Too little knowledge about sex diseases

BZgA Survey: For many Germans hardly any knowledge about Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphillis available

06/18/2014

Many Germans have little knowledge about sex diseases. This was the result of a survey by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA). Although terms such as gonorrhea, syphillis or genital warts are mostly known, which health consequence of these sexually transmitted infections („Sexually Transmitted Infections“, STI), but only a few know. Therefore, the BZgA recently launched an information campaign.

Health risks of sex diseases are underestimated
A representative survey of the BZgA on the subject of AIDS shows that many Germans hardly know anything about sexually transmitted diseases. Over 90 percent of men and women over the age of 16 have heard of syphilis or gonorrhea (gonorrhea). With regard to chlamydia, there were only 62 percent of women and only 51 percent of men. Even warts knew just 42 percent of women and 35 percent of men. Survey respondents were the worst performers for trichomonads, although these are relatively common. Only 36 percent of women and 24 percent of men were aware of this sexually transmitted disease.

Also, the answers to the question of known sexually transmitted infections (STI) were sometimes worrying. Only ten percent named chlamydia, seven percent called genital warts and only three percent trichomonads. „The risks of an STI are still underestimated by too many people. Therefore, not only the knowledge about chlamydia, but also about other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, HPV / papillomavirus or trichomonads in the population must be promoted significantly“, emphasizes Prof. Dr. med. Pott, director of the BZgA. „This is exactly where the BZgA comes in with its nationwide campaign.“

Chlamydia can cause infertility and trichomonias can cause inflammation
„Beyond gonorrhea and syphilis, very little is known about the other common sexually transmitted diseases, "said Marita Völker-Albert of the BZgA in the run-up to an STI congress taking place in Berlin from 19 to 21 June 2014, to the news agency „dpa“. Many women are not aware that there is a free Chlamydia screening. Only about 25 percent of women under the age of 25 have participated in it so far.
„Condoms reduce the risk of infection, but they do not provide 100% protection. That's why it's important for women to know the offer of a regular checkup, "said Pott.

Chlamydia are bacteria that can affect, among other things, the mucous membranes in the genital area. Since the infection is often without noticeable symptoms, chlamydia often remains undetected for a long time. If symptoms develop, itching, pain or burning on urination, as well as a thin, purulent or yellowish discharge in the genital area, usually do. Untreated, however, they can cause infertility in women.

Trichomonads are small parasites that can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes on the genitals and urinary tract. The characteristic symptoms, which usually appear after one to three weeks, include purulent inflammation, itching and burning in the genital area as well as an unpleasant smelling genital discharge.

Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which increases the risk of malignant tumors such as cervix cancer in women. (Sb)