Glossary Terms

HIV test

You can only find out if you are HIV-positive with an HIV test. If you know about your HIV infection, you can start treatment in good time. This enables you to live a long and good life. We therefore recommend that you get tested for HIV at least once a year.
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HIV self-test

In addition to the tests offered by AIDS service organisations, health authorities, testing projects or doctors, there is also the so-called HIV self-test. Is it reliable and where can you get it? We answer the important questions.
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Syphilis

Syphilis often causes no symptoms, or these are not recognised, or they disappear again. However, the bacteria remain in the body and can cause serious damage to health after some time. Syphilis is diagnosed by a blood test. It can be treated and cured with antibiotics.
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Other sexually transmitted diseases

In addition to the more well-known sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis or gonorrhoea, there are a number of other STIs that are transmitted during sex. These include genital warts, genital herpes and intestinal parasites.
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Sexually transmitted diseases test

There is no absolute protection against sexually transmitted diseases, even condoms can only reduce the risk of infection, but not eliminate it. Sometimes STIs do not show any symptoms. That's why you should get tested for syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia at least once a year.
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Protection through therapy

HIV medication suppresses the multiplication of HIV in the body. HIV can then no longer be transmitted during sex. HIV treatment enables a good and long life. If you are HIV-positive and take your HIV medication regularly, your therapy also protects your sexual partners from infection.
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Safer sex accident / PEP

After unprotected anal sex (e.g. without a condom, PrEP not taken for a long time) with a high HIV risk, a four-week PEP with HIV medication can usually prevent HIV infection. This guide can help you get PEP locally.
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Risk minimisation

There is no such thing as zero risk when using drugs. However, if you take drugs, you can do a lot to minimise the risks as much as possible: Find out about the effects and interactions of the substances you want to take, avoid using new substances alone if possible and be careful when dosing and topping up.
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Interactions

If you consume different drugs at the same time or in close succession, dangerous interactions and even drug emergencies are possible! There can also be interactions between drugs and medication, e.g. drugs can reduce the effectiveness of medication or medication can increase the effect of drugs.
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Further offers

We offer various counselling services. Whether online, by phone or in a live chat: experienced and trained counsellors are available to answer all your questions about HIV, STIs, chemsex and mental well-being. You can seek help from the anti-discrimination centre if you have experienced discrimination due to your HIV infection.