According to the WHO, more thanone million cases of sexually transmitted infections are recorded every day around the world. “Worryingly, even though we have never had so much information on how to prevent these diseases, infection rates are still very high all over the world.”, says the organization. Nevertheless, it remains possible to cure four of them: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichonomasis. But since 2020, screenings for sexually transmitted infections have been falling, which raises fears of delays in diagnosis or an increase in cases linked to a greater circulation of these infections.
Especially since too many misconceptions still circulate about STIs. The first is based on the idea that all sexual infections have symptoms. This is false: 70% of female STIs are asymptomatic. In this case, the infection cannot be detected other than by screening. For example, chlamydia – the most common STI in women and especially in young women – is asymptomatic in nearly half of cases. We are talking about a silent infection. In women, the symptoms (when they are present) are discreet: whitish vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, more marked pelvic pain during menstruation…
Lingering infections can make you sterile
If some people think that all STIs end up disappear without treatment, this is again false. Most infections are treated with antibiotics, and leaving them lying around is never a good thing. “Like other infections, the longer an STI goes untreated, the more serious the potential health implications become.“, says gynecological health expert Valentina Milanova to Stylist. Blindness, neurological manifestations, sterility, transmission from mother to child in the event of pregnancy or congenital malformations… Untreated STIs are not without consequences.
Other misconceptions remain around the means of contraception. Especially around the use of condoms and their effectiveness against STIs. If it is generally effective against infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, it is still possible to catch herpes, genital warts or even syphilis despite protected sexual intercourse. “That’s why it’s important to make sure you and your partner get tested regularly, even if you use a condom during sex.”continues Valentina Milanova.
Likewise, the birth control pill is ineffective against STIs. If it makes it possible to prevent a pregnancy, it does not make it possible in any case to limit the risks of transmission of chlamydia, gonorrhea and other syphilis or herpes.
Who is affected by STIs?
Contrary to what many may believe, young people who have frequent sex with several people are not the only ones to be affected by these STIs. Anyone who is sexually active can contract a sexually transmitted disease, regardless of age or sexuality. “The stigma faced by people with STIs can be traumatic“, recalls the WHO.
These infections are transmitted mainly through sexual contact, especially during vaginal, anal or even oral sex. The only way to be sure of the presence of an STI is to be screened regularly, at least once a year.
Sources:
- Everything you need to know about the four main curable sexually transmitted infectionsWHO
- Sexual health week: 5 common myths about STIs that need to be dispelled, StylistOctober 2022
