An itch you shouldn't scratch?
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STIs on the rise, both at home and abroad
Recent data show that it is more crucial than ever for sexually active persons to protect themselves, as the rates of several sexually transmitted infections in Israel and the world greatly increased, some by hundreds of percents; specifically, chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea have all shown extremely high increases in recent years.
The Health Ministry has come out with new data that paints a less-than-rosy picture of where society stands regarding sexually transmitted illnesses. Several STIs have shown a substantial increase in infection rates, with chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea found to be very much on the rise. Protecting oneself by choosing either prophylactics or abstinence remain the relative safeguards for physical health.
Chlamydia, a sexually-transmitted illness brought on by a bacterium, is known to cause burning sensations in the genital area when urinating, as well as abnormal genital discharge. While it can be easily cured when treated, if left untreated, it can develop complications that can, among other problems, cause infertility.
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In 2009, 252 Israelis were found to have contracted chlamydia between January and August. In 2015, 667 contracted the illness during that same timeframe.
Gonorrhea, another venereal disease, is also caused by a bacterium and can be transferred through sexual contact or from the mother to the fetus she is carrying. Though many people with this illness do not experience any symptoms, it, too, can cause genital discharge and a burning sensation, and in more severe cases bleeding, heart and brain complications. One percent of those infected with it will also develop arthritis.
Gonorrhea infection rates have also risen in recent years: In 2009, 182 new infections were recorded, while 209 were found in 2016.
The symptoms of syphilis, another bacterium-derived STI, are varied, as it mimics those of other illnesses. They are divided into four stages of increasing severity and can easily be cured with the right treatment. Traditionally found among those engaging in heterosexual relations, in recent years there has been a sharp rise in homosexually active people contracting it via oral sex. Those living with HIV are five times more likely to contract syphilis, due to a compromised immune system.
Syphilis rates in particular have shot up, from 60 cases in 2009 to 231 in 2016.
Even more disconcerting is the fact that the Health Ministry based its conclusions solely on those cases reported, with the underlying assumption that the actual infection rate numbers are considerably higher.
Concurrently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has come out with its own bitter conclusion, saying that the bacteria that cause chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are due to become antibiotics-proof in the near future. Without a proper cure, these illnesses can bring on additional symptoms as kidney infection, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.
Yet, while older antibiotics are gradually losing their efficiency, drug companies balk at the idea of developing new ones, due to the costly process involved. As a result, WHO has changed its medical recommendations, instructing physicians to only supply patients with the specific antibiotic to help alleviate their current ailment.
