STDs & STIs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be spread when you’ve had sex without a condom. This section will break down what the different types are, what the symptoms are and how they can be treated.

Facts

STIs that can be transmitted via oral sex
STDs & STIs

STIs that can be transmitted via oral sex

There is a significant lack of awareness about barrier methods for oral sex and the fact that STIs can be transmitted this way, even though the risk of transmission is generally lower compared to penetrative intercourse. Studies have shown that […]

Can I get HIV through kissing?
STDs & STIs

Can I get HIV through kissing?

…and while all come up negative, she was too anxious to stop. This not only sounds stressful but also curious. So, can HIV be transmitted through kissing? HIV transmission through kissing is highly unlikely as the chances are extremely small. […]

After how long should I re-test for HIV?
Safe Sex

After how long should I re-test for HIV?

This window period is the time between HIV exposure and when a test can detect HIV. The window period depends on the test used. For the antigen/antibody test, the window period is 18 to 90 days: Michael was thus advised […]

5 unique challenges LGBTIQ persons face in HIV management
STDs & STIs

5 unique challenges LGBTIQ persons face in HIV management

Some of these challenges include: Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and inclusive approach. It involves implementing anti-stigma campaigns, promoting LGBTIQ-inclusive sexual education, training healthcare providers to provide culturally competent care, and ensuring access to HIV prevention tools like PrEP […]

Is it true that only gay people get HIV?
STDs & STIs

Is it true that only gay people get HIV?

HIV affects individuals of all sexual orientations but it is important to remember that the risk of HIV transmission depends on behaviors and practices of individuals since some have higher exposure to the virus.

<strong>Does pubic hair have any benefits?</strong>
STDs & STIs

Does pubic hair have any benefits?

Yet, we must admit that the media, especially porn, peer pressure, and sexual partners can often influence this preference. For some time now, a shaved pubic area has gained traction as many people prefer to shave rather than leave the […]

How does a person develop AIDS?
STDs & STIs

How does a person develop AIDS?

While these are great news! We cannot rule out that AIDS is still a threat due to, in part, poor adherence to HIV treatment and lack of testing. So, what does AIDS stand for? Simply, AIDS = Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. […]

What are the common first symptoms of HIV?
STDs & STIs

What are the common first symptoms of HIV?

A few weeks after the infection, some people have symptoms, including: These symptoms may disappear after a few weeks and while they may not re-appear for a few years, the virus will continue to weaken your immune system. These, and […]

Differences between curable and manageable STIs
STDs & STIs

Differences between curable and manageable STIs

When we talk about STIs, we often focus more on aspects such as symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. We pay little attention to an important fact which is the two key categories of STIs that exist. These two categories are based on whether an STI is curable or not.

Types of HIV stigma you may experience
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Types of HIV stigma you may experience

Because of society’s fear and ignorance about HIV, people living with HIV are frequently stigmatized in various ways. We don’t talk about stigma enough, so I wanted to go a little further.

Why should I test for HIV?
STDs & STIs

Why should I test for HIV?

Many people only get tested for HIV if they’ve recently engaged in risky behavior or if mandated during medical care yet an HIV test should be part of your routine checkup. First, let’s agree that some people are at higher […]

Why are women at higher risk of HIV?
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Why are women at higher risk of HIV?

There are several factors that put women at higher risk for HIV. These include gender-based violence e.g. rape or when they cannot freely choose to have safe sex, poverty, little information on how to protect themselves from HIV, and then […]

Bacterial vaginosis
STDs & STIs

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) generally affects women. It’s when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted by an increase of more ‘harmful’ bacteria.

Scabies
STDs & STIs

Scabies

Scabies is a very itchy, contagious skin infection caused by the scabies mite.

Pubic lice
STDs & STIs

Pubic lice

Pubic lice are also known as ‘crabs’. Pubic lice are small parasites that dig underneath your skin, and feed on your blood.

Trichomoniasis
STDs & STIs

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is also known as ‘trich’. It’s an STD that affects both women and men, but women are more likely to have symptoms.

Water warts
STDs & STIs

Water warts

Water warts are caused by a virus called molluscum contagiosum. It’s a common viral infection that affects the skin and causes fluid-filled blisters.

Genital herpes
STDs & STIs

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is an STD caused by two different types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). It looks like a cold sore or blister.

Genital warts
STDs & STIs

Genital warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s one of the most common STDs worldwide.

Syphilis
STDs & STIs

Syphilis

Syphilis is an STD caused by a bacterium called Treponema palliduium. It’s known as the ‘great imitator’ because its symptoms are hard to distinguish from other STDs.

Gonorrhoea
STDs & STIs

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria called Niesseria gonorrhoeae. It’s very contagious. It can infect your throat, urethra, vagina, and anus.