Novel coronavirus infections and sexually transmitted diseases

The global social isolation measures adopted in response to the emergence of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which first emerged in Wuhan, China, were unprecedented in modern history. These protective measures had many auxiliary effects. 

One area that has been impacted but is rarely considered is sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and related services. Common sense suggests that the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases has likely decreased during these unprecedented times. However, as this article shows, the situation is more complex. Here we will explore the reason. 

Reduced STI testing due to COVID-19 pandemic: 

Amidst the chaos of a global pandemic, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted infection clinics have received little attention. did. However, COVID-19 prevention interventions and mitigation measures are impacting non-emergency medical care, including the treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of sexually transmitted infections was increasing. A major concern is that diseases such as chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea are asymptomatic, so their urgency may not be recognized and prioritized. There are several reasons why STI care and testing has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fear of COVID-19 

Socio-economic impacts such as unemployment leading to insurance coverage disruptions in some countries 

Less sexual activity may have led to less actual sex, which could lead to fewer sexually transmitted infections Yes, or Risk Perception Rate 

However, it is possible that a sexually transmitted disease was actually transmitted. That will not disappear even with the emergence of the new coronavirus. It’s a startling reminder, for example, when you realize that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in five women have a sexually transmitted disease. Data is now beginning to emerge on how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the incidence of sexually transmitted infections, and the prevalence of infections may be increasing. One thing has become clear. 

Rise in sexually transmitted infections: 

Common sense suggests that given COVID-19 precautions and interventions such as social distancing, isolation, and closures of leisure facilities, a global pandemic is likely. The number of sexually transmitted diseases is expected to increase. is expected to increase. The chance of infection should be significantly reduced. But researchers are looking at lessons learned from the AIDS epidemic. Sexual health is a basic human need, so sexual contact is unlikely to disappear as long as the pandemic continues. 

The latter view gained traction as data emerged during the pandemic and some researchers confirmed an increase in sexually transmitted disease cases. But what could explain the unexpected increase in the actual number of cases? One possible reason for the increase in the number of cases could be that symptomatic cases were prioritized during the pandemic . 

It is difficult to judge whether the number of infected people has increased significantly overall, and there are reports that the number of infected people is on the decline. This may be consistent with a decline in testing during the coronavirus lockdown. Indeed, fear of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and protective measures taken to control the virus are influencing STI/HIV transmission dynamics. 

STIs, associated risks, and young patients: 

Many asymptomatic patients are adolescents and young adults who may be at higher risk of complications caused by their STIs than the general population. Associated risks of contracting sexually transmitted infections include: Young women are at increased risk of complications caused by chlamydia and gonorrhea. 

Infertility 

Susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection 

Pelvic inflammatory disease 

Subsequent exposure to sexually transmitted infections to multiple partners 

Regular testing is commonplace. Routine testing for Chlamydia trachomatis has been essential to preventive care in adolescents for more than 30 years.

In addition to the already clinically complex and difficult process (in terms of patient confidentiality, disclosure, and confidentiality of discussions involving clinicians, youth, and their parents), telehealth services (electronic communications used ) has been added to Technology and Services). While remote services were thought to offer the added benefit of increased safety measures and convenience, they only posed additional challenges for younger patients. Young people using these new services from home will find themselves structured in terms of confidentiality, opportunities for in-person health screenings, and current standard collection criteria for sexually transmitted disease care. It happened often. 

Pros and cons of the pandemic in STI care: 

The implementation of COVID-19 precautions may have repurposed his STI public health measures, such as contacting partners of infected people. Indeed, the pandemic has disrupted manufacturing priorities, products, and services. 

For COVID-19 testing, there is limited availability of materials needed for nucleic acid amplification tests 

There is a shortage of antibiotics due to increased demand from hospitalized patients 

As a vaccine The HPV Vaccine Pressure on clinic services and the general public has reduced infectious disease prevention.

On the positive side, the pandemic has led to advances in telemedicine (except for adolescents) and clinical and lab testing. Innovative measures can be taken to improve clinical care. It’s getting closer and closer. These advances can and should be applied to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. 

Sexually Transmitted Disease Outbreaks: 

While there may have been periods when infection rates declined, new data shows that overall infection rates have increased significantly during the pandemic. Researchers warn that “the anticipated recovery in STI/HIV incidence will require an appropriate and timely public health response” (Ogunbodede et al., 2021).

Author: MedBlog18 Blog Team

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