Diagnosis | Sexually transmitted diseases

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a venereal disease is usually confirmed by a smear test, which is examined by the treating physician (gynecologist, urologist, family doctor) after the suspicion has been expressed. Often the entire genome of the pathogen is identified directly in the laboratory (PCR method). In some cases, a culture, i.e. growing the pathogen on special culture media, or immediate microscopic examination is also possible.

However, these methods are rather uncommon today. In addition, urine should always be examined, since an additional urinary tract infection is not unlikely due to the close proximity and may need to be treated. In addition to the diagnostic options described above, a rapid test is also available to detect the most common diseases.

Such reliable tests are offered by health authorities (also anonymously! ), family doctors, urologists, gynecologists and many dermatologists. If the first symptoms have already appeared or the partner has been diagnosed with an STD, the statutory health insurance will cover the costs of this test.

Tests that are only desired for routine precaution or in the patient’s own interest often have to be paid for by the patient. Rapid tests for STD diagnosis can also be ordered on the Internet. However, these tests should be used with caution.

In the event of a well-founded specific suspicion (clear symptoms, partner tested positive) or a positive rapid test, a personal visit to the doctor is recommended for further diagnosis and treatment, as explained above. A test for possible genital infections can be useful even without visible symptoms; for example, in cases of risky sexual behavior, frequently changing partners or sexual contacts in the context of prostitution. Pregnant women are also tested as part of the antenatal examinations because an infection that has gone unnoticed until then could possibly have serious consequences for the unborn child.

Therapy

Treatment approaches for venereal diseases are based on a detailed examination and diagnosis depending on the type of cause; if bacteria are the cause, antibiotic therapy is strongly recommended. Depending on the experience of the physician and the resistance of the previously known strains of bacteria, an antibiogram of the bacteria may be useful in order to initiate a more specific therapy with an antibiotic that is exactly right for the patient. In addition, an examination and treatment of the partner should always be carried out; in case of changing intimate partners, it is recommended to inform all persons with whom unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place within the last 30 days.

During therapy, sexual intercourse should be avoided completely if possible. Otherwise the risk of therapy failure or a so-called ping-pong infection (from one partner to another and back again) is extremely high. For other causes such as a disease with genital herpes, viruses or warts in the genital area, antiviral ointments or tablets can accelerate the healing process and relieve symptoms, but are not absolutely necessary.Often a therapy serves only as a support.