This section on sexual health focuses on the common sexually transmitted infections or diseases affecting people all over Africa.
However, since sexual health is not just about the absence of disease, at My Health Africa we will also focus on sex education and the vaccinations available against sexually transmitted infections. This we hope will help people develop a better understanding of how to protect themselves from getting sexually transmitted infections and also gain more information concerning safe sex.
Conditions
Below is an overview of some of the common sexually transmitted diseases that affect people across Africa.
HIV/AIDs
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Manageable by Medication, Not Curable
More than 25 million people in Africa were living with HIV/AIDs in 2016. HIV/AIDs is an infectious disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks and weakens the immune system of an infected person. It is mostly transmitted through sex; however, it can be transmitted through coming into contact with the blood of an infected person by sharing needles and other sharp objects.
Gonorrhoea
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Treatable by a Doctor
More than 78 million cases of gonorrhoea are reported worldwide, each year. This is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), caused by bacteria. The symptoms for gonorrhoea vary in men and women. Symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge in women and abnormal discharge from the penis in men, and pain during urination in both men and women, among others.
Hepatitis B
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Can be Treated by a Doctor
Over 700,000 people die each year due to Hepatitis B and over 200 million people are living with the virus worldwide. Hepatitis B is a viral disease that affects the liver causing both acute and chronic disease.A vaccine is available for Hepatitis B and it is given to children at 8, 12 and 16 weeks after birth.
Genital Warts
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Can be Treated by a Doctor
Genital warts are small bumps or groups of bumps that appear in the genital area. They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Most people do not experience any symptoms after infection, however weeks or months after infection, some symptoms may manifest. There is a vaccine to prevent people from getting genital warts (the HPV vaccine) which can also protect against other diseases brought about by the HPV virus, such as cervical cancer.
Yeast Infection
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Treatable by a Doctor
75% of women are likely to have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. Yeast infection is also known as Candida, is a very common infection among women, and is caused by candida fungi or yeast. The most common symptom of this infection is itching and other symptoms such as having a burning feeling in the vaginal area, discharges or even pain during urination.
Genital Herpes
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Manageable by Medication, Not Curable
Genital herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) of the herpes virus. More than 400 million people worldwide aged between 15 and 49, are infected with HSV-2. Most people with genital herpes do not get any symptoms or they can get mild symptoms which go away without any treatment. However, when the symptoms begin to manifest, they may include blisters on the genitals or anus, genital ulcers (open sores), fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Chlamydia
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Treatable by a Doctor
About 100 million people globally, are infected with chlamydia, every year. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is spread through sex with an infected person. Some of the symptoms for this disease include abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during sex and having a burning sensation during urination.
Syphilis
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Treatable by a Doctor
Over 5 million people worldwide, are infected with syphilis annually. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is treatable in the early stages. However, serious health issues, like disability or even death can occur, if no treatment is given for syphilis. Some of the symptoms for this disease include a painless sore in the genitals, skin rash, weight loss and fatigue.
Vaccination Against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
This section focuses on providing information to people across Africa about the vaccines available for Sexually Transmitted Infections. These include:
HPV Vaccine:
The Human Papilloma Virus is a group of viruses which cause a number of diseases including cervical cancer, throat cancer and cancer of the anus. It can also cause sexually transmitted infections such as genital warts. Both men and women can get the HPV vaccine.
Between the ages of 9 to 13 years is the recommended time for girls to get the vaccine, while men between the ages of 11 and 21 can be immunised against this virus. Although men may not get cervical cancer, they are vulnerable to getting other health conditions such as cancer of the anus or penis, and anal, throat or genital warts. HPV causes 99% of cervical cancer cases.
Get vaccinated today against HPV! Click here to find a clinic or hospital that provides the HPV vaccination near you.
Hepatitis B Vaccine:
The Hepatitis B vaccine is 95% effective and is given through injection over a 6 month period. It can be given to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. However, babies who are born to mothers with the Hepatitis B virus should be vaccinated within 24 hours of birth followed by other doses at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks, with a last dose one year after birth.
You can also get the vaccination at any other age to help protect you against contracting this disease. Hepatitis B causes inflammation of the liver which can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Get vaccinated today against Hepatitis B! Click here to find a clinic or hospital that provides the Hepatitis B vaccination near you.
Sex Education
Sex education is aimed at informing people about sexual issues, such as protecting themselves from sexually transmitted infections, and other major issues that are important for people’s sexual health.
With Africa being diverse in terms of different religions and different cultural beliefs and practices, sex education can be a sensitive topic. However, we at My Health Africa believe that educating people around Africa, on sexual matters, will empower them by providing them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their own sexual health. Each one of us is responsible for our own sexual health.
