Poles downplay the problem of syphilis

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Poles are less and less tested for syphilis (i.e. syphilis) and often do not take the disease seriously, and the number of cases in Poland is growing – alarm scientists from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Medical University in Poznań.

Syphilis – more and more cases and less and less research

As reported on the SWSP website, a team of venereologists, dermatologists, molecular biologists and psychologists from the Department and Clinic of Dermatology of the Medical University in Poznań and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Poznań conducted a series of tests aimed at checking the condition of syphilis in Poland and the well-being of infected people.

The results may be particularly interesting in the context of EURO 2012. Easy access to sexual services i increased migrations population favor the spread of venereal diseases – commented on the SWPS website.

Analysis of over 120 the results of serological tests performed in 1996-2010 at the Laboratory of Diagnostics of Sexually Transmitted Diseases at the Medical University of Poznań revealed a consistent increase in morbidity with a simultaneous decrease in the number of tests performed. In 2010, they were performed by half as much as in 1996, and the percentage of syphilis cases diagnosed in this period doubled. Medical examinations mostly concerned the inhabitants of the Wielkopolskie voivodeship.

See also: The seven most common venereal diseases

Carelessness of syphilis patients and its consequences

In addition, a team of scientists conducted anonymous research using a questionnaire method on a group of 42 people treated for syphilis (including 35 men and 7 women aged 35-37). It turned out that among these people, syphilis, a disease commonly classified as a shameful and socially stigmatized disease, often did not adversely affect either the self-esteem, well-being and social activity of the infected.

The generally positive picture of the life situation presented by people infected with syphilis may be a manifestation of the patient’s wishful thinking about what it should be like. Most of the patients looked as if nothing exceptional had happened, and their life situation and current social position had not changed – explained Prof. Teresa Rzepa, a psychologist from the Poznań department of SWPS. – However, the most disturbing thing is that infected people show carelessness, which makes them a threat to their partners or fleeting lovers. The most difficult psychological situation is for women who were infected during pregnancy by partners who did not reveal the fact of the disease, and for young people who were diagnosed with syphilis “for the first time” in the hospital – says prof. Turnip.

Prof. Rzepa points out that the new legal regulations do not force patients to disclose personal data of their sexual partners. In addition, patients willingly use private medical offices and they do not name people who may be infected with syphilis. They also often fail to inform their partners about the need to see a doctor, which may prevent the development of the disease.

A threat to healthy people – according to prof. Velcro – there is easy access to sexual services, increased migration of the population, lack of control of the state health service over venereal diseases and popularization of risky sexual behavior.

The psychologist reminds you that in the highest risk group there are women aged 20-24, men aged 35-39, homosexuals, prostitutes, drug addicts, as well as the homeless, the poor and those deprived of medical care.

Research on the incidence of syphilis in Poland and the well-being of infected people was carried out by a team of scientists, including Prof. Turnips entered prof. Ryszard Żaba, Dr. Oliwia Jakubowicz and Beata Szramka-Pawlak from the Laboratory of Diagnostics of Sexually Transmitted Diseases at the Medical University of Poznań.

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, causes ulcers and rashes initially, and over time can severely damage the heart, brain, and eyes, and lead to death. It can also be passed on from mother to child.

This may interest you:

  1. Embarrassing diseases are not only transmitted sexually. Here are other routes of infection
  2. Research on sexually transmitted diseases
  3. Great syphilis epidemic. Excerpt from the book “How was healed in the past?”

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