Sexually transmitted infections are common, treatable, and largely preventable. Understanding prevention, testing, and when to seek help protects you and your partners.
Use condoms correctly and consistently. Male condoms used correctly are 98% effective at preventing HIV and significantly reduce risk of all other STIs. Female condoms are equally effective. Use from start to finish of every sexual encounter.
Get tested regularly. If you are sexually active with multiple partners, test for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia every 3 to 6 months. Most STIs have no symptoms — you will not know without testing.
Know your partner's status. Mutual testing before a new sexual relationship significantly reduces risk.
Reduce the number of concurrent sexual partners — this is the most effective single behaviour change for STI prevention.
Vaccinate against hepatitis B — the vaccine is safe, effective, and part of the childhood schedule. Adults can still be vaccinated if not previously done.
Vaccinate against HPV if available — prevents the strains of human papillomavirus that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Most effective before sexual debut but beneficial at any age.
For people at high risk of HIV: discuss PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) with a doctor — a daily pill that prevents HIV.
If exposed to HIV, hepatitis B, or other blood-borne infections: seek emergency PEP or post-exposure management within 72 hours.
Avoid alcohol and substances before sex — they impair judgement and reduce likelihood of using protection.
Any new genital sore, blister, or ulcer.
Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina.
Burning when urinating.
Pelvic pain or testicular pain.
Rash on the palms or soles.
Possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours.
Condoms do not provide complete protection against herpes and HPV which are transmitted by skin contact in areas not covered by the condom.
No STI provides immunity — you can be reinfected repeatedly.
Many STIs have no symptoms — regular testing is the only reliable protection.
Traditional methods including herbs do not prevent or treat STIs.
✓ What Helps
· Male condoms — available at all pharmacies and most health facilities, often free
· Female condoms — available at pharmacies and family planning clinics
· Hepatitis B vaccination — free in childhood immunisation programme
✗ What To Avoid
· Oil-based lubricants with latex condoms — degrades the latex
· Douching — disrupts natural protective bacteria and increases STI risk
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· Free HIV testing at any government facility
· PrEP if at ongoing high risk of HIV
· HPV vaccine — discuss with a doctor especially for young women
· Combined STI screening panel at a sexual health clinic
🏥 Get Professional Help
Get tested at a clinic for any genital symptoms, after unprotected sex with a new partner, or routinely every 3 to 6 months if sexually active with multiple partners. Go immediately for possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours.
Do I need to tell a new partner about my STI history?
For active or transmissible infections — yes, ethically and in many places legally. For fully treated past infections with no ongoing risk, this is a personal decision. For herpes and HIV which are lifelong, disclosure is important for your partner to make informed choices.
I am embarrassed to get tested — what should I do?
Healthcare workers who do STI testing are bound by confidentiality. They do not judge — STIs are medical conditions like any other. Many clinics offer anonymous testing. Your health and your partners' health are more important than momentary embarrassment.