As of: April 5, 2024, 7:15 a.m
By: Elisa Buhrke
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Venereal diseases have increased significantly in Munich. Experts say it's not just people who frequently change partners who should get tested.
Munich - STDs have increased significantly in recent years. The numbers in Munich follow a trend that can be observed throughout Germany: While fewer and fewer people are becoming infected with HIV, cases of syphilis and chlamydia are increasing significantly. But how can an infection actually be detected? Our editorial team asked the health department of the city of Munich in which cases people should get tested - and whether a condom is sufficient as a protective measure.
Who should get tested for sexually transmitted diseases
In principle, “venereal diseases are easy to treat if they are recognized in a timely manner,” is how the health department responded to our query. A test is particularly useful “if there are symptoms such as skin changes, especially in the genital area, itching or burning discharge from the urethra, vagina or rectum. You should also get tested if you are unsure after unprotected sexual contact, if you frequently change sexual partners or if there is information about a sexually transmitted disease in a sexual contact.”
The STI advice center carries out the following tests free of charge:
HIV
syphilis
Hepatitis B and A
Hepatitis C
Chlamydia and gonorrhea
The STI advice center of the health department is located at Bayerstraße 28a, right next to the main train station. It is open to all Munich residents.
But a test is also an option for people in a stable relationship. Namely if you want to do without a condom during sex. “Many couples therefore like to take advantage of our so-called STI check.” During the STI check, tests are carried out for the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI = “Sexually Transmitted Infections”). The STI advice center of the health department of the city of Munich carries out this free of charge. Alternatively, you can also go to a gynecologist or urologist, but here at the patient's expense.
Pathogens such as HIV and syphilis can be detected using rapid tests (like here) or laboratory tests. © picture alliance/dpa/dpa-Zentralbild | Britta Pedersen and picture alliance / dpa | PD Dr. Annette Moter/Charite (bottom left)
Why the numbers of STIs such as syphilis and chlamydia are increasing in Munich
But how is it that more and more people are becoming infected with sexually transmitted diseases? The reason could be that the fear of infection has decreased - and therefore fewer people are protecting themselves, according to the health department. A diagnosis of HIV is no longer a death sentence these days. The virus cannot be cured, but it can be treated with medication. “As a result, protection with condoms is often neglected, which in turn increases the likelihood of transmission of other STIs.”
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This trend is particularly evident in syphilis infections: “While the HIV numbers have been declining for years [...], - as in the rest of Germany - the number of new infections with syphilis has increased
in Munich over the last 20 years.” The incidence per 100,000 inhabitants increased 8.5 times from 2001 (4.15) to 2017 (35.1). There was a slight decline during the pandemic years. But the numbers have been rising again since 2022 - most recently they were at a record high in Munich. According to the health department, cases of chlamydia have also increased significantly - but since these have only been reportable since September 2022, the RKI is not yet providing detailed figures.
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Cases of HIV and syphilis infections in Munich in comparison
Year of diagnosis/cases in Munich |
HIV infection |
syphilis |
In total |
1888 |
4797 |
2013 |
191 |
262 |
2014 |
223 |
402 |
2015 |
226 |
432 |
2016 |
249 |
441 |
2017 |
186 |
511 |
2018 |
154 |
424 |
2019 |
147 |
446 |
2020 |
95 |
356 |
2021 |
85 |
412 |
2022 |
149 |
558 |
2023 |
183 |
553 |
Source: RKI Survstat
Even condoms do not offer 100 percent protection against sexually transmitted diseases
The STI advice center recommends always using a condom for new sexual contacts: “Condoms generally offer reliable mechanical protection against HIV and also significantly reduce the risk of all other sexually transmitted diseases if they are used correctly.” 100 percent safety however, there never is. “It is therefore important to pay attention to symptoms and, if you suspect infection, to seek advice and, if necessary, get tested.”