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Safe Access EthiopiaSTI essentials

Common. Often silent. Worth understanding.

Sexually transmitted infections can affect anyone who is sexually active. Clear information, testing and timely care protect you and your partners; Safe Access Ethiopia helps connect learning to private prevention access.

STI visual guide

Symptoms are not the whole story.

Many infections can be managed well when testing and qualified care happen early.

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The Ananika Health Solutions leadership and clinical team together
Visual lesson 1

Qualified care

Avoid guessing or self-medicating.

The correct test and treatment depend on the infection. Seek a qualified health professional.

Know when to seek care
Two Ethiopian friends having a calm conversation
Visual lesson 2

Often silent

An STI may have no visible symptoms.

Feeling well does not always rule out infection. Testing can provide clarity.

When testing helps
The ANAWASS Safe Access Ethiopia prevention vending machine
Visual lesson 3

Prevention

Barrier protection and education belong together.

Safe Access Ethiopia connects understandable guidance with discreet access to approved prevention products.

Explore private access

The essential fact

You can have an STI without knowing.

Many sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms, especially early on. Feeling healthy does not always mean an infection is absent.

Some STIs are curable. Others can be managed. Testing, accurate diagnosis and treatment from a qualified provider are the safe way forward.

Avoid self-treatment. Similar symptoms can have different causes, and incorrect antibiotics can delay proper care or contribute to drug resistance.

Know the landscape

Eight infections to know

These short summaries are orientation—not a diagnosis. Only appropriate testing and clinical assessment can identify an infection.

Chlamydia

Bacterial

Often has no symptoms. Curable with the right antibiotics prescribed by a qualified provider.

Gonorrhoea

Bacterial

Can affect the genitals, rectum or throat. Drug resistance makes correct testing and treatment important.

Syphilis

Bacterial

May begin with a painless sore and later become difficult to notice. Curable, but serious if untreated.

Trichomoniasis

Parasitic

A common curable infection that may cause discharge or irritation, but can also be silent.

Herpes

Viral

Can cause recurring sores, but many people have mild or unrecognized symptoms. Treatment can reduce outbreaks.

HPV

Viral

Very common. Some types cause genital warts; others can cause cancers. Vaccination prevents many high-risk types.

Hepatitis B

Viral

Affects the liver and can be sexually transmitted. A safe, effective vaccine is available.

HIV

Viral

Affects the immune system. It is manageable with treatment and preventable with multiple proven tools.

Possible symptoms

  • Unusual discharge
  • Burning or pain when urinating
  • Sores, blisters, ulcers or warts
  • Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Pain during sex
  • Rash or swollen lymph nodes

These symptoms can have causes other than an STI. A qualified provider should assess them.

Consider testing even without symptoms

  • After sex without a condom or a condom break
  • When starting a new sexual relationship
  • If a partner has an STI or possible symptoms
  • During pregnancy or when planning pregnancy
  • When a healthcare professional recommends routine screening

Prevention

Layer your protection

Use condoms correctly

Condoms are one of the most effective tools for preventing HIV and many STIs when used consistently and correctly.

Test when appropriate

Testing can find infections that have no symptoms and allows timely care.

Use available vaccines

Vaccines prevent hepatitis B and many types of HPV. Ask a qualified provider what is appropriate for you.

Talk before treatment

If an STI is diagnosed, follow professional guidance about treatment, partners and when sexual activity can safely resume.

Testing

The right test depends on the infection and the timing.

Testing may use blood, urine or a swab, depending on the infection and the part of the body that may have been exposed. A single test does not check for every STI.

Tell the healthcare provider about the type and timing of exposure. This helps them choose the appropriate tests and decide whether follow-up testing is needed.

Confidential care matters. You deserve respectful explanations, informed consent and clear next steps.

Seek professional care

Early care protects more than today.

Untreated STIs can cause complications including infertility, pregnancy complications, chronic pain and increased HIV risk. Correct diagnosis also helps prevent reinfection and transmission.

Severe pelvic or testicular pain
Sores, rash or discharge after a recent exposure
Possible exposure during pregnancy

For severe symptoms, pregnancy concerns or time-sensitive HIV exposure, seek qualified care promptly.

Prevention should be easy to access.

Safe Access Ethiopia connects reliable education with discreet access to approved prevention products through the ANAWASS machine.

See Safe Access EthiopiaHIV essentials

Trusted sources

WHO: Sexually transmitted infections WHO: STI prevention Ethiopian Ministry of Health

Clinical-content approval is required before production launch. This page is educational and does not replace professional medical advice.