Chronicity of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is, however, particularly relevant as some strains (high risk HPV) Remitir a VPH can induce cervical cancer plus cancer of the vulva, anus or vagina in women, and cancer of the anus or penis in men. In women, routine screening by gynaecologists is enough to detect cytological changes that could indicate the presence of cancer. Although many types of virus are not carcinogenic, immunosuppressed male patients with lesions should go for a medical check-up.

Some bacterial infections derived from Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae and which cause urethritis or cervicitis can go undetected, especially in women, and develop into upper genital tract infections (affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries). These infections can lead to serious problems for women such as pelvic inflammatory disease or ectopic pregnancies. Infection in fallopian tubes is a significant cause of female infertility in developed countries. In men, untreated infections can produce inflammation in the testicles (epididymitis) or prostate gland (acute or chronic prostatitis) and in some cases may even provoke narrowing of the urethra. 

Syphilis does not present serious long-term consequences if diagnosed and treated early. However, when it goes undetected, some patients may be left with a latent form that can eventually, after a long time, spread to nervous and vascular tissues. In case of clinical suspicion, blood tests will confirm or rule out the presence of infection.

Lymphogranuloma venereum Chlamydia infection, which is relatively common among men who have sex with men, may produce medical problems over time if it is not treated. It normally manifests with lower digestive tract discomfort, plus rectal discharge of pus, blood or mucus, although these symptoms may be very mild in some patients. If lymphogranuloma venereum remains undiagnosed, the infection spreads throughout the rectal mucous membrane causing inflammation, ulceration and even fistula formation. Another common symptom is swollen lymph glands in the groin, which tends to be very painful and can develop into a pus-discharging fistula.