The recent “SARS” epidemic caused public health and economic havoc in Asia. However, there is another epidemic in progress in Asia that is far more prevalent, but less often in the headlines. This epidemic comprises the emerging sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which include chlamydia, ureaplasma, genital herpes, genital warts, trichomonas and the human immunodeficiency virus (which causes AIDS). The list of known emerging STDs as well as their various strains is rapidly growing. They often can coexist with the venereal infections of antiquity such as syphilis and gonorrhea. The rapid rise of sexually transmitted diseases is a major concern. For example, HIV infections were first detected in Cambodia in the early 1990s. However, the general magnitude of HIV transmission in this country was not known until 1995 following the completion of the first HIV sentinel survey. The result provided the first evidence of a highly disseminated HIV epidemic, with the prevalence of HIV up to 38% among female sexual workers, 8% among police and the military and about 2.5% among women attending antenatal clinics.

Many expatriate men in Singapore who travel and do business within Southeast Asia are at risk for these diseases.

What can be done to prevent these diseases?

Always be vigilant. Avoid temptation by not putting yourself into a compromising situation. Do not mix business with strong drink, visiting hostess clubs or other activities that may lower your resolve. A common misconception is that oral sex is safe. However, many studies have demonstrated that even oral sex can transmit such STDs as chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and even HIV.

Sexually transmitted infections can have dire health consequences not only for men but also their spouses. If left untreated, these diseases cause not only pain and suffering, but also sterility (and death in the case of AIDS). They also harm marital, family, and community relations. In addition, they can greatly affect mental health. Individuals with STDs suffer from anguish and guilt concerning their illness, and sometimes develop anxiety disorders and depression.

Finally, if you have contracted a STD or believe that you have been exposed to one, please see your doctor as soon as possible. With early treatment, many of these diseases can be eradicated before complications set in.