By Charles O. Anyiam-Osigwe
Sex and sexuality in not a subject that is in open discourse in our society, and this in my opinion, has led to an alarming lack of regard amongst young people for their sexual wellbeing. Their continued ignorance towards safe sex should be addressed.
Although the mass media exposes young people to (explicit) sexual images, sexual health awareness is usually a taboo subject to them. There’s too much of an emphasis on glitz, glamour and unachievable perfection.
Research has shown that young people first come to learn about sex through friends/peers, the Internet and, most dangerously, trial and error. It’s easy to see how these careless attitudes can go on continuously, particularly when there is little or no educated, adult influence.
Most parents have had little or no conversation with their children about the birds and the bees. The home is where we first become socialized and it is incumbent on parents/family to ensure their child’s learning. As a result of a lack of open, honest discussions, the young are vulnerable to misinformation, and in turn vulnerable to the risks of STDs.
It is time to focus on the obvious sexual health crisis in our society! And the first step is to be educated about these sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
What are some common types of STDs?
Numerous STDs affect more than 19 million men and women in Nigeria each year. According to the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Centers for Disease Control in the US, the common types of STDs include:
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a virus that destroys the body’s ability to fight off infection. People who have AIDS are very susceptible to many life-threatening diseases and to certain forms of cancer.
Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted disease that can cause genital warts called condylomas, which are growths on the skin. Most genital warts are caused by one of two types of HPV — types 6 and 11. Genital warts can appear in the mouth or genital area — the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, or scrotum. Because HPV infection does not always cause warts, the infection may go undetected. Women with an HPV infection have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests – a test to detect cancer of the cervix or uterus, using a specimen of cellular material from the neck of the uterus spread on a microscope slide (Pap smear) can detect HPV infection, as well as abnormal cervical cells. An HPV vaccine is available to help prevent cervical cancer. Although there is treatment for the genital warts (which sometimes go away on their own), the virus remains and warts can reappear, as there is no effective no treatment for the virus.
Chlamydial. This is the most common of all STDs. Chlamydia (pronounced kluh-MID-ee-uh) can affect both men and women. The infection may cause an abnormal genital discharge and burning with urination. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, and infertility. Unfortunately, many people with a chlamydial infection have few or no symptoms of infection. The only way to know if you have it is to Get Yourself Tested! The good news is that chlamydia can easily be treated and cured with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea often causes a discharge from the vagina or penis, making urination painful or difficult. The most common and serious complications occur in women, and include pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, and infertility. It can also lead to infertility in men if left untreated. Gonorrhea infections can be treated with antibiotic therapy.
Genital herpes. Genital herpes infections are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Symptoms may include painful blisters or open sores in the genital area, which may be preceded by a tingling or burning sensation in the legs, buttocks, or genital region. The herpes sores usually disappear within a few weeks, but the virus remains in the body and the lesions may recur from time to time. There is no cure for genital herpes but there are anti-viral agents to take that can shorten an outbreak of sores and blisters and reduce symptoms.
Syphilis. The initial symptom of syphilis is a painless open sore that usually appears on the penis, in the vagina, or around either sexual organ. Untreated syphilis may go on to more advanced stages, with symptoms including a transient rash, and eventually, serious complications of the heart and central nervous system. Syphilis infections can be treated with antibiotic therapy.
It is time for society and parents to rise up to their responsibilities and ensure that when it comes to matters of sex and sexuality our children are not literarily groping in the dark – the darkness of ignorance.
Charles O. Anyiam-Osigwe is the co-author of HIV/AIDS Education Quiz Book to be republished under the Pride Publications imprint in 2014. He is also the co-author of Things I Wish Mummy and Daddy Told Me About Sex: A Sex Education Quiz Book to be published by Pride Publications in 2015
Image source: micksnarck.com