Statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology show that the rate of adolescents seeking hospital care for sexually transmitted diseases is on the rise.

Specifically, the hospital recorded 1,000 visits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in 2021.

That number increased to 1,883 in 2022 and 2,437 in 2023, representing a 59-percent increase over a three-year period. 

One particularly notable case involved a 16-year-old boy who was brought to the hospital for cloudy white urethral discharge. 

After examination and testing, he was diagnosed with gonorrhea.

He explained that during a visit to a massage parlor with friends, he engaged in oral sex, mistakenly believing it was safe from STIs.

Once symptoms appeared, he told his family and was brought for medical attention.

Another case involved a 14-year-old girl who presented with a large pimple in her vaginal area. 

She explained that she had engaged in intercourse with multiple partners.

Doctors also found that she was 10 weeks pregnant. 

Upon examination, she was diagnosed with genital warts and had them cauterized. 

The medical team at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology then referred her to reputable facilities for further assessment of her pregnancy.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tho, deputy head of Clinical Department 3 at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, stated that common STIs among adolescents include genital warts, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV, and hepatitis B and C.

Dr. Tho emphasized that adolescents are particularly vulnerable to STIs due to a lack of comprehensive knowledge about reproductive health, menstrual cycles, conception, and contraceptive methods. 

Curiosity often leads them to engage in sexual activities without proper precautions.

“Without knowledge about safe sex, many young individuals do not use condoms, have multiple partners, and use substances during sexual encounters,” Dr. Tho explained. 

“STIs are mainly transmitted through direct and indirect contact with the genitals, anus, and mouth; through blood; and from mother to child.”

Dr. Tho also pointed out the serious consequences of early sexual activity. 

For women, these can include damage to the fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, peritonitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. 

In men, it can cause orchitis, epididymitis, urethral strictures, and rectal inflammation, all of which may result in infertility.

Dr. Vu Thi Thu from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thu Duc Regional General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City noted the role of peer pressure and broken families in the current trend of earlier sexual initiation. 

Many young individuals may not fully understand the risks associated with early abortion, particularly if they are not prepared to support a child and are still in school. 

This can lead to life-long consequences, including infertility.

Dr. Tho emphasized the need for families and schools to collaborate on sex education for children, including the incorporation of engaging extracurricular programs suitable for different age groups. 

Education should guide children to understand their own physiology, avoid risky behaviors, and recognize their self-worth, while preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexual abuse, Dr. Tho explained.

Clear and age-appropriate explanations are essential, along with discussions about safe sex practices, including the use of condoms for vaginal, anal, and oral sex, though condoms do not guarantee full protection against STIs. 

In new relationships, partners should get tested and share results openly. 

Long-term relationships with uninfected partners are a reliable way to reduce STI risk. 

Vaccination is recommended for preventing hepatitis B and HPV, while pre-exposure prophylaxis can help prevent HIV for those at high risk.

Avoiding risky sexual behaviors, such as using inappropriate toys or substances before sex, is crucial. 

If there are any signs of concern, individuals should seek diagnosis and treatment from reputable healthcare facilities to prevent serious consequences.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!