Health centers in the region test for sexually transmitted infections

Many Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are silent and symptoms may go unnoticed by many patients. However, there is treatment for these infections in specialized health units in different neighborhoods.

The City of São Paulo, through the Municipal Health Department (SMS), provides free conventional tests, rapid tests and even self-tests for STIs such as HIV/Aids, syphilis and hepatitis B and C. People become infected through unprotected sexual intercourse ( oral, vaginal or anal) with an infected person, or from the pregnant person to the child during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. Prevention and regular testing are essential.

Check out where to get tested in the capital:

– Conventional tests: HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C tests are available in the 471 Basic Health Units (UBS) in the capital, in addition to the 28 services of the Specialized Municipal Network (RME) in STI/Aids. UBS and RME units also diagnose and treat other STIs.

– Rapid tests: At the CTA mobile unit in the city, a project of the STI/AIDS Coordination of the Municipal Health Department (SMS), it is possible to carry out free rapid testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and start using pre-test prophylaxis -exposure or post-exposure (PrEP/PEP) to HIV. The City’s CTA is itinerant, traveling to the most vulnerable regions in the city on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

These four units in the south are some of those specialized in STIs:

– SAE Ceci: Av. Ceci, 2.235 – Planalto Paulista. Tel.: (11) 2276-9719

– SAE Ipiranga (José Francisco de Araújo): R. Gonçalves Ledo, 606 – Ipiranga. Tel.: (11) 2273-5073

– SAE Santo Amaro (Dr. Denize Dornelas de Oliveira): R. Padre José de Anchieta, 640 – Santo Amaro. Tel.: (11) 5686-1613

– CTA Santo Amaro (Paula Legno): R. Mário Lopes Leão, 240 – Santo Amaro. Tel.: (11) 5686-9960 / 5686-1475

Learn more about the main STIs

– HIV: HIV is the acronym in English for human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS is the Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome, transmitted by the HIV virus, characterized by the weakening of the body’s defense system and the appearance of opportunistic diseases. Transmission occurs through unprotected sex with people living with HIV and/or AIDS who are not undergoing treatment or have a detectable viral load, through the sharing of contaminated syringes or from mother to child during pregnancy and breastfeeding, when appropriate measures are not taken. of prevention.

– Syphilis: Infection caused by bacteria that can initially cause painless sores on the genitals (penis, vagina, anus) and mouth and that, if left untreated, can worsen. Transmission occurs during unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person or from a pregnant person to a child during pregnancy or childbirth (vertical transmission).

– Gonorrhea: This is a bacteria that affects the genitals, throat and eyes, causing yellowish, purulent and burning urethral discharge when urinating; vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, but may remain asymptomatic when it reaches the anal cavity or oropharynx. When left untreated, it can cause chronic pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, infertility or pregnancy in the tubes.

Hepatitis B and C

Diseases transmitted by viruses that can cause irreversible damage to the liver. Hepatitis B is transmitted through sex, use of alcohol and other injectable drugs (sharing contaminated syringes), a risky profession or small cuts caused by sharp objects. Hepatitis C is transmitted when there is a puncture in the skin and contact with contaminated material, and can be sexually transmitted on a smaller scale.

Trichomoniasis

The infection is caused by protozoa. Its symptoms are greenish-yellow vaginal discharge, strong odor, pain during sexual intercourse, burning, difficulty urinating and itching in the sexual organs. In men it can be asymptomatic. Contagion occurs during unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, therefore, using a condom during sexual intercourse is the best prevention measure.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacteria that can affect the genitals, mouth, throat and eyes. This infection, which often progresses without symptoms (especially when it affects the anal region or oropharynx), can cause pain during urination and sexual intercourse, urethral discharge in men, vaginal discharge and even pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if not treated early. (Women may not present symptoms in 70% of cases). When left untreated, it can also cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

Genital Herpes

Caused by viruses and can cause injuries, which begin with small vesicles (blisters), which, when ruptured, form painful wounds. It is more common in the labial region (Herpes type 1) and on the genitals (penis, vagina, vulva, anus – herpes type 2). There is no cure for herpes, but there is treatment for the lesions.

HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause warts and other manifestations on the male and female genitals. The virus can cause serious injuries and trigger cancer of the cervix, vagina, anus, vulva, penis and oropharynx. In addition to the free distribution of condoms as a barrier method, the municipal health network offers the HPV vaccine for boys and girls aged 9 to 14.