February 14 is known for celebrating Valentine’s Day ? February 14 is also celebrated as the European Day of Sexual Health, a day to raise awareness and sensitize men and women about the need to acquire and maintain healthy sexual habits.
To pay tribute to this day we review the most common sexually transmitted diseases, in addition to highlight initiatives such as CESIDA, State Coordinator of HIV and AIDS, to promote HIV testing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; which is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or disability. For sexual health to be achieved and maintained, the sexual rights of all people must be respected, protected and fully exercised”. Society’s awareness is increasing and more and more aspects such as the integration of proper sexual habits are taken into account. An example of this is the series Sex Education, one of Netflix’s latest releases, in which young people’s sexuality is addressed in a comprehensive way.
To help spread the word about improving our sexual health we answer some fundamental questions about sexually transmitted diseases:
What are the most common sexually transmitted diseases?
- HIV: The most lethal of all sexually transmitted diseases.
- Syphilis: Although easily cured with antibiotics or penicillin, it can cause long-term complications or death if not treated properly.
- Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that can infect the urethra, cervix, rectum, anus and throat if oral sex has been practiced.
- Genital herpes: Genital herpes is caused by two types of viruses. These viruses are called herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2.
- Chlamydia: It is the most common bacterial disease.
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): It is the most common STD in both men and women, as it is estimated that 90% of sexually active people come into contact with the virus. Not all of them become infected: in 90% of cases, the immune system resolves the situation.
- Trichomoniasis: Caused by a protozoan parasite, called Trichomonas vaginalis, which infects the vagina when it reaches it through sexual contact.
- Hepatitis B: A disease of the liver. The best way to prevent infection is through vaccination.
- Candidiasis: Infection caused by fungi, which causes alteration in the vaginal flora.
Is being infected with HIV the same as having AIDS?
It is important to be clear that being infected with HIV is not the same as having AIDS. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is an advanced stage of HIV infection, in which the immune system is so impaired that other diseases known as ‘opportunistic diseases’ appear. It is therefore essential to know as soon as possible if you are infected with HIV, getting tested is very simple. From CESIDA (State Coordinator of HIV and AIDS), the most representative entity of the citizen movement of HIV and AIDS of the Spanish State, are committed to make visible this STD and encourage society to take care of their health through its campaign #LoPositivoEsSaberlo.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). How can we prevent infection? What protective measures should be taken?
It is estimated that three out of four people may have been infected by the human papillomavirus, and although the vast majority never show any symptoms, it can lead to condylomas or genital warts and precancerous lesions, especially cervical cancer.
HPV vaccination in young girls is one way to combat the infection, although regular gynecological check-ups are still necessary today.