February marked Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Condom Month, raising awareness about STIs and sharing information on what STIS are, risk factors, symptoms, treatment and prevention.
This highlight on the national health calendar induced the City of Cape Town’s Health Department to encourage everyone to continue taking care of their sexual and reproductive health, even after the month of love.
“Sexual health should be a priority for everyone who is sexually active,” said Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health. “Your sexual health can affect, and is affected by, such aspects as your physical, mental, emotional and social health. Taking care of your own health shouldn’t be confined to a specific time of the year.
STIs are caused by different bacteria or viruses, which are spread through sexual contact. Symptoms vary, but may include discharge, rashes, blisters, ulcers or warts. In some cases there are no symptoms at all.
Some STIs can be cured with appropriate treatment, while others can be managed with proper education and treatment.
In South Africa, just over one million new cases are treated each year.
One can be infected with more than one STI at a time; and having an STI can increase the risk of contracting HIV (for example, an STI can cause a break in the skin which allows HIV to enter the body).
A significant proportion of pregnant South African women (with some reports of up to 40%) are infected with curable STIs.
These infections may be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm birth.
Early pregnancy care, which includes STI screening, ensures appropriate treatment, which will cure the mother and protect the baby.
Curable STIs are treated with antibiotics. Depending on the germ, this might involve tablets or injections. If there are still symptoms after treatment, it is very important to go back to the health-care provider because you may need more tests or more treatment.
It is imperative that the sexual partner(s) also receive treatment, even if they don’t have any symptoms, to ensure the STI is not passed back to you.
STIs can be prevented by using a condom correctly every time you have sex.
Condoms are available for free at all City Health facilities or can be bought at local pharmacies or supermarkets.
HIV is also defined as an STI, as it is transmitted mostly sexually. Although there is no cure for HIV there is effective treatment, which keeps infected people healthy.
For those who don’t have HIV, in addition to condoms as an HIV preventative strategy, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is now available.
This is an oral tablet taken daily by people at risk of contracting HIV, for example those with multiple partners or with HIV positive partners who are not virally suppressed.
Importantly, PrEP does not protect against other STIs, only HIV.
“Good sexual health is your responsibility,” Van der Ross pointed out. “Love your body and yourself enough to protect it from disease. Visit our clinics where our staff are able to assist with any questions or concerns.”
Further information is available on the City’s website.
