Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another mainly through sexual contact with an infected person. They are also called Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or venereal diseases.

• Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts (HPV), Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, Pubic lice/Scabies.

1. Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral) with an infected person.


2. From mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding (HIV, some others).


3. Sharing sharp objects contaminated with infected blood (razors, needles).


4. Blood transfusion with unscreened blood (now rare where screening is done).

• Boys/Men: burning or pain when urinating; discharge from the penis; itching or sores around genitals.


• Girls/Women: unusual vaginal discharge/odour; lower tummy pain; pain when urinating; sores/itching around genitals; bleeding between periods.


• Both: rashes, swollen groin, fever; HIV may have no symptoms for a long time. Some people have no signs at all.

1. Gonorrhoea (bacteria): painful urination, pus-like discharge; curable with antibiotics if treated early.


2. Syphilis (bacteria): painless sore → body rash → can damage organs if not treated; curable with antibiotics early.


3. Chlamydia (bacteria): often silent; can cause infertility if untreated; curable with antibiotics.


4. Trichomoniasis (parasite): itching, discharge; curable with medicine.


5. Genital Herpes (virus): painful blisters; not curable but medicines reduce outbreaks.


6. HPV – genital warts (virus): warts; some types linked to cancers; vaccination helps prevent certain types.

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7. Hepatitis B (virus): affects the liver; vaccine available.


8. HIV/AIDS (virus): weakens body defence; no cure, but treatment helps people live long, healthy lives.

• Health: pains, infertility, pregnancy problems, illness in newborns, cancers (HPV), liver disease (Hep B), and with HIV—reduced immunity if untreated.


• Social/Emotional: shame, stigma, bullying, fear, relationship conflicts.


• School/Finance: missed classes, cost of treatment. (These are typical FLHE learning points.)

1. Abstinence (delay sex) is the surest way to prevent STIs.


2. If a person is sexually active later in life: mutual faithfulness with an uninfected partner and correct/consistent condom use greatly reduce risk.


3. Avoid sharing sharp objects; use only sterilized barbing/beauty tools.


4. Screened blood for transfusion only.


5. Get vaccinated where available (e.g., Hepatitis B, HPV).


6. Seek correct information from teachers, counsellors, health workers.

1. Do not self-medicate. Go to a health centre/clinic for proper tests and treatment.


2. Bacterial STIs (e.g., gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis) are curable with the right antibiotics; complete the dose.


3. Viral STIs (e.g., HIV, herpes, HPV, Hep B) are not curable, but medical care, vaccines (prevention), or lifelong treatment can control them and prevent complications.


4. Inform partner(s) so they can be tested and treated.

1. Say “No” clearly and confidently to sexual pressure.


2. Avoid risky situations (private places alone with someone pressuring you, drugs/alcohol).


3. Choose friends with positive influence; talk to trusted adults (parents, teachers, counsellors).


4. Report abuse immediately to a trusted adult or authorities. (Core FLHE competencies.)

• Myth: You can get STIs from toilet seats. → Fact: STIs are not spread by casual contact.


• Myth: If there are no symptoms, there is no STI. → Fact: Many STIs have no early symptoms.


• Myth: Herbal mixtures always cure STIs. → Fact: Wrong/unsafe treatment can worsen problems—see a health worker.