21/01/2026
๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐-๐๐๐ฅ๐ค: ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ญ, & ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐!
The Department of Health โ Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) is proud to launch our newest STI information segment: ๐-๐๐๐ฅ๐ค: ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ญ, & ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐.
We believe that protecting your health starts with an honest conversation. While talking about sexual health can sometimes feel difficult, breaking the silence is the first step toward a healthier community. In this segment, we are committed to providing you with science-based facts to help you stay Safe through prevention, Smart through education, and Sure through testing.
S-Talk Episode 1: "๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ฌ."
To kick off our first episode, letโs clear up the basics. What are we actually talking about when we say "STI"?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another predominantly through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or a**l). They are caused by different types of "germs" or pathogens, specifically bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. However, it is important to know that it can also be transmitted through non-sexual means. These include:
- Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
- Infected blood or blood products
๐๐ง๐จ๐ฐ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐: ๐๐๐ ๐ฏ๐ฌ. ๐๐๐
Did you know these terms aren't exactly the same?
๐๐๐ (๐๐ง๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง): This is when germs enter the body. At this stage, there are usually no visible signs of illness.
๐๐๐ (๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐๐ฌ๐): This occurs when an infection progresses into a recognizable disease state, resulting in clear symptoms or long-term health complications.
In public health, our primary goal is to prevent and treat infections before they have the chance to develop into a disease; this is why the term STI is often used.
It is important to remember that the majority of STIs have no symptoms. A person can look perfectly healthy and feel fine while still carrying and transmitting an infection. This is why we call them "silent" infections. When symptoms do occur, common examples include:
- Vaginal or urethral discharge
- Ge***al ulcers (sores)
- Lower abdominal pain
If left untreated, the consequences of STIs can be profound, leading to:
- Infertility or ectopic pregnancy
- Neurological and cardiovascular diseases
- Increased risk of HIV
- and impact on quality of life
๐พ๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐ ๐พ๐ ๐ซ๐?
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป. Condoms used correctly and consistently are highly effective. Vaccines are also available for Hepatitis B and HPV (to prevent cervical cancer).
๐ง๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐. Infections like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis are curable. Viral STIs like HIV and Herpes are lifelong but can be managed with treatment to suppress the virus.
๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด. The only way to be 100% SURE of your status is through regular and early testing. By making testing a part of your routine, you ensure an early diagnosis, which is the best opportunity for effective treatment and the protection of your loved ones.
Don't leave your health to chance. Knowledge and early detection are the keys to a safe and sure future.
๐๐ ๐-๐๐๐ฅ๐ค, ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐จ, ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฌ๐ ๐ค๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐๐ค๐ญ๐๐๐จ.
References:
World Health Organization (WHO). Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). STI Treatment Guidelines.
