Many new infections More and more people are suffering from dangerous sexually transmitted diseases

Syphilis, Tripper and Co. on the rise again
The prevalence of many sexually transmitted diseases has been steadily declining over the decade, but with increasing levels of carelessness, there is a renewed increase in the number of infections. "The risk of infection is often underestimated," according to the current release of the University Hospital Freiburg. In 2015 alone, the number of syphilis infections in Germany, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) increased by almost one-fifth. New infections with other sexually transmitted diseases have also increased.

Overall, the STD shows a worrying trend reversal. The number of new infections has increased dramatically in some diseases. For example, there were 6,834 syphilis new infections, an increase of 19 percent compared to the previous year (5,726 cases), reports the University Hospital Freiburg. "Also, the number of new infections with the HIV virus (five percent increase over the previous year) and other sexually transmitted diseases is still very high," the message of the hospital on.

For many sexually transmitted diseases, a rise in new infections is to be found, which is justified by experts with increased carelessness in the population. (Image: SENTELLO / fotolia.com)

Condoms provide effective protection
The Senior Physician of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the University Medical Center Freiburg, Prof. Dr. med. Maja Mockenhaupt, explains that very few people today are aware of the risk of infection from these diseases and the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Actually, the sexually transmitted infectious diseases can be effectively prevented by "condom protection during sexual intercourse and thus minimize the risk of infection." Anyone who has become infected should seek treatment as quickly as possible, also in the interests of their sexual partners.

Sexually transmitted diseases often go unnoticed
The symptoms of the various venereal diseases include a wide range of complaints. Occasionally, they tend to be inconspicuous over a longer period ... For example, not all syphilis infections are noticed immediately. "Only one-third is detected in the primary stage - usually on a painless ulcer with a hard margin at the entry portal of the pathogen - so for example on the male or female genitalia or in the mouth," reports the University Hospital Freiburg. Often, however, other symptoms that are rather unspecific for syphilis, such as swollen lymph nodes, wounds or skin rashes, can make an early diagnosis much more difficult.

Threatening organ damage in syphilis
In the further course of the disease, syphilis, which predominantly occurs in men in Germany, usually shows a repetitive repetition of the symptoms. Red spots on the palms and soles of the feet are another possible indication of the disease, reports the University Hospital Freiburg. Sometimes the disease heals untreated by itself, but it could also last for years - sometimes even without causing symptoms. "The danger here is that even decades later serious organ damage can occur," warns the Freiburg University Hospital. Also threatening the dreaded neurosyphilis, which attacks the brain and spinal cord.

Urgently treat existing syphilis infections
Given the long-term risk of complications, a present syphilis infection should be urgently treated by a doctor. If diagnosed early, the infection can usually be treated well with antibiotics, according to the University Hospital of Freiburg. Penicillin is intramuscularly the drug of choice. After a survived infection, there is no immunity to the syphilis pathogens, so that you can re-infect again and again and then must be treated again, the experts emphasize.

Increased new infections with chlamydia
"Another cause for concern is the number of new infections with chlamydia bacteria," says Prof. Mockenhaupt. Since the infection also often no noticeable symptoms such as purulent discharge or burning while urinating occur, many men and women transmitters, without knowing it. In the case of women, the chlamydia infection can in the worst case lead to infertility.

Resistant gonorrhea pathogens a growing problem
The distribution of the venereal disease gonorrhea (gonorrhea), which is triggered by bacteria, and transmitted by mucosal contact, has already been reported extensively in the past few months. Especially because the gonorrhea pathogens are increasingly resistant to all antibiotics used so far. Again, the infection often runs first without disease. Those affected show no or only minor symptoms such as vaginal discharge and burning sensation when urinating and therefore unknowingly infect their sexual partners, reports the University Hospital Freiburg. Left untreated, the infection could lead to "severe consequences such as uterine or tubal inflammation in women and prostate inflammation in men". "It is also important to treat the sexual partners, since otherwise there may be a recurring mutual contagion, the so-called ping-pong effect," emphasizes Prof. Mockenhaupt.

Genital herpes threaten increased relapses
Furthermore, the risk of infection with genital herpes is not to be underestimated. This venereal disease caused by viruses can cause symptoms such as itching, burning in the genital area, increased discharge or blistering and corresponding skin damage. "In addition, general symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches can occur," says the University of Freiburg. But many sufferers remain without any symptoms. For the treatment virus-suppressing medicines (antivirals) are used, which effectively act against the symptoms when used in a timely manner. However, the virus remains latent in the body, which is associated with the risk of relapses. "For patients with frequent relapses, long-term therapy may reduce the frequency of relapses," says Professor Mockenhaupt.

No shame before visiting the doctor
The most important prerequisite for a successful treatment of venereal diseases and the prevention of further infections is a visit to a doctor or a corresponding diagnosis. But "many people are ashamed to go to the doctor with genital complaints", says Prof. Mockenhaupt. The shame is completely out of place here, because the diseases should necessarily be treated - also out of consideration for the partner, the expert stresses. For itching, burning or unusual discharge is therefore always promptly a visit to a doctor advised. (Fp)