Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

o Reproductive tract infections are more common in women because of their
body structure and functions (like menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth).
They are much more vulnerable to the entry and growth of disease-germs.
• Not all reproductive tract infections are STIs.
o There are many types of infections and inflammations of the reproductive
tract exhibiting different symptoms in men and women.
o They may be caused by different organisms/germs that enter the reproductive
tract, or by organisms which normally live in the reproductive tract when
these expand in numbers. The reproductive tract can get infected by:
• Poor general health due to poor diet, lack of sleep, and life stresses which
lower the body’s resistance to infection
• Poor genital hygiene, which promotes infections (unclean underwear,
failure to change or remove pads, wiping from rear to front after passing
stools)
• Use of some soaps, perfumes and deodorants which irritate tender skin
• Some medicines (antibiotics) that kill normal bacteria that protect the
vagina’s health
• Sexual intercourse with an infected person
• Trauma (e.g. from delivery, sexual intercourse or use of chemicals, etc.)
• Unhygienic practices of health-care providers (e.g. unhygienic delivery or
abortion practices, insertion of contaminated IUD).
• One cannot recognize a person having a STI just by looking at him/her as s/he
may look normal
o STIs may not produce any signs/symptoms, particularly in women
o People having a STI without symptoms may not know that they are infected,
and they act as carriers, or may spread the infection to others.
By incorporating STI prevention, early detection and referral messages into all types
of education, mediators can raise awareness and help community members to take
responsibility to protect themselves from these types of infections.
II.
REDUCING THE RISK OF STIs (30 minutes)
Suggest that we have just learned how STIs are transmitted and some of the symptoms of
STI infection. Now we will discuss how people can reduce their risk of becoming
infected with an STI or infecting others. Ask:
‣ What should you do if you have symptoms or think you may have been infected with
an STI?
• See a health provider.
• Don’t have sex again until you are checked.
• Follow the medical recommendation and treatment. Many STIs can be cured if the
person is treated right away.
• Remember that some STIs do not have symptoms. Yet, they can still make you very
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 10: STIs