Infections


Advice, examination and treatment

There are a variety of sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs) that can go silent or cause problems. In general, the earlier an infection is recognized, the greater the chances of recovery. Most diseases can be treated effectively today or at least progress can be contained.

As part of the normal examination, specific symptoms of some diseases can be discovered. As a rule, however, special (laboratory medical) tests are required in order to be able to clearly identify pathogens. Typical gynecological infections that can be tested for are e.g.

  • Fungal infections
  • Genital herpes
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Other bacterial infections (e.g. Gardnerella, ureaplasmas, trichonomades)
  • HIV
  • HPV (Human Papilloma Viruses)
  • Hepatitis
  • Syphilis
When can infections be detected and what is the likelihood of occurence?

For most infectious diseases, it is true that they cannot be detected immediately after contact or transmission. If you suspect that there may have been an infection, you should refrain from further sexual contact until proof or exclusion is possible, or only have protected intercourse. The detection period for typical infectious diseases is:

Disease
Frequency*
Detection period
Chlamydia
300
2 weeks
HIV
2-3
6-12 weeks
Gonorrhea
20
2-14 days
Syphilis
5
2-3 weeks
Hepatitis
2-3
6-26 weeks
Genital herpes
300
3-7 days

* Cases per 100.000 inhabitants and year

Under what circumstances are preventive tests for infections useful?

Preventive tests are useful shortly after a possible contact or infection in order to record the time of an infection ("negative test"). Depending on your individual attitude, a preventive test can also make sense as part of a changing or new partnership. If you have the suspect of being infected, you should definitely refrain from sexual contact or only have protected intercourse. Some infections (e.g. chlamydia, ureaplasmas, trichomonads) can have negative effects (e.g. infertility), initially without showing direct symptoms, so that a preventive test for early detection can also be useful here.

Are the costs covered by the health insurance?

Whether the cost of a test is covered by statutory or private insurance depends on several factors. Some tests are included as so-called "screening tests" in certain age groups (e.g. chlamydia test at the age of 20-25 years). As part of a pregnancy care, several examinations are also part of the service catalog. With private health insurance, the cost coverage depends on the chosen tariff. The requirements and framework conditions are very diverse - please contact us, we will be happy to advise you.

Examination of bacterial infections
Laboratory examination iStockphoto.com // Teka77

Fungal infections
Cell examination iStockphoto.com // Kkolosov

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