Raseerija, pesulapp ja 4 muud majapidamises kasutatavat eset, mis võivad põhjustada STI-d.

Razor, washcloth and 4 more household items through which you can contract an STI

A venereologist has given advice on how to protect yourself.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one million people between the ages of 15 and 49 contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every day worldwide. There are several ways these diseases are transmitted, but most cases are through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Viruses and bacteria are transmitted through the mucous membranes of the genitals, anus, mouth and throat.

There are a total of about 30 types of STIs worldwide, but the most common are: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B, herpes, immunodeficiency and human papilloma viruses. Some viruses can be successfully treated, while others are incurable.

What items can cause infection

dermatologist, venereologist, sexologist

“In some cases, very rarely, infection of a healthy person from a sick family member can occur.”

In addition to unprotected sex, STIs can be transmitted through household items:

1. A towel;
2. toothbrush;
3. underwear;
4. washcloth;
5. razor;
6. manicure paraphernalia.

In addition, sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted through kissing and close embraces, says Anna Openchenko.

Mechanism of transmission

The mechanism of transmission of STIs through household items is quite simple. Pathogens can remain on its surface, which can pass to the mucous membranes of a healthy person.

How to reduce the risk

First, each family member should have their own personal hygiene items.

Another good way to prevent STI infection through household items is to wash towels and underwear at high temperatures. It is also not superfluous to steam iron them.

It should be borne in mind that when cured of a sexual infection, so-called re-infection can occur, for example, from the same washcloth.

If you are in such an unpleasant situation and contracted an STI, it is recommended to replace personal hygiene products during treatment.

How long pathogens can survive on the surfaces of household items

This question can not be answered unequivocally. A lot depends on the conditions in which the object is located, as well as the material from which it is made.

According to Anna Openchenko, for example, chlamydia on cotton underwear can survive up to two days, and gonococci (gonorrhea) – up to 24 hours. Trichomonads can survive in a warm and humid environment for up to 20 hours.

As for syphilis and its causative agent pale treponema, the probability of infection by household means is extremely low: the pathogen dies already at a temperature above 37 degrees Celsius, when drying and under the influence of antiseptic.