STIs are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Different pathogens – bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites – can be transmitted from one person to another through sex. As the pathogens are extremely sensitive to external conditions (they are destroyed by temperature changes, dehydration, etc.), it is not possible to contract sexually transmitted diseases in the bathing area, by using a shared toilet or in any other such way.

Sexually transmitted diseases can be roughly divided into

• diseases causing genital ulcers (genital herpes, syphilis),
• diseases causing genital inflammation (chlamydiosis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis), and
• illnesses that affect the body in general (HIV, hepatitis B or C).

The following are signs or situations when it is advisable to be tested for STIs:

• if you or your partner have multiple sexual partners;
• if your partner has a diagnosed sexually transmitted disease;
• unprotected intercourse with a new or casual sexual partner;
• before starting a new sexual relationship;
• during pregnancy planning and/or at the beginning of pregnancy (sexually transmitted diseases can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, which can result in miscarriage or newborn morbidity with resulting complications);
• if you suspect you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD): the most common symptoms are discharge (vaginal discharge in women, urinary discharge in men), change in the nature of the discharge (e.g. change in smell), pain when urinating, pain during intercourse, bleeding after intercourse, blisters or sores in the genital area, rectal discharge.