February 14, in addition to Valentine’s Day, is the European Sexual Health Day, although few people are aware of it. However, it is worth remembering, because sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to grow, and a lot, in our country. Especially among those under 25 years of age, but they have also increased in those of 30, 40 and 50 years. The reason? The risk is underestimated and protective measures are not taken.
However, contracting an STI and not treating and diagnosing it in time involves health risks. It can cause menstrual disorders, pelvic pain and affect the reproductive system and cause abortions or infertility problems. In the case of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), it can generate lesions that favor the development of cancer. But most women believe that this issue does not concern them, since they do not know of cases in their environment or they believe that their friends have not been infected”, explains Dr. Antonella de Ponte, gynecologist at Dexeus Mujer. However, they are unaware that STIs do not always cause symptoms, and when they do exist, they are not always visible. In addition, infected people do not know it, or do not usually tell it and do not always inform their partners, especially if they are in sporadic relationships, which facilitates its transmission, ”she adds.
For this reason it is important to take preventive measures and carry out specific control checks, especially if we are in risky relationships or do not know if our partner may be infected. If you want to find out, consult your gynecologist, and if you have recently had a risky relationship and do not know if you may have been infected with an STI, at our center we offer a Visit Service in a maximum of 24 hours.
These are the most frequent, viral and non-viral:
non-viral STIs
Chlamydia
It is caused by a bacterium. It is more common among women under 25 years of age. It affects the genital organs, the rectum and the throat. It is often asymptomatic. For this reason, in our center we offer to do a specific test to all young people who already have sexual relations when they come to visit each other. If left untreated, it can cause health problems and affect the reproductive system.
Symptoms. Some of its symptoms, if present, are: the need to urinate more frequently and a burning sensation when doing so, altered vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles or after vaginal penetration, discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, abdominal pain, low back pain and fever.
How can it be prevented and treated? The correct use of condoms is the only method that can help reduce its transmission. … full text