The ping pong effect: the vicious cycle of STD transmission

The ping pong effect describes the phenomenon where partners repeatedly infect each other with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This takes place in cycles, with one partner receiving treatment while the other unknowingly continues to carry and recapture the STD.

How the ping pong effect works

In practice, this scenario looks as follows:

• One partner experiences STI symptoms and seeks treatment.
• The other partner is also infected but shows no symptoms and therefore does not seek treatment.
• When the treated partner heals, he or she may contract the STI again through unprotected sex with the untreated partner.

STDs and ping pong syndrome

Although this effect can occur with different STDs, it is particularly common with fungal infections, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. It is an important example of why communication and joint treatment are essential in relationships.

Prevention and treatment

To break the cycle of infection, it is crucial that both partners get tested and treated if one of them has an STD. This prevents repeated transmission and ensures a healthier and safer sexual relationship.