STD | STI
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States.
STDs pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They also can spread through intimate physical contact like heavy petting, though this is not very common.
STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why getting an STD test is important if you are having sex. If you receive a positive STD diagnosis, know that all are treatable with medicine and some are curable entirely.
There are dozens of STDs. Some STDs, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, are spread mainly by sexual contact. Other diseases, including Zika, Ebola, and mpox, can be spread sexually but are more often spread through ways other than sex.
STDs are preventable. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sex partner(s) from STDs.
What is HIV?
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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes HIV infection. If untreated, HIV may cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
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HIV attacks and destroys the infection-fighting CD4 cells (CD4 T lymphocyte) of the immune system. The loss of CD4 cells makes it difficult for the body to fight off infections, illnesses, and certain cancers.
Are some STDs associated with HIV?
Yes. In the United States, people who get syphilis, gonorrhea, and herpes often also have HIV, or are more likely to get HIV in the future.
Why does having an STD put me more at risk for getting HIV?
If you get an STD, you are more likely to get HIV than someone who is STD-free. This is because the same behaviors and circumstances that may put you at risk for getting an STD also can put you at greater risk for getting HIV. In addition, having a sore or break in the skin from an STD may allow HIV to more easily enter your body. If you are sexually active, get tested for STDs and HIV regularly, even if you don’t have symptoms.
What activities can put me at risk for both STDs and HIV?
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Having anal, vaginal, or oral sex without a condom;
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Having multiple sex partners;
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Having anonymous sex partners;
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Having sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lower inhibitions and result in greater sexual risk-taking.
What can I do to prevent getting STDs and HIV?
The only 100% effective way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting STDs and HIV:
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Choose less risky sex activities;
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Use a new condom, consistently and correctly, for every act of vaginal, anal, and oral sex throughout the entire sex act (from start to finish);
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Reduce the number of people with whom you have sex;
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Limit or eliminate drug and alcohol use before and during sex;
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Have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider and ask whether you should be tested for STDs and HIV;
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Talk to your healthcare provider and find out if either pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is a good option for you to prevent HIV infection.