Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the subject of the STI Congress in Berlin, which was launched on 19 June 2014 under the title "Shaping sexual health together". ICH WEISS WAS ICH TU therefore also has the topic on the agenda: we spoke to Armin Schafberger, DAH Medical & Health Policy Officer, who explains the unwieldy term "STI" in a short interview, comments on the topic of its spread and gives tips. Further information at https://www.iwwit.de/wissenscenter/sti/sti
Why do we talk about sexually transmitted infections, i.e. STIs, and not simply "sexually transmitted diseases"?
Armin Schaftberger: I mourn the old term "sexually transmitted diseases" a little. Because everyone knew immediately what it was about. There are several reasons why we talk about STIs nowadays. On the one hand, efforts have been made to coin the same or at least a similar term internationally. Secondly, the word "sex" also restricts the view of STIs, as people also have sex with other parts of the body. What's more, infections are not limited to the cock. Syphilis, for example, can cause a rash all over the body. Or gonococci, which lead to gonorrhoea, can also be found in the throat. But between you and me: in a non-official context, I tend to talk about sexually transmitted diseases. Incidentally, many of my colleagues do the same. Some of them can't even explain the abbreviation STI.
Why does it feel like gay men have more sexually transmitted infections lately?
That's definitely the case with syphilis. We have seen an increase in recent years. But with other STIs, the question can't really be answered in this way, as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, for example, don't have to be reported to the Robert Koch Institute, the Federal Institute for Infectious Diseases and Non-Communicable Diseases. Instead, I see that gay men and the doctors treating them are much more sensitive when it comes to this topic. Nowadays, they are more likely to have their arse or throat swabbed and gay men ask their doctor directly about STI examinations. This has certainly also been helped by the increased awareness-raising work carried out by I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING contributed to this. A look at the Federal Centre for Health Education shows that this cannot have been wrong, as their campaigns provide information not only about HIV but also about STIs.
Your tip: When should I go to the doctor?
The first clear message is: if your tail itches or burns, if it drips, if you have a rash, or if there is something on your skin or mucous membrane that doesn't belong there, go to the doctor. Self-diagnosis with an illustrated book next to you simply doesn't work.
In addition, everyone who has sex should be tested for STIs once a year. And anyone who has more than ten sex partners should be checked twice a year. Because the nasty thing about sexually transmitted infections is that you don't have to notice them; they can be asymptomatic - but they're still there. That's why regular check-ups are so important for sexually active people. And I have noticed for some time that awareness of this has increased. But the most important thing is and remains that you shouldn't lose the fun of sex. Because STIs can be treated. And then they are gone. Unfortunately, this doesn't apply to HIV, but to other STIs ...
