Sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STIs or STDs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia are on the rise worldwide. But hardly anyone talks about it. To mark STD Awareness Month, we explain why education is so important. Show
The numbers published by the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin are concerning. For many years the number of new HIV diagnoses was stable, but they have been on the rise again since 2012. In Germany, about 3,200 persons were infected with HIV in 2015. Syphilis, a disease that was considered eradicated nearly twenty years ago, was diagnosed 6,834 times in 2015, an increase of 149 % since 2009. Gonococcal infections are also escalating: In Saxony the incidence increased tenfold between 2001 and 2014 (Source). Sexually transmitted infections are a growing problem in many countries. According to the WHO, worldwide more than 1 million people a day are infected with a sexually transmitted disease. The most frequent are syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. Each year, there are an estimated 357 million new infections with one of four of these STIs (Source). Observations also confirm a high prevalence of the other more than 30 known sexually transmissible pathogens, e.g., mycoplasmas or HPV. One reason for the increase is that sexual diseases are still stigmatized and taboo even in industrialized countries. The topic is therefore less prevalent in society. That lessens the fear of infection – and for many people the need to use adequate protection. Many cases go undiagnosed.The situation is made worse by the fact that most sexually transmitted diseases cause only mild or no symptoms, so the infection often goes undetected. The risk of passing on the infection therefore rises. Furthermore, untreated infections can cause organ damage, cancer, infertility, and in pregnant women, severe damage to the child. These reasons make it very important to raise awareness about the risks and to detect infections early. Once diagnosed, all sexually transmitted infections are treatable with good results. However, the increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens worldwide remains problematic. Very few antibiotics are effective for gonococci, for example. OverviewSexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — are generally acquired by sexual contact. The bacteria, viruses or parasites that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids. Sometimes these infections can be transmitted nonsexually, such as from mothers to their infants during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles. STIs don't always cause symptoms. It's possible to contract sexually transmitted infections from people who seem perfectly healthy and may not even know they have an infection. SymptomsSTDs or STIs can have a range of signs and symptoms, including no symptoms. That's why they may go unnoticed until complications occur or a partner is diagnosed. Signs and symptoms that might indicate an STI include:
Signs and symptoms may appear a few days after exposure. However, it may take years before you have any noticeable problems, depending on the organism causing the STI. When to see a doctorSee a doctor immediately if:
Make an appointment with a doctor:
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Other kinds of infections — hepatitis A, B and C viruses, shigella infection and giardia infection — can be spread through sexual activity, but it's possible to be infected without sexual contact. Risk factorsAnyone who is sexually active risks some degree of exposure to an STD or STI. Factors that may increase that risk include:
Transmission from mothers to infantsCertain STIs — such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis — can be passed from mothers to their infants during pregnancy or delivery. STIs in infants can cause serious problems or even death. All pregnant women should be screened for these infections and treated. ComplicationsBecause many people in the early stages of an STD or STI experience no symptoms, screening for STIs is important to prevent complications. Possible complications include:
PreventionThere are several ways to avoid or reduce your risk of STDs or STIs.
Sept. 21, 2021 Which STI has few or no symptoms?Genital herpes is a highly contagious STI caused by a type of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that enters your body through small breaks in your skin or mucous membranes. Most people with HSV never know they have it, because they have no signs or symptoms or the signs and symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed.
Why are STDs considered a silent epidemic?Many cases go undiagnosed. The situation is made worse by the fact that most sexually transmitted diseases cause only mild or no symptoms, so the infection often goes undetected. The risk of passing on the infection therefore rises.
What are three risky behaviors that contribute to the STI epidemic?These behaviors include: Having anal, vaginal, or oral sex without a condom. Having sex with multiple partners, especially anonymous partners. Having sex while using drugs or alcohol.
Do all STI and STD have symptoms?Many STIs have no symptoms at all, like HIV. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.
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