The term STIs summarizes all infections that can be transmitted through sexual contacts!
Some of these infections can be noticed quickly, others are difficult to recognize. Depending on the infection, these can have a variety of consequences, such as blisters, itching, warts; others lead to infertility, even triggering cancer and life-threatening damage to organs.
Here is an overview of the different STIs, their symptoms, ways of transmission and treatment options:
Principle of partner treatment!
If sexually transmitted infections occur, it is necessary for both partners to be treated, even if one has no symptoms. Contact your medical consultant.
Viruses
Viruses are not considered real creatures because they can not survive on their own. Viruses gain access to a particular host cell, integrate their genetic information into that of the host cell and “force” it to behave according to the viruses’ needs. The host cell neglects its usual tasks and produces more and more new virus particles instead. Larger amounts of virusus then abandon the host cell, which in the process usually is destroyed. Depending on the importance of the host cell, the viruses thus cause more or less damage in the body.
Herpes
Herpes (HSV)
Agent: herpes simplex (HSV1 – oral herpes), (HSV2 – genital herpes)
How to recognize a herpes infection?
(symptoms)
Prickling, itching, burning
Vesicles on the skin and mucous membrane, lip, genitals or anus, which itch first, then burst and cause abscesses and pain
How can the disease be transmitted?
(ways of transmission)
touching open blisters and subsequent contact with mucous membrane
kissing
vaginal sex, anal sex without a condom
during oral sex, oral herpes can be transmitted to the vagina, penis, anus and genital herpes can be transmitted on the lip
smear infections (use of the same glasses, drinking bottles etc.)
In every other case, the virus is transmitted by people who do not know that they carry viruses.
How does the disease progress?
(course of disease)
About 3-8 days after infection blisters will be visible. The liquid inside these is highly infectious!
Disease symptoms can disappear without treatment.
The herpes virus remains in the body the entire life. Strain, sun or stress on the immune system can cause herpes to break out again.
Other sexually transmitted infections, i.a. also HIV, are more likely to occur with genital herpes.
How do I protect myself?
(protection)
Sex with condoms
Avoid contact with blisters and open skin areas, wash hands immediatly if touched.
No vaccination possible
How can an infection be detected?
(diagnosis)
Smear test from the blisters or visual diagnosis
How can the infection be treated?
(treatment)
Virus-inhibiting drugs relieve the symptoms.
The virus remains in the body after the blisters healed up, herpes blisters can constantly occur.
Occurance:
Approximately 90% of the population are infected with oral herpes (HSV1), often in childhood; about 15% are infected with genital herpes (HSV 2).
Suspected herpes? What to do?
Contact your medical consultant!
Further information:
www.gesundheit.gv.at/krankheiten/immunsystem/geschlechtskrankheiten/herpes-genitalis
Back to overviewHuman papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts
Agent: human papillomavirus
How to recognize a HPV-infection?
(symptoms)
There are more than 100 subtypes known. Tiny injuries of the skin and the mucous membrane allow penetration. Some subtypes (6, 11) can cause genital warts (flat, smooth to velvety, skin-colored or whitish-brownish nodules) on the penis, vagina or anus. Other subtypes (16, 18) can cause cancer of the cervix, anus, labia, penis and oropharynx (mouth and throat). A cell smear test (PAP test) can detect cancer. Early detection allows effective treatment.
How can the disease be transmitted?
(ways of transmission)
Unprotected vaginal, anal and oral intercourse
Contact with open warts
How does the disease progress?
(course of disease)
In most cases, HPV infection heals after 18-24 months.
Genital warts appear about 3 weeks after infection, sometimes months later.
Cervical, anal, penis and oropharyngeal cancer develop over several years and occur at different stages. Screening (such as the PAP test) helps to detect and treat cancer early.
How do I protect myself?
(protection)
Condoms provide good, but not complete, protection.
Avoid direct contact with the warts.
Vaccination exists for certain types of viruses.
As part of the preventive medical examination, early stages of cancer can be discovered by a cell smear performed by a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics.
How can an infection be detected?
(diagnosis)
smear test from the cervix, respectively anus
Genital warts: viusal diagnosis, respectively examination of parts of the wars in a laboratory
How can the infection be treated?
(treatment)
Genital warts can be treated medically, as well as be removed surgically, electronically or with a laser.
The virus remains in the body and new warts can constantly occur.
When cancer occurs, surgery, chemo- or radiotherapy is performed.
Occurance:
60-80% of sexually active adults have had HPV infection.
Suspected HPY? What to do?
Contact your medical consultant!
