Häufigkeit von sexuell übertragbaren Infektio-nen in deutschen Facharztpraxen

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in dermatological, urological, and gynecological practices in Germany. Data from the nationwide IQVIA Disease Analyzer database was used for this study. This cross-sectional study included 6,535 patients in 2014 and 6,491 patients in 2023 with an insured diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease in 69 dermatology, 148 gynecology and 55 urology practices. The number of patients treated for sexually transmitted diseases in these practices changed only minimally between 2014 and 2023. On average, each dermatology practice treated 31 patients with STIs in 2023, each gynecology practice treated 21 patients and each urology practice treated 23 patients. Anogenital warts were the most commonly diagnosed STI in all specialties, with prevalence varying by specialty. Interestingly, the number of patients per practice with anogenital warts increased slightly in dermatology and urology practices between 2014 and 2023, while it decreased in gynecology practices. The average age of patients treated for STDs increased between 2014 and 2023 In summary, this study highlights that despite vaccination efforts and awareness campaigns in various medical specialties, STI patient numbers remain almost the same and thus STI continues to be a persistent and increasing challenge in the ageing patient population. The findings call for further initiatives in the public health sector and an adjustment of everyday practice to the special needs of these patient groups.