The National STD Center is the largest healthcare provider for sexually transmitted infections in Hungary in terms of diagnostics and treatment, but it also provides screening for asymptomatic patients. The number of patients diagnosed with STDs such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, or lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is increasing every year at the center, says Dr. Béla Tóth.
According to WHO estimates, about one million people are infected with a sexually transmitted disease every day.
Experts suggest that the number of unrecorded cases is likely to be significantly higher and is unlikely to decrease.
According to the assistant professor, the number of gonorrhea infections, also known as the clap, can be several times higher than what the statistics indicate. Part of the reason is that those who have no symptoms do not even think they are infected and do not seek medical advice. Also, people who see a urologist for urethral discharge or a gynecologist for vaginal discharge, for example, are not always tested in a targeted way.
The latency period of STDs varies greatly: for gonorrhea, it is only a few days, whereas syphilis can remain asymptomatic for years and is highly contagious in its early stages, explains Dr. Béla Tóth.
The early detection and treatment of sexually transmitted infections is of utmost importance, as it is the primary way to avoid further spreading of the disease, points out Dr. Péter Holló. The professor stresses that STDs are curable, even HIV is highly manageable, but if left untreated, they can cause serious damage to health. It is known that human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer, but it can also cause oropharyngeal cancer. In the longer term, syphilis infection can lead to cardiovascular or neurological syphilis. Untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia can also have late-stage complications: In women, pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility, as well as arthritis can develop.
According to Dr. Péter Holló, much greater awareness of sexually transmitted diseases is needed than is currently the case. However, most sexually active individuals are unaware of the dangers and the real risk of infection.
Public knowledge about sexually transmitted infections is only rudimentary. As a result, STDs are far from being confined to the young, with the number of infections rising in all age groups and both sexes, including heterosexuals.
Dr. Péter Holló and Dr. Béla Tóth believe that the reasons for this are complex: Awareness campaigns are scarce, the world has become more open, more people travel and more often, people are no longer afraid of HIV, and as a result, protection has been pushed into the background.
However, everyone who is sexually active and has a new partner is at risk of sexually transmitted infections, experts point out.
A person who has multiple partners or single sexual encounters is obviously at even greater risk. They must get regular check-ups, and if they notice any symptoms, they should contact their local sexual health clinic.
Semmelweis researchers are working on preventing gonorrhea
Recent evidence suggests that outer membrane vesicle (OMV) meningococcal vaccines, such as the most widely used vaccine given to children, may provide cross-protection against gonorrhea. The reason for this is that the bacteria responsible for the two diseases are closely related. Based on a comparative analysis and meta-analysis of studies by researchers at Semmelweis University, OMV vaccines offer moderate protection against gonorrhea, with an efficiency rate of 30 to 40 percent. Researchers suggest that vaccination against meningitis B should be considered for groups at high risk of STIs, specifically to reduce the risk of gonorrhea infection.
Éva Haiman
Translation: Judit Szabados-Dőtsch
Photo by Boglárka Zellei – Semmelweis University, illustration: iStock
