Are you sure? The hidden dangers of STIs you can't ignore

A woman in a hospital bed. (Courtesy/iStockphoto)

Anybody who is sexually active, in any way or form, should always be acutely aware of the possibility of contracting sexual infections (STIs). The commonly known STIs are chlamydia and gonorrhea. But the list also includes HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B, among a host of other infections. What everyone should also know is that STIs are entirely preventable.

The ignorant may want an explanation of how STIs spread from one person to another. The spread simply happens when infected individuals have unprotected sex with others. Unprotected sex means failure to use protective barriers, the good old male and female condoms. However the infected may not always be aware of their status. So it also goes without saying that sexual partners, especially if new to each other, should pre-emptively subject themselves to STI screening.

Let’s talk about prevention. The surest way of avoiding STIs is not to have sex with anyone in the first place. But that’s hardly practical for most. So if you are going to have sex with anyone, you better know their STI status. That means either party gets tested prior to any sexual activities. And to also get retested at appropriate intervals depending on prevailing circumstances. Obviously using condoms every time is preventive too regardless of initial testing. But the temptation not to is all too common as sexual relationships evolve.

What if you get diagnosed with an STI? A positive test could be the result of some symptoms, like penile discharge in men or abnormal vaginal discharge in women. Others may have no symptoms, and could still test positive after some sexual exposure. As soon as any STI is diagnosed, prompt treatment must be initiated. And you must notify your sexual partners so they can also get tested and treated as appropriate.

Adolescents are the group most vulnerable to STIs. Sex education and parental guidance are key initiatives that break the cycle of disease transmission. There are also high rates of STIs within married heterosexual couples, all linked to unprotected sexual escapades. Data on STIs in same sex acquaintances is mostly linked with high transmission rates. In reality, everyone remains with some sort of risk for STIs.

Sexually transmitted infections can have grave consequences on long term health. From a reproductive point of view, it might mean infertility. Infections like Hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV have known chronic phases that can affect multiple organs. Repeated infections can also be linked with drug resistance, meaning that commonly prescribed medicines may not cure the infections. In the long run, the cycle of STIs can end up being a public health matter, causing a strain on health systems.

Dr Murage is a Consultant Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist. [e-mail]