Further information about HPV:
www.gesundheit.gv.at/krankheiten/immunsystem/geschlechtskrankheiten/feigwarzen-hpv
Back to overviewHepatitis
A liver inflammation, which among other things is caused by viruses, is called hepatitis. The most common are hepatitis A, B and C.
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Agent: Hepatitis A virus
How to recognize a hepatitis A infection?
(symptoms)
Liver inflammation sometimes causes tiredness, mild nausea, muscle and joint pain.
Usually after a few days: brown urine, light stool.
How can the disease be transmitted?
(ways of transmission)
The hepatitis A virus is excreted with the feces.
It enters the mouth via contaminated food that has not been sufficiently heated or through contaminated drinking water / ice.
Also sex practices, in which feces (even traces) get into the mouth, can lead to an infection.
The agent can also be transmitted via smear infection, e.g. touching of contaminated objects such as door handles and taps in toilets.
How does the disease progress?
(course of disease)
At the beginning usually flu-like symptoms appear, only later can it come to the typical jaundice. The course of disease can vary in severity, but the infection heals without consequences and leaves a lifelong immunity.
Often no symptoms occur.
How do I protect myself?
(protection)
In countries with poor sanitary and hygienic standards, avoid foods that have not been cooked or peeled. Also avoid ice cubes and open drinks.
Regularly wash or disinfect hands.
Vaccinations against hepatitis A and hepatitis B (also as a combination vaccine) are available.
How can an infection be detected?
(diagnosis)
How can the infection be treated?
(treatment)
There is no treatment.
In the acute stage, do not drink alcohol and rest.
It can take months to fully recover.
Occurance:
HAV is also referred to as “travel hepatitis” because poor sanitary conditions are responsible for infection. The probability of becoming infected in Austria is relatively low. In recent years there has been an increase in hepatitis A infections in Europe, mainly with MSM.
Suspected hepatitis A? What to do?
Contact your medical consultant!
Hepatitis test in Styria:
- general praticioner
- specialists
- outpatient clinics
- Institute for hygiene at Neuen Stiftingtalstraße 2, 8010 Graz
(Hepatitis A, B, C – tests)
T: (316)385-7362
Further links:
www.gesundheit.gv.at/krankheiten/leber/hepatitis-a
Back to overviewHepatitis B (HBV)
Agent: Hepatitis B virus
How to recognize a hepatitis B infection?
(symptoms)
Often there are no signs of disease
Liver inflammation sometimes causes tiredness, mild nausea, muscle and joint pain.
Yellowing of the eyes in about 30% of the cases
Brown urin, light stool
How can the disease be transmitted?
(ways of transmission)
Blood, saliva, breast milk, urine and vaginal fluid contain hepatitis B viruses.
Hepatitis B is easily transmitted during sex as it is present in all fluids involved in sex. The risk increases when blood is involved. For an infection, a small amount of blood, even if it is invisible to the eye, is sufficient. Also kissing is contagious.
How does the disease progress?
(course of disease)
The course of disease can vary in severity. In about one third of the cases no symptoms, in another third only mild symptoms appear. In the last third, 3 to 10 days after the infection jaundice can develope, which passes again after a month.
Only about 5-10% of the cases are chronic. This means that the infection does not completely heal in the first 6 months. An aggressive infection can lead to liver cirrhosis (shrinkage of the liver), liver fibrosis or liver cancer.
In over 90% of infections, the immune system can control the virus and prevent reproduction.
How do I protect myself?
(protection)
Vaccinations against hepatitis A and hepatitis B (also as a combination vaccine) are available.
Using a condom reduces the risk of infection.
How can an infection be detected?
(diagnosis)
With a blood test
How can the infection be treated?
(treatment)
Healing rarely possible.
Antiviral medicine exits, but they are not always successful.
In the acute stage, do not drink alcohol and rest.
Occurance:
It is estimated that less than 1% of the population in Europe is chronically infected. However, HBV is one of the most widespread infections worldwide.
Suspected hepatitis B? What to do?
Contact your medical consultant!
Hepatitis test in Styria:
- general praticioner
- specialists
- outpatient clinics
- Institute for hygiene at Neuen Stiftingtalstraße 2, 8010 Graz
(Hepatitis A, B, C – tests)
T: (316)385-7362
Further information about hepatitis B:
www.gesundheit.gv.at/krankheiten/leber/hepatitis-b
www.gesundheit.gv.at/krankheiten/leber/hepatitis-b-symptome
Back to overviewHepatitis C (HCV)
Agent: Hepatitis C virus
How to recognize a hepatitis C infection?
