How STIs can lead to mental problems – BBNaija’s Faith

A medical doctor and former Big Brother Naija housemate, Faith Adewale, has raised concerns over the long-term effects of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), warning that some untreated infections can lead to serious mental health problems.

Adewale made the claim while featuring on a recent episode of The Clarity Zone podcast, co-hosted by media personality Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, popularly known as Nedu Wazobia.

According to him, certain STIs, particularly syphilis, can progress to a dangerous stage known as neurosyphilis, which directly affects the brain and mental functioning if left untreated.

“Do you know STIs can cause mental problems? There is something called neurosyphilis, the third stage of syphilis,” Adewale said during the podcast. “There are many things that can lead to mental issues. A lot of people with mental health problems, some of them have STIs.”

He explained that neurosyphilis occurs when the syphilis infection spreads to the brain and nervous system, leading to symptoms that may affect thinking, behaviour and emotional stability.

“Neurosyphilis affects your brain. It affects the way you process things,” he added.