Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS represent an often overlooked and unspoken epidemic. This situation is being contributed by shortage of condoms in the country and a lack of youth-friendly services. This week’s discussion focused on understanding STI, its consequences and the importance of regular screening. The conversation was guided by a documentary by Raphael Tuju, exploring various STIs and their graphic effects.

STIs are prevalent among sexually active individuals, putting anyone engaging in sexual activity at risk, including those with HIV. These infections are transmitted through sexual activities like anal, vaginal, or oral sex, though HIV has additional transmission routes, including unsterilized drug needle use. STIs do not discriminate based on sexual orientation or hygiene standards and can even be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

According to the World Health Organization, over 30 different types of STIs can be contracted through sexual contact, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus, trichomoniasis, syphilis, hepatitis A, B, and C, among others. More than 1 million STIs are acquired daily worldwide, with most cases showing no symptoms. Shockingly, over 1 million pregnant women were estimated to have syphilis in 2016, leading to more than 350,000 adverse birth outcomes.

Majority of young people in our discussion were surprised to learn that STIs can lead to infertility and even mental illness if left untreated. They also raised questions about who is the carrier between men and women. With the majority of men stating that women are carriers of STI knowingly while women are carriers unknowingly.

“I am shocked that STIs can lead to madness and infertility, the video has shown us something that we have never seen before. Those pictures were traumatizing but they show things as they are.”

Proper and consistent condom use is one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs, including HIV. However, condoms may not protect against STIs that cause ulcers outside the genital area, such as syphilis or genital herpes. Whenever possible, condoms should be used during vaginal and anal intercourse. Safe and highly effective vaccines exist for two viral STIs, hepatitis B and HPV, representing significant progress in STI prevention.

STIs often go unnoticed as they are frequently asymptomatic or present non-specific symptoms. Diagnosis relies on laboratory tests involving blood, urine, or anatomical samples, and one individual can carry at least one STI in three anatomical sites. These variations can lead to missed diagnoses, and individuals might be treated for multiple STIs.

Effective treatments are available for several STIs. Three bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) and one parasitic STI (trichomoniasis) can generally be cured with single-dose antibiotic regimens. For herpes and HIV, the most effective medications are antivirals, which can manage the diseases but not cure them. Antivirals can help fight the hepatitis B virus and slow damage to the liver.

As the video emphasized, to control the spread of STIs, it is crucial to follow the ABC approach: Abstinence from sex, Being faithful to an uninfected partner, and using Condoms correctly. Regular screening is also essential. Ignoring minor discomfort or itching is unwise for sexually active individuals, as getting tested for STIs is vital for their health and the well-being of their partners. 

Reference: World Health Organization.

To watch the video, click on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YxmjQ2ANqs