HIDDEN SEXUAL DANGERS

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are among the most common yet misunderstood health issues in the world today. Many people carry these infections without knowing, silently spreading them to others. Understanding the full range of STIs — and how they spread — is the first step to protecting yourself and those you care about.

Below is a detailed look at every known category of STI, their causes, and examples you should know.

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1. Bacterial STIs – The Silent Destroyers

These infections are caused by bacteria and can often be cured with antibiotics if detected early. Left untreated, they can cause infertility, chronic pain, or even organ damage.

• Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis)

• Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)

• Syphilis (Treponema pallidum)

• Chancroid (Haemophilus ducreyi)

• Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) (Chlamydia trachomatis – L1, L2, L3)

• Granuloma inguinale (Donovanosis) (Klebsiella granulomatis)

• Mycoplasma genitalium infection (Mycoplasma genitalium)

• Ureaplasma infection (Ureaplasma urealyticum)

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2. Viral STIs – Lifelong and Often Incurable

Viruses are more dangerous because many stay in the body for life. Some, like HIV and HPV, can lead to life-threatening complications such as AIDS or cancer.

• HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

• Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2)

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – causes genital warts and several cancers

• Hepatitis B & C – affect the liver and can spread through sexual contact

• Molluscum contagiosum (a skin infection caused by poxvirus)

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – sexually transmissible and dangerous in pregnancy

• Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) – linked to oral transmission and mononucleosis

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3. Parasitic STIs – Small but Persistent

Though often overlooked, these infections can cause itching, discharge, and skin irritation.

• Trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis) – one of the most common curable STIs

• Pubic lice (Crabs) (Pthirus pubis) – live in pubic hair and cause severe itching

• Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) – spread through close physical contact

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4. Fungal and Associated Infections

Some infections aren’t strictly classified as STIs but are still linked to sexual activity.

• Candidiasis (Yeast infection) (Candida albicans) – can affect both men and women

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) – caused by imbalance of vaginal bacteria, often triggered by sexual activity

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5. Emerging Sexually Transmitted Viruses

Modern research has revealed that some newer or rare viruses can also spread sexually:

• Zika virus

• Monkeypox virus

• Ebola virus

These infections prove that sexual transmission isn’t limited to “traditional” STDs — new risks continue to emerge as diseases evolve.

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Protect Yourself and Stay Informed

STIs don’t always show visible signs. Regular testing, responsible sexual behavior, and open communication with partners are key.
Always use protection, avoid multiple partners, and seek medical help immediately if you notice unusual symptoms such as discharge, sores, rashes, or pelvic pain.

Your health is your responsibility — don’t wait until it’s too late to act.

PARACETAMOL: EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS

Common Paracetamol Can Affect Your Liver and Kidneys

Paracetamol is one of the most trusted painkillers in homes, hospitals, and pharmacies. It eases headaches, fever, and body pain, and it’s often combined with other drugs in cold or flu medications. But what many don’t realize is that even this familiar medicine can quietly harm the liver and kidneys when used wrongly or excessively. And it’s not alone — several other everyday medicines can do the same.

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1. Paracetamol: The Silent Liver Strain

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is safe only within the recommended dose. When taken in excess, the liver produces toxic metabolites that destroy its own cells.

• Liver effects: inflammation, jaundice, and in severe cases, liver failure.

• Kidney effects: paracetamol overload can reduce kidney function, especially in dehydrated patients or those using it daily for chronic pain.
  Mixing paracetamol with alcohol or other paracetamol-containing drugs makes it far more dangerous.

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2. Painkillers (NSAIDs): Hidden Kidney Stress

Drugs like ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen are effective for pain and inflammation but can reduce blood flow to the kidneys.

• Kidney effects: long-term use can cause kidney injury, high blood pressure, or fluid retention.

• Liver effects: rare but possible, especially with overdose or prolonged use.
  People with ulcers, heart problems, or pre-existing kidney disease are most at risk.

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3. Antibiotics: Helpful but Not Always Harmless

Certain antibiotics such as amoxicillin–clavulanate, rifampicin, isoniazid, gentamicin, and vancomycin are known to affect these organs.

• Liver effects: hepatitis-like reactions or elevated liver enzymes.

• Kidney effects: inflammation and impaired filtration ability, particularly with aminoglycosides like gentamicin.
  Always complete prescribed doses — stopping early or overusing increases risk and resistance.

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4. Antifungal and Antiepileptic Drugs

Medications like ketoconazole, fluconazole, phenytoin, and valproate can overload the liver’s metabolic system when used long-term.
They may raise enzyme levels or cause fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite — early warning signs of liver stress.

