Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV test) are two major health concerns that affect millions of people around the world. STIs are infections that are spread through sexual contact with an infected person, while HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause STIs and can have serious consequences if left untreated. HIV is primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or other injection drug equipment, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
If you have been diagnosed with an STI or HIV, there are many resources available to help you. Talk to your doctor or a sexual health clinic to learn more about your treatment options and to get support.
Types of STI and HIV
STI Types
- BACTERIAL STIS: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are all bacterial STIs. These sexually transmitted infections infections can be treated with an antibiotic prescription.
- VIRAL STIS: Genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV are all viral sexually transmitted infections. Viral STIs cannot be cured, but there are medications that can help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
- PARASITIC STIS: Trichomoniasis and pubic lice are both parasitic STIs. These infections can be treated with medication.
HIV Types
- HIV-1 is a common type of HIV and is responsible for the majority of HIV infections worldwide. It is also the type of HIV that is most easily transmitted from person to person.
- HIV-2 is much less common than HIV-1 and is found primarily in West Africa. This HIV is not as easy to transmit from person to person as HIV-1.
How are STIs and HIV Transmitted?
STI Transmission
- Sexual contact is the most common way to transmit STIs worldwide. It can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia can put you at risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. This way can easily transfer STI in unhygienic hospitals and clinics.
- Some sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
- It is rare to get an STI test from a blood transfusion, but it is possible. Blood is carefully screened for STIs before it is transfused, but there is always a small risk that an infected unit of blood could be missed.
HIV Transmission
- HIV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an STI-infected person.
- HIV can be transmitted if you share needles or other drug paraphernalia with an infected person.
- HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions, but this is very rare in developed countries because all donated blood is screened for HIV.
- HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Conclusion
STIs and HIV are serious health problems, but they are preventable. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid sexual contact with new partners and to use a condom every time you have sex. You need to get tested properly for STIs regularly, especially if you have new sex partners. If you are pregnant, get tested for STIs so that you can be treated if you have an infection.