Increased Unsafe ‘Humping’ Is Causing Sexually Transmitted Diseases To Rise At Exponential Rates Globally!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 17, 2024 4 months, 1 week, 1 day, 12 hours, 56 minutes ago
STD News: The global rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has reached alarming levels, with significant increases reported across various countries. This surge has highlighted the urgent need for public health interventions and awareness campaigns to combat the spread of these infections. This
STD News report explores the current state of STDs, the contributing factors, and the necessary steps to mitigate this growing health crisis.
Increased Unsafe ‘Humping’ Is Causing Sexually Transmitted Diseases To Rise At Exponential Rates Globally
Epidemic Levels in Western Countries
In Western countries, the rise in STDs has been particularly notable. Recent data from the United States in 2022 showed over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. This epidemic is described as uncontrolled, with new cases of syphilis increasing by 80% over the past five years. Pediatric syphilis cases have surged by 937% in a decade, leading to severe health issues in children, including developmental delays, epilepsy, and even death.
https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2022/default.htm
Europe faces a similar crisis. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control reported a 48% increase in gonorrhea, 34% in syphilis, and 16% in chlamydia in 2022. While congenital syphilis cases are rising, they are not as prevalent as in the United States, with 69 confirmed cases in 14 EU nations. Health authorities emphasize the importance of safe sex practices, especially during the summer months when sexual activity tends to increase.
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/sti-cases-rise-across-europe
The Role of Genitourinary Medicine
Amid the rising STD rates, there is a pressing need for more doctors specializing in sexual health. The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) has launched the LoveGUM campaign to encourage junior doctors to pursue careers in genitourinary medicine (GUM). This field involves diagnosing and managing STDs and HIV, offering a rewarding career path with a good work-life balance. BASHH President Professor Matt Phillips stressed the necessity of strengthening the GUM workforce to meet the rising demand for services and prepare for future public health challenges.
https://www.bashh.org/news/1637/sexual_health_and_hiv_specialty_signals_urgent_need_for_more_doctors_to_meet_soaring_demand/
Knowledge Gaps and Misconceptions
A significant barrier to combating the STD epidemic is the widespread lack of knowledge about these infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), syphilis cases rose by 80% from 2018
to 2022, yet many Americans are unaware of the symptoms and treatment options. An Annenberg Public Policy Center survey revealed that only 54% of U.S. adults know that syphilis can be permanently cured, and misconceptions about vaccines and prevention methods persist.
https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/syphilis-cases-are-rising-but-many-people-dont-know-symptoms/
For instance, a third of the public does not know that HPV (human papillomavirus) cannot be permanently cured, and many are unaware of the vaccine's availability to prevent it. Misunderstandings about other STDs, such as Mpox (formerly monkeypox) and HIV, also contribute to the spread of these infections.
Rising STDs in Aisa Including India Amid Infertility Concerns
India is also experiencing a surge in STDs, with around 6% of the adult population infected annually. The most common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS. Experts have highlighted a concerning link between the rise in STDs and increasing infertility rates in the country. Untreated STDs can severely impact reproductive health, causing conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men, leading to infertility.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6776942/
The Situation Among Youth
Young people are particularly affected by the rise in STDs. In Thailand, the Disease Control Department reported a significant increase in syphilis cases, which tripled among adolescents over five years. The country also has a high rate of HIV infections among young people aged 15-24, accounting for nearly half of the estimated 9,000 new cases annually. Unsafe sexual practices among youth contribute to a higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs.
Factors Contributing to the Rise
Several factors contribute to the rise in STDs globally:
-Inadequate Awareness: Cultural taboos and stigmas around sexual health hinder open dialogue and education.
-Insufficient Sexual Health Services: Limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, hampers early detection and treatment of STDs.
-Unsafe Sexual Practices: Low prevalence of contraception, especially condom use, increases the risk of STD transmission.
-Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, gender inequality, and limited access to contraceptives exacerbate the spread of STDs.
Prevention and Treatment
Addressing the STD crisis requires a multi-faceted approach:
-Education and Awareness: Comprehensive programs are needed to raise public awareness about safe sexual practices, STD prevention, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
-Improving Access to Healthcare: Expanding sexual health services, particularly in underserved communities, is crucial for timely intervention and reducing long-term effects.
-Promoting Safe Sexual Practices: Normalizing condom use and other preventive measures can significantly lower the risk of STD transmission.
-Encouraging Regular Testing: Regular STD testing helps in early detection and treatment, preventing severe complications like infertility.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The global rise in STDs is a pressing public health issue that requires immediate action. Increasing awareness, improving access to healthcare, and promoting safe sexual practices are essential steps to combat this epidemic. As individuals, it is crucial to stay informed, practice safe sex, and prioritize sexual health. Collective efforts from health authorities, educational institutions, and communities can help curb the spread of STDs and protect public health.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/u-s-medical-news-america-facing-a-syphilis-epidemic
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/u-s-medical-news-the-alarming-surge-of-syphilis-cases-among-newborns-in-texas-and-rest-of-united-states