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5. Herbal and Over-the-Counter Mixes

Many people assume “natural” means safe, but some herbal products contain heavy metals or unlisted chemicals that damage the liver and kidneys over time.
Even common multivitamin or tonic combinations with iron, alcohol, or unknown plant extracts can trigger toxicity when abused.

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6. How to Protect Your Liver and Kidneys

• Take only the dose prescribed or stated on the label.

• Avoid mixing drugs without medical guidance.

• Don’t combine alcohol with painkillers or antibiotics.

• Drink enough water and rest when taking medication.

• Get liver and kidney function tests if you’re on long-term drugs.

• Report unusual symptoms like nausea, yellow eyes, swelling, or reduced urination immediately.

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Final Thoughts

The goal of medicine is healing, not harm. Paracetamol and many other common drugs are safe when used correctly, but dangerous when abused. The liver and kidneys work silently every day to clean your system — protect them by using medicines responsibly and respecting the limits your body can handle.

SCHOLARSHIPS

HOW TO SECURE FOREIGN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
By Huntemen Mathew Seveho
(Reference: Emmanuel Jesuyon Thansu)

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Introduction

Securing a foreign scholarship for postgraduate studies can transform your life — academically, professionally, and financially. Many dream of studying abroad but are often discouraged by the fear of high tuition fees and complex application procedures. The truth is, thousands of scholarships, assistantships, and studentships exist globally for determined applicants — if you know how to find and prepare for them.

Here’s a practical guide that breaks down what you need to do to win a scholarship abroad and make your academic dream a reality.

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1. Define Your Goal

Before diving into applications, start by defining your goal clearly.

• Make a list of at least three research areas you’re passionate about — ideally, they should connect to your academic background or professional experience.

• If you plan to switch research direction, be prepared to justify your transition convincingly to your potential programme administrators.

• Many postgraduate programmes are multidisciplinary, meaning they welcome applicants from various academic fields.

Your focus determines your fit, and clarity sets you apart from other applicants.

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2. Get Informed

Information is your greatest asset when pursuing scholarships. Start early — ideally before you graduate — but even if you’re already done, it’s never too late.

• Research target countries, universities, faculty members, admission requirements, deadlines, and application procedures.

• Use Google wisely — sometimes a few smart searches are all it takes to find open opportunities.

• Choose your destination country carefully. Some countries make it easier to find jobs or stay after graduation if that aligns with your long-term goals.

• Your supervisor matters more than you might think. A supportive, responsive supervisor can shape your entire postgraduate experience. Check their publications, social media activity (especially X/Twitter), and personality through email interactions.

• To save money, target programmes with no application fees or those that waive entry tests like IELTS or GRE.

• Your NYSC year (for Nigerian applicants) is an excellent period to start taking concrete steps like preparing documents, applying for tests, or contacting supervisors.

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3. Get Prepared

Preparation distinguishes winners from dreamers. Once you have the right information, begin building your academic and professional profile.

• Strong academic background — good grades and a solid research foundation make a difference.

• Find a supervisor — write a professional email with a concise cover letter, your CV, and academic transcripts attached.

• Motivation Letter or Statement of Purpose (SOP) — clearly explain your career goals, research interests, and why you’re applying for that specific programme.

• English proficiency tests — take IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC, depending on the institution’s requirement.

• GRE/GMAT — important for some countries like the USA and Canada.

• Research proposal or plan — essential for PhD applicants.

• Community service and leadership experience — scholarships often favour well-rounded candidates who contribute to society.

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4. Popular Scholarships, Assistantships, and Studentships

Here’s a list of globally recognized funding opportunities to explore:

• Commonwealth Scholarships (Shared Scholarships highly recommended)

• MEXT (Japan)

• DAAD (Germany)

• Assistantships (USA/Canada) – often tied to supervisor funding or strong GRE performance

• Hong Kong Postgraduate Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees

• Chevening Scholarships (UK)

• The World Academy of Science (TWAS)

• MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

• Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)

• Chinese Academy of Science Scholarships

• Australia Awards

Apply widely but wisely. Tailor each application to the programme’s focus and values — personalization increases your success rate dramatically.

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Closing

Scholarship success isn’t luck — it’s strategy, persistence, and preparation. Define your vision, gather the right information, and get ready to compete at a global level. You don’t have to be perfect, but you must be prepared.

Start early. Stay consistent. Keep applying until you win.

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