As lovers prepare to celebrate love on Saturday, the Gauteng Department of Health has reminded lovers that the greatest expression of love is protection.
Lovers and sexually active individuals are urged to practise safe sex this Valentine’s and avoid love without protection.
“Recent statistics show encouraging progress in the province’s fight against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and teenage pregnancies.
In 2025 calendar year (January to December), a total of 808 899 males between the ages of 15 and 49 were screened for STIs, a significant increase from 487 386 screened in 2024. During the same period, new cases of Male Urethritis Syndrome treated among males (15–49) decreased from 79 821 in 2024 to 65 144 in 2025,” said the Department.
The Department says this is an indication that more men are coming forward for testing, while a few of them actually require treatment for new infections.
There has also been a positive trend in the growing uptake of female condoms.
“This milestone signals a positive shift, showing that more women are taking control of their sexual and reproductive health, a significant improvement compared to previous years when female condom uptake was low.”
Remember lovers, real love prioritises health, prevention is always better than cure.