(symptoms)
Usually there are no signs of disease
No yellowing of the eyes, no darkening of the urine.
Rarely, flu-like symptoms occur, only in 10% cases of jaundice.
How can the disease be transmitted?
(ways of transmission)
Hepatitis C is transmitted via infected blood when it encoutners an open wound or mucous membrane. For people in health care professions who are exposed to a high risk of hepatitis C, special hygiene regulations apply.
Significant risk of infection exists in drug users by sharing injections and tubes, as well as snoring.
Using non-sterile utensils for piercing, tattooing and permanent make-up also is contagious, shared use of razors, nail scissors and toothbrushes might be a risk as well.
Sexual transmission of HCV is possible but relatively rare. However, the risk increases during menstruation, with an existing HIV infection, as well as in practices where injuries can occur.
How does the disease progress?
(course of disease)
If the virus disease persists for more than 6 months, it is called chronic hepatitis C (up to 85% of HCV diseases are chronic). In the first years usually no symptoms occur. Later, the development of liver cirrhosis or liver cancer is possible. Even chronic hepatitis C can heal spontaneously.
How do I protect myself?
(protection)
Do not share injections
Avoid contact with blood
Comply hygiene measures in the health sector
Condom use in anal and vaginal intercourse
How can an infection be detected?
(diagnosis)
With a blood test
How can the infection be treated?
(treatment)
Today, hepatitis C is almost always curable.
In 2014, new drugs were approved in the EU, which are more compatible than previous treatments and permanently rid more than 90% of those affected of their infection at the first attempt. However, these are very expensive.
Therapy now takes between 8 and 12 weeks, depending on the choice of drug.
Occurance:
In Europe, 3-5 million people with chronic HCV infection are expected. Up to 90% have been infected with IV (intravenous) drug use.
The majority of people with hepatitis C are unaware of the infection.
Suspected hepatitis C? What to do?
Contact your medical consultant!
Hepatitis test in Styria:
- general praticioner
- specialists
- outpatient clinics
- Institute for hygiene at Neuen Stiftingtalstraße 2, 8010 Graz
(Hepatitis A, B, C – tests)
T: (316)385-7362
Further links:
Hepatitis ABC-Info der Hepatitis Hilfe Österreich und der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie (ÖGGH):
www.hepatitisabc.at/lebererkrankungen-und-lebertransplantation/hepatitis-c/
Welt-Hepatitis-Tag Homepage der Deutschen Leberhilfe e.V.:
www.welthepatitistag.info/hepatitis-c.html
Bacteria
Bacteria are organisms that have their own metabolism and multiply themselves through cell division. Some sexually transmitted infections are transmitted by bacteria.
Syphilis
Agent: treponema pallidum bacteria
How to recognize a syhpilis infection?
(symptoms)
Symptoms may or may not occur. Often syphilis is asymptomatic, it may remain in seclusion for years or even heal spontaneously. Possible symptoms are:
- lumps or abscesses (open skin) that do not hurt
- rash (red spots), also on palms and soles
- lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
How can the disease be transmitted?
(ways of transmission)
Unprotected vaginal, oral and anal intercourse
Contact with abscesses, e.g. while kissing, can be contagious.
In the second stage, transmission is also possible through blood.
How does the disease progress?
(course of disease)
- Stage 1
A few days to weeks after infection, a painless, coin-sized abscess on the skin or mucous membranes (mouth, penis / glans, vagina or anus) emerges. The abscess secretes a clear, highly infectious fluid. The adjacent lymph nodes can swell, but do not hurt and usually disappear together with the abscess after 2-6 weeks. Often this stage goes unnoticed. - Stage 2
(4-6 weeks after infection): Syphilis pathogens spread through the blood and lymph nodes throughout the body and cause fever, head and joint pain, lymphadenopathy, rash – especially on the torso, palms and soles. It can also lead to hair loss. About 2 years after the infection, the skin lesions resolve, followed by a no-symptom phase that can last from months to years. - Stage 3
After years, untreated syphilis can damage internal organs as well as the nervous system. This can subsequently lead to a so-called neurosyphilis with progressive mental decay up to death.
How do I protect myself?
(protection)
Condoms provide good, but not complete, protection, as infection is also possible via kissing.
Do not touch abscesses!
How can an infection be detected?
(diagnosis)
A blood test can distinguishe between acute, chronic and healed syphilis.
How can the infection be treated?
(treatment)
Syphilis must be treated with antibiotics containing penicillin. In Austria, treatment of the partner is obligatory. Syphilis can also be cured in later stages. But the treatment takes longer. Damage to internal organs can not be reversed. Therefore treatment should start as soon as possible.
