Bavaria’s Health Minister Klaus Holetschek has called for consistent protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). On the occasion of World Sexual Health Day (September 4th) on Friday, the minister emphasized: “It is often taboo to talk about diseases that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. But that is dangerous – because knowledge protects.”
Holetschek pointed out that the number of sexually transmitted new HIV infections in 2020 has decreased according to recent publications by the Robert Koch Institute in Bavaria. For the year 2020, the number of new HIV infections is estimated at 240. That was 65 fewer new infections than in 2019. The reason for this could also be the corona pandemic and the associated reduction in social and sexual contacts. The minister emphasized: “It is important that the number of new HIV infections continues to decrease in the future. Therefore, we must not let up in our efforts and must continue to provide information about HIV.”
Holetschek emphasized: “We have to talk openly about sexually transmitted diseases. Because a feeling of shame and fear contribute to the fact that those affected do not seek medical advice or seek it too late. The doctor-patient conversation about sexual health and STI should be just as natural as the conversation about other health-related topics such as a possible allergy. If left untreated, STIs can have serious consequences.”
If left untreated, syphilis infection can cause serious organ damage and attack the brain. Bacterial pathogens such as gonococci or chlamydia can cause infertility. Hepatitis B disease, if it develops into a chronic infection, can cause severe, even life-threatening liver damage or cancer.
Protective vaccinations are only available for a few diseases that are sexually transmitted: The vaccination against human papilloma viruses (HPV vaccination) protects effectively and safely against various cancers caused by HPV.
The minister added: “It is therefore important to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases. Because many people with a sexually transmitted disease do not know that they are contagious. For example, years often elapse between an HIV infection and the doctor’s diagnosis. Although HIV infection and AIDS are now treatable, there is still no cure. It is therefore important to consistently protect yourself against infection with the HIV virus and to use condoms. The rate of new infections is particularly high in the 30 to 39 age group.”
Prof. Dr. Christian Weidner, President of the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety, added: “HIV and AIDS are a key issue in the prevention work of the Bavarian Center for Prevention and Health Promotion (ZPG) at the LGL. The ZPG provides information about infection risks, protection options and test offers, it develops and distributes educational materials and develops concepts for preventive actions. The cooperation of the ZPG with the advice centers and AIDS support, clinics and schools is of central importance.”
Holetschek emphasized: “Even if monkeypox is not one of the sexually transmitted diseases, in the current outbreak it is mostly transmitted through sexual contact. Currently, 282 cases (as of September 1st, 2022) of monkeypox infection have been confirmed in Bavaria. Risk groups should therefore be vaccinated for the best protection.”
You can find a lot of information about sexually transmitted infections at www.sti-auf-tour.de. Information on the work of the ZPG is available at www.zpg-bayern.de.