Silent threat

November 5, 2013

Youths should educate themselves on snexually-transmitted infectios and keep themselves protected

THE subject of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is often kept under wraps or discussed only in hushed tones but the number of people — especially youth — who are at risk is increasing.

The World Health Organisation estimates that there are 499 million new cases of curable STIs in the world each year. However, the actual number is likely to be far higher as STIs can often be passed on unwittingly. Unless efforts to stop its spread are intensified, the number of infections is projected to increase.

Expressing concern on the issue, Durex Malaysia and Singapore marketing manager Karin Chan says WHO has estimated that STIs and their complications rank among the top five disease categories for which adults in developing countries seek health care.

“Although we may not know the exact magnitude of STIs in Malaysia, there seems to be an alarming upward trend, especially in early syphilis, genital herpes and genital warts,” she says.

Recognising the growing need for awareness and education, Durex Malaysia recently launched its corporate responsibility programme, Choose2Protect, in partnership with the student-run organisation AIESEC in Malaysia, Women’s Aid Organisation and the Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia (FRHAM).

The campaign, says Chan, is just the beginning in its endeavour to educate youth on the importance of prevention against STIs.

“Essentially, we would like our youths to take responsibility for their sexual well-being.”

STIs AND YOUTH

A recent statement released by the Ministry of Health revealed that one out of four new HIV cases reported here involved those aged between 13 and 39, constituting 70 per cent of cumulative HIV cases. The number of infections among youth is worrying.

“Research indicates that sexually active Malaysians are getting younger, with a high number of them not using protection,” Chan says.

“In fact, very few actually felt they were at risk of contracting STIs or getting pregnant. According to the Durex Global Sexual Wellbeing Survey 2011-2012, 27 per cent of youth aged between 18 and 24 did not know how to prevent STIs,” she adds.

YeohYeok Kim, executive director of FRHAM says: “When you’re young, there is a higher inclination to take risks and to assert your independence. By doing so, you are opening yourself to risks of contracting STIs, unwanted pregnancies, which may endanger your future.

“It is very important to impart knowledge and instil responsible behaviour in our youths to help them make responsible choices,”

ARE YOU STI-POSITIVE?

STIs are infections that spread through having sex with an infected person and can spread through the mouth, vagina and penis.

“STIs are increasingly becoming a health concern as some exist without symptoms but with long-term negative implications,” Yeoh says.

“Nevertheless, there are some general symptoms to look out for such as unusual discharge from the vagina and penis, experiencing pain or a burning sensation when passing urine, itch, rash, lumps or blisters around the genitals, pain and/or bleeding during or after intercourse, bleeding between periods, pain in the testicles, and even pain in the lower abdomen for women.

“Given that it is called STI, many may think that it only spreads through sexual activity. In fact, STIs spread not only through unprotected sexual activities but also via skin to skin contact with an infected area or sore (for STIs that involve parasites like scabies and viral infection like herpes simplex virus).”

A pregnant mother who contracts STI can transmit it to her baby during delivery or through breastfeeding. WHO reported that among pregnant women, 520,000 cases of syphilis infection resulted in adverse outcomes, including 305,000 stillbirths and premature deaths that could have been averted with universal access to testing and treatment.

“Those who suspect they have been infected with STIs should get tested. Often the doctor will ask you questions relating to your sexual health, your relationship status as well as detailed questions that may be embarrassing to you, but which the doctor needs to know,” says Yeoh.

“This will then be followed by a physical examination. It is better to know early, before risking not only your life, but those of your loved ones too,” she says.

Silent threat

There are many types of STIs but the more common ones — bacterial vaginosis, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea — can be treated and cured with early medication.

BACTERIAL
BacterialVaginosis (BV)
Chancroid
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Syphilis – Genital Herpes
VIRAL
Genital Warts
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
HIV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
PARASITIC
Crabs (pubic lice)
Trichomoniasis
FUNGAL
Thrush (Candidiasis)