February 19, 2026 - Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Prevention Day.
Annually in February, a unified health day "STI Prevention Day" is held. The purpose of STI Prevention Day is to foster responsible sexual behavior among the population, raise awareness about protection methods, prevent infection and disease spread, preserve reproductive health, and promote safe sex and early diagnosis.
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are a group of diseases caused by bacteria (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea), viruses (HIV, herpes, hepatitis, papillomavirus), protozoa (trichomoniasis), fungi (candidiasis), or parasites (phthiriasis - pubic lice) that are transmitted from person to person mainly through sexual contact. Some STIs can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as through infected blood and blood products.
Simultaneous infection with multiple pathogens is possible, which complicates therapy. Unfortunately, there is no single universal antimicrobial drug that can cure all these infections. And not all infections can be completely eradicated; some (HIV, herpes, papillomavirus) can only be suppressed and their activity controlled.
Symptoms of STIs: After infection, symptoms do not appear immediately (an incubation period occurs during which microorganisms multiply). The duration of this period is individual for each infection, but on average it is 2-4 weeks. During this time, there are no complaints, and laboratory tests may not immediately detect the pathogen. Later, symptoms appear that are common to many STIs: lower abdominal pain; itching and burning of the genitals; discharge (may have an odor); spots, blisters, ulcers, growths on the genitals; discomfort during urination and sexual contact. Infections often proceed asymptomatically or with minimal clinical manifestations. Regardless of the course (with or without symptoms), the disease leads to complications (inflammatory and cicatricial changes of reproductive organs) and infection of sexual partners.
Prevention
Among the preventive measures, the most effective are:
- Use of condoms.
- Monogamous partner: Fidelity to one partner is the most reliable method.
- Avoiding casual relationships: The fewer partners, the lower the risk.
- Vaccination (against HPV and hepatitis B).
- Personal hygiene and regular preventive check-ups.
Thorough washing of the genitals with soap immediately after sexual intercourse.
Use of antiseptics (Miramistin, Chlorhexidine) within 2-4 hours after contact (do not overuse).
- Do not start sexual activity too early.
- Know the symptoms of STIs (discharge, itching, pain during urination, sores) for timely medical attention.
If an "unplanned sexual encounter" has occurred, it is recommended to treat the genital tract with antiseptic solutions within the first 2 hours and consult a gynecologist, venereologist, or urologist. Self-treatment can mask symptoms, leading to a chronic form of the disease. Specific therapy is prescribed after laboratory confirmation of infection.
In the Republic of Belarus, criminal liability is provided for the spread of sexually transmitted infections (if infection occurred through sexual contact or other actions, and the perpetrator knew about having a venereal disease).
Most people are convinced that infection can happen to others, but not to them. Realization comes only when the consequences of infection manifest – a diagnosis of HIV, hepatitis, infertility, or the birth of children with developmental abnormalities.
According to statistical data for the Rossony district for 2025, the following cases were registered: trichomoniasis - 4, syphilis - 1, HIV - 3.
No cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or hepatitis were registered in 2025.
No cases of STIs in the Rossony district for the current period of 2026 have been registered.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones!
State Institution "Rossony Regional Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology", February 2026