The differences between gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia, sexually transmitted infections whose incidence has risen sharply

The Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII) recently published its report on the epidemiological surveillance of sexually transmitted infections in Spain. The results show that, following the rising trend in recent years, the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) also increased in 2023. We explain the differences between sexually transmitted infections: gonorrhea, syphilis, congenital syphilis, chlamydia and lymphogranuloma venereum.

What is an STI. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these types of infections are mainly transmitted by bacteria during unprotected sex. They can also be transmitted during pregnancy and childbirth, and through infected blood or blood products. They are mostly asymptomatic, but may present differently depending on the disease.

How to prevent. Using condoms is the main protection. In addition, there are other prevention methods such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment.

• PrEP is a medicine used by people who do not have HIV but may become infected if they do not use a condom.

There are many associations that offer advice and treatment, such as the Adhara Association (Seville). Abelardo Castro, its manager, explains to Newtral.es that there is a need for increased awareness, as well as a sex education and screening program for young people. This age group accounts for the majority of cases because they enjoy more sexual freedom than in the past, Castro said.

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Below, based on what is stated by the WHO, we explain the differences between these sexually transmitted infections:

Gonorrhea. It is transmitted during vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can affect the genitals, anus or throat, and the common symptom is usually a burning sensation when urinating, but this varies depending on gender. According to the report, among the cases in 2023, 80% were in men and especially in the age group of 20 and 24 years.

Syphilis. It is caused by bacteria that are transmitted during sexual intercourse, during pregnancy or through blood transfusion. There are usually no symptoms, although sometimes an ulcer appears, leading to a rash. If left untreated, it can last for many years and go through different phases. There are rapid tests to diagnose the disease.

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congenital syphilis. There are no diagnostic tests; Infants of women who have the infection should be examined to identify it. The fetus can be treated if caught early, and babies need to be examined after birth for treatment and follow-up. In Spain, seven cases of congenital syphilis were reported in 2023: five boys and two girls. The maximum was in 2007 – 11 cases.

Chlamydia. Symptoms usually appear three weeks after exposure and vary between men and women. In 2023, 36,983 cases were reported. There are equal numbers of cases among men (53.4%) and women (46.6%), with the highest rates occurring between the ages of 25 and 34.

Some strains of bacteria can cause lymphogranuloma venereum, of these, 1,807 cases were identified in 2023, with 98.3% being men. According to the WHO, it is a rare sexually transmitted infection, but there have been outbreaks in some countries.

Sources

Report on epidemiological surveillance of sexually transmitted infections in Spain, 2023.

WHO

Interview with Abelardo Castro, manager of the Adhara Association