February is known to be the month of love.
With this in mind, people need to think with their heads and not just their hearts and take responsibility for their actions.
Unwanted pregnancies are not the only thing that is common with unprotected sex. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) is also prevalent and should be a major concern to those that practise unsafe sex, especially among teenagers.
What is an STI? It is an infection that is passed from one person to another during a sexual encounter. A person should see a doctor or health
professional immediately if there are any symptoms that present themselves.
A doctor/health worker will be able to diagnose what infection a person may have. If you are diagnosed with such an infection, medication will be given to you and your partner. People with a STI have a greater chance of being infected with HIV. The complications of a STI is infertility and cervical cancer.
Seventy percent of women with chlamydia and 50 percent of women with gonorrhoea have no symptoms at all.
This means you can be infected without knowing it. The highest incidence of STI infection occurs among women 15-25 years of age. Prevention is ultimately better than cure.
Abstinence and condoms are still the best form of protection against contracting a STI and unwanted pregnancies. Sexual intercourse is not the only practice that can put you at risk, a STI can be spread by other sexual practices too.
If you are in a sexual relationship, rather be mutually faithful and use a condom in every encounter. Condoms are available at your nearest clinic.
Self-consciousness is the greatest obstacle people face when trying to protect themselves against a STI or to go for treatment. Many of these infections can be cured with antibiotics. Infections that are caused by viruses cannot be cured, although symptoms can be treated with medication. Symptoms may include pain on urinating
or discharge from reproductive organs.
So instead of worsening your symptoms and spreading the infection, rather visit your nearest clinic for treatment.
Medical male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV by 60 percent, however there are no guarantees if you have unprotected sex.
The City of Joburg will hold an outreach campaign at Alex Plaza on 15 February, 8am to 2pm. Show your loved one you care, come and get tested.
