Sexually transmitted diseases are sexually transmitted diseases. Pathogens can be viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. The most common sexually transmitted diseases in Switzerland today include herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV. The number of new infections (except for HIV) has risen sharply in recent years. One of the main reasons for this increase is probably the more careless approach to safer sex rules due to today's treatment options for HIV.
Infected people carry the STD pathogens in their body fluids such as blood, semen or vaginal secretions and transmit them to their partner during sexual contact. With some pathogens, transmission is also possible via intensive skin contact alone.
The symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases depend on the particular disease and its stage. The symptoms can occur on the genitals, but also outside the genital area and affect the entire body. Common symptoms are skin changes such as ulcers, redness and itching, but also abdominal pain, burning when urinating and, in women, burning in the vagina and discharge. Fever, pain in the limbs and groin, swollen lymph nodes or pain during sex can also be signs of a sexually transmitted disease.
Sexually transmitted diseases are common worldwide and occur in both men and women. There are many dozens of sexually transmitted diseases, the most common and best known being:
In addition to a clinical examination based on the symptoms, a laboratory test is crucial to precisely determine the cause of the infection. It is the basis for determining the antibiotic/antiviral treatment.
If left untreated, STIs can have serious consequences and, depending on the pathogen, can lead to infertility, liver cirrhosis, cervical cancer or AIDS.
Symptoms should therefore be taken seriously and a test carried out to detect the disease at an early stage and prevent further transmission. STDs are diseases that can affect anyone and everyone. A sexually transmitted disease therefore need not embarrass anyone. It is important to act and it is better to go for another check-up.
If sexually transmitted diseases are diagnosed early, they can usually be treated well with medication. Which active ingredient is used depends on the disease in question. The appropriate treatment, usually antibiotic or antiviral, depends on the laboratory findings. For further information see Syphilisserology and Venereology/Molecular Biology.
There are specific tests for many sexually transmitted diseases that enable rapid and accurate diagnosis and therefore targeted treatment.
The dermatology clinic treats many patients with sexually transmitted diseases. The accredited laboratory is one of the largest syphilis test centers in Switzerland and also offers a molecular biological test for the simultaneous detection of several sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, research papers are regularly published, particularly on syphilis but also on other sexually transmitted diseases.