Knowledge instead of prejudice: Sexual transmitted infections
22 April 2024
When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, reality and perception of what is “normal” are far apart. Time to do some spring cleaning: How about we collectively rethink our attitudes and prejudices about STIs?
The reality of sexually transmitted diseases
Statistically speaking, one in three people will be confronted with an STI in the course of their lives. While the risk increases with the number of partners, studies show that education and regular testing can significantly reduce the risk. It is high time to break the taboos and prejudices surrounding STIs and promote an active, informed sex life.
Bacteria, viruses and sex: a normal part of life
Even a self-inflicted accident is less embarrassing than a sexually transmitted disease and hardly anyone has ever had to justify having the stomach flu. Where there are people, there are also bacteria and viruses. There are a number of myths surrounding the spread of sexually transmitted diseases in particular and we often prefer to talk our way out of an unlikely infection in the station toilet instead of admitting our sexuality. This is because STIs are still mostly transmitted during sexual acts, hence their apt name.
What if we could simply discuss openly - at least with doctors and confidants - how and with what we have been infected?
Schoolyard jokes vs. facts: Time for an update
Most of us know gonorrhea or syphilis from flat jokes, but how about some real facts?
