Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) have been a concern across many countries for centuries with specific documentations going back 500 years. These early records highlight their persistent effect on both society and the public health sector. They’re more common than you might think! A person with STI may not always show symptoms and because of this many young people may be unaware of their STI status until it gets to the later stages. The good news? STIs can be prevented. In this blog we will discuss simple proven ways to protect yourself and others.
- WRAP IT UP!
The proper and consistent usage of condoms is one of the most effective ways of preventing STIs, including HIV, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. As a bonus it helps in preventing pregnancy too!
For the best outcome:
- Use a new condom for every sexual intercourse. Never use two at once as that can potentially lead to breakage.
- Put it on before ANY skin-to-skin or sexual contact
- Both external (male) and internal (female) condoms are available. You can use whichever is preferred.
- Watch how to guides or read the instructions on the box for proper application and usage.
- BE POSITIVE THAT YOU ARE NEGATIVE!
As previously mentioned some STIs don’t show any symptoms, with that being said it doesn’t mean that they aren’t harmful. For this reason you should:
- Get tested at least once a year if you are sexually active.
- If you have multiple partners or a new partner, test every 3-6 months.
- Encourage your partner to get tested with you.
- Testing is available at most public and private health care centers. The first step to protecting yours and your partner’s health, is knowing your status.
- Routine STI testing usually includes:
HIV test – detects HIV
RPR or VDRL – for syphilis
NAAT test – for gonorrhea and chlamydia
Hepatitis B and C tests – for HBV and HCV
Pap smear with HPV test – for high-risk HPV (in women)
Not all clinics test for everything by default, so it helps to ask for a full STI panel.
- TALK THAT TALK BEFORE YOU UNLOCK THE SHOCK!
Bringing up the subject of STIs with a partner might feel uncomfortable at the start but once you do, it can be taken as a sign of respect and maturity.
You can broach the subject by asking:
- When the last time was that they got tested,
- If you can get tested together
Or making boundaries clear by saying:
- That you would be having intercourse with condoms only
These conversations can build mutual trust and keep both parties safe.
- PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!
This is one of the most effective methods for preventing transmission of certain diseases like HPV (Human papillomavirus) and HBV (Hepatitis B Virus). Therefore, we have:
- HPV vaccine: It protects against human papillomavirus, which is a virus that can potentially lead to cervical cancer.
- Hepatitis B vaccine: This is recommended for all unvaccinated, uninfected people who are sexually active.
- Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health provides HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14 as part of its national prevention program.
- KNOW WHAT’S NEW: Doxy-PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Recent studies show that taking a single dose of Doxycycline (an antibiotic) can reduce the risk of any bacterial STI by 46%, with specific reductions of 65% for Chlamydia and 77% for Syphilis. However, this didn’t affect the risk of Gonorrhea infection.
Caution: Always talk to a health provider before using antibiotics this way.
Source: Epocrates 2024, WHO STI Guidelines
- Where to Go for STI Services in Ethiopia
You can get confidential testing, counseling, and treatment at government local health centers and hospitals, Marie Stopes International, and private clinics.
Final Takeaway:
Protecting yourself from STIs shouldn’t take a backseat because of shame. You should prioritize your sexual health without restrictions.
Knowing this, use condoms, test regularly, ask questions, and if you haven’t yet, get vaccinated.
- Take control of your health. Start with one small step today.
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