Sexual Transmitted Infections

Cancer of the cervix is a very common malignant disease in South African women. This cancer can mostly be prevented by the early detection of cancer precursors using regular screening (Pap smear) and gynecological check-ups.  Cancer of the cervix is often associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which mostly is sexually transmitted. The most common symptom of cancer of the cervix is abnormal vaginal bleeding.

"Cellulose sulphate gel appears to be "an effective vaginal contraceptive without many side effects," Dr Christine K. Mauck. In a preliminary study, Mauck and colleagues found that cellulose sulphate vaginal gel performed as well as nonoxynol-9. With time and further research, this vaginal contraceptive may become an alternative to the nonoxynol-9 based contraceptive gels currently available in the US, they suggest.