MEDICAL TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY (MTP)
he intentional or voluntary termination of pregnancy before full term is known as medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) or induced abortion.
Global Prevalence of MTP: The passage mentions that approximately 45 to 50 million MTPs are performed worldwide each year. This accounts for about one-fifth of all pregnancies conceived in a year.
Debates About Legalization: Whether to accept or legalize MTP is a subject of debate in many countries. The debate is influenced by emotional, ethical, religious, and social factors.
Legalization in India: In 1971, the Government of India legalized MTP with specific conditions to prevent misuse. These legal restrictions were put in place to curb indiscriminate and illegal female foeticide, which has been a significant concern in India.
Reasons for Seeking MTP: MTP is sought for various reasons, including the desire to terminate unwanted pregnancies resulting from casual unprotected intercourse, contraceptive failure, or cases of rape. Additionally, MTPs are considered necessary when continuing a pregnancy could pose a risk to the health or life of the mother, the fetus, or both.
Safety and Timing: The passage mentions that MTPs are generally considered safe during the first trimester (up to 12 weeks of pregnancy), but they become riskier during the second trimester. Safe and legal MTPs are crucial to protect the health and well-being of individuals seeking the procedure.
Illegal MTPs: The passage highlights a concerning trend where a majority of MTPs are performed illegally by unqualified individuals, often referred to as quacks. These illegal procedures are not only unsafe but can also be life-threatening.
Misuse of Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis, a procedure used for prenatal diagnosis, is sometimes misused to determine the sex of the unborn child. If the fetus is found to be female, it may lead to sex-selective abortions, which are illegal and against ethical norms.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STI'S)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as venereal diseases (VD) or reproductive tract infections (RTI).
Types of STI’s: The passage mentions several common STI’s, including gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydia, genital warts, trichomoniasis, hepatitis-B, and HIV leading to AIDS. HIV is highlighted as the most dangerous STI.
Transmission of STIs: STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. However, some, like hepatitis-B and HIV, can also be transmitted through sharing of injection needles, surgical instruments, transfusion of blood, or from an infected mother to her fetus.
Curability: The passage notes that except for hepatitis-B, genital herpes, and HIV infections, most other STI’s are completely curable if detected early and treated properly.
Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of most STI’s are described as minor and may include itching, fluid discharge, slight pain, swellings, and other genital region discomfort. It is mentioned that infected females may sometimes be asymptomatic and may go undetected for a long time.
Barriers to Early Detection: Social stigma attached to STI’s and the absence of significant early symptoms may deter infected individuals from seeking timely detection and proper treatment.
Potential Complications: If left untreated, STI’s can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID), abortions, stillbirths, ectopic pregnancies, infertility, or even cancer of the reproductive tract. These complications underscore the importance of early detection and treatment.
Prevention and Control: The passage emphasizes the importance of prevention and early detection of STI’s as a priority in reproductive health-care programs. It suggests the following principles for avoiding STI’s:
- Avoid sexual activity with unknown or multiple partners.
- Always use condoms during sexual intercourse.
- Seek the advice of a qualified doctor for early detection and complete treatment if an infection is diagnosed.
High Incidence Among Young Adults: The passage highlights that STI’s are reported to have a high incidence among individuals in the age group of 15-24 years, which includes young adults. It emphasizes the importance of awareness and prevention among this age group.
| STI | Causative Agent | Common Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonorrhea | Neisseria gonorrhoeae | – Painful urination | – Antibiotics (usually a combination of drugs) |
| – Unusual genital discharge | – Partner treatment | ||
| – Abdominal or pelvic pain | |||
| Syphilis | Treponema pallidum | – Sores (chancres) at infection site | – Penicillin or other antibiotics |
| – Rash, fever, sore throat | – Treatment varies depending on the stage | ||
| Genital Herpes | Herpes simplex virus (HSV) | – Painful sores or blisters | – Antiviral medications (acyclovir, valacyclovir) |
| – Itching and discomfort | – Antiviral therapy for outbreaks | ||
| Chlamydia | Chlamydia trachomatis | – Often asymptomatic | – Antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, doxycycline) |
| – Unusual genital discharge | – Partner treatment | ||
| – Painful urination | |||
| Genital Warts | Human papillomavirus (HPV) | – Warts on the genital and anal area | – Topical treatments (e.g., podophyllotoxin) |
| – May be asymptomatic | – Cryotherapy, laser therapy, or surgical removal | ||
| Trichomoniasis | Trichomonas vaginalis | – Itching and discomfort | – Antibiotics (metronidazole or tinidazole) |
| – Unusual genital discharge | |||
| – Burning sensation during urination | |||
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B virus (HBV) | – Fatigue and jaundice | – Vaccination for prevention |
| – Abdominal pain and dark urine | – Antiviral medications for chronic infection | ||
| HIV (AIDS) | Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) | – Flu-like symptoms | – Antiretroviral therapy (ART) |
| – Weight loss and night sweats | – Regular medical monitoring and management | ||
| – Opportunistic infections | – Prevention education and safe practices |
Important Note / Warning for the Use of Medicines Mentioned Above:
The information provided on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their treatments is for educational purposes only. It is crucial to emphasize the following:
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Do not use this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for accurate guidance on your health concerns.
Prescription Medications: The treatment of STIs often requires prescription medications, and the appropriate medication, dosage, and duration of treatment can only be determined by a healthcare provider. Do not attempt to diagnose or treat STIs on your own.
Individualized Care: The management of STIs varies depending on the specific type of infection, its stage, and individual health factors. Healthcare providers will tailor treatments to your unique situation.
Safe Practices: To reduce the risk of STIs, it is advisable to follow safe sex practices, including using barrier methods (e.g., condoms) and limiting sexual activity with unknown or multiple partners.
Regular Checkups: Routine checkups and follow-up testing may be necessary, even after successful treatment, to monitor your sexual health and ensure any recurring infections are promptly addressed.
Vaccination: In the case of certain STIs like hepatitis B, vaccination is an important preventive measure. Consult your healthcare provider for vaccination recommendations.
Prevention Education: Educate yourself and others about the significance of responsible sexual behavior, which includes using condoms, getting regular tests, and maintaining open communication about sexual health.
Chronic Infections: Chronic STIs, such as HIV, require ongoing medical management, including antiretroviral therapy (ART). Adherence to prescribed medications is vital.
