MDACS (Mumbai District Aids Control Society) which runs 27 dedicated clinics to detect & treating STI ( Sexually Transmitted Infection) and RTI (Reproductive Tract Infections) reported that in 2018-2019 total 46,802 sexual diseases were treated in comparison to 36,326 cases in 2016-17. It was also noticed, that among men the cases were increased from 6,702 to 7,853.

A junior doctor from Bal Thackeray Trauma Hospital, Jogeswari has confirmed that more women are suffering from STI and RTI than men. He has also pointed out that most of the women are mostly slum or chawl dwellers who usually use public toilet or defecate in the open.The main symptoms of RTI are vaginal discharge and abdomional pain.

Due to prevention Programme of last 2 decades, it shows tha there is signigificant decline in bacterial STIs such as syphilis, gonorrhoea. However, viral STIs like genital warts, herpes,fungal infection have been showing an increasing trend. Viral STIs are hard to detect at the preliminary strage. Among the women it was noticed that menstrual and genital hygiene are main causes for viral STIs.

Doctor from gynaecology department, Sion hospital said that STI/RTIs are a hidden burden and need to be addressed immediately. A massive awarness campaign should be initiated among the public against RTIs and STIs which are commonly responsible for stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy and neonatal deaths.
Right now only Nair Hospital, Mumbai has a testing centre for prevalent organism which are mainly resposible for these diseases. Experts opined that such kind of centres have to be increased to examine more samples simultaneously which are coming from Kamathipura and nearby areas.