Over the weekend, we came across the news of a man who knowingly had unprotected sex with a woman without disclosing to her that he had HIV. This generated a huge conversation on how one can be infected by a trusted partner and how having an STD or an STI (regardless of how it was contracted), is still a major stigma in Africa.

Even more important was our decision to convert this discussion into an action plan by starting a new segment, on STDs and STIs, in an effort to educate our fans with concise information, facts and resources and with the hope of eventually putting an end to these infections and diseases in Africa.

Today, we start with CHLAMYDIA

• STD or STI? An STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease)
• Transmission Method:
  • childbirth, vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia
  • There is also the potential of transmission weather or not there is an ejaculation.
• Who does it affect: Both sexes meaning both men and women
• How to Avoid Transmission: Sexual Abstinence and practicing safe sex
• People at risk of Transmission:
  • People who have unprotected sex and or people with multiple partners
  • Gay and bisexual since chlamydia can be spread through oral and anal sex.
• Women’s Symptoms: Women are generally asymptomatic meaning they may show no symptom however, when symptoms do show, they may include:
  • An abnormal vaginal discharge and a burning sensation when urinating.
  • If anal sex is involved, rectal pain, discharge and or bleeding in the anus
•  Men’s Symptoms: 
  • A discharge from their penis and a burning sensation when urinating;
  • Pain and swelling in one or both testicles (although this is less common).
  • If anal sex is involved, rectal pain, discharge and or bleeding in the anus.
•  Other Potential Problems after Transmission:
  • serious, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system
  • inability to get pregnant
  • possibility of fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb).
  • Early childbirth and or passing infection to baby during childbirth
  • Untreated chlamydia may also increase your chances of getting or giving HIV –
• Can chlamydia be cured?
  • Yes, chlamydia can be cured with prescribed antibiotics. Repeat infection with chlamydia is common. You should be tested again about three months after you are treated, even if your sex partner(s) was treated.

• Where to get more information? Head to WHO, CDC, AMFAR, OUR WORLD IN DATA, GLOBAL HEALTH, WEBMD and other NON-Profit health organizations.

 

P.S. Please note that we are not a health organization. If you have an immediate health-related questions please be sure to seek the opinion of a health care provider. As always, please remember that abstinence is always the best course of action. Stay tuned for our next post.