Within this framework, Southern Daily spoke to professionals from the region and consulted them about the situation. Guillermo Bertoni, 38, director of the Infectious Diseases Department at the Moncarillo Hospital in San Vicente and president of the Infectious Diseases Society of La Plata, explained: “The increase in cases is due to many factors . “There are socio-behavioral factors and there has been some relaxation in the use of condoms as a barrier method. “
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Furthermore, the doctor emphasized that “better management of some diseases, such as HIV, has made the fear of contagion disappear.” At the same time, he also insisted that “some age groups, such as the elderly, believe that sexually transmitted infections It’s just a matter of young people.”
Liliana Sarro, head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Municipal Hospital of Santamarina de Monte Grande, assured El Diario Sur: “These infections have increased and are most common among young people between 15 and 24 years old.”
“One of the reasons is that there is very little relevant information. As long as there is no awareness, the infection will continue to intensify.” The professional said. As he explains, another reason for the rise in STI cases is “taking substances that make people lose control of the situation and prevent them from taking care of themselves.”
The infectious diseases expert stressed that in order to prevent infection, transmission must persist: “We need ESI (comprehensive sexual education) taught in schools and if there is the slightest doubt, get tested.”
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Most common sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections are passed from one person to another through sexual intercourse. Even without penetration, transmission can occur through blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. They can also be spread during pregnancy or childbirth.
“Syphilis is one of the sexually transmitted infections we most often detect,” Guillermo Bertoni, director of the infectious diseases department at the San Vicentra Moncarillo Hospital, explained to El Sud. He added: “Although this is a disease with relatively simple treatments, the burden of this disease and its impact during pregnancy is a significant burden on public health.”
The number of cases of the disease, which affects the genital area, lips, mouth or anus, quadrupled from 2013 to 2018, peaking in 2019. There was a significant decrease in 2020 and a significant increase in 2021.
On the other hand, Bertoni emphasized that “unfortunately, the number of new HIV infections has not decreased as much as expected.” The most common diseases are gonorrhea, hepatitis B, chlamydia and HPV.
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How to take care of yourself and what symptoms to watch out for?
Guillermo Bertoni, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at San Vicente Hospital, emphasized in an interview with El Diario Sur: “Each disease has its own clinical manifestations, and many of them are asymptomatic for a long time.”
Regarding consulting a professional, Bertoni explains that this should occur “in the context of genital discharge or ulcers.” Other symptoms may include a burning sensation when urinating, spots on the skin, warts on the genitals or anus, and swollen glands.
Regarding prevention, doctors also stressed the importance of using condoms as a barrier method and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B virus and HPV. He also stressed the importance of routine testing of asymptomatic people.
Liliana Sarro, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Santamarina de Monte Grande Municipal Hospital, also emphasized the importance of testing. He added: “We hope to be able to continue to provide free medicine so that patients can be treated and early diagnosis made, which of course will significantly reduce contagion.”
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