In the wake of rising cases of sexually transmitted infections globally, a trado-medical practitioner, Victor Ayoola, has compelled women to embrace routine medical check-ups to reduce infection risk.
Specifically, the fertility expert suggested a comprehensive check of the reproductive organs at least twice a year.
Ayoola made this known in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday.
The World Health Organization recently raised alarm on the STI surge, reporting one million new cases among adults aged 15-49 in 2022, reaching eight million, with about 230,000 syphilis-related deaths.
WHO reports this to be the highest increase in America and Africa region.
The global body is particularly worried about the coincidence of this increase with a recorded insufficient decline in the reduction of new HIV and viral hepatitis infections globally.
Expressing concern about the situation in Nigeria, Ayoola stated that the scourge was assuming a public health issue and a threat to Sustainable Development Goals.
He stressed the need for women to take care of themselves more than ever, tasking the government at different levels to strengthen sensitisation and awareness on prevention measures for both men and women.
He said, “The more people are aware, the more they are informed and circumspect. It must also be noted that Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer is quite rampant, hence a need for more caution and hygiene procedures.
“Simple domestic practice will avert many things. Avoid repeating panties, clean the private part after urinating, change pads and clean up during monthly flow, dildo and vibrator which are now the order of the day should be made clean and not shared with anyone, and most importantly, avoid unprotected sex”, he advised.
Ayoola who deals mainly in women’s health reiterated the need for promoting preventive measures against the scourge, as part of his commitment to sexual wellness.
He further cautioned against abuse of traditional medicine by women desperate for solutions to fertility challenges, urging them to engage professional naturopaths for cases to avoid aggravating their condition.