STI Awareness Week: You can have an infection and feel completely fine

…Why testing, early treatment, and breaking stigma are critical in Guyana

By Dr Tariq Jagnarine
Fam Med, Public Health

Why this matters now
This week marks STI Awareness Week, a time to highlight the importance of prevention, testing, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In Guyana, STIs remain a major public health concern. Despite increased awareness, many infections continue to spread silently, not because people are careless, but because many do not know they are infected. The reality is simple and concerning:
You can have an STI and feel completely normal

What are STIs?
STIs are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Common STIs in Guyana include:
Bacterial STIs (usually curable)
•Chlamydia
•Gonorrhoea
•Syphilis
These infections often have no symptoms, especially in women, but can lead to serious complications if untreated.
Viral STIs (manageable, not always curable)
•HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
•HPV (Human Papillomavirus): linked to cervical and other cancers
•Herpes (HSV): causes recurrent sores
These infections may stay in the body long term, but can be effectively managed with treatment.
Other common infections
•Trichomoniasis (parasite infection causing discharge and irritation)
•Hepatitis B/C affects the liver and is sexually transmissible
•Pubic lice (“crabs”): spread through close contact
Some are easily treated, while others require lifelong management.

The silent nature of STIs
One of the biggest challenges with STIs is that many infections do not cause symptoms, especially in the early stages.
Research shows that a large proportion of infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, are asymptomatic (CDC, 2021). This means individuals can carry and transmit infections without knowing they are infected. Because there are no symptoms, many people delay testing until complications develop.

When symptoms do appear
When present, symptoms may include:
•Unusual discharge
•Burning during urination
• Sores or ulcers
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain during sexual activity
However, these symptoms are often mild or mistaken for other conditions.

Complications of untreated STIs\
Untreated STIs can lead to serious health problems:
•Infertility
•Chronic pelvic pain
•Pregnancy complications
•Increased risk of HIV transmission
•Organ damage (in advanced infections like syphilis)
These outcomes are preventable with early detection and treatment.

Why people still don’t test
Despite the risks, many people avoid STI testing due to:
•Fear of results
•Stigma and embarrassment
•Lack of symptoms
•Misconceptions about risk
Some believe that STIs only affect certain groups. Any sexually-active person can be at risk.

Breaking stigma: a public health priority
Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to STI control.
When people feel judged, they delay testing and treatment. This not only affects individual health but also allows infections to spread within communities.
Normalising STI testing as part of routine health care is essential.

Testing is simple and available
STI testing is quick, confidential, and available at public health facilities across Guyana.
Testing may include:
• Blood tests
• Urine samples
• Swabs
Regular testing is especially important for:
• People with new or multiple partners
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with previous STIs

Treatment works – if taken properly
Many STIs can be cured with antibiotics if detected early. Others, like HIV, can be effectively managed with treatment.
Completing treatment and following medical advice is critical. Partners should also be tested and treated when necessary to prevent reinfection.

Prevention: What works
Preventing STIs involves:
•Consistent condom use
•Regular testing
•Open communication with partners
•Reducing stigma around sexual health
Community-based programmes and outreach strategies in Guyana have shown success in improving access to testing and prevention services (UNAIDS, 2022).

The role of public health programmes
National efforts in Guyana, including outreach, peer education, and integrated HIV/STI services, are helping to improve early detection and reduce transmission.
However, sustained effort is needed to:
•Increase testing uptake
•Reduce stigma
•Improve awareness
•Strengthen linkage to care
STIs are common, often silent, and treatable, but only if detected early. Do not wait for symptoms. Do not let fear delay your health.
Get tested. Know your status. Protect yourself and others.