Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases: How to protect yourself and reduce risks?

Sexual Health by Hotlips.fi, 22.5.2024

Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a crucial aspect of sexual health, particularly in today's world where travel and social interactions are easier than ever before. STIs can cause serious health problems, but fortunately, their risks can be significantly reduced with the right measures and increased awareness. This article comprehensively covers STI prevention from various perspectives: what STIs are, how condom use can protect you, why regular health check-ups are important, how vaccinations and medical treatments can help, and how open communication with your partner and avoiding risky behaviors can reduce the risk of infection.

What is an STI?

STIs are infections that are primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The most common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and herpes. Many STIs can be asymptomatic for a long time, making them difficult to detect and treat. When symptoms do appear, they can range from mild discomfort to serious health issues like infertility or chronic pain.

Understanding the modes of transmission and risk factors is essential for STI prevention. Infections can occur through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and sometimes through skin contact, such as sores in the genital area. Knowledge of different STIs and their characteristics helps in making more informed choices to protect both your health and that of your partner. This article discusses concrete ways to reduce the risk of contracting STIs and maintain good sexual health. Next, we will look at the importance of condom use as an effective prevention method.

Condom Use

Using condoms is one of the most effective ways to protect against STIs. Condoms act as a physical barrier that prevents pathogens from entering the body during sexual contact. When used correctly, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or spreading STIs. It is important to choose a high-quality, properly sized condom and ensure correct usage. Condoms should be used from the beginning to the end of intercourse and should not be reused. Before using a condom, check the package condition and expiration date. Expired or damaged condoms do not provide reliable protection.

Additionally, note that oil-based lubricants can weaken latex condoms, so use water-based or silicone-based lubricants instead. For oral sex, specially designed dental dams or cut condoms can be used. Although condoms are highly effective, they do not protect completely against all STIs, such as herpes or HPV infections, which can be transmitted through skin contact in areas not covered by the condom. Therefore, it is important to combine condom use with other preventive measures and be aware of your own and your partner's health status. Next, we will discuss the importance of regular health check-ups as part of STI prevention.

Regular Health Check-ups

Regular health check-ups are a key component of STI prevention and early detection. Many STIs can be asymptomatic for a long time, so symptoms alone cannot always determine if you have an infection. Therefore, it is important to get tested regularly, especially if you or your partner have had multiple sexual partners. Health check-ups can test for common STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. These tests are usually quick and painless, involving urine or blood samples and, if necessary, an examination of the genital area. In some cases, home tests can be used, but a positive result always requires follow-up by a professional.

Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing the spread of the infection and starting treatment on time. Untreated STIs can lead to serious health problems such as infertility, chronic pain, and even life-threatening infections. It is good to discuss health check-ups openly with your partner and encourage them to get tested before starting a new relationship. This builds mutual trust and reduces the risk of infections. Next, we will examine the role of vaccinations and medical treatments in STI prevention.

Vaccinations and Medical Treatments

Vaccinations and medical treatments are important tools in the prevention and treatment of STIs. Some STIs have vaccines available that provide effective protection against infections. For example, the HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical cancer, as well as other cancers and genital warts. The hepatitis B vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus, which can lead to serious liver diseases. In addition to vaccines, there are various medical treatments that can help manage or cure STIs. For example, antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.

For viral infections such as HIV, antiretroviral drugs are used to control the virus and prevent its spread. It is important to follow the treatment instructions carefully and complete all prescribed medication courses, even if symptoms disappear before the course is finished. Discontinued treatment can lead to the recurrence of the disease or the development of resistant bacterial strains. Talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccines would be beneficial for you and how you can best protect yourself from various STIs through medical treatments. Healthcare professionals can also provide information on the latest research and developments in this field. Next, we will discuss the importance of open communication with your partner as part of STI prevention strategies.

Open Communication with Your Partner

Open and honest communication with your partner is an essential part of STI prevention. Communication helps build trust and ensures that both parties are aware of each other's health status and potential risks. Before starting a sexual relationship, it is good to review each other's sexual history and test results for STIs.

The conversation does not have to be difficult or embarrassing if approached openly and respectfully. You can start by sharing your own situation and then ask your partner about their health status. It is important to remember that both have the right to know each other's status to make informed decisions. Additionally, agree together on practices such as using condoms during every intercourse and regular health check-ups.

Open communication also allows you to decide together which vaccinations or treatments might be necessary for your situation. If either of you tests positive for an STI, openness helps manage the situation constructively. Together, you can plan treatment and preventive measures for the future. Next, we will examine the importance of avoiding risky behaviors in STI prevention.

