The most common sex diseases in Germany

On September 4th is World Day of Sexual Health, the information day launched in 2010 this year's motto is "In a diverse world - sexual health for everyone". Although many sexually transmitted diseases are now treatable, chlamydia, gonorrhea and others should continue to be taken seriously.

You do not talk about it, you are ashamed and you often do not even notice it: sex diseases are still a taboo topic. But if you do nothing, you put yourself and others at risk. Therefore, the family doctor warns: You should not be ashamed of venereal diseases, nor should it be taken lightly!

The spread of sexual ailments is often associated with a relaxed lifestyle, a diverse sex life and the resulting recklessness. One thing does not have to condition or exclude the other. It is much more important to insist on regular monitoring, says Dr. Kraus (name changed by the Red.), Family doctor from Hamburg:

"Patients who have frequent changing sexual partners have to visit their doctor on their own responsibility and then we can do recommended vaccinations and examinations."

Common diseases

Surveillance is so important for people who are at higher risk for their sexual behavior because many of the diseases remain undetected.

The symptoms are very general - who thinks of a joint disease or rash of a disease such as chlamydia or syphilis?

These are five of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in Germany:

1.    Chlamydia (bacterium, the most common sexually transmitted infection in Europe)
Transmission: by oral, vaginal and anal intercourse
Treatment: antibiotics

2.    Gonorrhea , colloquially called gonorrhea (bacterium)
Transmission: by oral, vaginal and anal sexual intercourse
Treatment: antibiotics

3.    Syphilis (bacterium)
Transmission: by oral, vaginal and anal intercourse
Treatment: antibiotics. Syphilis can persist for years in the body without being noticed. In the long term, it can cause serious damage to the heart, brain, bones, skin and other organs. That is why it is especially important to recognize them early.

4.    Hepatitis B (virus)
transmission: by contact with body fluids (especially blood and genital secretions) of infected persons, eg when using syringes, tattoos or piercings together and during sexual intercourse (genital, anal and oral)
Treatment: Here the prevention is crucial: One Vaccine protects! If you become infected with hepatitis B and survive the disease successfully, you are immune to it for life. However, hepatitis B can be chronic and cause serious sequelae. 

5.    Herpes Genital (virus)
transmission: through close body contact and through contact with blood, semen, seminal fluid and vaginal fluid
Specific symptoms: itching and burning blisters, mainly in the mouth, on the lips or in the genital area
Treatment: Once you have it, it can always come , the symptoms are treated with antiviral drugs.

symptoms

In these but also in other sexually transmitted diseases such as fungi, scabies or genital warts, very similar symptoms can occur:

·         Itching and irritation on the anus

·         Painful urination and sexual intercourse

·         Pain on the vagina and glans

·         Unusual discharge in the genital area (often purulent)

·         Rash (often without itching)

·         Irregular bleeding outside menstruation

·         Sore throat, redness and irritation in the mouth and throat

·         Red spots, nodules or ulcers at the entry point of the bacterium

·         Swollen lymph nodes

·         Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, joint pain

·         Weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

In everyday practice you experience again and again that sufferers are much too ashamed of having a fear or not taking the symptoms seriously.

But especially with the family doctor, that should not be a reason not to be examined: "The family doctor should always be the first point of contact for unclear discomfort". Kraus.

If genital discomfort occurs, patients should not hesitate to visit a gynecologist or urologist.

Protection is easy

Safe sex is the keyword!

There are three golden rules that make your love life exciting and still make sure:

1.    Always with a condom and even before the intrusion, make sure that it is tight.

2.    Cum and blood not in the mouth - this is especially important for homosexual couples.

3.    If itching, burning or discharge to the doctor, and immediately.

And the additional fourth rule: trust is good, control is better.

If you are unsure or have a new relationship and your partner has had many sexual partners, have you and your partner at the doctor check for STDs.

risk groups

It is very important to be aware of the risk and also to know when (temporarily) exposing yourself to a higher risk.

It is not just about people who have multiple or often changing sexual partners (the sexual orientation is completely irrelevant, by the way). Kraus also points out that one-night-stands on vacation, unprotected sex with prostitutes or other often exceptional situations can bring an increased risk.

Finally, the family doctor admits with a misconception that is still widespread: "The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, even if some people still think."