CHECK Bayern #2

SEXUAL HEALTH
ENGLISH
STIS & HIV: WHAT SHOULD HAVE
LONG BEEN CONSIDERED ”NORMAL“
Finally, the loosening of lockdown measures are in sight and most of us are probably
ecstatic at the prospect of more contact – especially body contact! Some are happy
about a return to normality, others call for a “new normal”. When it comes to sexually
transmitted infections, or STIs for short, the reality and the perception of what is
“normal” are two different things.
WE ARE ALL AFFECTED
The higher the number of sexual partners, the
higher the risk of contracting an STI. Just like
the risk of breaking your leg skiing is higher
than playing board games. However, we don’t
think of someone having an accident as being
overly risk-seeking. In contrast, we scrutinize
people who are diagnosed with an STI and
label them as careless and irresponsible.
What if an active, diverse sex life could be
lived openly and the associated risks were
not considered a stigma, but a normal and,
above all, treatable side-effect?
THE WORLD IS FULL OF VIRUSES
AND BACTERIA – SO IS SEX
Even a self-inflicted accident is less embarrassing
to us than an STI and hardly anyone
has ever had to justify a gastrointestinal flu.
There are some myths, especially about the
ways in which STIs are spread, and we often
prefer to convince ourselves that we got
unlucky from a toilet in a public bathroom
rather than stand by our sexuality. But STIs
are still mostly transmitted via sex, hence
their name.
So what if we openly discuss how we got infected
– at least with doctors and confidants?
FACTS OVER SCHOOLYARD JOKES
Many of us know STIs like gonorrhea or syphilis
from silly jokes rather than from educated,
calm conversations.
So let’s counter those jokes about sexually
transmitted infections with facts:
• Syphilis has been on the rise again in
Germany since 2010
• With consistent adherence to a medication
regimen, HIV-positive people can
prevent the transmission of the disease
by lowering their viral load to an undetectable
level. This is now just as safe as
using a condom.
• Chlamydia infections are among the most
common sexually transmitted diseases in
Germany and can lead to infertility
Facts are not only significantly cooler than
worn-out jokes, they also help to better
assess transmission routes and know one‘s
own risk.
NOT SHOWING SYMPTOMS DOES
NOT MEAN YOU’RE NOT INFECTED
We all know the uncomfortable situation of
wanting to talk about STIs during sex, but
then to forgo it for the sake of the mood. If,
however, sexually active people were to be
tested for STIs regularly (and without shame),
these conversations would also be easier
in the future and sex would be even more
enjoyable for everyone.
What if regular testing for STIs & HIV was just
normal? (ts,mb)
Discreet regular tests for STIs & HIV:
s.a.m health combines the reliability of a
laboratory analysis with the simplicity of a
home test and trustworthy advice on sexual
health. www.samhealth.de
86 CHECK BAYERN #2