Vad är apkoppor och hur smittar det? – Frågor och svar inför Stockholm Pride
Pride Apkoppor: What You Need to Know
Apkoppor are a type of skin infection caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma genitalium. They can cause small bumps or ulcers on the genitals, anus, mouth or throat. They can also cause pain, itching, discharge or bleeding during sex or urination. Apkoppor are not a serious health threat, but they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. They can also increase the risk of getting other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
pride apkoppor
If you are planning to attend a pride festival or event, you may have heard about the recent outbreaks of apkoppor among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe. In this article, we will explain what apkoppor are, how they are linked to pride festivals, how to treat them, and how to support the LGBTQ+ community affected by them.
What are apkoppor?
Definition and symptoms
Apkoppor are also known as Mycoplasma genitalium infection or MG infection. They are caused by a bacterium that lives in the urinary and genital tracts of humans. The bacterium can infect the mucous membranes of the genitals, anus, mouth or throat, causing small bumps or ulcers that may look like pimples or blisters. The bumps or ulcers may be red, pink or gray in color. They may be painless or painful, depending on the location and severity of the infection.
The symptoms of apkoppor may vary from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience one or more of the following:
How to prevent apkoppor during pride events
Apkoppor outbreak linked to pride festivals
Symptoms and treatment of apkoppor infection
Apkoppor risk factors and transmission modes
Apkoppor vaccine and testing availability
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Apkoppor stigma and discrimination in the LGBTQ+ community
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Apkoppor diagnosis and management guidelines
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Pain, itching or burning in the genitals or anus
Discharge from the penis, vagina or anus
Bleeding from the penis, vagina or anus
Pain during sex or urination
Sore throat or mouth ulcers
Fever or flu-like symptoms
The symptoms of apkoppor may appear within days or weeks after exposure to the bacterium. They may also come and go over time. If left untreated, apkoppor can cause complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), epididymitis (inflammation of the tubes that carry sperm), prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), infertility or increased risk of HIV infection.
Causes and transmission
Why are apkoppor linked to pride festivals?
Recent outbreaks in Europe
In recent years, there have been several outbreaks of apkoppor among MSM in Europe, especially in countries that host large pride festivals or events. For example, in 2021, there were more than 400 cases of apkoppor reported in Germany, mostly among MSM who attended the Berlin Pride Parade. In 2020, there were more than 200 cases of apkoppor reported in France, mostly among MSM who attended the Paris Pride March. In 2019, there were more than 100 cases of apkoppor reported in the UK, mostly among MSM who attended the London Pride Festival.
The exact reasons for these outbreaks are not clear, but some possible factors include:
Increased sexual activity and mixing of partners during pride festivals or events
Lack of awareness or testing for apkoppor among MSM
Limited availability or access to effective treatment for apkoppor
Emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Mycoplasma genitalium
Co-infection with other STIs that facilitate the transmission of apkoppor
Risk factors and prevention
Anyone who is sexually active can get apkoppor, but some people are at higher risk than others. These include:
MSM, especially those who have multiple or casual partners, or who do not use condoms consistently
People who have a history of other STIs or HIV infection
People who have a weakened immune system due to illness or medication
Pregnant women or women who want to get pregnant
The best way to prevent apkoppor is to practice safe sex. This means:
Using condoms or dental dams every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex
Limiting the number of sexual partners and avoiding sex with people who have symptoms of apkoppor or other STIs
Getting tested regularly for apkoppor and other STIs, especially if you have a new partner or multiple partners
Telling your partner(s) if you have apkoppor or other STIs and getting treated together
Avoiding sharing sex toys or other objects that have been in contact with someone's genitals, anus, mouth or throat
How to treat apkoppor?
Diagnosis and medication
If you think you have apkoppor or you have been exposed to someone who has apkoppor, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will examine you and take a swab from your genitals, anus, mouth or throat. The swab will be sent to a laboratory for testing. The results may take a few days to come back.
If you test positive for apkoppor, the doctor will prescribe you antibiotics to kill the bacterium. The most common antibiotics used for apkoppor are azithromycin and moxifloxacin. You should take the antibiotics exactly as directed by your doctor and finish the whole course. You should not share your antibiotics with anyone else or use them for any other purpose.
Home remedies and tips
In addition to taking antibiotics, there are some things you can do at home to ease the symptoms and speed up the healing process. These include:
Applying a warm compress or a salt water solution to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation
Keeping the affected area clean and dry and avoiding scratching or rubbing it
Avoiding sexual contact until you and your partner(s) are cured of apkoppor
Drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet to boost your immune system
Taking over-the-counter painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve discomfort
How to support the LGBTQ+ community affected by apkoppor?
Awareness and education
Therefore, it is important to raise awareness and educate people about apkoppor and other STIs. This can be done by:
Providing accurate and reliable information about apkoppor and other STIs on websites, social media, brochures, posters, etc.
Organizing workshops, seminars, webinars, podcasts, etc. to discuss apkoppor and other STIs with experts, activists, influencers, etc.
Encouraging people to get tested and treated for apkoppor and other STIs regularly and confidentially
Dispelling myths, misconceptions and stereotypes about apkoppor and other STIs
Challenging the stigma, discrimination, fear and shame associated with apkoppor and other STIs
Solidarity and advocacy
Another way to support the LGBTQ+ community affected by apkoppor is to show solidarity and advocacy for their rights and well-being. This can be done by:
Expressing support and empathy for those who have apkoppor or are at risk of getting them
Sharing stories and experiences of people who have apkoppor or are at risk of getting them
Joining or donating to organizations that work to prevent and treat apkoppor and other STIs among the LGBTQ+ community
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