Hospiten specialist warns of the "alarming increase" of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in women over 45 years of age. Despite the mistaken belief that STIs mainly affect the younger population, various studies over the years show that people aged 45 and over are also at risk.
The head of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Service of Hospiten Roca, Dr. Carlos Blanco-Soler Palacios-Pelletier, states that "it is crucial to understand that menopause can increase the risk of infections in women over 45 years of age due to the decrease in defenses and changes in the vaginal flora. Early detection and awareness are essential to avoid serious complications."
"It is crucial to raise awareness among the population about the importance of taking care of themselves, since no one is exempt from contracting an STI." "Global statistics support the seriousness of the problem," with more than 350 million people worldwide affected by diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and more than 500 million carriers of the genital herpes virus, in addition to 290 million infected by the human papillomavirus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
"A worrying aspect is that most infections are asymptomatic, which means that people may not be aware of their condition until a serious condition develops. Preventive medicine becomes essential, urging the population to seek medical attention at the slightest symptom or when starting a new relationship."
In the Spanish context, data from the National Institute of Statistics reveal an upward trend in STIs since 2005, with a "considerable increase" in the number of cases per thousand inhabitants. For example, syphilis went from 3.93 cases to 13.97 per 100,000 inhabitants between 2005 and 2021. Chlamydia has also experienced a significant increase since it was considered a mandatory reporting disease in 2015.
"In social events, such as carnivals, it is common for people to underestimate the risks of STIs, mistakenly believing that they only affect others. Breaking with this perception is crucial, recognizing that, when starting a new relationship, the previous experiences of both parties are added, generating a complex network of contacts. Therefore, prudence is suggested when establishing new relationships, and even conducting tests as a preventive measure."
"The need for a joint approach to the treatment of STIs is highlighted. The refusal of one of the members of the couple to follow the treatment may result in the persistence of the infection, which is commonly observed in medical practice. Furthermore, the severity of infections is emphasized when they ascend, which can cause serious complications, such as inflammation of the endometrium or even conditions equivalent to acute appendicitis."
Finally, Hospiten emphasizes the "need for early diagnosis and treatment to address STIs proactively."
