S A Government urges the sexually active to seek treatment for infections

Ms Mahlangu said in a statement her department had found:

In 2014/15‚18‚086 people visited public health facilities with sexually transmitted infections (19‚416 in 2013/14);

The incidence of STIs (in 2014/15) was 33‚4% (males) and 66‚4% (females);
The most affected age groups are 25 to 29 years for both males and females; and
More female are attending public health facilities than males‚ which is why the incidence of 'STI treated new episode seems to be higher than males'.

Genital blisters without ulceration‚ genital ulcers and genital warts are among the most common STIs.

She encouraged people not to ignore signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections.

"If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection‚ get it checked out as soon as possible. You can visit a health clinic in your area to find out exactly what you have and how you can treat it."

STIs are preventable and many are treatable‚ she said. Early access to care helps prevent further transmission to partners and from mother-to-child‚ acquisition of additional STIs‚ and decreases the risk of STI-related complications.

Where possible‚ STI screening and prevention should become routine and integrated into all health visits and ensuring partners are also tested and treated is an important way of controlling the spread of this infection‚ Mahlangu said.