Sexually Transmitted Infections Chlamydia, Genital Warts/HPV, Herpes, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis

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Key facts at a glance

  • Most people come into contact with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at some point in their lives – either because they themselves or their sexual partners are affected. Common sexually transmitted infections include chlamydia infections, genital warts and herpes as well as gonorrhoea (“clap”) and syphilis.
  • Most sexually transmitted infections are easily treatable if diagnosed early on. If left untreated, some of them can have severe consequences.
  • As the name “sexually transmitted infections” implies, the pathogens are mainly transmitted through and/or affect the genitals. This most frequently occurs during vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom or internal condom (“femidom”) as well as during oral intercourse: through semen, the liquid film on the mucous membranes of the vagina, penis and rectum, and through blood.
  • Other routes of transmission that play a role during sex include ingestion of the pathogens through the digestive tract (e.g. through direct contact between the mouth and the anus or by the anus-finger-mouth route) as well as through contact with ulcers or inflamed, contagious skin lesions (e.g. herpes blisters, genital warts, or syphilis ulcers).
  • Some sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted during injecting drug use as well as to children during pregnancy, at birth, or thereafter.
  • Many sexually transmitted infections cause inflammation, ulcers, or small lesions on mucous membranes that can be involved during sex, increasing the risk of HIV transmission and infection when having sex without a condom or internal condom with persons with HIV who are not receiving ART.
  • Condoms and internal condoms provide protection from sexual transmission of HIV and reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections.
  • Avoiding contact with visibly changed or inflamed skin areas or wounds as well as preventing blood and other body fluids, excretions, or pus from entering the body further reduces the risk.
  • A vaccination provides the best protection from hepatitis A and B as well as the most common pathogenic HPV strains.
  • Some sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted despite taking precautions, such as using condoms.
  • Since symptoms are often not present or go unnoticed, people who have sex with different partners should get tested once a year, even if no symptoms are present, and seek medical treatment if necessary.
  • When diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, the sexual partners should also be informed so that they can also be tested and seek medical treatment. This also helps prevent reinfections.