By Arret Jatta
Understanding the facts about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) is crucial to maintaing a healthy lifestyle and a good health condition.
STI is an infection or condition that one can get from any kind of sexual activity involving your mouth, anus, vagina or penis. Another common name for STIs is sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs.
Common STI symptoms include itching and burning around your genital area. The good news is that most STI treatments can cure the infection, but not all types. You can get an STI again, even after treatment to cure it.
What are the Common STIs in The Gambia?
A study carried out over three decades ago, shows The Gambia’s prevalence of infection with Candida albicans was 35%, Trichomonas vaginalis 32%, Chlamydia trachomatis 6.9%, Neisseria gonorrhoeae 6.7% and Treponema pallidum 1%.
It further shows that a study on STIs focusing on the general population showed that 28% of women and 5% of men were HSV2 ELISA positive while 10% of women and 2% of men were positive for syphilis. Another study in the general population revealed that the prevalence of HIV was 6.7%, while that of hepatitis C (HCV) was 2.1%, with both infections occurring more frequently in males than in females.
However, a recent study publisned in 2023, “Prevalence of five treatable sexually transmitted infections among women in Lower River Region of The Gambia”, archived specimens from 420 women aged 15 − 69 years living in The Gambia enrolled in a clinical trial of human papilloma virus vaccine schedules were tested in this study.
Urine samples were tested for C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, T. vaginalis and M. genitalium using a commercially available, open-platform multiplex PCR kit. Overall, 41/420 (9.8%) women tested positive for at least one STI. 32 (7.6%), 9 (2.1%), 1 (0.2%), 1 (0.2%) and 0 (0.0%) tested positive for T. vaginalis, C. trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium and T. pallidum, respectively.
The WHO-The Gambia annual report 2017, stated that Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is endemic in The Gambia, with 15% to 20% of the population being chronic carriers and surveillance for HIV reveals a decline in prevalence from 1.6% in 2012 to 1.4% in 2016.
According to the latest UNAIDS estimates (2023 data, published in the 2024 Global AIDS Report), in Gambia, 1500 people were newly infected with HIV (an incidence of 0.53 per 1000 uninfected population). 26 000 people were living with HIV (prevalence of 1.4% among adults aged 15-49).
Common STIs in The Gambia and their symptoms
Candida albicans which is said to be the most common STI in Gambian women is also said to be the most prevalent cause of fungal infections in people. Its species name, albicans, comes from the Latin word for “white.” The yeast appears white when cultured on a plate. The symptoms of Candida albicans include:
- Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva,
- a burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
- Redness and swelling of the vulva, Vaginal pain and soreness,
- Vaginal rash, thick white odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance and Watery vaginal discharge.
Treatment: Candida infections usually can be eliminated with a short treatment. The antifungal drug fluconazole can be used in many cases.
Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually develop within a month of infection. But up to half of all people will not develop any symptoms (though they can still pass the infection on to others). The symptoms of trichomoniasis are similar to those of many other STIs so it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. It is treatable and curable, usually with antibiotics.
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a type of bacterium – Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It usually spreads through vaginal, oral or anal sex. Gonorrhoea is treatable and curable with antibiotics. Most cases of gonorrhoea can be prevented with regular and correct condom use. Gonorrhoea causes different symptoms in women and men. Women often feel no symptoms, but untreated infection can lead to infertility and problems during pregnancy.Common symptoms in men include pain or burning when urinating, discharge from the penis and sometimes pain in the testes.
Gonorrhoea is curable, and it is treated with antibiotics called cephalosporins. These include:
- ceftriaxone, usually given by injection and is the preferred treatment
- cefixime, usually given orally with another antibiotic, azithromycin, but only when ceftriaxone is not feasible.
Treponema pallidum, also known as syphilis, is a sexually transmitted infectious (STI) disease caused by the bacterium – Treponema pallidum. This bacterium causes infection when it gets into broken skin or mucus membranes, usually of the genitals. Syphilis is most often transmitted through sexual contact, although it also can be transmitted in other ways.
The symptoms of syphilis are white or grey warty growths most commonly on your penis, vagina or around your anus. a rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet that can sometimes spread all over your body. This is not usually itchy, white patches in your mouth, flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headaches and tiredness.
Treatment: Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, which you may have as injections, tablets or capsules.
What are the ways to prevent STIs?
- Condoms when used correctly and consistently, are among the most effective method of preventing most sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and unplanned pregnancies and the only method of contraception that can do both.
- Abstaining from vaginal, anal, or oral sex. This is the only way to completely avoid STIs.
- Getting vaccinated. Vaccines are recommended for some people to prevent hepatitis B and HPV.
- Avoid having more than one sex partners.
- Regular testing. You and your partner should get tested and share your results.
- Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have an STI.
In The Gambia, like anywhere else, fighting sexually transmitted infections involves practicing safe sex, getting regular testing, and openly discussing sexual health with partners. These steps are crucial in preventing the spread of STIs and promoting overall sexual health in the community.
It is also crucial to promote safe sex practices, and foster open communication about sexual health among individuals and communities. These strategies can help prevent the transmission of STIs and contribute to a healthier population.
