NHe last years, transmissible sexual infections have returned to grow worrying. In Italy, as in the rest of Europe, the data speak clearly: In 2023 cases increased by 9%, compared to the previous year and, by 17%, compared to 2021. It doesn’t matter, it seems, therefore that we talk more and more often about sexual well -being in the media and social media, Only a minority of the population undergoes specific checks.
Sexual infections, an increase that worries
According to the new report “Sexually transmitted infections: barriers and solutions of early diagnosis”, presented to the Chamber of Deputies, Only 3 out of 10 Italians did at least once a test for transmitted sexual infections. The rest is divided among those who do not know where to go, Who thinks they are not at risk And Whoalthough knowing the existence of the tests, He does not feel sufficiently informed to deal with the theme. What emerges is a paradox: we know that these diseases exist, but we continue to underestimate them. And so, in most cases, The infections are diagnosed when it is already too late for a truly effective prevention.
Sex and health: little is talked about, it knows even less
There is also another significant figure that emerges from the report: 60% of Italians are said to be dissatisfied with the information received by your doctor on sexual health, while 9 out of 10 people believe that you don’t talk enoughneither at school nor in the family, neither in healthcare facilities. Still, the risks are there, and how. According to the director of the AIDS Operations Center of the ISS, Barbara Suligoi, many infections, such as Clamidia, Gonorrhea and Syphilisdevelop without evident symptoms and are discovered by chance, during clinical tests made for other reasons. Which means that Many people could be infected without knowing itand continue to transmit the infection unconsciously.
Early diagnosis: because it is (really) fundamental
Taking a sexually transmitted infection in time can make the difference between a simple cure and even serious consequences. There clamidiafor example, can cause fertility problems or complications in pregnancy. Syphilis It can reach the nervous system. The gonococcus It can affect the throat or cause extrauterine pregnancies. Not to mention that all these infections increase the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV. Despite this, 90% of the diagnoses occur only after the infection, when the virus or bacterium has already had time to act. A situation that could be avoided with more widespread checksawareness campaigns e greater accessibility to testseven free.
Who prescribes the tests? A clear guide is missing
One of the most detected problems by the report, It is the confusion on the reference doctor. 60% of people identify gynecologists or andrologists as a starting point, But in reality there is no specific figure designated for the prescription of these exams. The result is that many patients bounce from one doctor to another, or they completely give up being checked. According to experts, Accessible structures are neededcapillaries and well recognizable, but also staff prepared to talk about sexual health in a simple and direct way. In this sense, An important role can be played by the sexual health centers managed by associations in the area.
The solutions on the table: information, training, access
The project presented in the Chamber offers a plan in four directions to face the matter. First: More information for citizens and familiesespecially the youngest. Second: facilitate prevention and early diagnosisalso through free tests and quick paths. Third: train healthcare professionalsto make them more ready to dialogue with patients. And finally, structure a solid territorial networkwhere main and peripheral centers collaborate to offer a uniform service.
Talking about sexual health is a collective responsibility
The report and the data of the ISS confirm a reality on which too much attention is still placed: sexually transmitted diseases They are not a marginal problemnor concern only “at risk” categories. They can touch anyone and, often, do it in silence. In an era in which we speak, rightly, of mental well -being, of emotional balance, of hormonal health, It is time to also include sexual health in public conversation. The real prevention, moreover, begins precisely from awareness.
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