[Current diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections]

Background: In recent years, there has been an increasing incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI), which in turn play a major role in urological clinical routine.

Objectives: Which STIs are relevant in urological clinical routine? What kind of recommendations for diagnosis and treatment exist?

Materials and methods: Review of evidence-based recommendations from the literature, current guidelines of the European Association of Urology and the Robert-Koch-Institute.

Results: STIs can be differentiated into those that cause genital, anal, perianal or oral ulcers from STIs that cause urethritis, cervicitis, or urethral or vaginal discharge. Asymptomatic courses are frequently observed. For diagnosis predominantly amplification methods are recommended. The local resistance situation should be considered. Special attention is paid to the worldwide increasing resistance of gonococci. The sexual partner should also be treated. In addition, diagnosis and therapy of other STIs should be made due to the high rate of co-infection.

Conclusions: Due to the increasing incidence of STIs, the recognition and evidence-based treatment of these infections is essential to avoid ascending infections, long-term consequences, and further transmissions. It is important to assure the infectious material before initiating therapy to be able to switch from the initially initiated calculated therapy (also considering the local resistance situation) to a test-appropriate therapy.