Module 3 Lesson 3 - 4
Lesson 3 — Sexually Transmitted Infections
Lesson Summary
In this lesson you investigated a focusing question:
- How do diseases and sexually transmitted infections compromise structural fertility?
Now, more than 7.4 billion human beings live on Earth. However, human reproduction may now be on the decline. In 1960, the world fertility rate was 6 children per woman. Today, the rate is 2.33 children per woman. Although reduction of fertility rates has several reasons, WHO (World Health Organization) estimates that more than 500 million people contract sexually transmitted infections every year and more than 35 million people live with HIV.
Young Canadians have some of the highest rates of STIs in the country. STIs are not only passed between sexual partners but they can be spread from mother to child during childbirth and breastfeeding. Many STIs are lifelong infections with few or no treatment options.
Although cancer is not transmitted through the sharing of body fluids as STIs are, it is a disorder that affects fertility and is on the rise. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that global cancer rates could increase by 70% over the next 20 years. This means 22 million new cancer cases per year. Although these numbers are for all types of cancers, we can assume that reproductive cancers are also increasing. WHO states that up to 23% of malignancies in developing countries are caused by infectious agents, including hepatitis B and C viruses and human papillomavirus. Some forms of human papillomavirus can lead to cervical cancer. Developed countries, such as Canada, have a much higher cervical cancer detection rate than underdeveloped countries have. As a result, women in developed countries are less likely to die from this disease. One tool used for early detection and treatment of cervical cancer is the PAP smear. Women are encouraged by their doctors to have a PAP smear every two years.
To maintain your health, your chance to have a baby, and the safety of any future sexual partners, you must understand the facts about STIs and make appropriate choices regarding your reproductive health.