Avoid Risky Behaviors

Avoiding risky behaviors is a key part of STI prevention. Certain behaviors and situations can significantly increase the risk of contracting STIs, so identifying and avoiding them is important. One of the biggest risk factors is unprotected sex with multiple partners. Using condoms during every intercourse, whether vaginal, anal, or oral, significantly reduces the risk of infection. It is also good to be aware that substance use can impair judgment and lead to unprotected sex or other risky situations. Always use condoms with casual sex partners and discuss health status openly before intercourse. To maintain sexual health, it is also recommended to limit the number of sexual partners and strive for long-term, trusting relationships. Traveling can bring new opportunities but also risks.

While abroad, be particularly cautious with new sexual partners and follow the same precautions as at home. In some countries, certain STIs may be more common or harder to treat, so obtaining prior information about health risks in the destination country is useful. Finally, although not all risks can be completely eliminated, being aware of your behavior and its impact on your and your partner's health helps make better decisions. Combined with the previously discussed measures such as condom use, regular health check-ups, and vaccinations, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting or spreading STIs. These measures will improve your sexual health and contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

The Most Common STIs in Finland: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

STIs are a significant health issue in Finland as well, and recognizing and treating them is important for both individual and public health. Many STIs can be asymptomatic for a long time, making them difficult to detect and increasing the risk of spreading. This article discusses the most common STIs in Finland: chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HPV (human papillomavirus), HIV/AIDS, and syphilis. We will look at the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for each infection, providing a comprehensive guide to managing these infections. Let's start with the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of chlamydia.

Chlamydia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in Finland, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex and from mother to child during childbirth. Many chlamydia infections are asymptomatic, making the disease particularly insidious and difficult to detect.

Symptoms

Chlamydia symptoms can vary greatly between individuals. The most common symptoms in women include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain during urination
• Bleeding after intercourse or between periods

In men, chlamydia symptoms often include:

• Discharge from the urethra
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Painful testicles (less common)

Chlamydia contracted through anal sex can cause rectal inflammation, which is associated with pain, discharge, and bleeding.

Diagnosis

Chlamydia is diagnosed through sampling. In women, a sample is often taken from the vagina or cervix, while in men, a sample is taken from the urethra. Urine samples can also be used for both genders. The samples are analyzed in a laboratory using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect the bacteria's DNA.

Treatment

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, most commonly azithromycin or doxycycline. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions carefully and complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms disappear before finishing the course. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated simultaneously to prevent new infections. After treatment, it is recommended to avoid sex for about a week after finishing the antibiotic course and to have a follow-up check-up to ensure the infection has cleared completely. Next, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Gonorrhea is an STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Gonorrhea can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can be asymptomatic but can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.

Symptoms

Gonorrhea symptoms can appear a few days to weeks after infection.

The most common symptoms in women include:

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Bleeding after intercourse or between periods
• Lower abdominal pain (less common)

In men, the most common symptoms of gonorrhea include:

• Discharge from the urethra, often white, yellow, or green
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Painful and swollen testicles (less common)

Gonorrhea contracted through anal sex can cause rectal inflammation, associated with pain, discharge, and bleeding. Infection from oral sex can cause a sore throat.

Diagnosis

Gonorrhea is diagnosed through sampling. In women, a sample is usually taken from the cervix or vagina, while in men, a sample is taken from the urethra. Urine and throat samples can also be used for diagnosis in both genders. The samples are analyzed in a laboratory using PCR to detect the bacteria's DNA.

Treatment

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics, typically a ceftriaxone injection combined with an azithromycin tablet. With increasing antibiotic resistance, it is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions carefully and complete the entire course of medication. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated simultaneously to prevent new infections. After treatment, it is recommended to avoid sex for about a week after finishing the antibiotic course and to have a follow-up check-up to ensure the infection has cleared completely. Next, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of genital herpes.

Genital Herpes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Genital herpes is a viral STI caused primarily by herpes simplex viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2. It is usually transmitted through direct skin contact during unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The herpes virus can also be transmitted during asymptomatic periods, making the disease particularly difficult to manage.Symptoms

Herpes symptoms can vary greatly between individuals, with the first infection often being the most severe.

The most common herpes symptoms in the genital area include:

• Painful blisters or ulcers on the genitals, anus, or thigh area
• Itching or burning sensation before blisters appear
• Pain during urination (especially in women)
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches (during the first infection)

After the initial infection, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate later due to stress, illness, or other factors. Recurrences are usually milder than the first infection.

Diagnosis

Herpes is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. A doctor can take a sample from a blister or ulcer using PCR to detect the virus's DNA. Blood tests can also detect antibodies against herpes, which helps confirm the diagnosis, especially when there are no visible symptoms.

Treatment

There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir can shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences. Medication is usually started as soon as the first symptoms appear for maximum effectiveness.

Pain can be relieved with topical anesthetics and painkillers. Good hygiene is also important to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

Next, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of HPV (human papillomavirus).

HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common STI that can cause genital warts and various cancers, such as cervical, anal, and laryngeal cancers. There are over 200 types of HPV, about 40 of which can infect the genital area. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and resolve on their own without treatment.

