Throughout Europe infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia grow at alarming rhythms. Prevention, early diagnosis and use of condoms remain fundamental.
The sexually transmitted infections (IST) They return to scare in Europe and Italy, with numbers in worrying rise that ask urgent questions about prevention, awareness and risk behaviors. The alarm launched are the data released by the European Center for the prevention and control of diseases (ECDC) and also confirmed by the latest edition of ICAR, the Italian Conference on AIDS and Antiviral Research.
Gonorrhea and syphilis: exponential increase and antibiotic-resistance risk
According to the ECDC, in 2023 the cases of gonorrhea They touched 100,000 altitude in the European Union, marking a 31% increase compared to the previous year and over 300% since 2014. This bacterial infection, if not diagnosed and carefully treated, can have serious consequences such as infertility, especially in women. To arouse further concern is the growing resistance of gonococcus to antibiotics, which complicates therapies and could turn into a real global health emergency. It is not better for the syphilisthe venereal disease that in the past centuries has reaped illustrious victims such as Charles Baudelaire and Paul Gauguin, just to make some famous example: in Italy there has been an increase greater than 50% from 2019, while in Europe the contacts exceed 41,000 cases (+13% in a year). Syphilis may seem to disappear after the first symptoms, often ulcers or small genital injuries, but without adequate care The bacterium spreads into the bodyattacking heart, nervous system and compromising pregnancies and fertility.
Clamidia: the most widespread infection among young people
Among the IST, clamidia continues to dominate by diffusion: over 230,000 cases in Europe, hitting young women in particular. Often asymptomatic, the clamidia It can seriously damage the reproductive system, leading to infertility or extrauterine pregnancies. Just think that about half of the medically assisted procreation procedures in Italy is linked to outcomes of previous infections. At the basis of this surge of contagions there are unprotected sexual practices, poor use of prophylactic and high -risk behaviors, such as the so -called chemsex – The practice of taking drugs to enhance sexual performance, widespread especially among men who have sex with men. To complicate the picture contribute stigma and embarrassmentwho push many young people to avoid talking about prevention or neglecting regular medical checks. From the AIDS Operations Center of the Istituto Superiore di Sanitàthe recommendation is always the same: the use of condoms, which remains the only truly effective prevention tool. Proposing it to the partner is an act of responsibility towards oneself and others.
Symptoms not to ignore and regular checks
Many Ists manifest themselves with subtle signals: abnormal secretions, pain during urination, small genital ulcers or unusual bleeding. In the case of syphilis, initial lesions can heal spontaneously, giving the illusion of a resolution, but the bacterium remains active. And if gonorrhea and chlamydia can compromise fertility Already at a young age, it should not be forgotten that the risk also concerns those who, thanks to chemistry, prolongs sexual activity well over 50 years. In an era in which information is within the reach of smartphones, it surprises how much the disinformation persists on the risks of transmissible infections with vaginal, anal and oral relationships. The contraceptive pill does not protect against viruses and bacteria, And shame must not be an obstacle: to make regular checks and contact the doctor immediately in case of doubts can avoid dramatic consequences on the long term. With the summer at the gates, between sudden flirts and minor inhibitions due to alcohol, the message cannot be clearer: IST do not distinguish age or sexual orientation. The real difference make it aware behaviors, correct use of condoms and periodic screening visits. Because, as history and chronicle teach, an old neglected enemy can go back to making us very badly.
