Myths and truths about sexually transmitted diseases

Myths

Truths

Not many people are interested in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They are rare, and do not cause serious problems.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are a major problem. Sexually transmitted diseases include, but are not limited to, human papillomavirus infections, i.e. warts, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydial infections, urethritis, non-specific vaginitis or bacterial vaginitis, trichomonas infections, hepatitis and the particularly important HIV infection. Often, the term Sexually Transmitted Infections is used instead of the term Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), in order to include the cases of people who do not show symptoms.

STDs are treatable, although their management is complicated by the fact that they are asymptomatically transmitted, as in the case of genital herpes and warts. In addition, studies have shown that having one STD makes it easier to transmit another, such as HIV infection, during sexual intercourse.

With the advancement of medicine there is no reason to worry. STDs are treated with antibiotics.

It is true that syphilis, gonorrhea, urethritis and colpitis are treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy. For this reason, laboratory testing should be done when STD infection is suspected.

We should also take into account that many STDs do not always cause symptoms, especially in women. If not treated they can lead to serious health problems.

There is no problem of antibiotic resistance for gonococcus

Gonorrhea or gonorrhea can be treated with appropriate treatment. On a European, but also global level, the growing resistance of gonococcus to antibiotics is of particular concern.

According to the results of the European Gonococcus Antibiotic Resistance Study, the reduced sensitivity of the gonococcus to cefixime (one of the recommended antibiotics for its treatment) increased from 4% in 2009 to 9% in 2010 in 17 countries of the European Union. This observation has led to a revision of the therapeutic guidelines.

For these reasons, if symptoms persist after completion of treatment, the patient should re-visit their physician for reassessment of disease progression.

Condoms protect against all STDs

The systematic use of a condom during oral, vaginal and anal intercourse protects against urethritis, chlamydia infection, syphilis, gonorrhea, as well as against the transmission of hepatitis and HIV.

Although condoms do not completely protect against the transmission of all STDs, such as warts when they are found in the perineal area, their use remains the best option for protection against the transmission of STDs. Contraceptive use only offers protection against unwanted pregnancy, but not against STDs.

The person suffering from STDs can be seen by their behavior. You just have to know how to appreciate people.

STDs do not discriminate, any sexually active person can be infected with an STD.

If I contract a sexually transmitted disease, such as a chlamydia infection, I will know because I will have symptoms.

Many chlamydial infections may go undiagnosed due to the high proportion of asymptomatic patients (70% of women and over 50% of men). Without being tested, asymptomatic patients may transmit the infection to their sexual partners.

Chlamydia infections have no complications

Both symptomatic and asymptomatic Chlamydia Trachomatis infections have complications if left untreated. The inflammation that follows infection of the upper genital tract can lead to blockage of the fallopian tubes and infertility. In addition, blockage of the fallopian tubes, as a result of chlamydial infections, but also infections from other sexually transmitted diseases, is a significant risk factor for ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition.

The Pap test will show if I have a sexually transmitted disease

The Pap test is not specific for any STD. If transmission of an STD is suspected, it is advisable to contact your doctor so that you can undergo the appropriate diagnostic test.

I can't use a condom. I'm allergic / I can't find the right size

There are many sizes and types of condoms to suit different preferences and needs. Latex-free condoms are available for people allergic to latex. Not using a condom can lead to STD infection.

Once infected with an STD, you lose immunity, i.e. "you can't get infected again".

You can get an STD more than once, either from an untreated partner or from a new sexual partner. Treated chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis infection does not protect patients from reinfection.

If I am diagnosed with an STD, no other STD tests are needed.

You can be infected with more than one STD. It is important that the person diagnosed with an STD is also tested for other sexually transmitted diseases so that they receive the appropriate treatment. Seeking and treating sexual partners is also important.

Sexually transmitted diseases cannot be transmitted from the pregnant mother to the child.

