What are sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) are a set of infectious diseases that can be transmitted through any type of sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral or anal) or even through infected body fluids or through direct contact with the skin and genital, anal and mouth mucous membranes. So we can deduce that the microorganisms responsible can be transmitted from one subject to another even through contact alone: some infections can be transmitted through blood (with open wounds, infected blood transfusions or tattoos and piercings), or from a mother with an active infection during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. The latter mode is called "vertical transmission". The pathogens affected can be: viruses such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus); bacteria such as gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia, protozoa such as Trichomonas and finally parasites (pediculosis of the pubis).

From 1991 to 2021, the Surveillance System reported a total of 151,384 new cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections (ISS, 2023). The main risk factor for these diseases is sexual promiscuity. To date, among these infections, HPV is the most frequent. The HPV family has about 150 types of viruses. This infection is mostly asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic, manifesting itself only a few times with skin or mucous membrane growths, warts or warts (i.e. benign neoplastic lesions). In a small percentage of cases, these viruses can go on to transform infected cells into neoplastic cells, which over the years can turn into real tumors. In particular, among all the viruses of the HPV family, types 16 and 18 are the ones most responsible for these neoplastic processes. This makes us understand how important it is to implement prevention methods, not engaging in risky behaviors, such as sexual promiscuity and always using barrier methods (such as condoms). However, it should be borne in mind that all these precautions do not eliminate the risk 100%.

You have to live your sex life responsibly because these infections, being paucisymptomatic, can easily be transmitted in a completely unconscious way from one infected person to another. In some cases, this infectious condition can cause - in women - internal inflammation such as that of the pelvis and fallopian tubes. The same infection, if left untreated, can lead to a reduction in fertility and even sterility years later.

Sexually transmitted diseases are pathological conditions that, if recognized in time, can be completely reversible. It is, therefore, necessary to pay attention to the symptoms in order to diagnose them early and set up appropriate therapies such as, for example, using specific antibiotics. In addition, with regard to the specific case of HPV, there is the possibility of getting vaccinated free of charge from the age of twelve. This very important form of prevention is extended to both males and females.