STIs: Don’t worry, go ahead and read on; you won’t catch them from reading

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), which are diseases and infections transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia infections (the most common), genital herpes, pubic lice (pediculosis), bacterial vaginosis, infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A, B, and C, and HIV infection.

Depending on the microorganism, they can be transmitted:

• Through bodily fluids (vaginal fluids, semen)
• Through contact with skin lesions
• Through close skin-to-skin or mucous membrane-to-mucous membrane contact.

STIs often present no symptoms. However, some of the most common symptoms are:

• Painful urination
• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal discharge from the genitals
• Rashes and skin lesions, especially in the genital, anal, or oral areas
• Pain or itching in the genital area, anus, or lower abdomen
• Fever, weakness, joint pain

First and foremost, DO NOT Google them.

You should definitely see a dermatologist or a specialist in sexually transmitted infections. They will diagnose the condition and recommend further tests such as blood, urine, and vaginal fluid analyses to detect the pathogen.

Most STIs are treatable. Some are treated with antibiotics and antivirals, while those caused by viruses (hepatitis, HPV, HIV) require longer-term treatment.

Notify the people you’ve had sexual contact with recently.

No, you don’t need to call Mary from prom night senior year unless you’re still in touch.

If making a phone call feels too difficult, you can always just send a text.

According to the WHO:

• Greece has seen a 120% increase in cases of early syphilis and gonorrhea between 2020 and 2022.
• Every day, one million people contract an STI, with most remaining asymptomatic.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports that from 2021 to 2022:

• Gonorrhea cases increased by 48%, Syphilis cases rose by 34%, and Chlamydia cases went up by 16%.

If you are sexually active, then:

• Use condoms: during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Get vaccinated: Vaccines for preventing Hepatitis A and B and certain types of HPV are available.

In Greece, since 2022, the HPV vaccination has been included in the National Immunization Program and is recommended for both boys and girls starting at age 9

If you have contracted an STI, there is no need to panic, as all STIs can be treated. Get well soon—and you will.

If you are in Greece, you can call the “A. Syggros” Hospital helpline on 210-72.22.222 for assistance

WHO

ΕODY [1], [2]

Mortakis Clinic