Mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum)

infalmmation of the vagina, inflammation of the cervical canal of the womb, inflammation of  the womb, Fallopian tubes, urethra, prostate/seminal vesicle

HIV infection, AIDS

Note that the inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract or the genitals caused by infectious agents do not always result from sexual contact. The protective function of the mucous membranes and the skin may become impaired for various reasons which may give rise to colonization of these surfaces by bacteria or fungi even in sexually inactive individuals. In these cases a potential underlying medical problem must be sought for. In the differential diagnosis other provoking factors (allergy, irritation, injury) must also be considered. Rarely, general skin diseases preferentially affect the genital area, while for some reason other areas of the body are spared. In women, the disruption of the balance of normal vaginal flora (either too little or too much Lactobacillus) can also cause annoying symptoms (burning, itching, discharge with an unpleasant smell).

The investigation of inflammatory symptoms of the genitourinary tract is thus a complex procedure of several steps. Without the clarification of the exact diagnosis, however, it is not possible to apply a targeted and appropriate treatment, therefore, one has to adhere to these diagnostic steps.

In the case of sexually transmitted diseases it is always recommended to investigate and treat the partner(s) as well even if they are completely symptom-free, since otherwise a reciprocal, or ping-pong, infection may develop.

Physical complaints in patients with STD are commonly accompanied by self-blame and anxiety. Unfounded worries (concerning infertility, cancer, incurable infection) may aggravate health problems. It is very important to speak about these with the patient, to uncover the problems in detail and to give temporary lifestyle guidance. An STD infection may also harm the relationship with the partner, often as a result of inappropriate or inaccurate knowledge about the diseases.

Since diseases caused by STD agents may also affect fertility, it is extremely important to start the appropriate treatment as early as possible. Unfounded fears, on the other hand, should be dispelled when worries about close relatives becoming infected are not justified.

Sexually acquired diseases that are not recognized in time, not treated or inappropriately treated may later lead to complications that may require gynecological, urological, andrological or even oncological interventions. In such cases I am ready do recommend a number of colleagues in the above fields, with whom I have worked together for several years and ascertained that their thinking about these problems are similar to mine.