Occurance:
In Europe, the number of syphilis infections is severely increasing.
Suspected syphilis? What to do?
Anonymous syphilis-tests atr AIDS-Hilfe Steiermark: Information about test and counselling.
Or contact your medical consultant!
Further information about syphilis:
www.gesundheit.gv.at/krankheiten/immunsystem/geschlechtskrankheiten/syphilis
Back to overviewGonorrhoea
Agent: neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria (gonococcus)
How to recognize a gonorrhoea infection?
(symptoms)
Discharge from vagina and penis
Discharge from anus after anal intercourse
Cauterisation while urinating
Sore throat after oral sex
Female bodies often show no disorders (50-80%)
How can the disease be transmitted?
(ways of transmission)
Unprotected sex (oral sex as well)
When the agent comes into contact with mucous membrane
How does the disease progress?
(course of disease)
Male bodies: typical symptoms after 2-5 days
Female bodies: sometimes first symptoms 2-5 days after infection, often not at all
Possible consequences without treatment
- chronic urethritis (male body)
- inflammation of the epididymis in men (male body)
- inflammation of the cervix (female body)
- risk of sterility (female and male body)
- rare: inflammation spreads in the body (e.g., skin, joints, heart, meninges, liver)
How do I protect myself?
(protection)
Safer sex
How can an infection be detected?
(diagnosis)
Smear test from urethra, cervix, anus or throat
How can the infection be treated?
(treatment)
Tripper is well curable by antibiotics. Partner has to be treated as well!
More and more gonococcal strains occur which are resistant to antibiotics. At the latest, a resistance test makes when antibiotic therapy fails.
Occurance:
Exact data does not exist, but gonorrhea is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections in the world.
Suspected gonorrhoea? What to do?
Contact your medical consultant!
Further information:
www.gesundheit.gv.at/krankheiten/immunsystem/geschlechtskrankheiten/gonorrhoe
Back to overview
Chlamydia infection
Agent: Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria
How to recognize a chlamydia infection?
(symptoms)
Male body: cauterisation when urinating, hyalin or milky-turbid discharge from the urethra.
In female bodies, the infection often goes without symptoms.
How can the disease be transmitted?
(ways of transmission)
Sex without condoms
Infection is possible in all sexual practices. The most common way of transmission is unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse. When transmitted through oral sex, chlamydia can colonize the pharynx, but they do not cause disease there and usually disappear after a few weeks.
How does the disease progress?
(course of disease)
The bacteria cause inflammation of the urethra, the internal and external genitalia and the rectum.
50-70% of those infected have only minor or no symptoms at all. Left untreated, this disease can lead to gluing of the fallopian tubes or the spermatic ducts and thus to infertility.
How do I protect myself?
(protection)
Safer sex
How can an infection be detected?
(diagnosis)
Smear test from urethra, cervix, throat or anus
How can the infection be treated?
(treatment)
Using antibiotics, chlamydia infection is easily cured. Partner has to be treated as well!
Occurance:
Especially young people under the age of 25 are affected, after that the frequency is decreasing.
Suspected chlamydia infection? What to do?
Contact your medical consultant!
Further information:
www.gesundheit.gv.at/krankheiten/immunsystem/geschlechtskrankheiten/genitale-chlamydieninfektion
Back to overviewFungal infection (mycosis)
Agent: candida albicans
How to recognize a fungal infection?
(symptoms)
Female body: redness, swelling, severe itching, whitish and brittle discharge
Male body: often no symptoms; sometimes redness, itching, white coating on the glans, cauterisation while urinating
How can the disease be transmitted?
(ways of transmission)
Sex without condoms
Fungal diseases can also develop spontaneously because of weakened body defenses or stress
After treatment with antibiotics, fungal infections occasionally occur
How does the disease progress?
(course of disease)
Female body: usually clear symptoms soon after infection
Male body: often no obvious symptoms
How do I protect myself?
(protection)
Safer sex
No vaginal rinses, no intimate sprays and intimate lotions
How can an infection be detected?
(diagnosis)
Visual diagnosis, respectively smear test from the vagina
How can the infection be treated?
(treatment)
Fungal infections can be treated with special creams and medications.
Occurance:
Fungal infections are widespread and among the most common sexually transmitted infections.
Further reading: Links
Download the pamphlet “Sexuell übertragbare Infektionen 2017 – Info+ für Praktiker_innen aus Prävention und Beratung sowie interessierte Laien” from the webpage of the German AIDS-Hilfe. It contains information about sexually transmitted infections: