diseases which have been, with the exception of AIDS, with us for centuries, and which can be found in every country in the world. Whilst some of these can be effectively cured or controlled, prevention is the keynote in stopping their spread.

So how do we accomplish this? Limiting the number of sexual partners is the most effective way -- the more partners, the greater the risk.

First, let me discuss some of the myths associated with prevention. Keeping clean can prevent STD.

Whilst a good standard of personal hygiene is important, washing the genital areas with soap and water following intercourse will only give peace of mind, it has no effect on STD infections. Likewise, using antiseptics either for washing or douching. These are chemicals and can cause severe injury to the genitalia.

Contraceptives prevent infection.

Oral contraceptives, the pill, and intrauterine devices, IUD, offer no protection whatsoever.

Condoms, sometimes known as "rubbers'' or "sheaths'' offer some protection, particularly against gonorrhoea since they minimise the contact made during intercourse.

Antibiotics stop you getting STD infections.

There is no perfect medicine which will cure any infection. Taking a few antibiotics now and again is foolish, since it will only interfere with test results for gonorrhoea and syphilis, and also encourages drug resistant infections to occur, thereby making treatment more difficult. Medication must only be taken when prescribed by a physician.

By looking at someone, you can tell if they have a disease or not.

Anyone can get STD infections and in some instances, may not have any symptoms and therefore not know that they are infectious. However, if your partner mentions that he or she has a discharge or sore it is advisable to refrain from sexual contract until he or she has been examined by a physician or at an STD clinic.

The important point to remember is "when in doubt, check it out''. Sometimes this is easier said than done. Many people are too shy or afraid to discuss the topic of STDs and feel that there is a real stigma attached with these infections. As with any infection, unless treatment is instigated, the infection can become increasingly severe with long term effects on the organs of the body. This is why an important goal of any STD clinic is to provide health education so that these diseases can be discussed without embarrassment. Why worry needlessly about something when by visiting your physician or clinic and talking about the problem will help alleviate any anxiety? The visit usually commences with a few routine questions being asked. In males, a swab is used to take a specimen from the tip of the penis. In females, the test is similar to a pap smear, and a cervical swab is taken.

Occasionally, in both instances, additional specimens may be taken from the throat and rectum, and a blood test or urinalysis recommended. Depending upon these test results, the appropriate medication will then be ordered by the physician. As I previously stated, any medication must be taken as directed and the clinic will request attendance for follow-up tests five to 10 days after completion of medication. Only after these tests results have been evaluated and show that the disease has been successfully treated should sexual contract be resumed. This is because a client may have a cessation of symptoms but still test for signs of the disease.

Any sexual partners will also have to be tested and treated as required by the Public Health Act of 1949 Title II Item I Part V Communicable Diseases. An amendment to this Act was made in 1986 to include AIDS in this category.

In conclusion, if you use the following guidelines, your chances of contracting a sexually transmitted disease are reduced.

1. The fewer sexual partners you have, the less risk of getting and STD infection.

2. If you develop a sore or discharge in the genital area, have a check-up as soon as possible.

3. If you are concerned that you might have been in contact with an infection or are at all anxious, discuss the problem with someone qualified to offer you help.

4. The use of condoms helps to reduce the risk of getting some infections, and also unwanted pregnancy.

5. Don't share treatment which has been prescribed for you. 6. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, let the initials STD stand for "Stay Tenderly Devoted'' in your life, and have only one partner. -- Jennifer Fox, Department of Health.