GUIDELINES IN DERMATOLOGY

gdkapak

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISORDERS

Ece Atalay1
Server Serdaroğlu2

1İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, İstanbul, Türkiye
2İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, İstanbul, Türkiye

Atalay E, Serdaroğlu S. Sexually Transmitted Disorders. In: Kutlubay Z, editor. Guidelines in Dermatology. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.63-78.

ABSTRACT

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are serious concerns around the globe because of their high prevalence and significant economic and health impacts. Pathogens having a list of bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi may be responsible for these infections, and they are primarily transmitted through all kinds of sexual intercourse. The most common ones include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and trichomoniasis. Those infections affect more than 1 million people every day, adding up to millions affected by these infections annually. Some populations seem to be more vulnurable than others to those infections, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men.The majority of these infections stay asymptomatic, making early diagnosis challenging. Also, there are harsh health outcomes, especially if those left untreated, such as infertility, chronic pain, cancer, and increased susceptibility to HIV. The association between HPV and cervical and other anogenital cancers is well known. The need for lifelong approaches and the life-threatening endpoint, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), makes HIV one of the most concerning issues. Antimicrobial resistance, mainly seen in gonorrhea, is a rising problem and shows the need for creative working models in the drug industry. Vaccination, screening, and public service announcements are the primary approaches concentrating on secure sexual practices. Men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, people who inject drugs, and transgender individuals seem to be vulnerable populations, considering their limited access to healthcare systems. Healthcare providers, policymakers, and public health systems need to cooperate in this serious problem to resolve those disparities. Early detection, accurate treatment, and preventative interventions help loosen the spread of STIs.

In conclusion, despite the deep understanding of this area and the inventions managing infections, they remain a massive issue if their widespread potential is considered. Efforts need to be made to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Keywords: Chlamydia; Gonorrhea; HIV, Sexual health; Transgender persons; Sex workers

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