In all cases, it is important to pay attention to changes in your own body and to speak to a doctor if you have any suspicions and have yourself examined if necessary. There are good treatment options.
Genital warts/HPV
Genital warts are small, pointed growths in the genital and anal area, more rarely also in the mouth. Genital warts are caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV). In rare cases, some HPV types can lead to cancer. You can be vaccinated against certain HPV variants.
Transmission
HPV is easily transmitted. The viruses are found in skin cells, which can easily be passed on during sex.
Protection
Unfortunately, condoms are of little help because the viruses are also transmitted through hands, dildos or skin contact, for example.
There is the possibility of a vaccination that protects against the most important representatives of HPV - but only if you have not already caught the virus. You have to pay for the vaccination yourself.
Symptoms
An HPV infection does not cause any symptoms. Genital warts are also often not noticed as they do not cause any symptoms themselves. However, they can lead to eczema with considerable itching. If left untreated, they can spread: Wart "carpets" then proliferate around the hole or glans.
Some HPV types cause cell changes that can lead to cancer (e.g. anal cancer). If recognised early enough, the cell changes can be treated well.
HPV infections and genital warts are particularly common in people with HIV, and they are more frequently infected with several HPV types at the same time. They should therefore be examined at least once a year for precursors of anal cancer.
Treatment
Genital warts can be treated with creams, by icing or by laser, for example. Larger growths are removed surgically.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of success: genital warts often return, as there is no direct therapy against the viruses.
Inform partners
If you have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, you should inform your last sexual partners if possible. They can then also be tested and treated if necessary. This also prevents re-infection, the so-called "ping-pong effect", and passing it on to others.
Genital herpes
Everyone is familiar with cold sores - unpleasant, weeping blisters on the mouth. You can also get the same thing on your penis or bum. It often hurts like hell, is very contagious and increases the risk of HIV transmission.
Transmission
The fluid in the herpes blisters is infectious. If you get this fluid on the mucous membranes of your mouth, glans or arse, you can quickly become infected.
Protection
Because herpes is so easily transmitted, there is no reliable protection. Condoms only reduce the risk. It is therefore important to take a close look and avoid contact with herpes blisters and sores. If you have touched them, it helps to wash your hands thoroughly.
Symptoms
If you get herpes for the first time, the disease can be completely asymptomatic - or make itself felt through fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes. Small blisters with watery contents are typical.
After healing, the viruses remain in the body and can become active again due to stress or infectious diseases. The onset of herpes is usually signalled by burning, itching or reddened skin.
Herpes sores make it easier to become infected with HIV because the virus can penetrate the body more easily through the damaged mucous membranes. In people with HIV who are not taking HIV medication, herpes blisters contain large quantities of HIV. This increases the risk of HIV transmission.
Treatment
If you suddenly get herpes blisters on your cock or arse, get treatment - the sooner the better. Antiviral agents can shorten the course of the disease and alleviate the pain. The viruses cannot be removed from the body, so herpes can come back.
Shigella dysentery and intestinal parasites
Shigella dysentery (shigellosis) and intestinal parasites can also be transmitted during sex, especially during arse licking. An infection with shigella and some intestinal parasites can cause severe diarrhoea.
Transmission
Shigella and intestinal parasites are mainly transmitted during arse licking, but also during fingering and playing with sex toys.
Symptoms
In addition to diarrhoea, there are often abdominal cramps and fever, nausea, vomiting and headaches. In severe cases, the diarrhoea can be bloody and slimy or purulent. The illness usually improves on its own after two to three weeks, but the pathogens can also make you permanently ill.
Treatment
With the right antibiotic, the pathogens are usually eliminated within a few days. Caution: Although freely available anti-diarrhoeal medication alleviates the symptoms, instead of killing the pathogens, it delays their excretion. The result: your diarrhoea lasts longer, gets worse and the pathogens can still be passed on to others.