Both syphilis and gonorrhea and chlamydial infections can be transmitted to the fetus or newborn with serious health consequences.

Two condoms are safer than one

Using two condoms is not recommended. The recommendation is to use a new condom every time you have sex.

Sexually transmitted diseases are not transmitted through oral sex

STDs are transmitted with any vaginal, anal or oral sex.

STDs mainly affect adults.

According to data from surveillance at the European level, in which our country also participates, more than 70% of the declared cases of chlamydia infections, approximately 40% of the gonorrhea cases and 17% of the syphilis infections concern young people aged 15 to 24. Also, a large percentage of people are infected for the first time by HPV, warts, in their teenage years.

Unfortunately, STDs can occur in infants and children. In most cases these are congenital infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), untreated maternal chlamydial infection is responsible for the occurrence of serious eye infections, which can lead to blindness, in more than 4000 newborns/year worldwide.

Condoms are the only way to protect against STDs.

Condoms are a great way to prevent STDs, but they're not the only way. Vaccinations against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV) play an important role in protection.

Two vaccines exist against HPV: the quadrivalent Gardasil and the bivalent Cervarix. Starting to vaccinate adolescent girls at 11-12 years of age with one of them offers protection against developing HPV infection and, therefore, against possible development of cervical cancer in the future. The quadrivalent vaccine offers some degree of protection against the development of acute warts in both girls and boys.

The HBV vaccine should be administered to people of all ages who have never been infected with HBV. It protects on the one hand from hepatitis B and on the other from hepatocellular carcinoma.

Testing for STIs can be done at any time after "suspected" contact.

Tests for STDs can be done preventively. However, in the case of a "suspicious" contact that needs to be checked, it is taken into account that for some STDs there is a "time" window that does not allow their diagnosis. The first serological tests for Syphilis (FTA) are positive at least 21 days after infection.

It is not necessary to specifically test someone for a possible STD, they can become a blood donor and the disease will be detected that way.

This view is not correct mainly for the reason that has been described in the previous paragraph. If blood donation tests are performed during the "dead window", then STD cannot be diagnosed. In this way, the health of many people is put at risk.

Genital herpes and HPV are only transmitted when there are clinically apparent lesions on the genitals.

Many patients do not know that in the case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) there is the phenomenon of its asymptomatic cell apoptosis. Based on this fact, the possibility of its transmission from the "carrier" partner to the other, without the characteristic rash, cannot be ruled out. Of course, infectivity is clearly lower when there are no lesions. The same is true for HPV.

STDs only affect the genitals.

Almost all STDs (HIV, Syphilis, etc.) present "exogenous" manifestations. In these cases, patients rarely combine the symptoms with an STD, thus delaying their diagnosis and treatment. Manifestations may occur from the oral cavity, eyes, joints, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

All rashes in the genital area indicate an STD.

Many skin diseases, which are not related to STDs, such as psoriasis, lichen planus, vitiligo, contact dermatitis, etc., can show a rash located on or around the genitals.

Myths

Truths

Not many people are interested in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They are rare, and do not cause serious problems.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are a major problem. Sexually transmitted diseases include, but are not limited to, human papillomavirus infections, i.e. warts, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydial infections, urethritis, non-specific vaginitis or bacterial vaginitis, trichomonas infections, hepatitis and the particularly important HIV infection. Often, the term Sexually Transmitted Infections is used instead of the term Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), in order to include the cases of people who do not show symptoms.

STDs are treatable, although their management is complicated by the fact that they are asymptomatically transmitted, as in the case of genital herpes and warts. In addition, studies have shown that having one STD makes it easier to transmit another, such as HIV infection, during sexual intercourse.

With the advancement of medicine there is no reason to worry. STDs are treated with antibiotics.

It is true that syphilis, gonorrhea, urethritis and colpitis are treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy. For this reason, laboratory testing should be done when STD infection is suspected.

