Over the past few weeks, we have been having a discourse on sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs/STDs). We will continue our conversation today by focusing on the psychological implications of having STIs/STDs. The big question here is can STIs/STDs cause mental illness or affect our mental health? Before we get into that conversation, let... Continue Reading →

For this week’s conversation on STIs/STDs, we will focus on Trichomoniasis and Chancroid. Let us first consider Trichomoniasis.  Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis which is spread through unprotected penile-vaginal sex, lesbian sex, and/or through the sharing of sex toys such as dildos.  Scientists have reported that the parasite usually settles in... Continue Reading →

For this week’s conversation on STIs/STDs, we will focus on Cytomegalovirus and Genital Warts, which are viral infections. Let us first consider cytomegalovirus, a well-known virus related to the herpes virus, transmissible through saliva, blood transfusion and other bodily fluids such as semen, urine and breast milk. An interesting fact about the cytomegalovirus is that,... Continue Reading →

Over the last few weeks, we have been discussing STDs/STIs caused by bacteria. Today, we conclude on that chapter by focusing on Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV), an uncommon sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by chlamydia trachomatis. Researchers have labelled this STI uncommon because it is rare or we could say endemic in certain areas across the... Continue Reading →

Today our conversation will center on mycoplasma genitalium, which is one of the oldest known bacteria that can cause sexually transmitted disease. Just like the previously discussed topics under STDs/STIs, mycoplasma genitalium is spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Scientists have reported that mycoplasma genitalium is not often associated with symptoms. However,... Continue Reading →

Over the last few weeks, we have focused on different types of STIs/STDs, today our discussion will be on Chlamydia. Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis, which is spread through unprotected sexual contact such as anal, oral or vaginal sex, and from an infected mother to child during pregnancy. This disease can also... Continue Reading →

Today our conversation on STIs/STDs will center on Gonorrhea, which is known to be the oldest venereal disease known to human beings. Gonorrhea is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is spread through unprotected sexual contact such as anal, oral or vaginal sex; and from an infected mother to child during pregnancy. Scientists... Continue Reading →

We continue our series on STIs/STDs by taking a critical look at some facts about Syphilis – another challenging infection. Syphilis is caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum, which is spread through sexual contact. Just like any other sexually transmitted infection, syphilis can also be transmitted through sharing of needles and sex toys with... Continue Reading →

Today, we begin our series on Sexually Transmitted Infections by looking at the most common virus known to human beings – HIV/AIDS. It is considered as the most common STI/STD among women and men. Globally, approximately 37 million people are living with HIV, with about 70% of these living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Various studies across... Continue Reading →

Of all the benefits we get from sex, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are most certainly not one of them.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that every year there are about 357 million new infections globally. A further breakdown of the statistics suggest that over 1 million people get infected with STI daily. Every... Continue Reading →