A World Health Organization (WHO) report published on 29/5 states that the lack of symptoms makes early detection and treatment of STIs challenging. Even without symptoms (during incubation or throughout the infection), carriers can still transmit the disease through unsafe sexual practices. While condoms are crucial, they don't offer 100% protection, as some diseases like HPV, syphilis, and herpes can spread through skin contact, even without penetrative sex.
The WHO report also reveals that globally, in 2020, approximately 374 million new infections of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis occurred among individuals aged 15-49. In 2022, there were 8 million new cases of syphilis in this age group. As of 2022, about 520 million people aged 15-49 worldwide were living with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Additionally, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is linked to over 311,000 cervical cancer deaths annually. STIs directly impact sexual and reproductive health, causing infertility, cancer, pregnancy complications, and increasing the risk of HIV.
In Vietnam, according to information released in 10/2024 by the HIV/AIDS Prevention Department (Ministry of Health), approximately 267,000 people are living with HIV. Among new HIV infections, the proportion transmitted sexually has risen from 47.5% (in 2010) to 70.8% (as of 9/2024). Men account for over 80% of these new infections, with men who have sex with men representing the highest percentage (42.2%). Besides HIV, cases of other STIs are also rapidly increasing. In 2024 alone, the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital examined and treated nearly 71,000 patients with STIs such as genital warts, gonorrhea, syphilis, and genital herpes.
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Men represent the highest percentage of new STI cases. Photo: Unplash |
Men represent the highest percentage of new STI cases. Photo: Unplash
According to the WHO, over 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites are transmitted sexually. Eight of these are predominantly responsible for STIs: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Some STIs can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Many STIs are now completely curable or manageable with early detection. HIV is no longer a "death sentence" thanks to antiretroviral drugs, and vaccines are available for HPV. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are entirely treatable—as long as testing occurs promptly, especially after unsafe sex or if unusual symptoms appear.
Depending on individual needs and circumstances, there are three common STI testing options. First are rapid tests. These are the most convenient, providing results within minutes, but have lower accuracy. For greater accuracy, lab tests, conducted in a laboratory setting, offer results within a few hours to 1-2 days.
One of the most advanced methods is Realtime PCR, which accurately detects pathogens even in asymptomatic cases. By amplifying and detecting the genetic material (DNA/RNA) of viruses or bacteria, PCR enables early diagnosis of many STIs with high sensitivity and accuracy.
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Diag Clinic is among the facilities using Realtime PCR to detect sexually transmitted pathogens. Photo: Diag |
Diag Clinic is among the facilities using Realtime PCR to detect sexually transmitted pathogens. Photo: Diag
In Ho Chi Minh City, patients can seek consultation and STI testing using PCR technology at hospitals such as the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital and the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, or at the Diag Medical Center system with 40 facilities and convenient at-home sample collection.
Kim Anh
