Credit: safersex.4motion.lu
As every year, at the start of the summer holidays, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Security has launched a communication campaign to raise awareness among the population, more particularly young people, about protecting themselves against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
According to a report recently published by the World Health Organization (WHO), epidemics of HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs cause 2.5 million deaths each year. Over the past four months, a significant increase in cases of syphilis has also been recorded in Luxembourg, the ministry emphasised.
In this context, the ministry reminds the general public that it is essential to pay particular attention to the risk of contracting an STI, particularly during festive events that lead to multiple new encounters.
The ministry stressed that the best way to protect oneself is to use a condom during sexual intercourse for each sexual act and with each partner whose sexual health status is unknown. Additionally, there are other recommended actions in view of preventing STI transmission: getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis A and B; smallpox vaccination (prevention of Mpox) for men who have sex with men; getting tested for STIs and HIV regularly if having multiple partners; screening for STIs and HIV if wanting to stop using condoms with a regular partner; taking and following the treatments prescribed by a doctor to the end; telling one’s partner(s) so that they can also be tested and treated if necessary; not sharing a syringe or sniffing equipment.
In the event of a relationship with a risk of HIV transmission, post-exposure prophylaxis may be administered to prevent infection. It must be administered within 48 hours to be effective.
In addition, it is recommended to get tested as soon as possible after two-to-three weeks and always six weeks after exposure following risky sexual intercourse (if there are no visible symptoms). It takes at least two to three weeks and sometimes six weeks after taking the risk for the tests to detect a possible infection or to be sure of a negative status. During this waiting period, it is essential to use a condom during sexual intercourse to avoid transmitting a possible STI.
In the event of signs suggestive of an STI (itching, burning, redness, etc.), it is recommended to get tested immediately, as some complications can be avoided if the infection is treated quickly.
Where to get tested
STI screening can be done by making an appointment with one’s GP or any other doctor or by going to the screening office at the HIV-Berodung service of the Luxembourg Red Cross, the Family Planning, the Jugend an Drogenhëllef Fondation or the Abrigado (CNDS). A free, anonymous and prescription-free screening consultation is also available at the Infectious Diseases Department at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL Centre) where a blood test and/or a rapid test can be prescribed.
For more information on STIs, the risks and means of prevention, consult the “sexually transmitted diseases” section of the websites www.sante.lu and www.safersex.lu.
