STI Pro - Test for sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect both men and women and can cause a wide range of symptoms and effects. It is important to note that not everyone who has an STI will necessarily develop symptoms. In addition, symptoms can vary in severity among those affected. The symptoms listed below can also be attributed to other health problems. For this reason, testing for STIs at regular intervals is recommended.

1. Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) - symptoms and effects:

Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) is a group of bacteria that can cause various infections in the urinary and genital tract. In particular, DK types are specifically responsible for chlamydia infections in this area. These infections manifest, for example, as cervicitis or urethritis with symptoms such as burning during urination or discharge. In men: typical symptoms in men are pain during urination and abnormal discharge from the penis. If the infection is left untreated, bacteria can rise up and cause inflammation of the prostate or internal female reproductive organs, which can lead to infertility. It can also lead to so-called pool conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva that can be transmitted through contact with water. In women: the infection often progresses without clear symptoms in women, which is why they may be carriers without realizing it. This infection poses a particular risk during pregnancy, as the unborn child may be harmed. Another form of chlamydia, namely the L1-L3 types, leads to the sexually transmitted disease 'inguinal lymphogranuloma.' This disease is characterized by enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area and occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical regions.

2. Gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) - symptoms and effects:

The sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, manifests with various symptoms and effects that vary according to sex. In men: during the acute phase, about 2-7 days after infection, men may experience symptoms such as urethritis. This is characterized by itching, purulent discharge, painful urination and frequent need to urinate. However, some men may not notice any symptoms for up to a month. If the infection is not treated, there is a risk of prostate inflammation in the chronic phase. In women: in women, infection may occur even without symptoms, which means the disease remains undetected for a long time. Alternatively, local inflammatory reactions affecting the bladder or female reproductive organs such as the ovaries may occur. In the worst cases, such inflammation can lead to infertility.

3. trichomonas (Trichomonas vaginalis) - symptoms and effects:

Trichomonas are microorganisms that cause a sexually transmitted disease. Surprisingly, most people infected with Trichomonas vaginalis remain asymptomatic and the infection can go undetected for years. In women and men: trichomoniasis affects both women and men, although symptoms are more common in women. Symptoms can occur within 5 to 28 days of infection. Typical symptoms include pain, burning, or itching in the vagina (vaginitis), urethra (urethritis), or penis. There may also be thin, foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Symptoms in both sexes may become more pronounced during sexual intercourse and during urination.

4. Mycoplasma genitalium - symptoms and effects:

The infection causes inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) in both men and women, which is accompanied by mucopurulent discharge from the urinary tract and painful urination. In women: In women, the infection can also cause inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) and internal genitalia. These inflammations can lead to long-term infertility.

5. Mycoplasma hominis - symptoms and effects:

Mycoplasma hominis infection primarily causes inflammation of the ureter (urethritis). It has also been associated with potential effects on male fertility. In women, it can cause inflammation of the vagina (vaginosis) or cervix (cervicitis).

6. Ureaplasma parvum - symptoms and effects:

In rare cases, invasive infections of the urinary and genital area can be caused by Ureaplasma parvum. These are characterized by inflammation of the ureter (urethritis). However, Ureaplasma parvum has also been found in many healthy men.

7. Ureaplasma urealyticum-symptoms and effects:

An infection with Ureaplasma urealyticum can cause several pathologies in the urinary and genital area. These symptoms vary according to gender: In women: In women, the infection can cause inflammation of the urinary tract (urethritis), bacterial vaginosis, and inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis). In men: In men, however, inflammation of the urinary tract (urethritis) or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) may occur. A characteristic symptom associated with this infection is the so-called "fishy" odor, which occurs in both women and men. This odor is caused by the bacterium's ability to break down urea. Early detection and appropriate treatment of Ureaplasma urealyticum infections play an essential role in minimizing potential complications and protecting health.

8. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

Acute infection often goes unrecognized because it is associated with no symptoms or nonspecific flu-like symptoms in both men and women. If untreated, it is followed by a silent phase of the disease that lasts for years. This later develops into the symptomatic phase of AIDS, which manifests as a severe impairment of the immune system in both men and women. The resulting infections can affect various organs.

9. Hepatitis C

During initial infection, both men and women often have mild or no symptoms for 4-12 weeks after infection. Occasionally, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, abdominal pain, and yellow-colored skin may occur. The virus remains in the liver of most people infected for the first time and later leads to chronic infection, which usually progresses without obvious symptoms. Over many years, however, it can lead to liver disease and, as a complication, cirrhosis, in which the liver gradually loses its function.

10. syphilis (lues)

About 2-3 weeks after syphilis infection, both men and women may experience swelling of the lymph nodes in the genital area. This is often accompanied by painless mucosal lesions on the genital organs, which normally heal on their own. During vaginal intercourse, these lesions may occur on the penis as well as on the labia or in the vagina. During oral sex, mucosal lesions are possible in the mouth or throat, while the rectum may be affected during anal sex. In the later stages of infection, a rash may appear on the hands and feet. If the infection is not treated, it can persist in the body for years and damage all organs. Such infection poses a particular risk during pregnancy, as the unborn child may suffer serious damage.