Sexually transmitted infections, sexually transmitted diseases

Overview

Infections that are mainly contracted and transmitted by sexual contact are called sexually transmitted infections. HIV is a very well-known sexually transmitted infection, but bacterial infections such as gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia are also on the rise. These infections can also be transmitted by other means, for example by using dirty syringes or while giving birth.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Genital itching and redness
• Burning during urination
• Slimy, white, purulent and/or foul-smelling discharge from the penis or vagina
• Small sores or blisters in the genital region
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Other symptoms

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Feeling ill
• Headaches

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Bacteria (e.g. syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia)
• Viruses (e.g. HPV, HIV, herpes, hepatitis B)
• Fungi (e.g. candida, “yeast infection”)
• Parasites (e.g. trichomoniasis)

These infections are typically spread through sexual contact. They can also be passed on in other ways, for example by using dirty syringes or while giving birth.

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Blood test (search for pathogens)
• Urethral and vaginal swabs

Possible therapies

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections (e.g. syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia)
• Anti-viral medication for viral infections (e.g. HIV)

What can I do myself?

Follow the safer sex rules:

• Always use a condom or femidom during sexual intercourse
• Don't get sperm or blood (including menstrual blood) in your mouth, and don’t swallow

When to see a doctor?

• Itching, burning or discharge in the genital region
• After having high-risk sex, i.e. in particular after unprotected sex outside a committed partnership (casual sex)
• If your sexual partner is known or diagnosed to have a sexually transmitted infection or disease
• Fever and signs of illness after unprotected sex

Further information

Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
www.lovelife.ch