There are around 30 different sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide that can easily be contracted during sexual intercourse.
One of them is HIV. The abbreviation HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The HI virus damages the body's own defenses, which are supposed to protect against other pathogens. If an infection with HIV is not treated, at some point the body can no longer defend itself against other pathogens and becomes seriously ill with normally harmless diseases. This condition is called AIDS.

There are many common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can easily be contracted during sexual intercourse.
One of them is HIV. The abbreviation HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The HI virus damages the body's own defenses, which are supposed to protect against other pathogens. If an infection with HIV is not treated, at some point the body can no longer defend itself against other pathogens and becomes seriously ill from normally harmless infections. This condition is called AIDS and can lead to death.

Information and advice on HIV and sexually transmitted infections can be obtained from the relevant offices. Advice is confidential, anonymous and free of charge and can be given in person or by telephone.

Counseling can cover topics such as

• Transmission routes of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis...)
• Safer sex rules
• Risk assessment
• HIV antibody test - necessity, procedure, waiting periods
• Risks in the area of prostitution
• Risks of infection in the medical field
• Risks of infection in everyday life
• Fear of AIDS
• Dealing with a positive test
• Living with HIV
• Possibilities of drug prevention (PEP and PrEP)

It may also be possible to have an anonymous HIV test carried out at the responsible office.

General information can be found on the love life page of the Federal Institute of Public Health.

You can get diseases during sex.
This means
Sexually transmitted infections.
The short form is: STI.
STI comes from the English language:
Sexually Transmitted Infections.

An STI is, for example, the HIV virus.
HIV weakens the immune system.
The immune system helps the body to fight diseases.
Without the immune system, you can get AIDS.

• AIDS is a terrible disease.

Other bad diseases are, for example

• Gonorrhea
• syphilis

You can protect yourself.
For example with condoms.
That's why it's important:
Get informed!

There are counseling services on STI and HIV.
These consultations are:

• confidential
• anonymous
• free of charge.

The counseling deals with various topics.
For example:

• How can you protect yourself?
• What are the risks?
• How do you take a test?
• How do you live with HIV?

More information is also available on the Internet pages: