SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION (STIs/STDs)

Definitions
Sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STIs/STDs) are diseases transmitted from one person to another through sexual activities e.g. sexual intercourse (oral, anal, vaginal), kissing, non-sexual activities (blood transfusion, sharing of sharp objects, mother to child, etc.)

Examples of STIs/STDs
✓ HIV/AIDs
✓ Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
✓ Candidiasis
✓ Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
✓ Syphilis
✓ Genital warts
✓ Chlamydia
✓ Gonorrhoea
✓ Genital herpes
✓ Cervical cancer
✓ Trichomoniasis

How STIs/STDs are transmitted/contracted
✓ Semen
✓ Sperm
✓ Female genital mutilation/cuttings (FGM/C)
✓ Blood transfusion
✓ Sexual intercourse
✓ Kissing
✓ Saliva
✓ Sharing of sharp objects
✓ Use of sexual toys
✓ Vaginal secretion

Contributory/Risk Factors
✓ Peer influence
✓ Multiple sex partners
✓ Drug and substance abuse
✓ Sexual abuse (e.g. rape)
✓ Pre-marital sex (sex before marriage)
✓ Unprotected sex
✓ Extra-marital sex (sex outside marriage)
✓ Having history of STIs
✓ Transmission from mother to infant
✓ Men who request prescriptions for drugs to treat erectile dysfunction

Possible signs and symptoms of STIs/STDs
✓ Painful burning urination
✓ Vaginal discharge
✓ Urinary irritation
✓ Night sweating
✓ Penile discharge
✓ Pain during sex
✓ Lower abdominal pain
✓ Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
✓ Rash over the trunk, hands or feet
✓ Unusual odd-smelling vaginal discharge
✓ Unusual vaginal bleeding
✓ Sore, swollen lymph nodes particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
Is it possible to have STIs/STDs without signs and symptoms? Yes, many STI/STDs cause no symptoms in some people. 

Is it possible to contract STIs/STDs from an healthy person? Yes, it is possible to contract STIs/STDs from people who seem perfectly healthy - people who in fact are not aware of being infected.

ABC Prevention of STIs/STDs
✓ A: Abstinence
✓ B: Be faithful to your partner
✓ C: Condom use 

Other ways of preventing STIs/STDs
✓ Avoid multiple sex partner
✓ Avoid alcohol, drug and substance abuse
✓ Avoid unscreened blood transfusion
✓ Avoid sharing sharp objects like needle, syringe and pin
✓ Know your status and that of your partner

Complications of STIs/STDs
✓ Infertility
✓ Sores or bumps anywhere on the body
✓ Generalize skin rash
✓ Hair loss
✓ Eye inflammation
✓ Pelvic inflammatory diseases
✓ Certain cancers
✓ Scrotal pain, redness and swelling
✓ Recurrent genital sores
✓ Arthritis
Adeyemi Omoge, founder of 3Ps Health Initiative International, Nigeria, is a Public Health Specialist committed to improving healthcare access and literacy for underserved populations. He has led impactful campaigns on disease prevention, reproductive health, and maternal and child health, benefiting thousands. He holds an MBA in Hospital Administration (JSS Academy, India), an MPH in Epidemiology and Research (University of Nicosia, Cyprus), an MPH in Disaster Management (University of Oviedo, Spain), and an MBA in Project and Human Resources Management (Academy Europe, Germany), alongside a B.Sc. in Public Health (Adeleke University, Nigeria) and other public health certifications. Adeyemi has published over 15 research papers and is an active member of organisations such as the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (UK) and the World Federation Against Drugs (Sweden). He has earned awards like the ALMA Malaria Youth Ambassador Award and scholarships including Erasmus Mundus, Commonwealth, and iLearn. Passionate about mentoring, capacity building, and public health, Adeyemi continues to inspire and contribute globally.

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