Syphilis figures on the rise: When the bottom suddenly itches
A scratchy throat and many people start to panic. Tea is made, throat lozenges are bought and the family doctor is contacted. But when it comes to intimate complaints - an itching or burning sensation below the belt - there is often an uncomfortable silence. It seems as if the silent SOS signals of our intimate zone are lost in shame before they reach the doctor's surgery in time.
The German STI Society reports an increasing number of cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Germany, especially syphilis. "Overall, we can say that syphilis has been on the rise since 2000. Back then there were 800 cases, today there are over 8,000," explains Norbert Brockmeyer, President of the STI Society.
Syphilis manifests itself as rashes and, in the later stages, severe damage to organs and the nervous system.
In the USA, babies are also affected by syphilis
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has recorded an increase in reported cases of syphilis from 5330 in 2013 to 8309 in 2022 and of hepatitis B from 715 to 16,635 cases. The number of new HIV infections remained stable at around 1800 cases per year.
A similar trend is emerging for syphilis in the USA. The CDC recently reported a sharp rise in the number of syphilis cases in newborns. Over 3700 babies were affected last year, more than ten times as many as ten years ago and a 32 percent increase compared to 2021. The CDC emphasizes that 90 percent of these cases could have been prevented by testing and treatment of mothers during pregnancy.
Sex contacts are made easier by social media
Brockmeyer attributes the increase in STI cases in Germany to the ease of making sexual contacts through digital media. Although condom use is stable, the rate of STIs is rising among heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual people.
"Sex contacts can be made digitally. This has created the opportunity to make sexual contacts more quickly," explains Brockmeyer.
Silke Klumb from Deutsche Aidshilfe notes that the frequency of certain STIs depends on the group, influenced by sexual behavior, number of partners and frequency of testing. For example, the number of HIV diagnoses in Germany, particularly among gay and bisexual men, has been declining since 2007.
Preventive medication - both a blessing and a curse
Different strategies are required for prevention. Condoms offer far-reaching protection against STIs. There is a vaccination against some pathogens such as hepatitis B.
People suspected of having an STI should get tested to prevent the pathogen from spreading further. There are also certain medications such as Doxy-PrEP, an antibiotic for the prevention of certain STIs such as chlamydia and syphilis, which people with frequent unprotected sexual contact can take.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can also be taken to prevent HIV infections. However, this often means that condoms are not used, which increases the risk of other STIs. Silke Klumb warns against the widespread use of Doxy-PrEP due to the costs and side effects, among other things.
Experts call for more education in the swingers sector
Brockmeyer emphasizes the need for education in all age groups. "We also have room for improvement among older people." He points out that the highest rates of STIs such as chlamydia occur at a younger age, but emphasizes that there are also high rates among the over 55s to 60s.
"80 percent of STIs do not cause any symptoms," says Brockmeyer. As a result, many sufferers do not go to the doctor. Practical solutions such as home tests for HIV or kits for self-sampling, which should be made available via online stores and health authorities, are important. "There needs to be more education in the swingers sector, both gay and heterosexual."
Many people underestimate their personal risk
Misunderstandings and myths often arise when it comes to STIs. As a result, many people estimate their personal risk of contracting an STI to be significantly lower than it actually is.
"Although chlamydia infection is the most common bacterial STI in the group of adolescents and young adults, only eight percent of respondents rate their risk as (absolutely) probable," emphasizes Johannes Breuer from the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA).
Removing the taboos surrounding STIs and raising awareness are therefore essential. "Everyone should have the knowledge and the opportunity to take good care of themselves and their sexual health. This includes support services for health promotion and prevention."
Source: www.dpa.com
