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Sexually transmitted infectious diseases – prevention and treatment

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have serious consequences for those affected and their partners. We advise patients on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of STIs.

Consequences of sexually transmitted infectious diseases

STIs can lead to serious impairment of sexual health. An untreated syphilis infection can lead to permanent organ damage and, in pregnant women, to serious illness in the child. Only a few antibiotics are still effective against gonococcal infections, so it is to be feared that this infection will no longer be treatable in the future. Genital chlamydial infections can also lead to complications such as chronic lower abdominal pain and infertility in women. Infections caused by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to cervical cancer or other types of cancer. New STIs such as mycoplasma are on the rise in Switzerland and are difficult to treat due to their resistance to many antibiotics.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted infectious diseases

The most common symptoms of STIs are discharge from the urethra or vagina, painful or painless genital ulcers, swelling of the groin or testicles or lower abdominal pain. In the majority of cases, however, STIs do not cause any pain or other symptoms and therefore go unnoticed and untreated.

Treatment of sexually transmitted infectious diseases

The therapy depends on the respective STI. The sensitivity to the antibiotics used, possible previous illnesses of the person or intolerances are taken into account.

Prevention of sexually transmitted infectious diseases

We advise on measures to prevent STIs. Condom protection and possible vaccinations (e.g. for HPV, hepatitis B) play a central role here.

Current research

We conduct research in the field of various sexually transmitted infectious diseases and carry out studies on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of STIs. We collaborate with the Institute of Medical Microbiology and the Institute of Medical Virology at the University of Zurich.

For patients

For medical clarifications, we recommend that you consult your general practitioner with a possible referral to the Clinic for Infectiology and Hospital Hygiene USZ for more in-depth clarifications.

If you would like a telephone consultation for infectiological inquiries without a consultation, you can call our toll-free number. The costs are not covered by health insurance as it is purely a telephone counseling service, not a medical consultation.

Operating time:
Mon-Fri 08.00 to 17.00 hrs

(CHF 3.00/min. from the start of the consultation)

Tel. 0900 85 75 25

For referrering physicians

Easily assign your patient online.

Tel. +41 44 255 33 22
Mail infektiologie@usz.ch
Patient registration form

Responsible Department

Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology

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Published on January 14, 2026

Reviewed by our medical editors