Online Reporter
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
AS we enter the month of love, many people are celebrating closeness, intimacy and connection.
Love can be beautiful, but it can also come with unintended consequences when we are not careful.
One of these is sexually transmitted infections, often called STIs.
These infections are common, they affect both men and women, and many people in Zimbabwe experience them at some point in their lives.
Some STIs show clear symptoms, while others can be silent for a long time. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia are among the most common. They often cause a burning feeling when passing urine and a discharge from the penis in men, or abnormal vaginal discharge and lower abdominal pain in women.
Women may also notice pain during sex or bleeding between periods. If not treated early, these infections can lead to infertility and long-term pelvic pain.
Syphilis is another important infection. It may start with a painless sore on the genitals, in the mouth, or around the anus, which many people ignore because it does not hurt. Weeks later, a rash can appear on the body, including on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. If syphilis is not treated, it can damage the heart, brain and other organs many years later.
Genital herpes is also common. It usually causes painful blisters or sores around the genitals, sometimes with fever and body aches when it first appears. The sores heal, but the virus stays in the body and can come back during times of stress or illness. HIV remains a major concern in Zimbabwe. Early HIV infection may look like a flu-like illness with fever, sore throat and swollen glands, but many people have no symptoms at all for years.
The good news is that most STIs can be prevented and treated. Using condoms correctly and consistently greatly reduces the risk of infection. Limiting the number of sexual partners, knowing your partner’s status, and going for regular testing are also very important. Avoiding sex when there are sores, pain or discharge helps protect both partners.
In Zimbabwe, STIs are commonly treated using the syndromic approach. This means that health workers treat patients based on the symptoms they have, without waiting for special tests. For example, someone with discharge and pain when urinating will receive treatment that covers the most likely causes at the same time. This approach allows for fast treatment, reduces complications, and helps stop the spread of infection. Sexual partners are also encouraged to be treated, even if they have no symptoms.
As we celebrate love this month, it is important to remember that real love includes care, honesty and protection. Looking after your sexual health is not something to be ashamed of. It is a responsible and loving choice for yourself and for those you care about.
For more on sexual health, contact [email protected]
