What infections are sexually transmitted and how to protect yourself from them – advice from the Central Health Service
The Public Health Center explained what sexually transmitted infections are and how to protect yourself from them.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a group of infections that can be contracted during sexual contact.
They are caused by various pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. There are more than 30 types of STIs that can be contracted through different types of sexual contact, point out in Central Hospital
According to statistics According to the World Health Organization, every day more than 1 million people in the world are infected with STIs, most of which may be asymptomatic.
Each venereal disease is caused by a specific microorganism. For example, gonorrhea is caused by gonococcus, trichomoniasis is caused by trichomonas vaginalis, HIV infection – human immunodeficiency virus, a syphilis – pale spirochete bacterium.
Some infections can be transmitted in other ways besides sex. For example, HIV infection, hepatitis B and syphilis – in particular, through blood. Hepatitis A – through food products, water or household items previously used by an infected person.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that such infections have a negative impact on human health and life. Some diseases (for example, HIV, hepatitis B and C) can lead to serious chronic diseases and even death.
They can also cause psychological problems in people with venereal diseases due to stigmatization and discrimination by society. .
STIs can significantly worsen sexual and reproductive health – lead to infertility, inflammation of the pelvic organs, problems with erection in men, as well as cause complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
How to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections? The CGZ advises:
- do vaccination against hepatitis B and human papilloma virus (HPV);
- give up bad habits, such as alcohol and drug use;
- avoid “casual sexual relations”;
- always correctly use condoms during any type of sexual contact and during their entire duration.
In order to detect the infection and cure it, it is necessary to undergo screenings (laboratory tests) in a timely manner. Early diagnosis of the disease makes it possible to avoid serious complications, say the Central Hospital.
Experts emphasized: for the appearance symptoms of infectionstransmitted sexually, you should immediately consult a doctor.
We used to toldhow to protect yourself from venereal infections in the conditions of war.
