Despite increased awareness about sexual health, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a largely underestimated threat. While many people focus on avoiding unplanned pregnancies, STIs like gonorrhoea and chlamydia continue to spread quietly through communities, often without any visible symptoms. Left untreated, these infections can have serious long-term effects, including infertility and chronic complications.
The most common bacterial STIs gonorrhoea and chlamydia are particularly prevalent due to unprotected sex and having multiple partners. Many people rely on trust or misinformation rather than protection, increasing their risk. Although STIs are a reality of sexually active life, shame and stigma persist, discouraging people from seeking testing or treatment.
Globally, more than a million curable STIs are contracted daily, including trichomoniasis and syphilis. Even with precautions, no sexual encounter is completely risk-free. Research has shown that in some communities, particularly among adolescents in informal settlements, STI rates can reach as high as 10%. Alarmingly, the majority of these infections go unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms. Girls, in particular, appear more vulnerable, with infection rates often double those of boys.
This silent nature makes STIs especially dangerous. For example, undiagnosed gonorrhoea or chlamydia can lead to blocked fallopian tubes in women, only becoming apparent when fertility is affected later in life. Among high-risk groups, such as men who have sex with men, many STIs, especially anorectal infections, often remain hidden due to their asymptomatic presentation.
A common misconception is that symptoms will always appear if one contracts an STI. However, viral infections like herpes, HPV, and HIV can lie dormant or present only mild signs, making regular testing critical. Just one unprotected encounter can raise your risk of infection significantly.
Misinformation remains a barrier to prevention. Some believe that STIs like syphilis or gonorrhoea are problems of the past, but these infections remain widespread. In addition, antibiotic-resistant strains, particularly of gonorrhoea, pose a growing concern, worsened by misuse of antibiotics. Unlike bacterial STIs, viral ones cannot be cured only managed through medication that reduces symptoms and transmission risk. Vaccines also play a vital role in preventing diseases such as HPV and hepatitis B.
There are also persistent myths such as the idea that STIs can be caught from toilet seats or doorknobs which only fuel confusion. In reality, these infections are transmitted through unprotected sexual contact.
Early diagnosis is key. With modern technology like PCR testing, detecting multiple infections through a simple urine sample is now possible, making early treatment more accessible and effective. However, relying solely on symptom-based diagnosis, especially in resource-limited settings, leads to many cases being missed.
Regular testing, safer sex practices, and honest conversations are essential steps toward protecting your health. Many STIs are treatable, and early intervention helps prevent long-term harm not just for you, but for your partner as well.
