Here you will find general information about sexually transmitted infections – also known as STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). This information was kindly provided by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA).

HIV and AIDS
The abbreviation HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The HI virus damages the body’s own defenses, which are supposed to protect against other pathogens. If an infection with HIV is not treated, at some point the body will no longer be able to defend itself against other pathogens and will become seriously ill with normally harmless diseases. This condition is called AIDS. You can find more information about HIV and AIDS here.

Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria. It is very common around the world. In Europe, young people are particularly affected, especially gay men and other men who (also) have sex with men. You can find more information about the gonorrhea hier.

Chlamydia
The chlamydia infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide and also in Germany. It is caused by bacteria. Adolescents and young adults, both women and men, are particularly affected. You can find more information about chlamydia here.

Syphilis
Syphilis, also known as Lues, is spread all over the world and is caused by bacteria. The manifestation of the disease is very diverse. In Germany and Western Europe, syphilis primarily affects gay men and other men who (also) have sex with men. In other parts of the world, it tends to be heterosexual women and men. You can find more information about syphilis here.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. The course of the disease is different in children and adults: In children, the infection usually goes unnoticed, while adults often suffer from the symptoms for weeks or even months. You can find more information about hepatitis A here.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. In contrast to hepatitis A, however, it can become chronic, i.e. persistent, and then have serious health consequences in the long term. You can find more information about hepatitis B hier.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. In contrast to hepatitis A and hepatitis B, it very often takes a chronic, i.e. permanent, course. You can find more information about hepatitis C here.

HPV and genital warts
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, of which there are more than 150 types. Some of them, called the low-risk types, can cause annoying but largely harmless genital warts. Others, called the high-risk types, can cause cells in the body to change. This can lead to cancer after many years. You can find more information about HPV and genital warts here.

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