After years of relative stability, sexually transmitted infections they are starting to grow again at a worrying rate. In Italy and Europe there is a significant increase in cases of gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydiawhile pathologies such as monkeypox (monkeypox) and enteric infections transmitted via the oral-anal route are re-emerging. The alarm was raised again during National Congress of the Italian Society of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (SIMaST), where experts and clinicians spoke explicitly about a “new health emergency” due to a combination of factors: resumption of social contacts post-pandemic, reduction in screening and inattention to prevention.
Increase in casual contacts
But they also move behind the numbers profound changes in behaviors e in the perception of sexualityespecially among the younger ones. “We can think that after the pandemicthere was a return to relational and sexual sociality, aeven through a greater use of dating appsand this may have led to an increase in casual sexual contacts, often without adequate protection, as a sort of amplification after the limitation of social contacts – he explains to FattoQuotidiano.it the doctor Roberta RossiPsychotherapist and Sexologist at the Institute of Clinical Sexology in Rome. We also witnessed a lowering of risk perceptionparticularly among young adults, with underestimation of the dangers associated with sexual activity, probably linked to less attention to the promotion of sexual health. In fact, we must not forget that during the pandemic there was a reduction in screening and health surveillance with delays in diagnoses and an increase in hidden cases. I would say that all these factors may have contributed to determining the current state of affairs.”
Faced with new sexually transmitted diseases
There is also talk of the appearance or re-emergence of “unconventional” sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) – such as monkeypox (monkeypox) or enteric infections transmitted via the oral-anal route in homosexual relationships between men and men. How, for a sexologist, do these new modes of transmission change the information and prevention strategies that we propose to the adult population?
“More information is needed based on real behaviour, without judgement, clearly explaining how some practices can entail specific risks and how to prevent them, and a more personalized and inclusive approach, which takes into account the person’s sexual repertoire. Sexuality education it might turn out to be one effective tool to convey some sexual health promotion messages to the younger population. While for us operators, continuous updating is essential to maintain a non-stigmatizing approach.”
The judgment still weighs too much
What obstacles – psychological, cultural, social – do you frequently encounter in convincing people to voluntarily undergo screening and what tools could help overcome them?
“The most frequent obstacles concern the fear of being judgeddue to the persistence of stigma linked to STIs, but also to the phenomenon of risk denial, especially among stable couples and among those who believe that STIs affect ‘certain groups’, to the lack of information also linked to little diffusion of promotion and prevention programs in schools and beyond. To overcome these difficulties, communication campaigns can be planned that associate screening not with the disease but with care and respect for oneself and one’s partner. Spread easier access to testseven anonymous and free, in clinics or with rapid testing initiatives in places frequented by young people, events, concerts, etc., but above all startrather than prohibiting, sex education courses where it is possible to dialogue and promote sexual health as a fundamental good of the person”.
Talk to each other without embarrassment
With the increase in STIs, the relational and psychological dimension of sexual behavior also comes into force. What indications would you give to protect your sexual health in a context where habits and methods of meeting have changed compared to a few years ago?
“I think it’s useful open communication and respectful between partnersto address sexual health issues without embarrassment or fear of judgment. This communicative aspect should not be underestimated even in occasional relationships; indeed, it can become an important business card for trust and mutual respectin close contact with the use of condoms, remembering that the female condom also exists and knowing that it remains the most effective method against the majority of STIs. It’s important to know who they are HPV vaccinations available, epatiti and be monkeypox for people at high risk, obviously to be evaluated with a healthcare professional.”
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