Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infectious diseases that people get by having sexual intercourse or close sexual contact with a partner who has an STI. While certain STIs may be very dangerous for your health, they can usually be treated successfully. Most can even be completely cured if the infected individual receives early medical attention.
As the old saying goes, "prevention is always better than cure", and this holds particularly true in the case of STIs. Ahead of STI/Condom Week, which is from 13 to 19 February 2011, the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) would like to share a number of important steps that you can take to prevent yourself from contracting an STI.
STIs - not a nice subject but nevertheless an important one!
STIs are very common in South Africa and those who do not take precautions against STIs can easily contract one. Genital herpes is an example of a STI that is very prevalent in South Africa. Approximately one in five South Africans is currently living with genital herpes, while globally there are more than 12 million people who have some form of an STI.
STIs are usually passed from person to person during vaginal intercourse and anal and oral sex. There are a number of different kinds of STIs, including HIV, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, hepatitis B, the human papilloma virus (HPV) and genital lice (or crabs). Some, such as gonorrhoea, can be completely cured through the use of antibiotics, while others, such as HIV, can be treated but cannot be completely cured. An STI such as genital lice, which is usually found on pubic hair, is not particularly serious and is easily dealt with.
STIs that are not curable, such as HIV, can thankfully be managed and those infected can live long, rewarding lives if they take proper care of themselves and obtain the proper medical attention.
It can't happen to me!
Most people do not believe that they could ever catch an STI. However nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that anyone who has more than one sexual partner or who has sex with someone that has had many other partners is at risk.
Sexually transmitted diseases should be taken very seriously. If not treated in time, they can be fatal. An infection such as syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated it can cause damage to the blood vessels, eyes, heart, bones and central nervous system. Where an individual is not treated, syphilis may even result in death. Chlamydia can cause infertility in women and HPV can cause cancer of the cervix or penis. Some STIs can be passed on from mother to child during birth. STIs such as herpes cause sores on the genitals and make it much easier for an individual to catch HIV.
Many people develop the symptoms of an STI but do not seek medical attention because they hope it will go away on its own. This approach is not recommended as STIs such as syphilis, which does not always show symptoms early on, can move on to cause greater damage to the human body. Rather visit a doctor or clinic to get tested for STIs if you think you may be at risk, as early treatment holds many advantages.
Keep in mind that one does not have to show symptoms to have an STI. You can have no symptoms and still have an STI, and be infecting other people.
Some of the more common symptoms of STIs?*
If you have any of the above symptoms it is wise to seek medical attention. Doctors and clinics can test for STIs.
Reduce your risk by practicing safe and responsible sex
You can reduce your risk of contracting an STI by being in a relationship with only one partner. A couple can decide together to get tested for STIs to make sure they are free of any infections and then commit to only having sex with each other. This can greatly reduce the chances of catching an STI. Keep in mind though that the risks increase once again should one of the partners stray and have sex with other people.
Another very important means of protection from STIs is to use condoms. They do not offer complete protection against all STIs as they may not prevent you from coming into contact with certain sores. However, they still offer one of the best ways of preventing infection. The more consistent their use, the greater their effectiveness - particularly when used correctly. Remember, in order to be effective, condoms have to be used each and every time one has sex. Condoms cannot offer effective protection from STIs if they are used only on certain occasions.
An added advantage of condoms is that they can also protect against pregnancy. Women should use the female condom if they have trouble getting their partners to use a condom. Female condoms are not quite as effective in preventing the spread of STIs but they still offer a good measure of protection.
How to protect yourself from STIs:
For any GEMS member queries, please contact the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or visit our website at www.gems.gov.za. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.
*Adapted from ‘STI Detection and prevention, FamilyDoctor.org,
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/sexinfections/sti/165.html
Sources:
1. ‘Reducing South Africa's hidden epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases', D Wilkinson, G Ramjee et al, South African Medical Research Council, 2008, http:ww.mrc.ac.za/genital/1polbrief1997.htm.
2. ‘STI detection and prevention', FamilyDoctor.org, http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/sexinfections/sti/165.html.
3. ‘HIV/STI prevention and condoms', USAID, http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/aids/TechAreas/prevention/condomfactsheet.html.
4. STI and pregnancy prevention awareness, healthinsite, http://nelsonmandelabay.gov.za/Content.aspx?objID=343.
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