February is the month of love, but it is also the month to focus on Sexual Reproductive health and Healthy Lifestyles. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain a global health challenge even though most of the infections can be cured. Read more below:
‘Sexually transmitted infections are preventable and treatable. Annually, there is an education and awareness drive to highlight the importance of condom usage and to raise awareness around the signs and symptoms of STIs, as well as prevention and treatment. Our clinics can help, but clients need to speak up about their specific needs, be willing to get tested, and start treatment as needed,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus and syphilis.
Signs and symptoms of STIs may include abnormal discharge, itching, sores, pain during urination, or unusual bleeding. It is important to get tested if you experience any of these symptoms.
Sometimes, STIs are present, but there are no symptoms; however, transmission can still occur.
In 2024, City Health diagnosed and treated more than 25 000 cases of STIs.
Apart from the personal health impacts like chronic pain, infertility and the increased risk of HIV, undiagnosed STIs can also put others at risk.
Of particular concern is congenital syphilis (CS), which is transmitted during pregnancy, resulting in stillbirths, preterm or low birthweight deliveries and associated complications, and early neonatal deaths.
In 2023, there were 1 739 clinical notifications of Congenital Syphilis countrywide.
The majority of notifications were in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
‘National guidelines recommend testing for syphilis at least four times during pregnancy. So I want to encourage moms to please make full use of our basic antenatal care service by registering at their nearest clinic as soon as you find out you are expecting – not only for your own wellbeing, but also that of your unborn child. That said, testing shouldn’t be left to women alone. I want to encourage their partners to step up too for testing and treatment, if necessary. Also, if you are concerned about STIs, use protection. Condoms are freely available at our clinics,’ added Councillor Higham.
The following STI health services are offered at City clinics:
· Male and female condoms – these reduce both the transmission of HIV and other STIs and prevent unintended pregnancy
· Information leaflets and pamphlets related to STIs
· Integrated STI/HIV services are available at all service points
· Screening, testing and treatment of STIs
· Screening, testing and treatment for pregnant women for syphilis