Department launches condom week

JANE FURSE – The MEC for health and social development in the province, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba launched the STI Condom Week during an event in Jane Furse on Monday.

“The STI Condom Week is aimed at creating more awareness about the dangers of sexually transmitted infections and further educates the public about responsible sexual behaviour and the promotion of safer sexual practices,” said Duba.

It is reported that the fear of being stigmatised is one of the many reasons why people are reluctant to seek medical treatment for STIs. Important stakeholders that play a meaningful role such as Aurum, Agri Aid, FPD as well as Love Life further strengthen the message of government to encourage people to test and know their status.

They properly utilised the week-long programme to interact with communities using various platforms to spread the message.

A plethora of activities such as TB screenings, condom distributions, health talks, visits to FET colleges and taxi ranks was conducted.

STI Condom Week is aimed not only at reducing the spread of STI but also to curb the spread of HIV/Aids.

Sexually transmitted infection is an infection that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. In this context, sexual contact is more than just sexual intercourse (vaginal and anal) and also includes kissing, oral-genital contact, and the use of sexual “toys,” such as vibrators.

There are many different types of sexually transmitted infections, which can be broken down into three basic types: bacterial, viral and parasitic.

What to do if you have an STI

If you think you might have an STI, get checked out. Don’t just hope the STI will go away. It won’t!

Most county health departments have special STI clinics. Private doctors also treat STI. If you don’t know where to get help, call your local family planning clinic for information. No matter where you get treated, your case will be kept private.

You may feel embarrassed. It may be hard for you to go to a doctor or clinic for help. But you must get treatment even if it is difficult for you to do. This is the only way you will get well.

Most can be treated with antibiotics. Do exactly what your doctor tells you. Be sure to use all of your medicine.

You also must tell your sexual partner(s). If they aren’t treated, they can spread the STI. They might even give it to you again.

Symptoms for STIs

The problems with STI’s are that many people – particularly women – have no symptoms, and left untreated it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility. It is important to get checked regularly if you are sexually active, or think you have been exposed to a disease.

Symptoms for men

• Need to urinate often.

• Burning and pain when you pee.

• Drip or discharge (white and watery or yellowish and thick) from the penis.

• Sores, bumps, or blisters near or on the penis, testicles, or mouth.

Symptoms for women

• Itching and burning in and around your vagina.

• Burning and pain when you urinate.

• Bleeding when not having a period.

• Change in the colour, amount, or smell of the discharge from the vagina.

• Pain in thevagina when you have sex, or bleeding after sex.

• Sores, warts, bumps, or blisters around your mouth, vagina, or anus.

• Pain or cramps when you urinate or have a bowel movement.

• Need to urinate often.

• Flu-like symptoms (such as achy joints, chills, and fever).

• Abdominal or pelvic pain.