Safeguarding Children From Sexually Transmitted Diseases
WHAT ARE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs)?
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a virus, bacterium, microorganism or parasite infection.
A sexually transmitted disease can also be commonly referred to as a sexually transmitted infection (STIs).
HOW CAN A CHILD GET A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE?
An STD can be contracted by a child or baby in many ways depending upon the type of STD it is:
1. A child can catch a sexually transmitted disease from an abuser (from child abuse). The infection is passed through body fluids (such as blood, semen and vaginal fluids) during oral, anal, vaginal or any form of genital sex with an infected individual. It can also be transmitted during foreplay by direct skin to skin contact.
2. Perinatal transmission – Passed from mother to unborn baby during pregnancy, childbirth and/or sometimes breastfeeding if the mother has contracted a sexually transmitted disease. Often a disease can cross the placenta and infect the unborn baby.
3. A child under 16 years of age can also contract an STD from blood to blood contact by sharing needles for drug use.
IF YOU ARE PREGNANT AND YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE CAUGHT AN STD WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Act fast. The earlier you get treatment the better for you and your child. There are many ways that the medical profession can protect your child.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD COULD HAVE A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE?
Some of the signs are:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- A fever
- Rashes around the body especially hands and feet
- A swollen lymph nodes in the groin area
- Abnormal smelling (odour) discharge from genitals (vagina or penis)
- Burning sensation or pain while urinating
- Sores on the genitals, mouth or rectum
- Pain in lower abdomen.
Your child will feel unwell and generally ill.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES IN CHILDREN?
Congenital syphilis – Congenital syphilis (CS) is passed to a baby during pregnancy by a mother with syphilis. If mother and child are given penicillin it can clear the infection in both mother and child. However, if a mother and child are infected less than a month before delivery the penicillin may not completely remove the infection. 4 out of 10 newborn babies who have contracted congenital syphilis are stillborn or die as a newborn. Those that survive can have blindness, deafness, meningitis, anaemia, bone damage, jaundice and skin rashes unless treated quickly after birth. Congenital syphilis is caused by a bacterium.
Gonorrhoea – If a child has a gonococcal infection, the most likely cause is sexual abuse. In many cases the disease is asymptomatic in children. It is caused by a bacterium.
Chlamydia – Many chlamydia cases in children are asymptomatic. If a baby contracts chlamydia during birth from the mother then the baby may get pneumonia and conjunctivitis. If young girls are left untreated it can reduce the chances of pregnancy later in life. Chlamydia is a bacterium infection. Chlamydia can be treated by antibiotics
HPV – This is a viral infection often contracted during the first 4 weeks after birth. This is called the neonatal period. The HPV virus has been known to survive for more than 6 months after a newborn has been infected. The HPV virus is linked to cervical cancer.
HIV – HIV is a virus that can be transmitted to a child during pregnancy, childbirth and whilst breastfeeding. This is called perinatal transmission. Over half of new born babies who have HIV die before the age of 2 years. Their chances of survival are increased if they receive antiretroviral treatment as soon as possible.
Genital herpes – There are two types of herpes virus, type 1 and 2. Type 2 is the cause of genital herpes. Usually anyone who has genital herpes is asymptomatic. When children are stressed or ill they can have an outbreak of sores on their genitals or anus. This is a viral infection that can be passed during pregnancy and childbirth. If contracted during pregnancy the mother can miscarry or the baby may be born prematurely. If contracted straight after birth the newborn can die. An infected mother can also pass this virus to her baby/child while taking care of the baby/child.
Type 1 herpes causes sores around the mouth and is generally passed from child to child by touching. This is different from genital herpes.
Trichomoniasis – This is a parasite infection in both boys and girls. If this infection is found in young children it is most likely they have acquired it from sexual abuse. There are cases where a newborn has contracted trichomoniasis from the birth canal during birth. If a pregnant woman has this parasite they can be treated successfully with antibiotics so they do not pass the infection to their unborn child. An unborn child with trichomoniasis can be born prematurely with low birth weight.
CAN YOUR CHILD BE PROTECTED AGAINST A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE?
You can protect your child by doing the following:
1. Talk to them openly about STDs, explain what they are, how you get them and what effect they can have on their body.
2. Discuss how to prevent catching an STD. The best way is to abstain from any sexual activity however if your child is above 16 years of age and they are or will be sexually active then remind them that a condom can protect them against an STD. Also it is advisable not to have multiple partners.
3. Your child will be offered vaccines for 3 STDs. They are HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. It is essential your child is inoculated against these diseases.
The HPV vaccine is offered to children between the ages of 11 – 12 years of age at school. The family of HPV viruses can cause cervical cancer later in life.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR CHILD HAS A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE?
You can do the following:
You can contact your GP – Your GP will organise tests and any other help required. They may also have to contact your local authority child services and the police if the infection was not acquired perinatally and your child is under 16 years of age.
You can take your child to a health centre where they have a sexual health clinic – They will organise tests and any other help required. They may also have to contact your GP, your local authority child services and the police if the infection was not acquired perinatally and your child is under 16 years of age.
You can take your child to A & E (hospital) – They will organise tests and any other help required. They may also have to contact your GP, local authority child services and the police if the infection was not acquired perinatally and your child is under 16 years of age.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP OR ADVICE?
You can contact the following to talk and get support.
You can contact the NSPCC – You can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns that your child has a sexually transmitted disease. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has a sexually transmitted disease.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE TO CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
You can read our help guide for where you can get help if your child is a victim –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR WHERE CAN YOU REACH OUT TO GET HELP IF YOUR CHILD IS A VICTIM
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has a sexually transmitted disease and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.