Sexually Transmitted Diseases

So that the most beautiful matter in the world remains beautiful.

Venereology owes its name to Venus, the goddess of love, and deals with the diagnosis and therapy of sexually transmitted diseases. Since sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are often manifest on the skin, venereology is a branch of dermatology and an integral part of its specialist training.

The classic venereal diseases include gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid and lymphogranuloma venereum. Sexual intercourse can also transmit HIV, hepatitis, trichomoniasis, herpes simplex, yeast infections, genital warts (human papillomavirus, HPV) and parasitic diseases. If you suspect an infection, please contact us. And please don’t worry: together we will diagnose the problem and immediately guide you through the correct treatment measures.

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Your questions.
Our answers.

How do you recognise sexually transmitted diseases?

The very varied symptoms are partly diagnostic of the clinical problem. Symptoms may include itching, discharge, non-healing skin injuries and painful swelling of the lymph nodes.

How does the doctor diagnose sexually transmitted diseases?

After a detailed anamnesis and physical examination, we take swabs for bacteria and viruses as well as blood tests, depending on the diagnosis suspected.

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is one of the most common sexually transmitted infectious diseases. The main symptom is an inflammation of the urethra usually accompanied by pain and burning during urination and a purulent discharge. In women, the infection can often be asymptomatic.

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum that is transmitted exclusively through sexual intercourse. Between 10 and 14 days after infection, painful sores form in the genital area. In addition, the lymph nodes in the groin area can become painfully swollen.

How are genital warts treated?

Genital warts are small warts in the genital area that are caused by a sexually transmitted infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted disease.

A distinction is made between high-risk and low-risk HPV. Low-risk types such as HPV 6 and 11 mainly cause genital warts. High-risk types such as HPV 16 and 18 are thought to be responsible for the occurrence of cervical carcinomas, anogenital carcinomas and laryngeal carcinomas.

Genital warts are treated either with creams (Aldara, Veregen) or they are removed under local anaesthetic with a ring curette and electrocautery. Alternatively, we remove them using a suitable laser procedure.

Are there any vaccinations against sexually transmitted diseases?

Vaccinations against hepatitis A & B and HPV viruses are possible. The triple vaccination with Gardasil 9 protects against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, which means protection against the most common triggers for genital warts and cervical carcinomas.

When can a meaningful HIV test be done?

Using biochemical methods and PCR, the virus can be detected in the blood 10 to 11 days after infection. Antibodies in the blood are only detected after three weeks.

What is PEP?

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis, where antiretroviral drugs prevent the HI virus from penetrating the target cells and thus causing an HIV infection. Patients usually take a combination of three drugs over a period of four weeks after the potential infection.

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