We should also take into account that many STDs do not always cause symptoms, especially in women. If not treated they can lead to serious health problems.

There is no problem of antibiotic resistance for gonococcus

Gonorrhea or gonorrhea can be treated with appropriate treatment. On a European, but also global level, the growing resistance of gonococcus to antibiotics is of particular concern.

According to the results of the European Gonococcus Antibiotic Resistance Study, the reduced sensitivity of the gonococcus to cefixime (one of the recommended antibiotics for its treatment) increased from 4% in 2009 to 9% in 2010 in 17 countries of the European Union. This observation has led to a revision of the therapeutic guidelines.

For these reasons, if symptoms persist after completion of treatment, the patient should re-visit their physician for reassessment of disease progression.

Condoms protect against all STDs

The systematic use of a condom during oral, vaginal and anal intercourse protects against urethritis, chlamydia infection, syphilis, gonorrhea, as well as against the transmission of hepatitis and HIV.

Although condoms do not completely protect against the transmission of all STDs, such as warts when they are found in the perineal area, their use remains the best option for protection against the transmission of STDs. Contraceptive use only offers protection against unwanted pregnancy, but not against STDs.

The person suffering from STDs can be seen by their behavior. You just have to know how to appreciate people.

STDs do not discriminate, any sexually active person can be infected with an STD.

If I contract a sexually transmitted disease, such as a chlamydia infection, I will know because I will have symptoms.

Many chlamydial infections may go undiagnosed due to the high proportion of asymptomatic patients (70% of women and over 50% of men). Without being tested, asymptomatic patients may transmit the infection to their sexual partners.

Chlamydia infections have no complications

Both symptomatic and asymptomatic Chlamydia Trachomatis infections have complications if left untreated. The inflammation that follows infection of the upper genital tract can lead to blockage of the fallopian tubes and infertility. In addition, blockage of the fallopian tubes, as a result of chlamydial infections, but also infections from other sexually transmitted diseases, is a significant risk factor for ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition.

The Pap test will show if I have a sexually transmitted disease

The Pap test is not specific for any STD. If transmission of an STD is suspected, it is advisable to contact your doctor so that you can undergo the appropriate diagnostic test.

I can't use a condom. I'm allergic / I can't find the right size

There are many sizes and types of condoms to suit different preferences and needs. Latex-free condoms are available for people allergic to latex. Not using a condom can lead to STD infection.

Once infected with an STD, you lose immunity, i.e. "you can't get infected again".

You can get an STD more than once, either from an untreated partner or from a new sexual partner. Treated chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis infection does not protect patients from reinfection.

If I am diagnosed with an STD, no other STD tests are needed.

You can be infected with more than one STD. It is important that the person diagnosed with an STD is also tested for other sexually transmitted diseases so that they receive the appropriate treatment. Seeking and treating sexual partners is also important.

Sexually transmitted diseases cannot be transmitted from the pregnant mother to the child.

Both syphilis and gonorrhea and chlamydial infections can be transmitted to the fetus or newborn with serious health consequences.

Two condoms are safer than one

Using two condoms is not recommended. The recommendation is to use a new condom every time you have sex.

Sexually transmitted diseases are not transmitted through oral sex

STDs are transmitted with any vaginal, anal or oral sex.

STDs mainly affect adults.

According to data from surveillance at the European level, in which our country also participates, more than 70% of the declared cases of chlamydia infections, approximately 40% of the gonorrhea cases and 17% of the syphilis infections concern young people aged 15 to 24. Also, a large percentage of people are infected for the first time by HPV, warts, in their teenage years.

Unfortunately, STDs can occur in infants and children. In most cases these are congenital infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), untreated maternal chlamydial infection is responsible for the occurrence of serious eye infections, which can lead to blindness, in more than 4000 newborns/year worldwide.

Condoms are the only way to protect against STDs.

Condoms are a great way to prevent STDs, but they're not the only way. Vaccinations against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV) play an important role in protection.

