The provincial health department is cautioning residents to engage in safe sexual behaviour during February, which is Sexual and Reproductive Health Month, as well as Pregnancy Awareness Month.
This comes as the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has noted an increase in STI infections. It says that between April and December 2023, a total of 167 109 males presented at public health facilities across the province and 67 400 (40%) were treated for Male Urethritis Syndrome (MUS).
The MUS data reflects newly acquired STIs. In 2020, the MUS rate in the province was recorded at 12% and increased to 15% in 2023.
MUS symptoms include a discharge, as well as a burning sensation when urinating and may, if left untreated include pain and swelling of the testes.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has urged the public to make use of the free male and female contraceptives at department facilities.
“In terms of the high MUS incidence recorded in the mentioned areas, we have identified behavioural factors that contribute to the high Male Urethritis Syndrome. The contributory factors include high rates of unsafe behaviour such as non-use of condoms whilst engaging in vaginal or anal sex, multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, high levels of substance use and cultural norms,” she said.
Region 7 Bronkhorstspruit was one of the several sub-districts that indicated increased MUS numbers.
The GDoH said this region includes farming areas, where cultural norms hinder the uptake of services, especially among men.
Pregnant women are encouraged to start early antenatal care as soon as they realise they are pregnant for thorough screening of any STI, and appropriate and timely treatment for those who test positive will be available.
“Between April and December 2023, 1 255 out of 66 377 pregnant women who presented at our facilities for antenatal care for the first time tested positive for syphilis. If left untreated in pregnant women, syphilis can have adverse outcomes for the growing baby, as well as increased morbidity in the mother. It can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy (congenital syphilis), leading to stillbirths, health complications, congenital deformities and even infant death,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
The department also noticed an increase in women being initiated on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an antiretroviral drug prescribed for HIV-negative people to prevent them from becoming infected with HIV.
“We believe the high uptake of PrEP among women has led this group to have unprotected sex, resulting in high incidences of MUS. The studies have reported that STI incidence is also high among young women receiving PrEP.
“We would like to encourage more males to get initiated on PrEP to protect themselves against STIs. Additionally, both men and women who are on PrEP should use condoms to protect themselves against STIs, HIV and unwanted pregnancies,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.