For more information, call and speak to a STAP Educator at 800-333-0892.
Is there a connection between HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Yes. Having an STI can increase a person's risk of becoming infected with HIV, whether the STI causes open sores or breaks in the skin (e.g., syphilis, herpes, chancroid), or does not cause breaks in the skin (e.g., Chlamydia, gonorrhea). If the STI infection causes irritation of the skin, breaks or sores may make it easier for HIV to enter the body during sexual contact. Even when the STI causes no breaks or open sores, the infection can stimulate an immune response in the genital area that can make HIV transmission more likely. In addition, if an HIV-infected person is also infected with another STI, that person is three to five times more likely than other HIV-infected persons (who don't have an STI) to transmit HIV through sexual contact. For those are sexually active, the following HIV prevention activities are highly effective:
- Engaging in sex that does not involve vaginal, anal, or oral sex;
- Having intercourse with only one uninfected partner; or
- Using latex or polyurethane condoms every time you have sex.
What are the most common symptoms associated with STIs?
First of all, remember that some sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) cause no symptoms, and when symptoms do occur, they often go unrecognized. Most people with STIs have no symptoms—none! So you can be infected and even infect someone else without knowing it. However, there are some common signs to watch for. The symptoms listed below are tricky, as they can show up anywhere from two days to a couple of months after initial exposure to the disease. Sometimes symptoms can show up as much as several years after the initial STI infection.
If you have any of these symptoms or think you have been exposed to an STI, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Take note of any:
* sores, bumps, or blisters near the mouth or genitals
* burning or pain during urination or a bowel movement
* flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and aches
* swelling in the groin area
For women only:
* unusual odor or discharge from the vagina
* pelvic pain
* burning or itching around the vagina
* unusual bleeding
* pain during intercourse
* increased severity of menstrual cramps or abnormal period
Just for men:
* discharge from the penis
* pain in the testicles
Guide to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)
Infection
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What is it?
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How do I get it?
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How can I tell?
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How do I get rid of it?
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How do I lower my risk?
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Chlamydia
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Bacteria that can infect the urethra (the opening of your penis), throat, anus or testicles
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Oral, vaginal or anal sex without protection
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After 7-14 days, there is a smelly discharge or burning, particularly when urinating, and itching or pain and swelling in the testicles.
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Antibiotics
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Pay attention to any odors. Use condoms for anal and vaginal sex.
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Genital Herpes
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A virus that causes sores on sex organ or mouth.
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Skin to skin contact even when there are no symptoms.
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After 5-21 days, there are small, painful sores that will go away. They may itch, burn, tingle or ooze. Sore reappear later.
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NO Cure. Treatments lessen symptoms and help prevent recurrence.
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Pay attention to outbreaks and sores. Avoid contact as much as possible.
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Genital Warts
(HPV)
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A virus that infects the sex organs and causes warts or bumps, some very small.
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Contact with warts.
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After many months, small, painless bumps appear on the genitals or anal area.
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NO Cure. Warts are removed through different methods.
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Pay attention to warts around someone’s penis/vagina, anus and genital area.
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Gonorrhea
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Bacteria that can infect the urethra (opening of your penis), throat, anus or testicles.
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Oral, vaginal or anal sex without protection.
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After 3-5 days, there is a smelly discharge or burning, particularly when urinating.
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Antibiotics
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Pay attention to any odors. Use condoms for anal and vaginal sex.
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Hepatitis A
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A virus that causes inflammation of the liver.
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Orally transmitted. Sharing silverware or toothbrushes, eating contaminated food, or oral-to-anal contact with an infected person.
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After 10-50 days, there is fever, abdominal pain, nausea and fatigue.
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NO Cure. May take 6-12 months to resolve and is rarely fatal.
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Get vaccinated. Use a latex barrier for anal and vaginal contact.
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Hepatitis B
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A virus that causes inflammation of the liver. May lead to cancer or cirrhosis.
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Contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, unprotected anal sex or sharing needles with an infected person.
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After 60-90 days, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine.
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NO Cure. Liver infection can become chronic and sometimes be fatal.
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Get vaccinated. Use a latex barrier for anal and vaginal contact.
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Hepatitis C
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A virus that causes a more serious inflammation of the liver and liver failure over time.
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Contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, unprotected anal sex or sharing needles.
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After 60-90 days, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, but mostly no symptoms.
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NO Cure or vaccine. High chance of becoming chronic or fatal.
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Don’t share needles. Use a condom for anal and vaginal sex.
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HIV
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A virus that attacks the immune system.
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Unprotected anal and vaginal sex, sharing needles.
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Get an HIV test. During the first weeks: flu-like symptoms, fever, night sweats, weight loss, sore/swollen lymph nodes occur. After some years, people may develop illnesses, infections, and cancers (AIDS diagnosis).
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NO Cure or vaccine. HIV treatments help many people with HIV/AIDS to live longer and healthier lives.
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Don’t share needles. Use a condom for anal and vaginal sex.
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Lympho-granuloma
venereum
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A bacterial infection that can cause ulcers on the penis or anus.
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Anal or oral sex – unprotected anal intercourse is a common risk factor.
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Within 30 days, pimple or blister turns into ulcer. Painful lymph nodes, anal discharge, bloody diarrhea.
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Three weeks of uninterrupted antibiotics.
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Use a condom for anal and vaginal sex. Pay attention to any open sores.
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Syphilis
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A bacteria that causes a chancre sore on butt, penis or mouth. Untreated, it spreads throughout the body.
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Oral or anal sex without protection. Contact with sores.
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After 3 weeks, sores on genitals or mouth rash, swollen glands and fever.
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Antibiotics
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Use a condom for anal and vaginal sex. Pay attention to any open sores.
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***It is important to always use a condom properly!***
For persons whose sexual behaviors place them at risk for HIV and STI's, correct and consistent use of a condom can reduce the risk of HIV and STI transmission. However, no protective method is 100% effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STI's.
