21 February - Infection Prevention Day, sexually transmitted

Infections, sexually transmitted (STIs) – это группа инфекционных заболеваний, which are transmitted mainly through sexual contact from a sick person to a healthy one. STIs include: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydial and mycoplasma infection, trichomoniasis, herpes and human papillomavirus infection of the genitals.

Moreover, during sexual intercourse, besides STIs, viral hepatitis B and C are transmitted, as well as some other diseases (scabies, pubic lice, molluscum contagiosum). Today it is known 30 diseases, which can be sexually transmitted.

Besides, such an infection is transmitted sexually, like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), disease-causing, called AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

Among women reproductive age disease, sexually transmitted infections can cause various sexual dysfunctions, infertility, ectopic pregnancy; lead to miscarriages, premature birth, congenital malformations of the fetus, stillbirth, infection of the fetus with STIs and HIV. In men STIs also contribute to the development of infertility and sexual dysfunctions, up to impotence.

The main source of STI and HIV infection is a sick person. However, the source can often be an outwardly healthy person - a carrier of infection.. The route of transmission is predominantly sexual.

Should be understood, what you cannot get STIs and HIV infection when handshakes, hugs, friendly kiss, using a drinking fountain, phone, through food, handrails in public transport, pool or pond water. These infections are also not spread by insect bites..

In men the most common manifestations of an STI are discharge from the urethra, itching, burning and soreness when urinating, rashes (ulcers, bubbles) on the genitals, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, pain in the testicular area.

Among women many STIs are very often latent, not showing myself in any way. In some cases, unusual vaginal discharge may appear (abundant, frothy, curdled, with an unpleasant odor), itching, burning, irritation in the genital area, soreness during urination and intercourse, pain down life, sores appear on the genitals, bubbles, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, the menstrual cycle is disrupted.

Besides, like men, so women may develop a rash on the body, palms, soles, hair loss, swelling and joint pain, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, rashes in the mouth.

When infected with STIs, clinical symptoms do not always and do not immediately appear. Each infection from this group has its own duration of the "latent period" (incubation), during which there are no complaints and symptoms, and the infected person continues to be sexually active, ie. leads a normal life and serves as a source of infection for his sexual partner. To detect them, you need a special, careful and professional examination. And most importantly, laboratory confirmation of the disease! Timely treatment and diagnosis of STIs allow starting adequate treatment of existing diseases in the early stages..

What is important to know about STIs?

• Contraceptive pill use does not prevent STIs.
• Interrupted intercourse does not protect against STIs.
• You may not be aware of an STI for many months.
• STI discomfort and symptoms may go away without treatment, but the disease will remain.
• When treated promptly, most STIs respond to effective treatment.
• Sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted to the fetus in utero, через материнское молоко, при переливании крови. Эти микробы способны поражать самые разные органы и даже захватывать организм полностью.

Remember! Avoiding risky sexual behavior is one of the most effective ways to prevent these diseases.! There are no winners in the game called STI, there are only losers!

21 February from 10.00 to 12.00 on issues of STI prevention there will be a "hot" telephone line 8(0232) 55-07-52.

The questions will be answered by the chief freelance specialist of the health department of the Gomel regional executive committee for dermatovenerology

dermatovenerologist Aksyonova Svetlana Viktorovna.

Information on examination and laboratory diagnosis of STIs daily from 8.00 to 16.00 available

by phone. 8 (0232) 75 69 16 from specialists of the laboratory for diagnostics of viral and especially dangerous infections of the Gomel regional CGE and OZ.

Consulting on HIV / AIDS Prevention – daily

with 8.00 to 16.00 by phone. 8 (0232) 75-71-40.

Ekaterina Shundikova, psychologist

state institution "Gomel Regional Center of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health "

The information was prepared based on the materials of the institution "Gomel Regional Clinical Dermatovenerologic Dispensary"