Sexually transmitted diseases are increasing

We are in the year 2024. Cars fly, artificial intelligence generates entire movie trailers at the expense of who knows how many natural resources that are already running out, we carry a device around with us every day that allows us to access all the world’s knowledge in 2 seconds with a few taps of our fingers, just learn to distinguish what is true and what is falsescientific information from pseudo-scientific information. One would expect – especially from a country that prides itself on keeping up with the times and is undoubtedly in the lucky part of the world – that sexually transmitted diseases would not be eradicated, but very rareUnfortunately, the reality is more complex and challenging. It is a testament to neglect and misinformation, to a government that absolutely refuses to introduce sex education in schools and is afraid to talk about sex and prevention. And the results (or rather the damage) are measurable.

Sexually transmitted diseases: The situation in Italy

Barbara SuligoiDirector of the AIDS Operation Center at the Italian National Institute of Health, stated at the XVI edition of ICAR (Italian Conference on AIDS and Antiviral Research) that the data for Italy for 2022 show a Increase in sexually transmitted infectionsespecially among young people. “For gonorrhea, about 1,200 cases were reported to the sentinel system, an increase of 50% compared to 820 in 2021. For syphilis, we went from 580 cases in 2021 to 700, an increase of 20%. This increase in numbers is not only a consequence of the greater socialization that took place after the acute phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase can also be observed compared to 2019, when there were 610 cases of gonorrhea (an increase of 100% since then), while cases of syphilis were 470, an increase of more than 50%. The same trend is observed for chlamydia: from 800 cases in 2019 to 993 in 2022, an increase of 25%,” she explains. “The most significant aspect is the involvement of young peopleespecially girls under 25: the prevalence of chlamydia in young women in this age group is 7%, while in those over 40 it is only 1%. In 3 out of 4 cases the infection is asymptomatic, so many girls are unaware of it for a long time,” she concluded.

An information problem

According to Suligoi, the problem begins with Access to information and the lack of education on prevention: “Young people often do not know where to find information and where to have the necessary examinations done. They do not regularly visit a specialist, as adults do with gynecologists and andrologists. In addition, they often rely on the Internet, with sources that are approximate or even misleading.” “These factors lead to a Cycle of ignorancewhich increases exponentially in social moments when caution and protective measures are dropped. In addition, some young people use drugs or engage in chemsex, but because these activities are considered occasional, they mistakenly do not see them as risk situations. Therefore, more information is needed, sex education in schools, clear local routes for those who need immediate advice in case of suspected sexually transmitted diseases,” she concludes comprehensively. but frighteningAlso because there are no clear paths in the area.

Tips and useful resources for preventing sexually transmitted diseases

If you are an adult and conscious, it might be a good idea to Explain prevention and what to do if you have doubts and concerns about your sexual health, to the younger and less experienced people in your life, without taboos and without judgmentwhile remaining as neutral and informative as possible. The next step is to advocate for the introduction of sexual and emotional education courses in schools, for the creation of prevention campaigns, for the training of psychologists, sexologists and gynecologists who are ready to answer all questions without alienating or intimidating. If you are unsure of what to do, it is advisable to make sure that you are healthy before engaging in any sexual behavior (including oral sex!), Have certain tests doneand ask your partner (especially if you are a casual partner) to do the same. Always seek your doctor’s advice, distinguish verified from unverified information, and avoid putting yourself and others at risk.