Sexually Transmitted Infections: Keys To Their Prevention

Every day, more than a million people contract a sexually transmitted infection in the world.

Every day, more than a million people contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI). In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, in 2016, there were some 376 million new infections of one of these four STIs: chlamydia (127 million), gonorrhea (87 million), syphilis (6, 3 million), and trichomoniasis (156 million).

”The number of people with genital HSV (herpes) infection exceeds 500 million, and there are more than 300 million women infected with HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer. Nearly 240 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B,” details the WHO.

Beyond the immediate effect of infection, some STIs, such as herpes and syphilis, can have serious consequences: they triple or even more the risk of contracting HIV.

Every day, more than a million people contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

”STIs are spread predominantly through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some can also be transmitted by other routes, such as blood and blood products. Many of these infections – in particular syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HPV – can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

THE ROLE OF PREVENTION

For its prevention, barrier contraceptives play a fundamental role. In this sense, the latex condom is very effective in preventing STIs. Its rate of breakage or slippage during intercourse is around 2%, so failures in prevention are usually due to improper use.

Likewise, as indicated by the Ministry of Health, the female condom is also an effective barrier against semen and STIs when used properly. Among the advantages of its use, it stands out that it admits any type of lubricant, it has a lower risk of breakage, a lower risk of slipping since the external ring does not allow it, no cases of allergy have been described, it covers the external genitalia including the labia majora and The woman may decide to use it before the man has an erection.

On the other hand, spermicides and other contraceptive methods, including the diaphragm, without a mechanical barrier effect, do not serve to prevent STIs, but they do prevent unwanted pregnancies.