- According to the WHO, it is estimated that every day more than one million people contract a Sexually Transmitted Infection.
- One of the problems is that most are asymptomatic in their early stages, so they can spread very easily and in a very short time.
- World Sexual Health Day is commemorated every September 4.
The WHO defines sexual health as a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. Although it sounds simple, one of the drawbacks is that most people do not pay attention to this area. Although there are preventive measures to reduce risks, it is also necessary to undergo various tests to verify the status of an individual.
In this sense, the highest health authority estimates that every day more than a million people contract a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). Since most are asymptomatic in their early stages, they can spread very easily and in a very short time.
Regarding this issue, since 2010 the World Association for Sexual Health (AMSS) established September 4 as the World Sexual Health Day. It is an effort to raise awareness and promote sexuality as an essential aspect of the human being.
Main STIs in Mexico
- Condylomata acuminata (produced by the Human Papillomavirus or HPV).
- Acquired syphilis (produced by the bacterium Treponema pallidum).
- Gonorrhea (caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae).
- Genital herpes (Produced by the herpes simplex virus).
- Chlamydiasis (caused by a bacterium).
- Trichomoniasis (caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis).
- Congenital syphilis in the newborn (Transmitted by the mother during childbirth).
“It is important to remember that in order to have a full sexual life it is important to prioritize prevention through the proper use of contraceptives (such as condoms), as well as periodic diagnostic tests and medical advice to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading transmitted diseases sexual”, explains Paulina Mejía, Kabla’s Biological Pharmaceutical Chemist.
With the above in mind, correct sexual health does not imply the prohibition of intimate relationships but rather to do them with care and hygiene. In addition, there are also some types of diagnostic tests that are essential to detect STIs in a timely manner.
rapid tests
They are for home use and self-diagnosis, as they allow people to perform the test in the privacy of their home. They are usually based on the detection of antibodies or antigens and offer results in a short time, generally in a few minutes.
swab tests
Generally, this type of diagnosis is used to detect diseases such as gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia or the Human Papilloma Virus. This last condition is considered high risk since it can evolve into cervical cancer if it is not detected in time. Figures from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) estimate that more than half of sexually active women and men could be infected.
Swab tests involve taking a sample of cells from the site of infection for later analysis in a laboratory where their appearance is evaluated for possible abnormal cell changes.
Blood test
During this diagnosis, a blood sample is taken in order to analyze it to detect diseases such as syphilis, HIV or sometimes herpes. Antibody detection tests, antigen detection diagnostics, and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the main methods that health professionals use to detect STIs.
Urine analysis
For this diagnosis, a urine sample is used to detect diseases such as chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea and HPV. Like swab tests, the most common analysis methods are microbiological culture and antibody tests. They are generally used to identify urinary tract infections or infections that may be transmitted through urine.
Also read:
Sexually transmitted infections: This is the new WHO medical guide for their detection
These are the most common sexually transmitted infections in Mexico
Sexual health: Use of contraceptives on the decline among Mexican adolescents