2023-11-13 22:32:30
Why chlamydia and gonorrhea are on the rise
The number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases is rising sharply in Bern. Here’s how you can protect yourself from it.
Published today at 9:32 p.m
Syphilis and HIV can be detected in the blood.
Foto: Beat Mathys
How have the number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) developed?
According to the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), the number of STI cases is increasing. The increase in the number of cases primarily affects diseases spread by bacteria, especially gonorrhea and chlamydiosis.
In the canton of Bern alone, the number of cases of chlamydia increased from 785 in 2013 to 1,234 in 2022, and the number of cases of gonorrhea rose from 108 to 416 in the same period.
According to the BAG, the increase is primarily due to the increasing number of tests carried out.
And in what direction are new HIV infections pointing?
The longer-term trend shows that viral infections HIV and hepatitis C are declining. The decline in HIV is due, among other things, to the fact that people with an infection cannot pass on the HIV virus thanks to current treatment options.
At the same time, people in risk groups can protect themselves from HIV infection with medication – so-called HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep). When used correctly, these offer similar protection to a condom.
Only one new HIV case was reported in Bern in 2022, compared to 126 cases across Switzerland in 2013.
Why are the number of cases of chlamydiosis and gonorrhea increasing?
Using a condom is a good way to protect yourself from the transmission of HIV viruses. The situation is different with bacterial transmissions. “A condom also reduces the risk here. But syphilis, chlamydia, and gonococci can also be transmitted through petting or via the mucous membranes,” says Jeffrey Blake, a specialist at Checkpoint Bern. Even when kissing, for example, if you have an injury in your mouth, transmission cannot be ruled out.
“Because of the easier transmission and because the risk group who can now protect themselves from HIV with Prep often foregoes the condom, the number of cases in this group is currently exploding,” says Chantal König, manager of Aids-Hilfe Bern.
Unlike HIV, syphilis, chlamydiosis, and gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. At the same time, these STIs are much more common.
Who should get tested and how often?
“If you are sexually active, you should get tested at least once a year,” says Chantal König. This is independent of whether you are in a monogamous or non-monogamous relationship.
Depending on the number of sex partners, you should get tested every three or every six months. Since homosexual and bisexual men are disproportionately affected by STIs, they are the focus of prevention measures. However, the risk groups also include trans and non-binary people as well as people who work in sex work and their customers.
According to BAG figures, women are slightly more affected by chlamydia than men. That’s why the Lesbian Organization Switzerland, together with other groups and Aids-Hilfe Schweiz, published an information brochure this year for “all people with a vulva who have sexual relationships with people with a vulva”.
How much does an STI test cost?
The STI check for the most important sexually transmitted diseases costs 150 francs at the Checkpoint Bern (offer explicitly for MSM and queers) and at the anonymous testing center in the Inselspital.
Entrance to Checkpoint Bern on Schwarztorstrasse.
Foto: Beat Mathys
For men and trans people who have sex with men, there is a special offer in spring and autumn that is financed by the BAG. For this target group, the STI test only costs 75 francs; for those under 25, the test is free. In the city of Zurich, STI tests have been free for everyone under 25 since this summer.
How does an STI test work?
Anyone who wants to be tested at Checkpoint Bern or at the anonymous testing center must first fill out an anonymous questionnaire on sexual behavior. On the one hand, the BAG receives anonymized data upon consent; on the other hand, the findings are used for subsequent advice.
Jeffrey Blake, specialist at Checkpoint Bern, taking a blood sample.
Foto: Beat Mathys
Blood is taken to test for syphilis and HIV, and the testers take the swabs for chlamydia and gonococci themselves. These take place in the throat, anus, and vagina or in the urethra in the penis.
My sexual partner has a positive result. What should I do?
The best thing to do in such a case is to have yourself tested. It is important to take into account the date of the last sexual contact and the test result. “A syphilis infection can only be detected after three months, HIV after six weeks and chlamydia and gonococci after three weeks,” says Jeffrey Blake from Checkpoint Bern.
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Kaspar Keller is a freelance journalist and expert for beverages and gastronomy. He is also studying “Master Multimedia Communication and Publishing” at the Bern University of the Arts. He has been writing regularly for Tamedia since 2023.
More information @KasparKeller
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