Survey Results Never before have so many Germans used condoms to protect themselves from HIV

Protection against HIV: As many Germans as never before use condoms
The United Nations has agreed last year on an ambitious plan: the global AIDS epidemic should be completed by 2030. Condoms help protect against HIV infection. Therefore, the results of a recent survey are gratifying: According to this, as many Germans as ever have been using condoms to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases.

The best protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
International research has shown that sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise. In Germany too, more and more people are suffering from dangerous sexually transmitted diseases. And the number of new HIV infections in Germany is at a persistent level. The cornerstone of HIV prevention is the recommendation to use condoms. As many Germans as ever have done so.

A recent survey by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) has shown that as many Germans as ever have used condoms to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases. (Image: nito / fotolia.com)

As many condom users as never before
Although it is still uncomfortable for many people to buy condoms, so many people in Germany like never before protect themselves with condoms from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

In a survey conducted by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) in the last 12 months, 91 percent of over-16s with more than one sexual partner in the last 12 months stated that they "always, frequently or occasionally use condoms".

This is the highest value since the representative survey "AIDS in the public consciousness", which the BZgA has carried out since 1988 at regular intervals, says in a statement.

At that time, the value was 54 percent, in 2000 at 79 percent. 3,000 people aged 16 and over were interviewed nationwide in the period from October to December 2016.

For symptoms necessarily to the doctor
However, the survey also showed that even people who are wondering if they have been infected with a sexually transmitted infection often do not go to the doctor.

Thus, of the 40 percent of people with multiple sexual partners or sexual partners who undertook such considerations, only about 58 percent have consulted a doctor.

Dr. Heidrun Thaiss, head of the BZgA, said: "The results of our representative study show that people need to be encouraged to talk to their doctor about a possible sexually transmitted infection."

She explained, "Sexually transmitted infections carry risks. Thus, infertility may be a possible consequence, for example, if a chlamydia infection remains untreated. "

The Federal Agency therefore wants to use new poster and advertising motifs to motivate not only the use of condoms, but also the visit to the doctor for symptoms of such an infection. (Ad)