STI Home Test – M

The HIV screening test (combination test) detects an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus – a virus that attacks the immune system and, if left untreated, can lead to the immunodeficiency disease AIDS.

Acute phase (2–6 weeks after infection):
Flu-like symptoms may occur: fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, or sore throat.

Latency phase:
The acute phase is often followed by a symptom-free period lasting several years, during which the virus weakens the immune system unnoticed.

Late phase (AIDS):
Without treatment, severe infections, tumors, and a complete collapse of the immune system can occur.

Early diagnosis is crucial:
Thanks to modern medication, HIV can now be treated very well and transmission prevented – the earlier it is detected, the better.

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus , which is transmitted through blood contact – for example, when using drugs with shared needles, when getting a tattoo with unsterile material or through unprotected anal sex.

Symptoms:
In the early stages (acute hepatitis), hepatitis C often remains asymptomatic. If symptoms occur, they are often nonspecific: fatigue, loss of appetite, mild fever, nausea, or pain in the right upper abdomen.

Long-term consequences:
If the infection persists, it can become chronic. If left untreated, chronic liver inflammation develops in approximately 60–80% of cases, which can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer in the long term.

Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) is a group of bacteria that can cause various infections in the urinary and genital tract. Types D–K, in particular, are specifically responsible for chlamydia infections in this area. These infections manifest, for example, as inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) or inflammation of the ureter (urethritis), with symptoms such as burning during urination or vaginal discharge.

In men: Typical symptoms in men include painful urination and abnormal discharge from the penis. If the infection is left untreated, the bacteria can spread and cause inflammation of the prostate or the internal female reproductive organs, which can ultimately lead to infertility. In addition, swimming pool conjunctivitis, a conjunctivitis that can be transmitted through contact with water, can occur.

In women: The infection often occurs without obvious symptoms in women, which is why they can be carriers without realizing it. Such an infection is particularly dangerous during pregnancy, as it can harm the unborn child. Another form of chlamydia, types L1–L3, leads to the sexually transmitted disease "lymphogranuloma inguinale." This disease manifests as swollen lymph nodes in the groin and occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical regions.

In the acute phase, 2–7 days after infection, men experience urethritis, characterized by itching, purulent discharge, painful urination, and frequent urination. Some men may not notice any symptoms for up to a month.

If the infection is not treated, inflammation of the prostate can occur in the chronic phase.

Women can be infected without experiencing symptoms, and thus the disease remains undetected and untreated for a long time. Otherwise, a variety of local inflammatory reactions in the bladder or female reproductive organs such as the ovaries are possible, with the risk of infertility. Infection is particularly dangerous during pregnancy, as it can harm the unborn child.

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and progresses through several stages. The disease is highly contagious and transmitted through sexual contact.

First stage:
In the so-called primary stage, a usually painless ulcer (ulcus durum) develops at the site of entry of the pathogen—typically the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth. Nearby lymph nodes often swell.

Second stage:
If left untreated, syphilis can progress to a systemic phase weeks later. This causes flu-like symptoms, skin rashes (often on the palms and soles of the feet), mucous membrane changes, and general signs of illness.

Late stage:
After months or years without treatment, syphilis can cause severe damage to internal organs, the nervous system (neurosyphilis) or the cardiovascular system.

Particularly relevant during pregnancy:
Transmission to the unborn child (congenital syphilis) is possible and can cause severe malformations or stillbirths.