The Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Condom Use webinar on Friday, 19 February 2021. The webinar took place on Microsoft Teams.

Sister Lynette Chetty from the DUT Health Clinic began the presentation on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), how they are contracted as well as how they can be prevented.

“STI or Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) is an infection that is spread through sexual contact. Young people are at an increased risk of STIs. Now, some of the most common STIs we treat at our campus health clinic are abnormal vaginal discharge, penile discharge, difficulty or pain when passing urine and difficulty and pain during sex, blisters and genital warts,” said sister Chetty.  

Sister Chetty also said that STIs are also common in drug users where they share injectable equipment such as a needle. “You need to stop the stigma around STIs. One can prevent bacterial vaginosis by refraining from using intrauterine devices, bathing with medicated soaps, sexual intercourse and so on,” she said.  

DUT’s Sister Nomusa Mhlongo focused on the usage of condoms, especially teaching on how to wear the female or male condoms as well as the benefits of doing so.

“With a female condom, you can wear it in the morning and maybe have sex in the evening. Find the correct position to insert it. Do not use oil-based lubricants on either male or female ones, as that damages the condom. Also, do not use the condom more than once, do refrain from opening the pack using any sharp objects as that can damage the condom,” she said.  

The structure of social workers at DUT who are available to assist students is as follows: there are two social workers at the clinic, two social workers at the Department of Student Counselling, one social worker at the Department of HIV/AIDS and two social workers at the Department of Housing.  

Pictured: A webinar pertaining to STIs. (Image from https://www.halza.com/en/stis/)

Nikiwe Sukazi