STI/Condom Week, 12 - 18 February 2012

Protect yourself against STIs

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs as they are commonly called, are a major health concern in South Africa. Not only can these infections have painful symptoms for those who suffer from them, certain STIs can also increase the chances of contracting dangerous illnesses, sometimes even leading to death.

Records indicate that over four million people receive treatment for STIs every year in our country. However, many people are embarrassed by their conditions and do not report them to the doctor as they should. This can have serious consequences for the sufferer.

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to share real life member stories with you and explore certain important healthcare issues. This article looks at the subject of sexually transmitted infections and how they can be prevented this STI/Condom Week, 12 - 18 February 2012.

What is an STI?

A STI, previously known as sexually transmitted disease (STD) or venereal disease (VD), is a type of infection that is contracted by having some form of sexual contact with a person carrying that infection. This does not necessarily have to include penetration as some STIs are passed in skin-to-skin contact. Certain of these infections can also be transmitted in other ways, such as from mother to child during birth, through blood transfusions and from sharing needles in hypodermic syringes.

How do I know if I have a STI?

The symptoms of a 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 he or she has it. However, there are a number of symptoms that may point to a STI, including:

• Pain during urination
• Sores and/or bumps in the oral, genital or rectal areas
• Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding
• Discharge from the penis
• Sore or swollen lymph nodes, or glands, in the groin area and sometimes elsewhere in the body

What are the types of STI?

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the infections that do not display symptoms in most people. However, it can cause pain during urination and unusual discharge or vaginal bleeding. It is easy to diagnose and treat chlamydia. However, if left untreated, it can impact very negatively on one's health.

Genital Warts

Genital warts present as little bumps or growths in the genital and/or anal area of your body. They are relatively easy to treat with creams and a type of treatment called cryotherapy, which freezes the warts off. 

 Genital herpes

This is one of the most common STIs in South Africa, with approximately one in five people being infected with it. This infection is caused by a virus, which is inactive for the majority of the time. However, herpes sufferers can experience bursts of painful sores or blisters in the genital area form time to time. Many people do not realise just how serious herpes is. It is the leading cause of genital ulcer disease worldwide and may increase the risk of HIV transmission. Unfortunately, there is no cure for herpes.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection. Symptoms of this STI include unusual discharge and painful urination. It is easy to diagnose and treat, however if left untreated it can cause serious health problems and even infertility.

Syphilis

Syphilis is one of the more complex STIs in terms of symptoms as it initially presents with a painless sore on the genital or around the mouth, which typically lasts for two to six weeks. It then causes skin rash and a sore throat, both of which may then stop after a number of weeks. It is fairly easy to treat but can be extremely dangerous if left untreated. Long-term conditions of syphilis can include blindness, paralysis, stroke and even death.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the more commonly known STIs and one of the most dangerous. HIV wears down your immune system so that your body is unable to fight against other infections and cancers. While there is no cure for HIV it can be successfully treated, enabling those who are HIV positive to have long and fulfilling lives. However, if left untreated it leads to a range of painful symptoms and ultimately death.

HPV

While human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the lesser-known STIs in South Africa, research suggests that over 85% of women in the country have been exposed to it. HPV can lead to some serious health conditions. There are over 100 types of HPV, some of which cause genital warts and several of which cause cancer of the cervix and increase the risk of anal and penile cancers in men. There is no cure for HPV, however it can be treated and vaccines are available to prevent the contraction of the most dangerous types of HPV. It is recommended that all young girls, even those who are not yet sexually active, have the vaccine, as it is most effective when administered during adolescence. It is also beneficial for boys to have this vaccine as it can help to protect their health as well as prevent the spread of HPV.

Trichomoniasis

This STI causes pain and itching around the vaginal area and changes in vaginal discharge. Symptoms for men include pain following urination and ejaculation. It is mostly easy to treat with antibiotics.

Pubic lice

Public lice are also known as ‘crabs'. These insects suck the blood from their hosts and cause itchiness with red spots in the area. They are simple to treat with medicines that can be obtained over the counter at most pharmacies.

Scabies

This is a condition of the skin in which tiny bugs make their way under the skin causing severe itching. While it is a STI scabies can also be contracted by having long periods of skin contact with an infected person. It is easy to treat.

When am I at risk of contracting a STI?

Having sex 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. The instructions on the packet should be carefully read to ensure that the condom is being used properly.

The more people with whom you have sexual contact of any nature, the more likely you are to get a STI. Therefore, limiting the number of sexual partners that you have can help to reduce the risk of STIs.

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 a STI if you do not get yourselves tested and treated.

Injecting drugs and sharing the needles you use can expose you to a number of STIs, including HV. You may then pass these STIs on to other individuals when you have sexual contact with them.

When should I go to see the doctor?
 As soon as you start experiencing any signs of a STI;
 If you are being treated for a STI but the symptoms have not stopped or have changed;
 If you have not used a condom during sexual intercourse with a partner whose HIV status you do not know; and
 Before you start having sexual intercourse with a new partner - you should both get tested for STIs before having sex.

If you would like to know how GEMS can assist you to obtain more information about any of your healthcare needs, you can contact the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and well-being.

Sources: 

Mayo Clinic - www.mayoclinic.com

WebMD - www.webmd.com

National Health Service of the United Kingdom - www.nhs.co.uk

The South African Medical Research Council - www.mrc.ac.za

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality - www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za

Arrive Alive - www.arivealive.co.za