Biology · Reproductive Health · NEET
A condom is a barrier method. It physically stops the semen and body fluids from passing between partners, so it blocks both pregnancy and the germs that cause STIs. NCERT clearly says the use of condoms gives the added benefit of protecting the user from contracting STIs and AIDS. Pills, injectables, implants and IUDs only prevent pregnancy; they do NOT stop the infection because fluids still pass. This is a very common NEET point: only barrier methods (condoms) give dual protection.
Most STIs are completely curable if detected early and treated properly. NCERT gives 3 exceptions that are NOT completely curable: hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV infection. So prevention plus early detection matters most for these three, because once you have them there is no complete cure. This links prevention rule (iii): see a doctor early.
Early symptoms of most STIs are minor, like itching, fluid discharge, slight pain or swelling in the genital region. Infected females are often asymptomatic (show no symptoms), so the infection stays undetected for long. Social stigma also stops people from getting tested. If ignored, it can lead to PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), abortions, still births, ectopic pregnancies, infertility, or even cancer of the reproductive tract. So going to a qualified doctor early prevents these complications.
No. NCERT does not say avoid sex completely. Rule (i) says avoid sex with unknown partners or multiple partners. The risk rises with unknown/multiple partners because you cannot know their infection status. Combined with condom use (rule ii) and early check-ups (rule iii), the chance of contracting an STI drops sharply. NCERT clearly states 'there is no reason to panic because prevention is possible.'
The three rules help, but note that hepatitis-B and HIV can ALSO spread through sharing injection needles, unsterilised surgical instruments, blood transfusion, and from an infected mother to the foetus. So for these two, extra care beyond sexual routes is needed - use sterile/disposable needles and screened blood. This is why AIDS and hepatitis-B are called STIs that do not specifically affect only the reproductive organs.
Which of the following sexually transmitted diseases is not completely curable?
Which of the following sexually transmitted diseases do not specifically affect reproductive organs?
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
(i) Avoid sex with unknown or multiple partners, (ii) always try to use condoms during coitus, and (iii) in case of doubt, go to a qualified doctor for early detection and complete treatment.
Only condoms. Being a barrier method, condoms block body fluids, so they prevent both pregnancy and STIs including AIDS. No other contraceptive gives this protection.
Hepatitis-B, genital herpes and HIV infection are not completely curable. All other STIs are completely curable if detected early and treated properly.
People in the 15 to 24 year age group have very high reported incidence of STIs, so this group must be most careful about prevention.
Early symptoms are minor and infected females are often asymptomatic, so infections spread silently. Untreated STIs can cause PID, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, still birth or even cancer of the reproductive tract.
