Sexually Transmitted Diseases

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:19

Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (also STD: sexually transmitted diseases) can be transmitted in different ways - but mainly through sexual contact. They are caused, for example, by viruses or bacteria. Unprotected sexual practices can infect you or spread diseases to others. Those affected do not always know that they have become infected, because complaints are not always present from the beginning. Sexually transmitted diseases not only endanger the health of those affected, but also the sexual partner.

Some of the diseases can have consequences such as infertility. Many STDs have a good chance of recovery. The sexually transmitted infection HIV, for example, is still incurable today.

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• Continue reading
• more on the subject
• Advice, downloads & tools
• Have any suspicions clarified
• Protect yourself and others
• Info & links

Have any suspicions clarified

If you are not sure, you should not lose any time, even if you have the slightest suspicion, and consult a doctor as soon as possible (e.g. specialist in skin and venereal diseases).

Signs are not always easy to spot because there are many different STDs. In some, the symptoms go away, but the infection persists. However, these need to be addressed. The partner must also be examined. In the case of many diseases, sexual intercourse must not take place until they have healed. An ejaculation in the mouth can also transmit infections, for example. The doctor will inform you about the exact measures. In any case, you should definitely see a doctor at:

• Itching, burning in the genital area (genitals) and anus,
• Ulcers, blisters or other noticeable changes in the genitals
• Burning sensation when urinating,
• purulent discharge from the urethra, purulent or otherwise noticeable discharge from the vagina,
• foul smelling discharge from the vagina or penis,
• long-lasting pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the penis, testicles, vagina,
• sometimes there is also a fever and swollen lymph nodes or a rash.

Protect yourself and others

In addition to avoiding sexual contact, the safe use of condoms, for example, often offers protection. Sometimes a condom is not used because the boy does not have the courage to talk about it, for example because the boy is afraid that the erection (penis stiffness) will decrease when the condom is put on, or the girl is afraid to ask for the condom. But for your own protection and that of others, "safer sex" should always be practiced. In addition, if possible, there should be no ejaculation in the mouth (during oral sex, also known as "bubbles"). It is also helpful to always have enough condoms to hand. Further information on the correct use, storage, expiration date of condoms, etc. is available under condom.

Info & links

• Information on sexually transmitted infections from the ÖGF (Austrian Society for Family Planning).
• Youth counseling centers offer information and advice.
• Information on the right protection against sexually transmitted diseases can be found in the brochure Love, Sex and so from the Ministry of Youth.
• Helpful links can be found on the youth portal of the youth ministry.

Detailed information is available at

• Sexually transmitted diseases
• HIV / AIDS
• Hepatitis B.