Cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are constantly increasing and, according to the World Health Organisation, around a third are contracted by young people under 25.

According to the latest data from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (2021), in Italy there has been an increase in cases, with a + 17.6% compared to 2020. These data, explains Professor Laura Atzori, director of Dermatology at the San John of God, «come from "sentinel" centers12 throughout the national territory, of which the MST clinic of the University Hospital of Cagliari, located at San Giovanni di Dio, is part».

«Every year we receive around a thousand new patients, with an average of 150-200 visits per month - continues Professor Atzori - including patients already followed. The main infections are condylomata, which is the classic clinical manifestation of HPV infection, followed by syphilis, chlamydial and non-chlamydial urethritis and cervicitis, while actual gonorrhea is rarer. Many people have never had an HIV test and approximately 1 in 10 patients from screening tests turns out to be HIV positive."

THE SYMPTOMS – Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often manifest themselves with a very vague and non-specific symptomatic picture, such as: abnormal secretions from the genitals, pelvic pain, appearance of itching and/or growths in the regions of the genitals, anus, dysuria, pollakiuria (need to urinate several times during the day), stranguria (painful and intermittent passing of urine), pain and/or bleeding during or after intercourse.

THE NUMBERS – The numbers of STIs in Italy and in the world are important, says Professor Anna Maria Fulghesu, gynecologist and contact person for the childhood and adolescence clinic of the AOU of Cagliari, « the incidence of infections is unable to decrease , just think that every year 1 in 20 adolescents contracts an STD and for some pathologies, such as chlamydia, the incidence continues to increase ."

CONTAGION – The methods of transmission of STIs, continues gynecologist Fulgheu, «are genital, oral, anal sexual intercourse or in some cases even just skin-mucosal contact. In some cases it can occur through transfusions, contact with wounds, needle exchange, tattoos and piercings. But also the direct passage from the mother to the fetus or newborn during the periods of pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. The infection is also spread through the use of sex toys, underwear and toilets."

Growing alarm is linked, adds the director of Dermatology Laura Atzori, «to the abuse of disinhibiting and stimulating psychoactive substances, the so-called chem-sex. The increasingly early age of first intercourse, the poor or inadequate use of condoms, also because oral contraceptives are taken to avoid unwanted pregnancies, are among the most important factors in keeping the risk of contracting infections high."

Primary prevention, to prevent contagion, becomes fundamental at a young age, explains Anna Maria Fulghesu, «and must be implemented through anti-HPV vaccination before contact with the virus and anti-hepatitis B vaccination for all adolescents and young people unvaccinated adults . But also through information on HIV, as an integral part of preventive counseling, the offer of PrEP to adolescents and adults at significant risk of contracting HIV and through sexual education in clinical practice and in schools ."

To date, the level of knowledge about STIs is insufficient among young people, who often learn information about sexuality, reproduction and contraception mainly from the media and peers. True prevention, concludes Laura Atzori, "is information, being able to offer effective sexual education and awareness of the risk, which concerns each of us".

(Unioneonline/vl)

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