Sexually transmitted diseases

Infections with Chlamydia trachomatis are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases across the globe. Infections frequently occur in young adults and usually go unnoticed, as urogenital chlamydia infections can be asymptomatic in half of men and about 70 - 80% of women and can persist for months. In women, untreated infections are a common cause of idiopathic pelvic inflammations diagnosed as adnexitis or PID (pelvic inflammatory disease). They can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancies. In men, they can lead to urethritis and epididymitis. One possible result may even be infertility. In addition to urogenital infections, Chlamydia trachomatis causes clinical conditions, such as lymphgranuloma venereum, trachoma, conjunctivitis or neonatal infections.

Gonococcus (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) can cause urogenital, rectal or pharyngeal infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 80% of cases of infection in women are asymptomatic. Left untreated, salpingitis can lead to mucosal adhesions in the fallopian tubes and cause infertility or extrauterine pregnancies due to constrictions and ligatures. In infected pregnant women, the infection can be transmitted to the child during birth and lead to purulent blennorrhoea. In men, gonococcus causes inflammation of the urethra, which is associated with symptoms such as purulent discharge, burning and pain in 95% of cases. Infections with Trichomonas vaginalis are widespread across the globe and are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases. In women, the infection is asymptomatic in up to 50% of the cases. The stage and the risk of infection depend on the menstrual cycle. An infection is often accompanied by bacterial vaginosis or vaginitis. It is often accompanied by other sexually transmitted diseases and yeast infections. In men, who are often only carriers of the pathogen, the infections are usually unapparent.

In the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases, the molecular biological method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has established itself as the new gold standard. It not only provides the most sensitive methods in direct detection, but also those with the highest specificity. Our laboratory offers a wide range of PCR analyses, which can be requested as individual parameters or as summarised profiles. Genital swabs or the first fraction of morning urine serve as material. Urogenital infections can promote the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and fungal infections. We recommend examination or co-treatment of the partner.