- STIs is the abbreviation used to refer to sexually transmitted infections, which may or may not cause symptoms.
- In contrast, STDs – a term you may be more familiar with – refer to sexually transmitted diseases; in other words, when an STI is not treated, it can develop into a disease, an STD.
Planet V
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Let’s talk about STIs without holding back
- Planet V
- 31 min.
Meet our guests from Planeta V!
To help us learn about STIs, we have invited two healthcare professionals to Planeta V who explain things brilliantly: the sexologist and psychologist Ana Lombardía and the gynaecologist Lorena Serrano.
Ana Lombardia
@lombardiaana
Boticaria García
@boticariagarcia
Lorena Serrano
@hello.gyn
Before we begin, it is essential to distinguish between STIs and STDs.
To help us learn about STIs, we’ve invited two healthcare professionals from Planeta V who explain things brilliantly: sexologist and psychologist Ana Lombardía and gynaecologist Lorena Serrano.
The first point they explained on Planeta V is how sexually transmitted infections are caused. Lorena Serrano explained that STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses or protozoa… And what they all have in common is that they are transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. But it’s not just penetration! They can also be transmitted through anal or oral sex. Some STIs can even be passed on through the sharing of towels, sex toys… so it’s important to be careful.
The incidence of STIs is rising
The incidence of STIs in Spain is rising exponentially. If we compare figures from 2000 with those from 2017, chlamydia has increased by around 470 per cent, and syphilis and gonorrhoea by 500 per cent. These are figures we cannot ignore!
Specifically, the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection is chlamydia, and it usually affects young people under the age of 25. In contrast, the most common viral sexually transmitted infection is the human papillomavirus. It is estimated that around 80 per cent of women will come into contact with this virus during their lifetime.
Most common symptoms of STIs
The most common symptoms of STIs include vulvar discomfort such as itching, a burning sensation, pain, changes in discharge, and even abdominal pain. However, the problem is that many of these STIs do not cause any symptoms, meaning the risk of transmission is much higher if we do not take preventative measures.
How to prevent an STI
The best way to prevent STIs is through knowledge. In this regard, raising awareness is essential, as if we know which STIs exist, what symptoms they cause, and what long-term complications they may lead to, we will be more aware and take more preventative measures. However, using a condom is essential, as it is the only contraceptive that protects us from STIs. The mistake? Condoms must be used consistently throughout the entire sexual act, not just at the end to prevent pregnancy.
Another tip for prevention, as gynaecologist Lorena Serrano explains, is vaccination. And, finally, contact tracing. It is essential to break the chain of transmission, so we should contact and inform sexual partners so that they can get checked. However, when we contract an STI, we tend to hide it, as infections or problems related to sex are still taboo today. They make us feel ashamed and, sometimes, even prevent us from seeing a gynaecologist, which means the infection can develop into a full-blown illness. If you know you have an STI, it’s important to let others know.
If you’re interested in this topic and want to find out more, don’t miss the full podcast. You’ll be surprised!