[Effect of alcohol consumption on recurrence of venereal diseases]

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) comprise a large group of infections caused by different microorganisms including spirochetes, bacteria, chlamydia, mycoplasma, protozoa, fungi, parasites, and viruses. A considerable number of patients with sexually transmitted diseases are STD recurrences. As reported by Marijanović and Lalosević, in Belgrade, among patients who visited the City Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, during 1985 and 1986 because of syphilis or gonorrhea, 22.8% had these diseases two or more times during their lives (male/female ratio 10:1). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that there is a relationship between alcohol use and recurrence of STD.

A case-control study was performed in Belgrade population, from June, 1997 to April, 1998. Participants were recruited among patients attending the City Department of Skin and venereal Diseases of Belgrade because of sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea, nongonoccocal urethritis and genital warts). The case group comprised 101 patients who already had STD two or more times in their personal histories. The control group consisted of 210 patients treated at the same institution for micotic diseases, patients who either never had STD or had it only once (13% of controls) in their personal histories. All participants were men aged 20 to 50 years and all were from Belgrade. Data on demographic characteristics, sexual history and sexual behavior, and data on antisocial behavior were collected from all participants using an anonymous questionnaire. In the present paper only data on alcohol use are presented. In the analysis of data chi 2-test was used.

STD recurrence patients in comparison to their controls used alcohol more frequently (56.3%:16.1%), especially hard liquors, and 55.5% of them used alcohol at the time of STD infection.

In the present study STD recurrence patients consumed alcohol more frequently than their controls, especially hard liquors. In the study of Myliueva et al, 50% of venereal disease patients consumed alcohol now and then and 10% consumed alcohol frequently. Scheidt and Windle found that 60% of alcoholics had at least one sexually transmitted disease as the result of a high number of sexual partners, low use of condoms and practicing sex for drugs or money. Alcohol has a depressive effect on central nervous system, reduces anxiety and increases libido.

The obtained results support the hypothesis that alcohol use is related to recurrence of STDs.