Less feared than HIV, some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are progressing. Field associations note a general lack of knowledge of the population regarding their modes of transmission and the health risks. Associations such as “O’Yes” set up awareness programs in order to create discussions around this complex subject to be addressed. They found that most young people do not know the risks of an STI because they do not talk regarding it enough.
Louise-Marie Drousie, facilitator trainer at the non-profit association “O’YES”, explains to us that there is a lot that young people do not know regarding sexual behavior: “Young people are not always aware of the practices that can be at risk and of the various methods of protection that exist. For example, when we talk regarding more oral practices, there are many young people who are not aware that there there is a risk of transmission of a sexually transmitted infection. If I move on to methods of protection as such. The external condom is known, but concerning the fitting of the condom, we learn that there is a lack of knowledge of the correct fitting and that users don’t know to always look at the expiration date before putting one on.”
What infections are these?
Chlamydia (which mainly affects women aged 15 to 29) fell from 68.6/100,000 inhabitants in 2017 to 77/100,000 in 2019.
Gonorrhea is progressing in men from 17.8/100,000 in 2008 to 26/100,000 in 2019.
The associations note a lack of knowledge regarding the type of tests to be carried out or regarding the risks.
9 out of 10 Belgians think they run no risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
During the pandemic, fewer diseases were screened since the Covid slowed down some people from going for screening.
