日本性感染症学会誌 Journal of Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Infections

Since 2002, the number of women infected with genital chlamydia has decreased. On the other hand, the number of syphilis cases being reported has been increasing rapidly since 2010. Although the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases is thought to have decreased during the last 10 years in Japan, the increasing number of syphilis cases being reported demands improved measures for prevention and control. According to the statistics available, the prevalence of chlamydia and syphilis is high among pregnant minors, emphasizing on the need to further enhance the level of awareness on sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover, pregnant women who do not receive adequate medical attention require adequate education focused on disease transmission from mother to child. Such measures should be implemented within the school curriculum, at home, and in the community. Pregnant women infected with sexually transmitted diseases should be counseled to prevent reinfection.