Sexual intercourse can be sensational,
electrifying, enjoyable and gives a good
sense of satisfaction. It has so many health
benefits but if care is not taken, it will
attract the ENEMIES of SEX.
There are certain groups of infections
which are transmitted mainly or mostly
through unprotected sexual intercourse. It
could be penovaginal, anal, oral or a
combination of all. Apart from sex, the
infection can be transmitted through blood
and blood product, a mother can pass the
infection to her baby inside the womb,
during delivery or through breastfeeding.
Poor hygiene can also lead to infection as
well as genital to genital contact.
TYPES
1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus
2. Hepatitis B
3. Genital warts
4. Candidiasis
5. Chancroid
6. Genital herpes
7. Syphilis
8. Chlamydia
9. Gonorhea etc.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU HAVE AN
INFECTION?
1. You may experience sores in or around
the sexual organ
2. You may have unusual penile or vaginal
discharge
3. The discharge may have a different
colour from the normal discharge (creamy,
yellowish green, whitish etc)
4. The discharge will have a bad odour and it
will itch a lot.
5. You may experience burning sensation
when urinating.
6. There may be blisters around the sexual
organ.
7. Painful sexual intercourse
8. Heavy menstrual flow
9. Lower abdominal pains
Sometimes it doesn't give any symptoms at
all so your sexual partner may have it and
not even know it.
WHAT MAY HAPPEN IF YOU DON'T SEEK
EARLY TREATMENT?
1. It may lead to infertility
2. Inflammation of the prostate gland and
the epididymis.
3. Ectopic pregnancy
4. Cancer of the skin
5. Lower abdominal pain.
6. Death
HOW DO YOU PREVENT IT OR MANAGE
IT?
1. Abstain from sexual intercourse
2. Be faithful to your fateful sexual partner.
3. Havoid multiple sexual partners
4. Always you a condom to protect yourself
during sex
5. Avoid sharing sharps
6. Take all your prescribed medication
7. Ensure that your sexual partner also go in
for treatment as he may be infected. If you
go in for the treatment alone, he or she may
reinfect you.
8. Put shyness aside and avoid self
medication.
9. Do not conclude on your own as to which
type of infection you have. Have it checked
by a trained service provider as the
symptoms may be confusing.
Almost all the enemies of sex (STIs) can be
cured but some can only be treated. Your
life does not have part one and two to
gamble or take foolish risks with the first
life and wait for the second.
It is advisable to go to a hospital or clinic
and have it checked and managed.
