STDs in Young People and Older Adults: An Essential Guide to Sexual Health
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) continue to pose a significant public health challenge in Portugal. Although they are often associated with young people and adolescents, official data show an increase in diagnoses among adults and the elderly as well, primarily due to a decline in condom use after the end of the reproductive years.
According to the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), many STDs remain underdiagnosed due to the absence of symptoms and the mistaken perception that they pose a low risk. This guide therefore aims to go beyond basic information by bringing together accessible scientific knowledge, official data, and practical guidance, thereby reinforcing the role of Correia Rosa Pharmacies as places where people can access reliable, accessible, and confidential information.
STDs in Portugal: What Do the Official Data Reveal?
Before examining each disease in detail, it is important to provide some context regarding the national situation. According to the DGS:
- There has been a steady increase in syphilis and gonorrhea over the past decade;
- Late HIV diagnoses continue to occur, especially among people over the age of 50;
- HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection over a person’s lifetime.
These data show that age does not protect against STDs and that prevention remains essential at all stages of life.
This context helps us understand why it is essential to know how STDs develop, which microorganisms cause them, and how they are transmitted.
What are STDs, and how are they transmitted?
STDs are infections caused by microorganisms—viruses, bacteria, or parasites—that are transmitted primarily through sexual contact. Transmission can occur through:
- Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex;
- Direct contact with mucous membranes or infected skin;
- Contact with infected blood;
- Transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (in some infections)
Below, we present the main STDs, with a clear explanation of the causative agent and the mode of transmission essential information for effective prevention.
Major STDs: Microorganisms and Routes of Transmission
Summary Table: STDs, Symptoms, Screening, and Prevention
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Microorganism: virus;
- Transmission: unprotected sexual intercourse, contact with infected blood, vertical transmission (mother-to-child);
HIV affects the immune system and can remain asymptomatic for years. According to the DGS, early diagnosis makes it possible to control the infection and drastically reduce transmission.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- Microorganism: virus;
- Transmission: direct skin-to-skin or skin-to-mucous membrane contact during sexual activity.
HPV is extremely common. Most infections clear up on their own, but some types are linked to cancer. Vaccination is one of the most effective preventive measures.
In Portugal, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening is part of the National Cervical Cancer Screening Program, which is administered by the National Health Service (SNS) and recommended by health authorities. This screening is primarily intended for people with cervix, with the goal of detecting the virus and cellular changes that could develop into cancer at an early stage. Screening ideally begins at age 25, or about 3 years after becoming sexually active, and, in the absence of abnormalities or a history of cervical disease, should be repeated every 5 years until age 60–65, in accordance with current clinical recommendations in Portugal.
This screening is performed by collecting a sample of cells from the cervix usually during a gynecological visit which is then analyzed in a laboratory to detect the presence of high-risk HPV and early cellular changes. In addition to health centers and primary care facilities within the National Health Service (SNS), these tests can be requested during gynecological visits at private clinics and affiliated healthcare facilities, by appointment. If the results are abnormal, the patient is referred for further evaluation.
Regular participation in this program, even in the absence of symptoms, is considered one of the most effective measures for secondary prevention of cervical cancer in Portugal, significantly reducing HPV-related mortality.
Chlamydia
- Microorganism: bacterium (Chlamydia trachomatis);
- Transmission: vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom.
It is often asymptomatic. If left untreated, it can cause infertility and pelvic complications, especially in women.
Gonorrhea
- Microorganism: bacterium (Neisseria gonorrhoeae);
- Transmission: unprotected sexual contact.
It can cause a burning sensation when urinating and discharge, but it may also be asymptomatic, which makes it easier to spread.
Syphilis
- Microorganism: bacterium (Treponema pallidum);
- Transmission: direct sexual contact with infected lesions.
Syphilis progresses through several stages. The initial symptoms may disappear without treatment, leading to a false sense that the infection has been cured.
Genital herpes
- Microorganism: virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2);
- Transmission: through contact with blood and, in the case of hepatitis B, also through sexual contact.
Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination. Both can progress to chronic liver disease.
Once you understand the different STDs, it becomes clear that the absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of infection, which underscores the importance of screening.
Screenings and rapid tests: Why are they essential?
According to the DGS, screening helps identify infections before symptoms appear, thereby reducing complications and transmission.
Rapid screening tests for HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV) are available in Portugal and are characterized by:
- Results in 15 to 30 minutes;
- Simple procedure (finger prick or oral sample);
- Confidentiality;
- Referral in the event of a reactive result.
When and where should screenings be conducted?
The DGS recommends testing whenever there is a risk, specifically:
- Unprotected sex;
- New sexual partners;
- No previous screenings;
- Presence of symptoms, even mild ones.
In the Caldas da Rainha area and its surroundings, screenings can be conducted at National Health Service (SNS) facilities and community sexual health projects that provide appropriate information and referrals.
What should you do if you test positive?
According to the DGS, a positive result on a rapid test indicates the need to:
- Laboratory confirmation;
- Specialist medical consultation;
- Timely initiation of treatment;
- Information on preventing transmission.
Proper follow-up care helps control the infection and maintain quality of life.
Sexual Health: Ongoing Care
Sexual health should be a priority throughout one’s entire life. Accurate information, appropriate prevention, and regular screenings are key to reducing the impact of STDs.
Regular sexual health and family planning consultations are a fundamental pillar of prevention and lifelong care. These consultations make it possible to assess individual risks, answer questions, keep screenings and vaccinations up to date, and detect infections or changes early on many of which are often asymptomatic. In addition to preventing pregnancy, family planning encompasses the promotion of safe and informed sexuality appropriate for every stage of life, including adolescence, adulthood, and older adulthood. Regular follow-up with healthcare professionals contributes to more informed decisions, a reduction in risky behaviors, and an improvement in overall sexual and reproductive health, reinforcing the importance of a continuous, personalized, and evidence-based approach.
In addition, Correia Rosa Pharmacies are here to support the community by providing reliable information, a personal touch, and professionalism. Come visit us!
Summary: The Basics of STDs
What's important to remember
- STDs affect people of all ages, including older adults;
- Many STDs are asymptomatic for long periods;
- Condoms remain the primary form of prevention;
- Rapid tests enable early detection;
- Early diagnosis reduces complications and transmission.
When to Get Screened
- After unprotected sex;
- In the case of new partners;
- If you have never been screened for STDs;
- If you experience any symptoms, even mild ones.
Where to Find Reliable Information
- Directorate-General for Health (DGS);
- Includes;
- Correia Rosa Pharmacies – information, advice, and referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. A single instance of unprotected sex may be enough to transmit the infection.
Yes. Several STDs can be transmitted through unprotected oral sex, such as syphilis and HPV.
They significantly reduce the risk, but do not offer absolute protection against infections transmitted through skin-to-skin or skin-to-mucous membrane contact, such as HPV.
It depends on individual risk. The DGS recommends regular screening for sexually active people, especially those with new partners.
Yes. The DGS is warning of an increase in diagnoses in this age group.
Not necessarily. Many STDs are curable or manageable when diagnosed early.
At Correia Rosa Pharmacies, where healthcare professionals provide safe and discreet counseling. At your local health center and through community sexual health initiatives such as Acompanha.
