STD's and their role in the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic

It is a sensitive subject that most people prefer to shy away from. However, 9 to 15 February is Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's) and Condom Week. There is therefore no better time than this to tackle this subject head-on.

With more than 5,5 million South Africans now living with AIDS, the connection between Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's) and the need to kerb its spread in order to reduce the spread of the HIV-virus has often been advocated.  More often than not STD's and the need for safe, responsible sexual behaviour and the importance of using condoms are mentioned at the same time.

Exactly what is an STD and what causes it?
An STD is an infection that you get in your genital area. It is caused by germs living on a person's genitals and can be passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse.

How serious are STDs?
Do not think because you have not been infected with a STD before that you will never suffer from it.  Statistics from the Department of Health indicate that as many as four million people get a new STD in South Africa each year.  If a STD is left untreated, it can result in serious illness and even infertility. Sadly approximately one in ten pregnant women will test positive for syphilis, which is a STD, which will possibly be transmitted to their unborn baby and can cause blindness.

STD's and HIV
Having an STD significantly increases your chances of being infected with HIV. STD's cause sores and weakens the skin of the genital organs.  This makes it easier for HIV to enter the body. It is therefore of the utmost importance to avoid being infected with a STD.   If you already have a STD please be sure to get treatment for it as soon as possible.  

Symptoms of STD's
These are some common symptoms of genital infections:

• an unusual discharge from the vagina. This may be a fluid or mucus that can even be bloody, have a white or yellow colour and smells unpleasant;
• sores that appear on your genital area;
• itching and burning;
• experiencing pain and discomfort during intercourse;
• frequent or painful urination.

Even if you don't have any symptoms, you can still be infected with a STD. It is therefore imperative to have regular check ups, especially if you are sexually active with more than one person.

Preventing and treating STD's
The best way to prevent getting a STD or even HIV is to be "wise and condomise".  Come on you've heard this phrase before.  If not - just remember your ABC:

• Abstain from intercourse
• Be faithful to your spouse or partner
• And always, always use a condom

The good news is that most STD's are treatable and curable. Did you know that Syphilis, for example, could be cured with a single injection? 

Remember that it is not only your health and life that is on the line, but also that of your unborn children and the person with whom you choose to have intercourse with. 

GEMS and Aids

Being infected with HIV is not a death sentence. GEMS members' healthcare benefits will ensure that you receive the right treatment, medicines and support to help you maintain a meaningful and active lifestyle.

Because GEMS understand what an enormous impact HIV can have on your life - and those of your family members, our members who are HIV positive have access to a special, management programme known as Aid for AIDS (AFA) which will provide ongoing monitoring, personal support, vaccinations against illness such as the flu and antiretroviral therapy. All this will be handled with the utmost sensitivity and in total privacy.

If you have any questions regarding HIV/AIDS please contact AFA, in confidence, on 0860 100 646 or simply SMS the words "please call me" to 083 410 9078 for assistance. 

Make a difference this STD and Condom Week by getting tested for STD's and HIV. By doing this, you will not only respect your own body, but also that of your partner's.

Do remember that respect is still one of the best ways to show that you really do care for your partner.  Always remember that STD's increase the spread of HIV and that early STD treatment reduces the spread of HIV/AIDS.