Glossary Terms

Hepatitis A is the most common form of viral hepatitis. However, it is also the least dangerous, almost always heals on its own and leaves no permanent damage. Nevertheless, you should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver against which you can be vaccinated. It is transmitted during sex and drug use, among other things.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is increasingly being diagnosed in gay men, especially those who are HIV-positive. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccination and even if you have had the disease, it does not protect you from further infection. However, thanks to new therapies, hepatitis C can now be cured in three months. We recommend treatment e.g. in HIV specialist practices or in gastroenterological practices.

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.

Gonorrhoea can make itself felt through itching and burning. It can sometimes cause discharge from the tail. It often shows no symptoms at all - especially if it is in the throat or rectum. Gonorrhoea can be diagnosed with a swab or urine test and is treated with antibiotics.

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. They often go unnoticed and mainly lead to inflammation of the urethra or rectum, but also occur in the mouth and throat. They are diagnosed with a smear or urine test and treated with antibiotics.

Mpox / Monkeypox: What men who have sex with men should know.

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.