The Importance of Sexual Health Check-Ups for Pregnant Women
Dr. Qianghua Fan, the head of the Sexual Medicine Clinic at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, emphasizes the necessity for women who are planning to conceive or those already pregnant to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or if their partners show signs of such infections. This is crucial to protect both their health and that of their future children.
Understanding Sexually Transmitted Infections
STIs are infectious diseases primarily transmitted through sexual contact, but they can also spread through other means such as blood exposure, mother-to-child transmission, and indirect contact. Experts warn that if a pregnant woman has a history of syphilis or contracts syphilis during pregnancy without undergoing complete treatment, there is a risk of the infection being transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. Inadequate treatment can lead to severe consequences, such as stillbirth, premature birth, or the birth of a newborn with congenital syphilis.
Risks Associated with Herpes Virus during Pregnancy
Moreover, if a pregnant woman is infected with the herpes virus for the first time during her pregnancy, the chances of experiencing miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth significantly increase. The herpes virus can affect various systems in the fetus, including the nervous system, hearing, and respiratory systems, potentially resulting in birth defects. Even when a normal delivery occurs, the newborn faces a high risk of mortality.
Timely Medical Intervention is Essential
It is crucial for individuals infected with STIs to seek medical treatment promptly. Prolonged or incomplete treatment of these infections can lead to complications such as fallopian tube blockage in women, potentially resulting in infertility. Additionally, it is advisable for the partners of those with STIs to undergo simultaneous testing and treatment, minimizing the chances of complications and long-term effects.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Professor Tianmin Xu, a member of the National STI and AIDS Prevention Committee, warns that individuals exhibiting the following symptoms should seek immediate evaluation at a reputable STI treatment center: persistent unexplained fever, fatigue, diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes throughout the body, significant short-term weight loss, lower abdominal pain, and the appearance of red, painless rashes on the hands or feet.
In conclusion, maintaining sexual health during pregnancy is vital for the well-being of both the mother and her child. Regular check-ups and awareness of STI symptoms can significantly reduce health risks and complications.