Cataluña Lidera en Casos de ITS en España: Estudio Revela Alta Incidencia en Donantes de Semen
Table of Contents
– Un nuevo estudio realizado por el Programa de Donantes del Banco de Semen de la Fundació Puigvert en 2023 revela una preocupante realidad: Cataluña se sitúa a la cabeza de España en número de infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS). La gonococia y la infección por Chlamydia trachomatis son las más comunes. El estudio, que analizó a 90 candidatos a donantes de semen previamente declarados “aptos” tras un examen físico exhaustivo, encontró una prevalencia de ITS del 18.8% (17 candidatos),a pesar de que solo el 1% presentaba síntomas.
ITS Asintomáticas: Un Foco Silencioso de Propagación
La alta incidencia de ITS asintomáticas es un factor clave en la propagación de estas enfermedades.La falta de sintomatología clínica en las ITS durante los estadios iniciales constituye uno de los principales factores de riesgo a tener en cuenta. Esta ausencia de síntomas es una de las causas principales de la propagación y contagio a otras personas, ya que a menudo éstas tampoco consultan a un especialista
, explica Álvaro Vives, jefe de la Unidad de ITS de la Fundació Puigvert.
El estudio se centró en hombres de entre 18 y 35 años con buen estado de salud y sistema inmunitario competente. El Dr. Lluís Bassas, andrólogo y director del Banco de Semen de la Fundació Puigvert, aclara el protocolo seguido: las infecciones que detectamos en todos los pacientes son tratadas. En el caso de los candidatos a donantes, éstos son avisados de su diagnóstico y descartados del programa
.
Factores de Riesgo y la Necesidad de Prevención
Diversos factores contribuyen al aumento de las ITS, incluyendo la disminución de la edad de inicio en las relaciones sexuales, las “relaciones seriadas” (cambios frecuentes de pareja sin periodos intermedios) y el aumento de las relaciones sexuales con múltiples parejas. Gabi Adalid, enfermero de práctica avanzada (EPA) del Servicio de Andrología y coordinador del Programa de Donantes de Semen de la Fundació puigvert, señala que estos factores hacen que, si hay una ITS, ésta se propague más fácilmente y de manera exponencial, aparte de complicar la trazabilidad y control de la misma
.
Estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de la prevención, el diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento de las ITS. La concienciación pública y el acceso a pruebas regulares son cruciales para controlar la propagación de estas infecciones en Cataluña y en toda España.
Cataluña’s STI Surge: Expert Insights on Prevention and Testing [Time.news Exclusive]
Q&A with Dr.Elena Ramirez on rising STI rates in Spain, especially among semen donors in Cataluña.
Introduction: A recent study by the Fundació Puigvert’s semen Bank donor Program has revealed a concerning trend: cataluña leads Spain in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The study, focusing on semen donor candidates, highlights the prevalence of asymptomatic infections and the critical need for increased awareness and preventative measures. To delve deeper into this issue, Time.news spoke with Dr. Elena Ramirez, a leading expert in public health and infectious disease control.
Time.news: Dr. Ramirez, thank you for joining us. The study from the Fundació Puigvert is certainly alarming. Cataluña leading Spain in STIs, with such a high rate among seemingly healthy semen donors…what are your initial thoughts?
Dr. Ramirez: thank you for having me. The study’s findings are indeed concerning, but also incredibly critically important. The fact that 18.8% of screened semen donor candidates, individuals rigorously vetted for health, tested positive for STIs like gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis underscores the pervasiveness of these infections within the young, sexually active population. The asymptomatic nature of many STIs is a key driver as emphasized by Álvaro Vives of Fundació Puigvert, making regular testing even more crucial. This situation highlights a silent epidemic.
Time.news: the study emphasizes asymptomatic STIs as a major contributor to their spread. Can you elaborate on why this is such a significant problem?
Dr. Ramirez: Absolutely. Many STIs, particularly in their early stages, present with no noticeable symptoms whatsoever. Individuals can be infected and unknowingly transmit the infection to others. This is dangerous. Without symptoms, people are less likely to seek testing or treatment, fueling the ongoing propagation of infections. The Fundació puigvert’s study really drives this point home.
Time.news: The article mentions factors like early sexual debut, “serial relationships,” and multiple partners as contributing to the rise in STIs.How do these factors specifically increase the risk?
Dr. Ramirez: These factors all contribute to a higher number of sexual connections within a population. Early sexual debut extends the period of potential exposure to STIs. “Serial relationships,” where individuals move quickly from one partner to the next without breaks, increase the frequency of new exposures.And,naturally,multiple partners escalate the probability of encountering an infected individual. Gabi Adalid correctly notes, these factors make tracing and controlling infections considerably more difficult.
Time.news: What are the broader implications of these findings for public health in Spain, and specifically in Cataluña?
Dr. Ramirez: This study is a wake-up call. It signals the need for a multi-faceted public health approach. We need greater investment in STI testing infrastructure making testing more accessible and affordable for everyone. Public awareness campaigns are vital, educating people about safe sex practices, the importance of regular testing, and where to access sexual health services. We also need to enhance partner notification programs, helping infected individuals inform their past partners so they can get tested and treated. Focusing on prevention is Key.
Time.news: What practical advice would you give to our readers who are concerned about STIs?
Dr. Ramirez: My advice is simple: know your status. Get tested regularly, especially if you are sexually active.Talk openly with your partners about your sexual health and encourage them to get tested as well. Use condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity. if you test positive for an STI, seek treatment immediately and inform your previous partners. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications and stopping the spread of infection. Also, be informed about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, if applicable, and speak to your doctor.
Time.news: The Fundació Puigvert study focuses on semen donors. Are there important considerations specific to fertility treatments or assisted reproductive technologies regarding STI transmission?
Dr. Ramirez: Absolutely. The screening of semen donors is crucial to preventing STI transmission through assisted reproductive technologies. As the study highlights, even individuals considered “healthy” can harbor asymptomatic infections. The rigorous testing protocols implemented by the fundació Puigvert are commendable. Clinics offering fertility treatments must adhere to strict screening standards and prioritize the sexual health of both donors and recipients. It’s critical that aspiring parents discuss these issues openly with fertility specialists.
Time.news: what role do you see technology and telehealth playing in improving STI prevention and management going forward?
Dr. Ramirez: technology offers tremendous potential. Online STI testing services, where individuals can order test kits and recieve results discreetly, can significantly improve testing rates. Telehealth appointments can enhance access to sexual health counseling and treatment for those in remote areas or who face barriers to accessing conventional healthcare services. Digital platforms can also facilitate education about STI prevention and promote safer sex practices. Integrating technology into public health initiatives is essential for tackling the challenges of STI control in the 21st century.
time.news: Dr. Ramirez, thank you for your invaluable insights.This has been incredibly informative.
Dr. Ramirez: My pleasure. Thank you for raising awareness about this critically important issue.