Since South Africa is dealing with very high numbers of STIs, it’s important to be in the know so that you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your partner/s. Choose #ForeverWena and know your status so that you can make healthy moves while you’re keeping busy.​

Signs & Symptoms​

There are many different types of STIs with various signs and symptoms. Some STIs – like HIV or HPV – don’t have obvious or visible symptoms, which is why speaking to your healthcare professional and getting tested is important.

 

Sign or symptom​ 

What could it be?​ 

Discharge from penis or vagina​ 

Chlamydia​ 
Gonorrhoea​ 
Trichomoniasis​ 
Thrush​ 
Bacterial vaginosis​ 

Pain in the lower stomach​ 

Chlamydia​ 
Gonorrhoea​ 

Abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting​ 

Gonorrhoea​ 
Chlamydia​ 

Burning or itching of genitals​ 

Chlamydia​ 
Gonorrhoea​ 
Trichomoniasis​ 
Thrush​ 
UTI​ 

Irritated or red skin around genitals or anus​ 

Thrush​ 

Growths on genitals or anus​ 

Warts​ 

Ulcers or sores on genitals​ 

Herpes​ 
Syphilis​ 

Burning sensations when urinating​ 

Chlamydia​ 
Gonorrhoea​ 
Trichomoniasis​ 
UTI​ 
Thrush​ 

Part 2 | The Nitty Gritty of STIs 
Part 3| The Nitty Gritty of STIs

References​ 

Wand H, Reddy T, Dassaye R, Moodley J, Naidoo S, Ramjee G. Estimating prevalence and incidence of sexually transmitted infections among South African women: Implications of combined impacts of risk factors. International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2020;31(11):1093–101.
Doolabh D. Worried you might have an STI? | B-Wise [Internet]. B-Wise. 2021 [cited 2023 Sep 4].
BWISEHealth. All you need to know about Sexual infections [Internet]. B-Wise. 2020 [cited 2023 Sep 4].