STDs

What STDs are common among homosexuals?

Even if of course not only homosexuals suffer from STDs, there are a few disease patterns, also within the scene increasingly occur.

The treacherous thing is that those affected often only notice comparatively late that they are suffering from an STI. The first signs are often swept under the famous carpet. Sometimes out of fear of having to go to the doctor. However, it is usually much less complicated to treat an STD in its early stages. On the other hand, permanent damage is often imminent when a disease is already comparatively far advanced.

The following list shows which complaints, among others, are also widespread within the gay scene.

Actually not a classic venereal disease: AIDS

When people think of STDs and homosexuals, they often inevitably think of AIDS. Interestingly, however, this is not an STD, but a type of immune deficiency, but one that is transmitted through sex.

For this reason, HIV and AIDS are "excluded" from the following overview. Nevertheless, it is of course important to remain vigilant and to protect oneself with condoms. Furthermore, a frequent change of sex partners can result in an increase in the individual risk of becoming infected with HIV.

Syphilis

Along with AIDS, syphilis is one of the best-known diseases that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Those who do not treat it can suffer permanent damage or even die from it. Some babies are born with syphilis because they become infected in the womb.

Many symptoms associated with this disease could theoretically also be assigned to other diseases. Therefore, it is often difficult - especially in the early stages - to make a corresponding possible assignment as a person affected.

Often, an ulcer in the genital area makes the person concerned become alert. This usually disappears again quickly, so that the patient usually calms down again quickly. Sometimes no ulcer develops, while the disease continues to develop silently.

Therefore, anyone who suspects that they have contracted syphilis should urgently consult a doctor at an early stage. Especially in earlier stages, a cure can often still be achieved. However, the chances diminish as the disease progresses.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is one of the most common STDs - and not only among homosexuals. Classic symptoms are itching, pain when urinating and redness. If the disease progresses further, pus also comes out of the penis.

To make the diagnosis, said pus is further examined by the doctor. Fortunately, gonorrhea can usually be treated without complications, so that at least the symptoms disappear quickly. However, those affected should be examined regularly, as relapses are not uncommon.

Herpes

Genital herpes or herpes can also be transmitted through sex. The symptoms here are usually small blisters that itch or hurt, and swelling. In particularly severe cases, those affected also suffer from fever.

The tricky thing is that anyone who has ever suffered from herpes has the virus inside them. Depending on its status ("dormant" or "active"), it can then be transmitted to sex partners. If the immune system - for example in the context of a cold - was strongly stressed and is weakened, the herpes also has an easy game again. Many scientists also believe that the psyche plays an important role in the herpes outbreak.

Herpes is not curable. As already mentioned, symptom-free phases are merely inactive phases.

Urethritis

Urethritis can also be transmitted through sex. Why some men get it so often and some men don't get it at all, however, has not yet been fully explained.

As a differential diagnosis, the above-mentioned gonorrhea can also be considered. An examination of the discharge or pus provides information here.

Generally speaking, a typical urethritis does not always have to be accompanied by severe pain. Some men only feel a slight pulling sensation.

Conclusion:

Most STDs can be prevented today with a combination of healthy body awareness, condoms and education. However, anyone who discovers symptoms - even despite all precautionary measures - should not hesitate to consult a doctor. Often, the course of STDs can be made less complicated by rapid intervention and appropriately prompt treatment.

How to protect yourself from STDs?