Practice ABCDE to avoid STIs
The Social Hygiene Clinic (SHC) here advised the public to practice “ABCDE” to avoid being infected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The “ABCDE” is an acronym which stands for absenteeism, be faithful, correct/consistent condom use, don’t use drugs, and early detection/treatment.
SHC physician Ma Odeta Villaruel said that STIs could be prevented if the public are aware of these safety tips.
SHC recorded a total of 1,189 STI cases from January to April this year. Of the number, 1,094 are sex workers while 95 are walk-in clients composed of private individuals.
For sex workers, both commercial and freelance, 36 were positive of gonorrhea, 922 were non-gonochocal, 75, bacterial vaginosis, and 16 were fungal.
On the other hand, for walk-in clients 39 were positive of gonorrhea, 46, non-gonochocal, three with bacterial vaginosis and seven were fungal.
Villaruel said these positive cases are currently being treated.
She said every year the SHC conducts lecture seminars to all sex workers in the city so they would be aware of the risks of their job.
Once found positive of STI, a patient will undergo counseling, Villaruel said.
The patient is also advised to temporarily stop working, she added.
Club owners or managers who allow or tolerate sex workers found positive of STI will face closure.
Villaruel urged sex workers to have regular or weekly smearing test at the SHC or at the Process Foundation along Muelley Loney Street .
For the test, the SHC is only asking a donation of P10 for the sex workers while P30 for walk-in clients.
