PATTERNS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND THEIR PARTNERS: A CLINICO-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN NORTH INDIA

The term "sexually transmitted infections" (STIs) refers to a broad category of illnesses and syndromes that are varied in terms of epidemiology but frequently spread through sexual contact.[1] STIs are illnesses that have serious negative effects on one's physical and mental health especially in vulnerable population like pregnant females. Studying the prevalence of STIs is crucial for implementing the control measures. Despite the fact that STIs are less common during pregnancy, it is still important to identify them early and treat them to stop parent-to-child transmission.[1,2] Various viral, bacterial and treponemal infections such as HIV, HPV, syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, Chlamydia and herpes simplex have been reported to occur in pregnant females which may have an impact on the fetus. The prevalence of these infections in pregnant women, however, has not been reported widely in literature.[3]