Two vaccines exist against HPV: the quadrivalent Gardasil and the bivalent Cervarix. Starting to vaccinate adolescent girls at 11-12 years of age with one of them offers protection against developing HPV infection and, therefore, against possible development of cervical cancer in the future. The quadrivalent vaccine offers some degree of protection against the development of acute warts in both girls and boys.

The HBV vaccine should be administered to people of all ages who have never been infected with HBV. It protects on the one hand from hepatitis B and on the other from hepatocellular carcinoma.

Testing for STIs can be done at any time after "suspected" contact.

Tests for STDs can be done preventively. However, in the case of a "suspicious" contact that needs to be checked, it is taken into account that for some STDs there is a "time" window that does not allow their diagnosis. The first serological tests for Syphilis (FTA) are positive at least 21 days after infection.

It is not necessary to specifically test someone for a possible STD, they can become a blood donor and the disease will be detected that way.

This view is not correct mainly for the reason that has been described in the previous paragraph. If blood donation tests are performed during the "dead window", then STD cannot be diagnosed. In this way, the health of many people is put at risk.

Genital herpes and HPV are only transmitted when there are clinically apparent lesions on the genitals.

Many patients do not know that in the case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) there is the phenomenon of its asymptomatic cell apoptosis. Based on this fact, the possibility of its transmission from the "carrier" partner to the other, without the characteristic rash, cannot be ruled out. Of course, infectivity is clearly lower when there are no lesions. The same is true for HPV.

STDs only affect the genitals.

Almost all STDs (HIV, Syphilis, etc.) present "exogenous" manifestations. In these cases, patients rarely combine the symptoms with an STD, thus delaying their diagnosis and treatment. Manifestations may occur from the oral cavity, eyes, joints, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

All rashes in the genital area indicate an STD.

Many skin diseases, which are not related to STDs, such as psoriasis, lichen planus, vitiligo, contact dermatitis, etc., can show a rash located on or around the genitals.

Myths

Truths

Not many people are interested in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They are rare, and do not cause serious problems.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are a major problem. Sexually transmitted diseases include, but are not limited to, human papillomavirus infections, i.e. warts, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydial infections, urethritis, non-specific vaginitis or bacterial vaginitis, trichomonas infections, hepatitis and the particularly important HIV infection. Often, the term Sexually Transmitted Infections is used instead of the term Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), in order to include the cases of people who do not show symptoms.

STDs are treatable, although their management is complicated by the fact that they are asymptomatically transmitted, as in the case of genital herpes and warts. In addition, studies have shown that having one STD makes it easier to transmit another, such as HIV infection, during sexual intercourse.

With the advancement of medicine there is no reason to worry. STDs are treated with antibiotics.

It is true that syphilis, gonorrhea, urethritis and colpitis are treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy. For this reason, laboratory testing should be done when STD infection is suspected.

We should also take into account that many STDs do not always cause symptoms, especially in women. If not treated they can lead to serious health problems.

There is no problem of antibiotic resistance for gonococcus

Gonorrhea or gonorrhea can be treated with appropriate treatment. On a European, but also global level, the growing resistance of gonococcus to antibiotics is of particular concern.

According to the results of the European Gonococcus Antibiotic Resistance Study, the reduced sensitivity of the gonococcus to cefixime (one of the recommended antibiotics for its treatment) increased from 4% in 2009 to 9% in 2010 in 17 countries of the European Union. This observation has led to a revision of the therapeutic guidelines.

For these reasons, if symptoms persist after completion of treatment, the patient should re-visit their physician for reassessment of disease progression.

Condoms protect against all STDs

The systematic use of a condom during oral, vaginal and anal intercourse protects against urethritis, chlamydia infection, syphilis, gonorrhea, as well as against the transmission of hepatitis and HIV.

