Condoms can prevent these infections – take precaution
It's National STI and Condom Week, a health awareness event that highlights the importance of condom usage.
Educating people about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, the week started on February 10 and continues until February 16.
What is an STI?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) refer to infections that can be transmitted from one person to the other through sexual contact.
Sexual contact comprises of a broad spectrum ranging from kissing to other sexual acts.
Different types of STIs
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- HIV/Aids
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Syphilis
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Trichomoniasis
- Viral hepatitis
- Sign and symptoms
The symptoms of an STI vary, depending on the infection that has been contracted.
Certain STIs may not even cause any symptoms at all, making it difficult for the sufferer to know that they have one.
However, there are a number of symptoms that may point to an STI, including:
- Pain during urination.
- Sores and/or bumps in the oral, genital, or rectal areas.
- Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding
- Sore or swollen lymph nodes, or glands, in the groin area and sometimes elsewhere in the body.
- Lower abdominal pain.
How to avoid contracting STIs?
You can reduce your chances of exposure to STIs in several ways:
- Have sexual intercourse with a partner who has been tested for an STI and who has only had sexual intercourse with you. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to be exposed to an STI.
- Having sexual intercourse without a condom is one of the greatest causes of contracting STIs. It is vital that you use a condom at all times when having sexual intercourse.
- Previous infections with one or more STIs make it easier for a new STI to develop in your body. You and your partner can also re-infect one another with an STI if you do not get yourselves tested regularly.
- Always use sterile or new needles, and do not share drug-using equipment.
Most STIs can be cured if diagnosed and treated early.
All of them can be prevented, however, through responsible sexual behaviour.
