skip to Main Content

Focus on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

 

The theme for Health4Men’s quarterly responsible sex campaign is sexually transmitted infections. A few facts:

  • The most common STI seen at the Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s Health is genital or anal warts
  • Approximately 16% of men requesting a screening for syphilis at the Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s Health are infected with this STI
  • If you’re HIV negative, having an STI such as syphilis or gonorrhoea significantly increases your risk of being infected with HIV
  • If you’re HIV positive, having an STI might strain your immune system and could impact on your CD4 count
  • You or a partner could have an STI, without knowing it, and you could be infecting others
  • Most STIs are very easy to treat
  • Even STIs that are not curable can be managed to reduce symptoms and lower the risk of infecting others
  • Consult a medical professional if you have any pain or swelling, or a sore, blister or bump around your genitals or anus, or if you have a discharge or experience any discomfort when urinating or if you have had sex with someone who you suspect might have an STI

Health4Men provides free screenings for STIs, as well as free treatment. You don’t even need to make an appointment for an STI screening! Call 021 447 2844 for more info.

Reducing your number of sexual partners and always using condoms and water-based lubricant remain your best defence against STI and HIV infection. Contact Health4Men if you need free sachets of water-based lubricant and PlayNice condoms.

Leave a Reply

Back To Top
×Close search
Search