Although condoms do not completely protect against the transmission of all STDs, such as warts when they are found in the perineal area, their use remains the best option for protection against the transmission of STDs. Contraceptive use only offers protection against unwanted pregnancy, but not against STDs.

The person suffering from STDs can be seen by their behavior. You just have to know how to appreciate people.

STDs do not discriminate, any sexually active person can be infected with an STD.

If I contract a sexually transmitted disease, such as a chlamydia infection, I will know because I will have symptoms.

Many chlamydial infections may go undiagnosed due to the high proportion of asymptomatic patients (70% of women and over 50% of men). Without being tested, asymptomatic patients may transmit the infection to their sexual partners.

Chlamydia infections have no complications

Both symptomatic and asymptomatic Chlamydia Trachomatis infections have complications if left untreated. The inflammation that follows infection of the upper genital tract can lead to blockage of the fallopian tubes and infertility. In addition, blockage of the fallopian tubes, as a result of chlamydial infections, but also infections from other sexually transmitted diseases, is a significant risk factor for ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition.

The Pap test will show if I have a sexually transmitted disease

The Pap test is not specific for any STD. If transmission of an STD is suspected, it is advisable to contact your doctor so that you can undergo the appropriate diagnostic test.

I can't use a condom. I'm allergic / I can't find the right size

There are many sizes and types of condoms to suit different preferences and needs. Latex-free condoms are available for people allergic to latex. Not using a condom can lead to STD infection.

Once infected with an STD, you lose immunity, i.e. "you can't get infected again".

You can get an STD more than once, either from an untreated partner or from a new sexual partner. Treated chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis infection does not protect patients from reinfection.

If I am diagnosed with an STD, no other STD tests are needed.

You can be infected with more than one STD. It is important that the person diagnosed with an STD is also tested for other sexually transmitted diseases so that they receive the appropriate treatment. Seeking and treating sexual partners is also important.

Sexually transmitted diseases cannot be transmitted from the pregnant mother to the child.

Both syphilis and gonorrhea and chlamydial infections can be transmitted to the fetus or newborn with serious health consequences.

Two condoms are safer than one

Using two condoms is not recommended. The recommendation is to use a new condom every time you have sex.

Sexually transmitted diseases are not transmitted through oral sex

STDs are transmitted with any vaginal, anal or oral sex.

STDs mainly affect adults.

According to data from surveillance at the European level, in which our country also participates, more than 70% of the declared cases of chlamydia infections, approximately 40% of the gonorrhea cases and 17% of the syphilis infections concern young people aged 15 to 24. Also, a large percentage of people are infected for the first time by HPV, warts, in their teenage years.

Unfortunately, STDs can occur in infants and children. In most cases these are congenital infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), untreated maternal chlamydial infection is responsible for the occurrence of serious eye infections, which can lead to blindness, in more than 4000 newborns/year worldwide.

Condoms are the only way to protect against STDs.

Condoms are a great way to prevent STDs, but they're not the only way. Vaccinations against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV) play an important role in protection.

Two vaccines exist against HPV: the quadrivalent Gardasil and the bivalent Cervarix. Starting to vaccinate adolescent girls at 11-12 years of age with one of them offers protection against developing HPV infection and, therefore, against possible development of cervical cancer in the future. The quadrivalent vaccine offers some degree of protection against the development of acute warts in both girls and boys.

The HBV vaccine should be administered to people of all ages who have never been infected with HBV. It protects on the one hand from hepatitis B and on the other from hepatocellular carcinoma.

Testing for STIs can be done at any time after "suspected" contact.

Tests for STDs can be done preventively. However, in the case of a "suspicious" contact that needs to be checked, it is taken into account that for some STDs there is a "time" window that does not allow their diagnosis. The first serological tests for Syphilis (FTA) are positive at least 21 days after infection.

It is not necessary to specifically test someone for a possible STD, they can become a blood donor and the disease will be detected that way.

