that put them at risk and teaching them to modify those behaviours; By educating the community about the possible signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases; and By ensuring that contacts of people diagnosed and/or treated for an infection are notified so that they can seek treatment.

These are some of the myths associated with prevention: Keeping clean can prevent an STD While a good standard of hygiene is important, washing the genital area after intercourse will only give peace of mind! It has no effect on prevention.

Likewise, using antiseptics such as Dettol or Savlon for washing or douching.

These are chemicals. Washing with them can cause severe irritation and sometimes injury to the genitalia. In females, douching, if there is an infection present may push the infection into the fallopian tubes causing pelvic inflammatory disease.

Contraceptives prevent infection Oral contraceptives or intra-uterine devices offer no protection.

Diaphragms or contraceptive foams only slightly lessen the risk by creating a hostile environment which makes it difficult for organisms to survive.

Condoms, if used correctly, offer approximately 70 percent to 80 percent protection.

Antibiotics will stop you getting an STD There is no perfect medicine which will cure all infections. A few antibiotics taken at random is foolish. This practice can interfere with test results and encourages the occurrence of drug resistant infections. Medication should only be prescribed by a physician following an accurate diagnosis.

Anyone who looks "fine'' cannot possibly have an STD Of course not! Anyone can get a sexually transmitted disease if they take risks. Furthermore, if they have no signs and symptoms which can sometimes be the case, they may not be aware they have a problem. If, however, your partner complains that he or she has a discharge, sore, or rash, it is important to encourage that person to see their own physician or attend the STD clinic for a check up.

Perhaps the most important point to remember, is "when in doubt, check it out''. Sometimes this is easier said than done. There is still in the minds of many people a stigma attached to a diagnosis of an STD which makes them reluctant to discuss their problem. One of the goals of an STD clinic is to provide health education so that persons attending can become knowledgeable about sexually transmitted infections. The other is to reassure the client that maintaining their confidentiality is a priority.

A check up for STDs commences with a health history, followed by some routine testing. This includes testing for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, non-Gonococcal Urethritis, and Syphilis. HIV testing is also recommended, since the primary mode of transmission for this virus is through sexual contact with an infected person. In addition, women are tested for yeast, trichomonas, and bacterial vaginosis. Once diagnosed, the correct medication can be given.

Use the following guidelines to lower your risk of contracting an STD: Limit the number of sexual partners. Build up a relationship before deciding whether it should become a sexual one. Abstinence is OK!; If in a sexual relationship, always use condoms to lower the risk of getting an infection; If you notice anything unusual, such as a sore or discharge in the genital area, or if you feel you may have been in contact with an infection, make sure to get a check up as soon as possible.

JENNIFER FOX STD Clinic