The Ultimate Guide to Sexually Transmitted Infections (that everyone should read!)

The most hidden epidemic of our time? STIs. And believe me - this is something you need to keep reading about …

If you think that sexually transmitted infections are “something that happens to other people”…

If you think you would definitely notice the symptoms…

If you think a condom is always enough…

Then you’re in the right place. And yes - keep reading.

The truth?

STIs are not a topic for panic, but they are a topic we don’t talk about enough. And when we don’t talk about something enough… that’s when the most harm is done.

What exactly are sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are passed on through sexual contact - vaginal, anal and oral. It’s important to understand that some infections, especially viruses, can be transmitted through simple skin-to-skin contact, even without penetration. That’s why protection always means more than just “a condom at the right moment”.

STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites, and the most common include:

Chlamydia - often completely symptom-free, but it can cause burning when urinating, discharge and inflammation of the reproductive organs. If untreated, it can lead to infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Gonorrhoea - a more “loud” bacterium that can cause heavy discharge, pain when urinating and inflammation. It spreads very quickly and is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

Syphilis - starts with a painless sore that many people overlook. If not treated, it can affect the nervous system, the heart and even the brain.

HPV (human papillomavirus) - the most widespread STI in the world. Most infections clear up on their own, but some strains cause genital warts or even cancer of the cervix, anus and other areas.

HIV - a virus that weakens the immune system. Today, with treatment, it can be managed, but early detection is crucial for your health and to prevent transmission.

Herpes (HSV) - causes blisters, itching and pain, but it can also be transmitted in a completely silent phase, when there are no visible signs.

Trichomonas - a common parasitic infection that causes itching, unpleasant smell and discharge, while in men it often has no symptoms at all.

Even more important: a huge number of infections progress silently - without symptoms, pain or warning signs.

This is exactly why STIs today are often called a silent epidemic that affects millions of people without them even realising that something is wrong.

The biggest trap? People often don’t get tested because “they don’t feel anything”, but in the background inflammation, tissue damage or even the risk of passing the infection to a partner may already be developing.

The biggest shock? STIs are not only transmitted through penetration

Most people think that without penetration there is no risk. In reality, many infections spread through:

- skin-to-skin contact (herpes, HPV)

- oral sex (gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis)

- blood (HIV)

- non-disinfected sex toys

- childbirth (some infections pass to the baby)

Some infections, such as herpes and HPV, are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. So… the risk is already there during play, touching, cuddling, oral sex and all those ‘just a bit of this and that’ situations.

How to recognise STIs (and why people often don’t)

Golden rule: If you are sexually active, get tested - even if you don’t have symptoms.

Possible signs of an STI:

- burning sensation when urinating

- yellow, green or pus-like discharge

- itching or redness

- pain during sex

- sores, blisters or rashes

- bleeding between periods (with some STIs)

- pain in the lower abdomen

- increased vaginal discharge

But here’s the key question: why do most people not recognise them at all?

Because many infections progress completely silently - no pain, no sores, no discharge, no obvious warning sign. The body usually doesn’t react dramatically, so people believe that “everything is fine”, even though the infection is already progressing.

Many infections show no signs at all, which is exactly why they’re dangerous. These “silent courses” are the reason why STIs spread so quickly and are often only discovered once complications appear.

This is the bottom line: if you wait for symptoms, it might already be too late.

Why are STIs dangerous?

Sexually transmitted infections are not a harmless nuisance, but infections that, without treatment, can lead to serious and permanent consequences. Because many progress silently and without symptoms, they are often only discovered when damage has already been done. Untreated infections can affect fertility, organ health and even the course of pregnancy.

The most common long-term consequences of untreated STIs include:

- infertility in both men and women, due to damaged fallopian tubes, ovaries or sperm ducts

- chronic pelvic pain caused by inflammation and scarring

- organ damage, e.g. to the liver in advanced syphilis

- complications during pregnancy and infections of the newborn during birth

- weakened immune system in infections such as HIV

- cervical cancer, which is directly linked to high-risk HPV strains

These consequences clearly show that STIs are not something you can simply ignore - they affect your health, your future and your quality of life. Timely testing and treatment, however, can completely prevent most of these complications.

How can you protect yourself?

Condoms

Condoms remain the most basic and at the same time extremely effective protection for vaginal, anal and oral sex. It’s important to put one on before any genital contact, because many infections are transmitted through the skin, not just through bodily fluids.

