What are the protection measures against STIs?

Height sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially among the younger population, is a concern for health care leaders. In 2022, 10.6% of new patients diagnosed with HIV were young people under 25 years of age, with 37% of them experiencing a delay in diagnosis. Likewise, 10.2% of new diagnoses were recorded this year syphilis23.8% gonorrhea and 37.6% chlamydia.

These data were presented this week new campaign who prepared Ministry of Healthto strengthen prevention and early detection, and raise awareness among young people and vulnerable populations. All with the goal of preventing these diseases from becoming a major public health problem by 2030.

Some of these STIs are of concern not only because of their increasing incidence, but also because antibiotic resistance as some strains demonstrate. For example, recent European surveillance studies have shown that strains gonorrhea isolated and resistant to the broad-spectrum antibiotic azithromycin, increased by 10 points over the year (14.2% in 2021 versus 25.6% in 2022).

In 2022, new gonorrhea diagnoses skyrocketed by 37.6%.

In these circumstances it is worth remembering that methods of protection against resistant STIs contribute to its prevention.

• First of all, it is important to complete everything testing for sexually transmitted diseases, especially if you have a new sexual partner or have had unprotected sex. These tests are a type of kit that can identify multiple pathogens in one test because they are based on DNA identification of the most common strains of STIs. Although tests can be requested from a doctor, there are also options for self-diagnosis performed at home.
• In addition, it is worth remembering that using condoms This is important for preventing STIs. This is not only a method of contraception, but also serves for the transmission of any sexually transmitted diseases transmitted through genital secretions, especially in the absence of a stable sexual partner or through sexual contact with infected people. However, it is worth remembering that condoms do not protect against STIs transmitted through skin contact, such as syphilis and genital herpes.
• To ensure maximum protection, it is recommended don’t share sex toys or, failing that, ensure that they have been properly cleaned and disinfected before use.
• There are some methods to protect yourself from STIs during oral sex, such as: “dental dam”. This is a disposable oral barrier, usually made of latex, that is placed over the vagina or anus for oral sex or contact between two vulvas. This way you can avoid direct contact, but you can still fully enjoy sexual intercourse.
• In addition to these sexual protection measures, it is worth remembering that there are preventative vaccines against some STIssuch as HAV, HBV and HPV, and also against the hepatitis A virus. For more information about this, consult your doctor.
• It is also important to support adequate and sincere communication with a partner, informing you if we suspect any symptoms or have received a positive diagnosis. In addition, the administration recommends caution when engaging in sexual activity while intoxicated, as protective measures may be impaired, and seeking counseling if any symptoms occur.