STI/Condom Week

In South Africa, February is Sexual and Reproductive Health and Healthy Lifestyle Month. It includes STI/Condom Week, which will run from 3 to 7 February 2025.
STI/Condom Week is aimed not only at reducing the spread of STIs but also to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS. STI/Condom Awareness Week highlights the importance of condom usage and provides an opportunity to raise awareness about STIs and how they impact our lives; reduce STI-related stigma, fear, and discrimination; and ensure people have the tools and knowledge of STI prevention, testing, and treatment.
In this country, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a massive problem, even though most of the infections can be cured. The fear of being stigmatised is one of the many reasons why people are reluctant to seek medical treatment for sexually transmitted infections. A STI is a disease (bacteria, virus, or parasite) that is usually passed from one person to another through sexual activity. This does not necessarily have to include penetration, as some STIs are passed from skin-to-skin contact. STIs can also be transmitted from mother to child during birth, blood transfusions, and from sharing needles in hypodermic syringes. The different types of STIs include Chlamydia, Genital warts, Genital herpes, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV.

Common symptoms and signs of STI include abnormal vaginal or penile discharge; pain during urination; ulcers in the genital area; swellings in the groin, and genital warts. Untreated STIs result in long-term complications such as lower abdominal pain, infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes like stillbirths and preterm delivery.
The treatment for STIs is given free of charge at primary healthcare clinics across South Africa.

How do we prevent the spread of STIs and protect ourselves against STIs?
– We need to STOP STIGMA around STIs: so that those with infections can access care and treatment without fear of discrimination.
– We need to COMMUNICATE: talk freely with our partners about STIs and safe sex practices and educate our children about STI prevention. Have intercourse with a partner who has been tested for an STI and does not have multiple sexual partners.
– We need to COOPERATE: with each other and with healthcare workers, access treatment if infected and refer partners for care.
– We need to CONDOMISE: consistent and correct condom use will protect against infection and prevent spread to others.

Sources: Department of Health RSA, National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor or pharmacist on any health-related issues.

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