Summer is the season when sexual challenges and the dangers they pose increase. Unfortunately, at least 6 out of 10 sexually active Greeks still enjoy unprotected sex, which puts them at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
The most common of these are: the acute warts and the genital herpes. Followed in frequency by chlamydial, trichomonadic and the gonococcal urethritis while in specific groups of people, syphilis, hepatitis and HIV infection (AIDS) are beginning to increase significantly.
The main mode of transmission of all these diseases is usually through sexual contact, while syphilis, hepatitis and HIV infection can also be transmitted through blood under certain circumstances.
It is very important, for the absolute control and limitation of serious complications, the early diagnosis of these diseases by the Dermatologist - Aphrodisiologist.
In herpes infections, delayed diagnosis and prolonged symptoms result in the spread of the virus to sexual partners. Equally important is the early diagnosis of HPV infection (acute warts), because the 10% of HPV strains are potentially carcinogenic. The neglected chlamydial and gonococcal infections (urethritis) can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women and prostatitis in men, conditions that can sometimes even lead to sterilisation. The syphilis if not diagnosed in time it can affect the blood vessels and the central nervous system. The hepatitis also, they can become chronic and cause very serious problems with liver function (especially hepatitis B and C). Finally. HIV infection, if not diagnosed and treated in time, poses a significant risk to both public health and the patient, because it is known that its progression can be fatal.
To avoid all these unpleasant situations it is mandatory for everyone to make proper use of condoms. That is:
- Make sure that the packaging is intact and the expiry date has not passed.
- Open the packaging with your hands and not with a sharp object, as there is a risk of puncturing them.
- Open the packaging immediately before use.
- Keep them in a cool place because heat can destroy them.
- We should prefer to buy them from pharmacies.
- If you want to use a lubricant, make sure it is water soluble and not petroleum based. And we should use the lubricants after we have put the condom on.
For even more and more complete instructions, contact your dermatologist who is the only doctor who will reliably and responsibly guide you so that your summer is safe and enjoyable.
From the Hellenic Dermatological & Venereology Society (EDAE).
Source:www.edae.gr
