Venereal diseases / STI's

Most people deal with venereal diseases also referred to as sexually transmitted infections at some point. Common examples include chlamydia, herpes, fungal infections, and genital warts (HPV), while gonorrhea and syphilis are also becoming more frequent again today. The potential consequences range from bothersome itching to life-threatening illness.

The Essentials on Sexually Transmitted Infections

• Sexually transmitted infections are passed on during sex. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, among others.
• They are transmitted primarily during vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as through other practices, such as sharing sex toys.
• Condoms reduce the risk of infection, though they do not offer complete protection.
• STIs often cause no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include discharge, itching, or skin changes on the genitals and anus.
• As a rule, STIs are easily treated with antibiotics. Left untreated, they can have serious health consequences. Anyone who is sexually active and has multiple partners should therefore get tested for STIs regularly.

You can protect yourself well against some infections, for example through condoms or vaccination. All of the mentioned conditions are treatable. Anyone who has sex with multiple partners should get screened for undetected infections once a year.

This is especially true for people with HIV: some infections can take a more severe course in their bodies. Sexually transmitted infections can also increase the risk of contracting HIV because inflammation makes it easier for the virus to enter the body. If HIV-positive individuals have another sexually transmitted infection, the risk of transmitting HIV to their partners also increases.