Last year, 186 196 new cases of Chlamydia were diagnosed in the UK, making it the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) in this country. This is a 135% increase in the total number of cases over the past nine years clearly demonstrating that this is a disease on the rise. What would it feel like to have contracted this infection? Also, how would society perceive a sufferer? Sexual problems are sensitive and potentially embarrassing issues. The public’s perception of those who have contracted an STI can differ greatly depending on if they have personally experienced it or not.
An individual who is diagnosed with an STI may go through a range of different emotions at this realisation such as anxiety, stress, regret and worries about the impact on future health. A diagnosis of any STI can potentially shake the foundations of a person’s life as the matter is so intimate. Relating the news to previous/current sexual partners could potentially bring about unwanted stress and strain interpersonal relationships. Having Chlamydia can also bring about a lot of fears for the future such as developing fertility problems or affecting an unborn child.
We also have to consider the perception of the public to such infections. There is a definite possibility for an individual with Chlamydia to be stigmatised against by their peers and previous/current sexual partners. People may have the misconception that those with such an infection are promiscuous and inconsiderate in regards to their own behaviour or health. Would the same opinion be constructed if an individual had contracted a community-acquired pneumonia or gastroenteritis? STIs bring up the important issue of stigmatisation in a society where sexual liberation is not frowned upon. All of us have a responsibility to be aware of the dangers of unprotected sex and take measures to engage in safe sex. This is not only beneficial to ourselves but to the people we interact with in such an intimate manner.
Hi Tahir, i didnt not know that the number of new cases of chlamydia was a high number. I do agree that individuals diagnosed with STI's would go through a number of different emotions. I also believe that such emotions such as the stress and the worries could even to some extent make a person depressed which could add to the afected individuals social behaviour and also the behaviour of others towards that person.
I also agree with you on what you said about 'The public’s perception of those who have contracted an STI can differ greatly depending on if they have personally experienced it or not'. I also would like to add to this point that, certain people in the public would think that someone with STI's has a higly active sexual life with a number of people. Which would propably make them have less respect for that person. This could label them as maybe being 'easy'. Which would be an entirely wrong assumption but in society, many uneducated people could think this way.