This view is not correct mainly for the reason that has been described in the previous paragraph. If blood donation tests are performed during the "dead window", then STD cannot be diagnosed. In this way, the health of many people is put at risk.

Genital herpes and HPV are only transmitted when there are clinically apparent lesions on the genitals.

Many patients do not know that in the case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) there is the phenomenon of its asymptomatic cell apoptosis. Based on this fact, the possibility of its transmission from the "carrier" partner to the other, without the characteristic rash, cannot be ruled out. Of course, infectivity is clearly lower when there are no lesions. The same is true for HPV.

STDs only affect the genitals.

Almost all STDs (HIV, Syphilis, etc.) present "exogenous" manifestations. In these cases, patients rarely combine the symptoms with an STD, thus delaying their diagnosis and treatment. Manifestations may occur from the oral cavity, eyes, joints, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

All rashes in the genital area indicate an STD.

Many skin diseases, which are not related to STDs, such as psoriasis, lichen planus, vitiligo, contact dermatitis, etc., can show a rash located on or around the genitals.

Myths

Truths

Not many people are interested in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They are rare, and do not cause serious problems.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are a major problem. Sexually transmitted diseases include, but are not limited to, human papillomavirus infections, i.e. warts, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydial infections, urethritis, non-specific vaginitis or bacterial vaginitis, trichomonas infections, hepatitis and the particularly important HIV infection. Often, the term Sexually Transmitted Infections is used instead of the term Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), in order to include the cases of people who do not show symptoms.

STDs are treatable, although their management is complicated by the fact that they are asymptomatically transmitted, as in the case of genital herpes and warts. In addition, studies have shown that having one STD makes it easier to transmit another, such as HIV infection, during sexual intercourse.

With the advancement of medicine there is no reason to worry. STDs are treated with antibiotics.

It is true that syphilis, gonorrhea, urethritis and colpitis are treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy. For this reason, laboratory testing should be done when STD infection is suspected.

We should also take into account that many STDs do not always cause symptoms, especially in women. If not treated they can lead to serious health problems.

There is no problem of antibiotic resistance for gonococcus

Gonorrhea or gonorrhea can be treated with appropriate treatment. On a European, but also global level, the growing resistance of gonococcus to antibiotics is of particular concern.

According to the results of the European Gonococcus Antibiotic Resistance Study, the reduced sensitivity of the gonococcus to cefixime (one of the recommended antibiotics for its treatment) increased from 4% in 2009 to 9% in 2010 in 17 countries of the European Union. This observation has led to a revision of the therapeutic guidelines.

For these reasons, if symptoms persist after completion of treatment, the patient should re-visit their physician for reassessment of disease progression.

Condoms protect against all STDs

The systematic use of a condom during oral, vaginal and anal intercourse protects against urethritis, chlamydia infection, syphilis, gonorrhea, as well as against the transmission of hepatitis and HIV.

Although condoms do not completely protect against the transmission of all STDs, such as warts when they are found in the perineal area, their use remains the best option for protection against the transmission of STDs. Contraceptive use only offers protection against unwanted pregnancy, but not against STDs.

The person suffering from STDs can be seen by their behavior. You just have to know how to appreciate people.

STDs do not discriminate, any sexually active person can be infected with an STD.

If I contract a sexually transmitted disease, such as a chlamydia infection, I will know because I will have symptoms.

Many chlamydial infections may go undiagnosed due to the high proportion of asymptomatic patients (70% of women and over 50% of men). Without being tested, asymptomatic patients may transmit the infection to their sexual partners.

Chlamydia infections have no complications

Both symptomatic and asymptomatic Chlamydia Trachomatis infections have complications if left untreated. The inflammation that follows infection of the upper genital tract can lead to blockage of the fallopian tubes and infertility. In addition, blockage of the fallopian tubes, as a result of chlamydial infections, but also infections from other sexually transmitted diseases, is a significant risk factor for ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition.

