A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is transmitted from one person to another during unprotected sex. Minister Uys said you can get an STI from having sex only once with an infected partner.
There are more than 20 different types of infection, which can be spread through sexual contact. Some of these are syphilis, gonorrhoea (drop) and herpes. HIV (human immuno-deficiency virus), which causes AIDS, is also considered a sexually transmitted infection. HIV is the most dangerous STI, because it is incurable. There are no visible signs of the illness in the early stages and it may take years before a person becomes ill. During this time the infection can be passed on to sexual partners.
Minister Uys says one in every 10 sexually active persons in SA is infected with an STI. He said that if it is left untreated, STI's can cause :
Minister Uys said people must know their bodies and seek medical treatment at our health facilities when they notice the following signs:
If a person is diagnosed with an STI or notice some of the signs, he or she must
Minister Uys said to condomise is the best prevention." Always use a condom when you have sex, as that will greatly reduce your risk of getting an STI"