OPEN VOICE: Students share what they know about STDs

Recently, the Education Times team visited Kigali Christian High School (KCS) and the topic for discussion was Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). The students explained what they know about STDs, how they are caused and how to prevent them. Colombe Rucyahana Mumporeze Sexual intercourse is the source of most Sexually Transmitted Infections. However HIV can be spread through breastfeeding by a sick mother. The best way to prevent these infections is abstaining, being faithful, and having protected sex. Serge Byihigiro Ishimwe, 17 People need to be educated about sex. In fact the best thing is to first have a blood test before having sex. This way your partner cannot give you wrong information about his or her health status. Flora Rose Mukobwajana Having sex is the lead cause of STDS. Sharp objects too can result into contracting these infections. In fact during birth, a mother can transmit HIV to the baby. Alan Hirwa 14, S3 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are got through having unprotected sex and they can lead to death. But sex before marriage is bad and should be avoided. Rosina Izabayo 15, S3 Having sexual intercourse with an infected person is the main cause of HIV/Aids, Gonorrhea and Syphilis. These are dangerous diseases according to what people say. I’m told when you have gonorrhoea, you feel so much pain when urinating. Shema Fredy Rwirasira I think the best way to prevent STDs is by infected people sharing with others how they got infected so that they can be cautious in whatever they do. They say two minutes of pleasure can take away someone’s life. Corine Keza, 15 You can only prevent STDS by using condoms and abstaining from sex. However, sharing sharp instruments — razors and injections — with an infected person can give you HIV. Divine Umwali, 16 The source of STDs is unprotected sexual intercourse. The only way of preventing sexually transmitted diseases is by having safe sex. I have never had sex before but I believe condoms can prevent STDs. Solange Yankukije I think mother-to-child transmission is another source of infection. They say that during pregnancy, an infected mother can transmit HIV/Aids to the child via the umbilical cord. Cassandra Agatesi 16 Drugs can sometimes lead to contracting STDS. For example, someone on drugs or alcohol may not think twice before sleeping with someone. Bad friends also have an influence and if not checked can easily mislead someone into having sex. Facts about STDs What Are STDs? STDs are sexually transmitted diseases. This means they are most often — but not exclusively — spread by sexual intercourse. HIV, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, some forms of hepatitis, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are STDs. STDs are serious illnesses that require treatment. Some STDs, such as HIV, cannot be cured and can be deadly. By learning more about STDs, you can learn ways to protect yourself. You can get a STD from vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can also be infected with trichomoniasis through contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or toilet seats, although it is more commonly spread by sexual contact. You are at high risk if: You have more than one sex partner. You have sex with someone who has had many partners. You don’t use a condom when having sex. You share needles when injecting intravenous drugs. You trade sex for money or drugs. HIV and herpes are chronic conditions that can be managed but not cured. Hepatitis B also may become chronic but can be managed. You may not realise you have certain STDs until you have damage to your reproductive organs (rendering you infertile), your vision, your heart, or other organs. Having an STD may weaken the immune system leaving you more vulnerable to other infections. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complication of gonorrhea and chlamydia that can leave women unable to have children. It can even kill you. If you pass an STD to your newborn child, the baby may suffer permanent harm or death. What Causes STDs? STDs include just about every kind of infection. Bacterial STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Viral STDs include HIV, genital herpes, genital warts (HPV), and hepatitis B. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. The germs that cause STDs hide in semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and sometimes saliva. Most of the organisms are spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but some, such as those that cause genital herpes and genital warts, may be spread through skin contact. You can get hepatitis B by sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors, with someone who has it. NB If you have a comment or want the Education Times Open Voice team to visit your school, please send an email to education@newtimes.co.rw