The Pap test will show if I have a sexually transmitted disease

The Pap test is not specific for any STD. If transmission of an STD is suspected, it is advisable to contact your doctor so that you can undergo the appropriate diagnostic test.

I can't use a condom. I'm allergic / I can't find the right size

There are many sizes and types of condoms to suit different preferences and needs. Latex-free condoms are available for people allergic to latex. Not using a condom can lead to STD infection.

Once infected with an STD, you lose immunity, i.e. "you can't get infected again".

You can get an STD more than once, either from an untreated partner or from a new sexual partner. Treated chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis infection does not protect patients from reinfection.

If I am diagnosed with an STD, no other STD tests are needed.

You can be infected with more than one STD. It is important that the person diagnosed with an STD is also tested for other sexually transmitted diseases so that they receive the appropriate treatment. Seeking and treating sexual partners is also important.

Sexually transmitted diseases cannot be transmitted from the pregnant mother to the child.

Both syphilis and gonorrhea and chlamydial infections can be transmitted to the fetus or newborn with serious health consequences.

Two condoms are safer than one

Using two condoms is not recommended. The recommendation is to use a new condom every time you have sex.

Sexually transmitted diseases are not transmitted through oral sex

STDs are transmitted with any vaginal, anal or oral sex.

STDs mainly affect adults.

According to data from surveillance at the European level, in which our country also participates, more than 70% of the declared cases of chlamydia infections, approximately 40% of the gonorrhea cases and 17% of the syphilis infections concern young people aged 15 to 24. Also, a large percentage of people are infected for the first time by HPV, warts, in their teenage years.

Unfortunately, STDs can occur in infants and children. In most cases these are congenital infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), untreated maternal chlamydial infection is responsible for the occurrence of serious eye infections, which can lead to blindness, in more than 4000 newborns/year worldwide.

Condoms are the only way to protect against STDs.

Condoms are a great way to prevent STDs, but they're not the only way. Vaccinations against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV) play an important role in protection.

Two vaccines exist against HPV: the quadrivalent Gardasil and the bivalent Cervarix. Starting to vaccinate adolescent girls at 11-12 years of age with one of them offers protection against developing HPV infection and, therefore, against possible development of cervical cancer in the future. The quadrivalent vaccine offers some degree of protection against the development of acute warts in both girls and boys.

The HBV vaccine should be administered to people of all ages who have never been infected with HBV. It protects on the one hand from hepatitis B and on the other from hepatocellular carcinoma.

Testing for STIs can be done at any time after "suspected" contact.

Tests for STDs can be done preventively. However, in the case of a "suspicious" contact that needs to be checked, it is taken into account that for some STDs there is a "time" window that does not allow their diagnosis. The first serological tests for Syphilis (FTA) are positive at least 21 days after infection.

It is not necessary to specifically test someone for a possible STD, they can become a blood donor and the disease will be detected that way.

This view is not correct mainly for the reason that has been described in the previous paragraph. If blood donation tests are performed during the "dead window", then STD cannot be diagnosed. In this way, the health of many people is put at risk.

Genital herpes and HPV are only transmitted when there are clinically apparent lesions on the genitals.

Many patients do not know that in the case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) there is the phenomenon of its asymptomatic cell apoptosis. Based on this fact, the possibility of its transmission from the "carrier" partner to the other, without the characteristic rash, cannot be ruled out. Of course, infectivity is clearly lower when there are no lesions. The same is true for HPV.

STDs only affect the genitals.

Almost all STDs (HIV, Syphilis, etc.) present "exogenous" manifestations. In these cases, patients rarely combine the symptoms with an STD, thus delaying their diagnosis and treatment. Manifestations may occur from the oral cavity, eyes, joints, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

All rashes in the genital area indicate an STD.

Many skin diseases, which are not related to STDs, such as psoriasis, lichen planus, vitiligo, contact dermatitis, etc., can show a rash located on or around the genitals.