Red December: are we talking about STIs?

Younger people abandon the use of condoms, while the number of infected people increases and is worrying. Red December is the national campaign in the fight against the HIV virus, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (sexually transmitted infections). There are those who think that the issue is already resolved, but it is easy to refute this. All we have to do is observe […]

Younger people are abandoning the use of condoms, while the number of infected people is increasing and is a cause for concern

Red December is the national campaign in the fight against the HIV virus, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (Sexually Transmitted Infections). There are those who think that the issue is already resolved, but it is easy to refute this. Just look at the rising number of cases in Brazil and around the world. According to the 2022 Epidemiological Bulletin of the Ministry of Health, this growth was 15% between 2020 and 2021: syphilis, for example, went from a rate of 59.1 cases per hundred thousand to 78.5 in this interval of time.

Higher numbers among young people

The growth was observed in all age groups, but young people between 15 and 24 years old are more sensitive due to a worrying trend: the abandonment of the use of condoms during sexual intercourse. Possible reasons include problems such as behavioral changes, lack of adequate sexual education and difficulties in accessing information and prevention methods.

Data from the Ministry of Health indicate that 52 thousand young people affected by HIV have developed AIDS in the last decade. At the same time, condom use among this age group dropped from 47% in 2017 to 22% in 2019. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of relationship apps that indiscriminately encouraged the practice of sex without condom.

Different types of sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can vary in symptoms and severity, as explained by gynecologist and obstetrician Alexandre Silva e Silva. “Some examples include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, HPV, and HIV. Each has distinct characteristics, but it is important to note that some may be asymptomatic. Using protection, such as condoms, is critical to preventing transmission.”

In terms of severity, sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and syphilis are often considered more concerning, due to the long-term health consequences they can have. “HIV can lead to AIDS, compromising the immune system, while syphilis, if left untreated, can cause serious damage to internal organs. The severity, however, also depends on the stage of the disease and individual factors”, warns the doctor.

“All sexually transmitted diseases deserve attention, and prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential.”

Is there a difference between men and women?

Silva responds that yes, the severity of STDs can vary between men and women. This is mainly due to anatomical and biological differences. “In women, some sexually transmitted diseases can lead to gynecological complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and pregnancy complications. In men, some infections can affect the prostate.”

However, the expert points out that infections can have a significant impact on both sexes. The severity, he said, changes based on factors such as early diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment, regardless of gender.

How to recognize the common symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases?

According to Silva, symptoms vary, but he lists some common signs.

• Abnormal discharge: may be yellowish, greenish or have a strong odor
• Itching or genital irritation: may indicate infections such as candidiasis or trichomoniasis;
• Pain when urinating or during sexual intercourse: common symptom in infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia;
• Genital lesions or sores: Genital herpes can cause painful ulcers;
• Skin rashes: These can occur in several sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis;
• Cold symptoms: Some STDs, such as early HIV, can cause flu-like symptoms.

“It is important to remember that some STDs can be asymptomatic. If there are any concerns, it is vital to seek guidance from a healthcare professional for appropriate testing and counseling.”

Asymptomatic, what do you mean?

Yes, some STDs can be asymptomatic. This means that a person can become infected without showing obvious signs. “Examples include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV and HIV in the early stages. This can influence the diagnosis, as someone may not realize they are infected and therefore not seek treatment,” explains the professional.

We can therefore reaffirm that early diagnosis is essential to avoid complications. Regular testing is essential, especially for those in higher risk groups. “Timely treatment, if necessary, not only helps the affected person, but also helps prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Awareness of the importance of regular testing and the use of protection are key measures in the management of sexually transmitted diseases “, he advises.

How often should I take exams?

The frequency of screening tests for STIs depends on several factors, including age, sexual activity, and the presence of new or multiple sexual partners. Silva lists some general recommendations.

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Annual testing is recommended for sexually active adults with multiple partners or new partners.
• Syphilis: Regular testing may be annual or more frequent, depending on risk factors.
• HIV: Regular testing is recommended for sexually active people, especially if they belong to groups considered to be at higher risk.
• HPV: Screening may include Pap smears and HPV testing, generally starting in adulthood and following medical advice.

How sexually transmitted diseases are treated

Treatment varies depending on the type of infection. Some common options include antibiotics, used to treat bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis; antivirals, recommended for viral infections, such as genital herpes and HIV; and antifungal drugs, used for fungal infections, such as candidiasis.

Treatment of HIV/AIDS generally involves antiretroviral therapy (ART). “This therapy aims to suppress the replication of the virus, reducing the viral load in the body,” describes the specialist. Nothing replaces the doctor’s eye. Even if information is now easily accessible, medical supervision is irreplaceable, especially indications on the dosage and duration of treatment to guarantee its effectiveness. “Side effects can vary and it is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor, but many treatments are well tolerated,” concludes Silva.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.