HIV 10 – STIs

Interventions such as male circumcision and vaginal microbicides show some promise in being effective against viral STIs.^1j

For more information on prevention of HIV^3h read further here (link to #6).

STI stands for ‘sexually transmitted infection’. This is also called an STD (sexually transmitted disease). STIs are infections that pass from person to person through sex. This includes anal, vaginal or oral sex.^2a,3a

Some STIs can also be spread through non-sexual means such as via blood or blood products. Many STIs – including syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes and HPV – can also transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth.^1h

STIs are caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses. HIV is a viral STI. Other examples include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis.^3a

• Painful urination
• Painful sex
• Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
• Fever
• Itching or discomfort in the genital area

Not all people have symptoms and may be asymptomatic. In this instance, STIs can still be transmitted to other people regardless of the presence of symptoms in an infected person.^2c

STIs caused by bacteria or parasites can be treated (and cured) with medicine. As with HIV, there is no cure for STDs caused by viruses. Treatment can relieve and manage symptoms and help keep the STI under control. Treatment also reduces the risk of passing on the STI to a partner.^3c

Untreated STIs can cause serious complications:^3d

HIV is an STI. Having an STI can make it easier to get HIV.^3g

Here is why:

The HPV vaccine could prevent the deaths of millions of women from cervical cancer over the next decade.^1k