Maria João Paiva Lopes from the Central Lisbon University Hospital Center (CHULC), told Lusa that the level of knowledge about these infections “is low” in Portugal.

“I think it would be very desirable for there to be greater knowledge and greater individual protection, not least because these diseases are not only important at an individual level, but also at the level of public health”, she stressed.

For Maria João Paiva Lopes, “it would be useful” if during compulsory education there was “a greater capacity to transmit this knowledge and desirable and undesirable behaviours and ways in which people protect themselves”.

This position is shared by Cândida Fernandes, the doctor responsible for the Consultation of Sexually Transmitted Diseases at Hospital dos Capuchos, which belongs to CHULC, defending that work with young people should be given “in a positive context, promoting a happy sexuality and without problems”.

People, especially when they are very young, are less concerned with diseases that can be deadly, because they think that "they are immortal and that things only happen to others", said the dermatologist, who has worked for more than 20 years in this area.

“Young people in high school and college are unaware of, devalue, are less aware that these infections can be serious and, despite being cured with antibiotics, those who have these infections are more susceptible to becoming infected with HIV, a chronic disease they have treatment for, but is still a burden on your life”, she warned.

Cândida Fernandes also warned that chlamydia and gonorrhea at a pre-pregnancy age, if not treated correctly, can cause infertility problems.