The Spanish Ministry of Health has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign against the alarming increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although the initiative is primarily aimed at young people, an alarming trend is evident across all age groups, including those over 65. Expert Nayara Malnero, a renowned sexologist, psychologist, and couples therapist, emphasizes the lack of public discussion on this serious public health challenge.
False Sense of Immunity: Ignorance as the Main Driver of STI Increase
A “false sense of immunity” leads to an alarming carelessness towards STIs. Many do not feel at risk because they lack the necessary knowledge. HIV is often mentally confined to distant regions or specific risk groups, thereby denying personal involvement. Paradoxically, this leads to an increase in HIV cases even among minors, who unknowingly take risks out of pure ignorance and a lack of role models. The campaign aims to close these knowledge gaps and teach young people the importance of prevention and setting boundaries. It is about being able to say “no” when a condom is not to be used, and taking responsibility for one’s own health.
Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia on the Rise: Dramatic Figures from the “Epidemiological Surveillance Report”
The latest “Epidemiological Surveillance Report on Sexually Transmitted Infections” by the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RENAVE) paints a bleak picture: The spread of STIs in Spain continues unabated. In 2022 alone, 23,333 cases of gonorrhea were registered – a doubling of infections compared to 2021.
Syphilis also shows an alarming upward trend. While 4,599 cases were documented in 1995, the number reached an absolute record of 8,141 confirmed cases in 2022. Nayara Malnero attributes this development to a lack of knowledge. Many people are unaware that an STI test is only conclusive at least six months after a risky encounter and that a single HIV test is not sufficient to cover the entire spectrum of possible infections. A comprehensive analysis is essential in case of doubt.
Asymptomatic Transmission: The Underestimated Danger of Many STIs
A significant problem in controlling STIs is the fact that many infections are asymptomatic. Trust in a person’s appearance or hygiene often leads to a false sense of security. However, many infected individuals are unaware of their illness and unknowingly transmit it to others.
Gonorrhea, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococci), is one of the most common STIs in Spain. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the genital and urinary tracts but can also infect the eyes, throat, and rectum. Transmission occurs not only through vaginal or anal intercourse but also through oral sex.
The symptoms of gonorrhea differ in men and women. In men, they typically manifest as pain or burning during urination, whitish or yellowish discharge from the penis, and pain or swelling in the testicle. Women, on the other hand, often experience increased vaginal discharge, pain or burning during urination, bleeding after sex, and abdominal or pelvic pain. The “real risk” lies in the fact that many genital infections show no recognizable symptoms, making those affected unknowingly carriers.
Condoms: The Indispensable Barrier Against the STI “Epidemic”
Nayara Malnero laments that many young people underestimate the need for condoms and associate them only with pregnancy prevention. The lack of comprehensive education and visible role models contributes to the low acceptance and normalization of condom use. A societal change is urgently needed to curb the spread of STIs. Families should not react indignantly if they find condoms with their children, but rather praise them for their sense of responsibility.
