BestDoctor group of companies recently explored how people approach sexual health and disease prevention. The study revealed that a significant portion of Russians seldom undergo preventive checks for sexually transmitted infections. The BestDoctor press service shared these findings with socialbites.ca, underscoring a broader public health concern about awareness and proactive care.
The survey results indicate that many individuals tend to deprioritize sexual health, with 46% of respondents stating they only seek preventive examinations when there is a clear reason for concern. Merely 18% reported regular testing for sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, HIV, human papillomavirus, gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, trichomoniasis, and candidiasis. These figures point to missed opportunities for early detection and treatment, which can prevent complications later on.
Medical professional Anna Siminovich, affiliated with the BestDoctor group, notes that many sexually transmitted infections do not produce symptoms in the initial stages. Without timely detection, the infections can progress and affect pelvic and genital organs, potentially leading to infertility and an elevated cancer risk. The doctor emphasizes that if one partner shows signs of an inflammatory condition in the genital region, both partners should be examined to identify any asymptomatic carriers and to prevent spread.
Despite the public health message, only 13% of participants indicated willingness to pursue joint examinations and the necessary tests. Some individuals reported undergoing STD tests only after changing partners, while others admitted to not testing at all. The pattern reflects not only personal risk assessment but also gaps in access to preventive healthcare and stigma surrounding sexual health discussions.
Georgy Kruglikov, who heads the Medtech business unit within the BestDoctor group, explains that the most commonly tested infections are HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. He highlights that advances in diagnostic technology, including polymerase chain reaction PCR methods and rapid immunochromatographic tests, enable faster results with higher accuracy. These tools expand the ability of healthcare providers to identify infections promptly and start treatment sooner, reducing the chance of transmission and long-term complications.
Recent discussions around sexual health in the medical community stress regular screening as a preventive measure, particularly for sexually active individuals and those with new or multiple partners. Early testing, patient education, and easy access to confidential testing services can significantly reduce the spread of infections and improve overall health outcomes. In addition, advancing public health education helps individuals understand when to seek testing and how to interpret results, which contributes to a more proactive approach to sexual wellness across populations.
In summary, the BestDoctor study highlights a critical need for improved awareness and routine screening. By encouraging open conversations about sexual health, normalizing preventive care, and leveraging modern diagnostic technologies, communities can reduce infection rates and prevent complications that may arise from delayed treatment. Public health initiatives that promote joint testing when indicated and reduce stigma around STI screening can lead to healthier societies and better long-term outcomes for individuals and couples alike.