Top 5 sexually transmitted Disease in Nigeria

Sexually transmitted disease is also known as Venereal Diseases are diseases that are transmitted from one person to the other through sexual activity, this includes anal, vaginal or Mouth Action.

1. GONORRHEA 
Gonorrhea is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD) in Nigeria. In fact, in 1963, WHO found Lagos to have the highest gonorrhoea rate in the world? Recent surveys report gonorrhoea prevalence to be as high as 28.1%. Some studies show a clear association between gonorrhoea and male / female infertility. Penicillinase producing Neisseria gonorrhoea prevalence varies from 44.4% in Zaria to 80% in Ibadan.
There are major several complications that arise in the event that a gonorrhoea remains untreated, this could be related to the body tissues, reproductive capacity and deformities in new born.


2. HIV/AIDS 
According to UNAIDS, The number of people living with HIV in Nigeria is between 2, 600 000 – 4, 500 000 more than double the population of some states. The prevalence rate of the disease among Adults aged 15 to 49 is 3.1%. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease that has no cure currently. 
Rivers, Taraba and Kaduna are the top three states with the highest level of HIVAIDS infection in Nigeria while Ekiti, Zamfara and Bauchi has the lowest rates. Globally more than 33 million people are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS has complicated the lives of millions in Nigeria, before the advent of free antiretroviral drugs many perished. In addition, due to the high rate of stigma many infected individuals are not taking advantage of the free anti-retroviral drugs and screening programs available. While many others who are infected, unknowingly infect their loved ones because they do not know they carry the virus. 


3. Trichomonasis 
The Federal Ministry of Health reported the National average prevalence rate of 
9.8% for trichomoniasis. The condition is caused by the one-celled protozoan organism Trichomonas vaginalis which is transmitted during sexual activity. It could also be spread by sharing intimacy gadgets or the used of intimacy gadgets that have been contaminated with the disease causing organism. 
About 70 percent of people with trichomoniasis don't experience any signs or symptoms.
Having trichomoniasis can also cause genital inflammation that makes it easier to get infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or to pass the HIV virus to a sex partner.

4. Candidiasis
The Federal Ministry of Health reported the National average prevalence rate of 
9.62% for Candidiasis.
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida. There are over 20 species of Candida yeasts that can cause infection in humans, the most common of which is Candida albicans. Candida yeasts normally reside in the intestinal tract and can be found on mucous membranes and skin without causing infection; however, overgrowth of these organisms can cause symptoms to develop.


5. Syphilis
The incidence of syphilis has also gone up by 134% in men over the last five years. Syphilis.
Syphilis is a highly contagious disease spread primarily by sexual activity, including oral and anal sex.
Syphilis is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum and it is the only known sexually transmitted disease to cause madness. Yes long-term infection with syphilis can cause brain damage and blindness.
The disease can complicate the life of an individual in the long run if left untreated. There are 4 stages of syphilis each with its distinct features. 

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The truth about Staphylococcus 

By now you must have noticed that we omitted staphylococcus aureus from the list, yes unlike what you see quacks advertising in buses and vans, TVs and radio Staphylococcus aureus infection is not considered as a sexually transmitted disease,
Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria that many people have on their skin or in their nose. It can be transmitted via skin to skin contact. Although the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain has been implicated in many infections the condition has not been classified as such. 

Culled from Publichealth.com.ng