Symptoms

Most HPV infections are asymptomatic, but certain types can cause visible changes:

• Genital warts: Small, skin-colored, or pink bumps on the genital or anal area.
• Cervical cell changes: Detectable only through a Pap smear.
• Precancerous changes or cancer: Long-term infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to cell changes and eventually cancer.

Diagnosis

HPV infection is usually diagnosed through a Pap smear, which examines cervical cells for changes. An HPV DNA test can also be used to identify high-risk types. Genital warts can be diagnosed clinically during a doctor's visit. There is no established screening method for detecting HPV in men, but examination of the genital area can reveal possible warts.

Treatment

Most HPV infections resolve on their own without treatment. However, genital warts can be removed using various methods such as cryotherapy (freezing), laser treatment, or topical medications like podophyllin and imiquimod. Cervical cell changes are monitored with regular Pap smears and, if necessary, removed surgically using procedures like loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) or conization. The best way to prevent HPV infection is through vaccination. In Finland, free HPV vaccination is offered to all school-age girls and boys as part of the national vaccination program. The vaccine provides effective protection against the most common high-risk HPV types. Next, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that weakens the body's immune system and, if untreated, can lead to the AIDS stage (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), where the body can no longer defend against infections and diseases. HIV is transmitted through unprotected sex, blood contact, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Symptoms

HIV infection symptoms can vary greatly between individuals and at different stages of the infection:

• Early symptoms: About 2–4 weeks after infection, some people experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, rash, and muscle aches. These are called acute HIV infection symptoms.
  
  
• Chronic phase: After the early stage, the virus enters a latent phase that can last for several years without significant symptoms. During this time, the virus continues to multiply in the body and weaken the immune system.
  
  
• AIDS stage: Without treatment, HIV eventually progresses to the AIDS stage, where the immune system is severely weakened. This makes the patient susceptible to opportunistic infections and cancers such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and Kaposi's sarcoma.

Diagnosis

HIV diagnosis is based on an antibody test or a PCR test from a blood sample, which detects the virus's RNA. Free HIV tests are offered in Finland at health centers and certain NGO offices. Test results are usually available within a few days. It is important to note the "window period," which is the time between infection and the appearance of detectable antibodies. This period can be about 1–3 months.

Treatment

Although HIV infection cannot be completely cured, antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows effective control of the virus. ART prevents the virus from multiplying in the body, keeping the immune system functional and significantly reducing the risk of the disease progressing to AIDS . Antiretroviral medication usually consists of a combination of three different drugs (HAART), taken daily for life. Early initiation of treatment significantly improves prognosis. Additionally, ART significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others ("Treatment as Prevention" or TasP). It is important to follow the doctor's instructions regarding medication and to have regular follow-ups with laboratory tests to ensure treatment efficacy. Next, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of syphilis.

Syphilis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Syphilis is an STI caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, transmitted through unprotected sex and from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. Syphilis can progress through several stages and cause serious health problems if not treated promptly.Symptoms

Syphilis symptoms vary at different stages of the disease:

• Primary stage: The first symptoms usually appear 10–90 days after infection. The typical initial symptom is a painless ulcer (chancre) on the genitals, anus, or mouth. The ulcer heals on its own within a few weeks.
  
  
• Secondary stage: A few weeks or months after the primary stage symptoms, secondary stage symptoms may appear, such as a rash (often on the palms and soles), flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and mucous membrane changes. These symptoms can also disappear on their own without treatment.
  
  
• Latent stage: If syphilis is not treated in the secondary stage, the disease moves to the latent stage, where it does not cause visible symptoms but continues to spread in the body. This stage can last for years.
  
  
• Tertiary stage: Untreated syphilis eventually progresses to the tertiary stage, which can occur years or even decades after infection. Tertiary syphilis can damage many organs, such as the heart, brain, and nervous system, leading to severe health problems such as paralysis, blindness, and dementia.

Diagnosis

Syphilis diagnosis is based on an antibody test from a blood sample (e.g., RPR or VDRL test) and, if necessary, additional tests such as dark-field microscopy from an ulcer sample. A positive result is often confirmed with a more specific test (e.g., FTA-ABS).

Because syphilis has a long incubation period and can be latent for a long time without symptoms, regular testing of risk groups is important for early detection of the disease.

Treatment

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, most commonly a penicillin injection. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the stage of the disease; early-stage syphilis can usually be cured with a single injection, while later stages require longer antibiotic treatment.

It is important to follow the doctor's instructions carefully and attend follow-ups to ensure complete recovery. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated simultaneously to prevent new infections.

After treatment, it is recommended to avoid sex for about a week after finishing the antibiotic course and to have a follow-up check-up to ensure the infection has cleared completely.

With this information, you can recognize the most common STIs in Finland and understand the basics of their diagnosis and treatment.