Correct and consistent condom use can prevent a large share of the most common STIs - so never skip this step.

Barrier protection for oral sex

A barrier for oral sex (often known as a dental dam) is a thin sheet of latex or polyurethane that is placed over the vulva or anus during oral sex. It acts as a barrier between the mouth and the mucous membranes and reduces the risk of infection transmission during oral sex.

It’s easy to use: you place the barrier over the area, don’t move it during use, and throw it away afterwards. For a better sensation, you can add a water-based lubricant to the outer side.

Because oral sex is often mistakenly seen as “completely safe”, a barrier is a great choice for anyone who wants a safer, yet still sensual and pleasurable experience.

Lubricant

Lubricant is not just an extra - it also has a protective function. Less friction means a lower chance of the condom breaking or slipping off. Water-based lubricant is also the gentlest and safest option to use with condoms and sex toys, so it shouldn’t be overlooked when having protected sex.

HPV vaccination

Vaccination against HPV is one of the most overlooked yet extremely important forms of protection. It protects against the most dangerous HPV strains that cause cervical cancer, as well as genital warts. Vaccination is also recommended for people who are already sexually active - the benefits are still significant.

Sex toys - cleaning

Sex toys can transmit infections if you don’t clean them properly or if you share them with others. After every use, wash them with water and a mild cleaner and make sure they dry completely. If more than one person uses the same toy, put a condom on it and change the condom every time you change partners.

Regular testing

Testing is a key part of protection - just as important as any condom. Get tested when you change partners, after a risky encounter or whenever you notice changes in your body. Since many STIs are symptom-free, regular testing is the most reliable way to stay healthy and protect your partners.

When do you HAVE to get tested?

Get tested if:

- you’ve had unprotected sex

- you have any symptoms at all

- you have a new partner

- you’re unsure or worried

- your partner suggests that “it might be a good idea”

- you want to be responsible towards yourself and others

These are situations in which testing is essential - not only because you might have an infection, but because early detection prevents most long-term consequences. Infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea can lead to infertility even before you develop symptoms, which is why testing is one of the simplest and smartest decisions you can make for your health.

The test is simple, quick, often free and completely confidential.

Don’t forget: getting tested is not a sign of distrust - it’s a sign of responsibility towards yourself and your partners.

The most common myths about STIs

1. “If I had an STI, I would definitely notice it.”

This is one of the most dangerous myths. The truth is that most sexually transmitted infections don’t have obvious symptoms - or they appear very late. Infections like chlamydia, HPV or herpes can “live” silently in the body for months or even years without you feeling anything.

That’s why waiting for symptoms is not protection - regular testing is.

2. “Only people with a lot of partners get STIs.”

This myth is based on shame and stigma, not facts. STIs spread through sexual contact, not through the number of sexual encounters.

One single unprotected sexual encounter with one person is enough - it could be your first partner ever or a long-term partner. An infection is not a “moral judgement”, but a health condition that can happen to anyone.

3. “In a monogamous relationship, I’m completely safe.”

Monogamy is only safe if both partners have been tested and have a negative result. Many people carry infections from past relationships without knowing it, because they never got tested or never had symptoms.

And infidelity is not the only factor - an STI can stay hidden for years, so getting tested before starting a monogamous relationship is always a wise decision.

4. “My partner would tell me if they had an STI.”

Most people don’t stay silent to hide something - they stay silent because they don’t even know they’re infected. Since the most common STIs are asymptomatic, people believe they are healthy and unintentionally pass the infection on.

This is not about bad intentions, but about a lack of information and testing - that’s why honest conversations and regular check-ups are crucial.

What should this guide teach you?

That sexual health is… like cleaning your sex toy.

If you take care of it regularly → everything is great.

If you neglect it → problems appear.

What is worth remembering?

STIs are common, silent and don’t discriminate by gender, age or lifestyle. Many infections progress without symptoms, so you can only detect them through regular testing. Protection only works if you use it correctly, and sexual health is something we need to talk about openly, without shame and without taboos.

As expert guidelines also say:

Using condoms, vaccination and regular testing are key steps.

On Corner69 you’ll also find numerous articles on sexual health, communication in relationships, masturbation, couple intimacy and the use of sex toys - all in one place.

Take care of yourself, get informed and stay protected. Sexual health is part of your overall health and deserves your attention.