Pedro Gullón, general director of Public Health and Health Equity of the ministry has presented “I am safe sex” in order to make these diseases visible among the young population, promote self-care, prevention and individual responsibility for their own sexual health and that of the people with whom they interact.
According to Health, currently in Spain we are facing an increase in STIs. The fact that many of them do not present symptoms or signs after having contracted them makes their transmission easier.
“The priority is to prevent these infections from being a serious public health problem in 2030,” says Gullón. For this reason, the general director emphasizes that in recent years the situation has become complicated and that emphasis must be placed on vulnerable groups.
Concern for those under 25 years of age
The latest study of National Epidemiology Center shows that more than 20% of new diagnoses of gonorrhea correspond to those under 25 years of age and in the case of chlamydia the percentage exceeds 37%.
Victoria Hernando Sebastián, a researcher at the National Center for Epidemiology, in the latest study, has provided alarming data on cases of STIs in young people.
It stands out that in 2022, 10.6% of new diagnoses of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) corresponded to young people under 25 years of age, with men and people born abroad being the most affected.
Furthermore, 37% of these young people had a delay in diagnosis, which indicates the need to reinforce early detection and prevention in this age group.
In the 20 to 24 year old group, men have the highest incidence rates of syphilis and women of gonorrhea and chlamydia.
The study data not only demonstrate the importance of carrying out awareness and prevention campaigns aimed at young people, but also of facilitating access to STI screening and treatment.
Its cause and transmission
STIs are caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites and their transmission mostly occurs during unprotected intercourse, whether vaginal, anal or oral, and even if sex toys are shared.
It is important to emphasize that some of these diseases are not only transmitted by penetration, but there is the possibility of doing so by skin/mucosa-to-skin/mucosa contact or by skin-to-skin contact if there are ulcerations.
How do I know if I have an STI?
Some of the infections do not present symptoms and go unnoticed, especially at the beginning. However, Health explains some symptoms that must be paid special attention to because they may indicate that you have contracted an STI.
In the women:
- Abnormal discharge from the vagina with or without unpleasant odor.
- Ulcers, warts, hives or blisters near the genitals, mouth or anus.
- Inflammation of one or more nodes near the ulcer.
- Pain in the pelvic area.
- Burning when urinating or defecating.
- Bleeding from the vagina without menstruation or after sexual intercourse.
- Stinging or itching around the genitals.
- Pain in the vagina during sexual intercourse, sudden onset.
In men:
- Discharge from the urethra.
- Ulcers, hives, warts, or blisters near the genitals, anus, or mouth.
- Inflammation of one or more nodes near the ulcer.
- Stinging or itching around the genitals.
- Pain or inflammation in the testicles.
- Burning and pain when urinating or defecating.
Keys to safe sex
“I am for safe sex, for sex that is talked about” are some of the phrases that stand out in the campaign, referring to the fact that in order to have safe sexual relations, communication and negotiation about desires and limits in sexual relations are necessary and putting the focus on pleasure and well-being.
Also, the condom is the most effective method to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV and other STIs.
Furthermore, although there are some STIs that are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) or genital herpes, the use of condoms reduces the risk of transmission.
However, this method is not used enough.
According to him Youth in Spain Reportalthough young people prefer to use condoms in their sexual relations with penetration (80%), 37% say that they have not used it on some occasion in the last year for various reasons, 27% claimed to have used another contraceptive method, 25% who knew the person well enough and 13% who did not have a condom at the time.
On the other hand, there are vaccines for some STIs such as hepatitis A and B, HPV and monkeypox (MPOX).
Therefore, the gradual increase in the proportion of young people having sexual relations at an early age, with the average age for first sexual intercourse being 16.2 years, according to Health data, indicates that it is important to carry out interventions in comprehensive sexual education so that young people also have information, personal skills and attitudes to enjoy safe and healthy sex.
