STIs and other infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) encompass a wide range of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. They are primarily transmitted through sex or close, intimate contact. There are also other infections and diseases that are relevant to sexual health.

There are numerous STIs which occur more frequently than HIV. There are vaccines for particular STIs: HPV, hepatitis A/B and monkeypox. For most others – except HIV and hepatitis C – there are no reliable protective strategies, as they are very easy to transmit. Even condoms, despite reducing the risk of transmission, do not offer complete protection. Most STIs can be effectively treated though. Early detection and treatment are decisive for avoiding long-term health damage.

One major hindrance for prevention is the fact that many infections do not produce any noticeable symptoms. People with an infection can feel completely healthy and unknowingly pass it on to others. Some sexually transmitted infections can resolve spontaneously without any tests or treatments being administered. However, others, such as syphilis, cause severe health damage.

The only method of diagnosing an STI is a properly conducted test. There are effective treatments available for most STIs. Early detection and treatment are decisive for avoiding long-term health damage.

Dealing with STIs: vaccination, protection, testing, treatment

Safer Sex means protecting yourself against sexually transmitted infections. There are different risks, vaccinations, protection methods and protection recommendations for every infection.

Vaccination

Even condoms don’t reliably protect against some infections that can be transmitted during sex. For hepatitis A, hepatitis B, HPV and mpox, vaccination is the only means of protection. Whether or not a vaccination is recommended depends on sexual practices, number of sexual partners and other factors.

Information & recommendations

Protection

Safer Sex means protecting yourself against sexually transmitted infections. There are different risks, protection options and protection recommendations depending on the infection.

Information & recommendations

Testing

People who have sex cannot protect themselves from all STIs, because they are easily transmitted. Even condoms do not offer sufficient protection, since some pathogens – but not HIV – are also transmitted during kissing, touching and oral sex.

Information & recommendations

Treatment

In most cases, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be treated and cured without any problems. HIV cannot be cured, but it can be treated effectively.

Information & recommendations