Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV/AIDS

HIV

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is present in blood, vaginal secretions, semen, and breast milk. HIV can be spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier. As many as 25 percent of HIV+ people in the US do not know they are infected. Many people living with HIV look and feel healthy and do not think they are at risk. However, you should be tested if:

• You have ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom
• You have ever shared needles or syringes to inject drugs or other substances
• You are uncertain of your partner's status or your partner is HIV+
• You are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant
• You have ever been diagnosed with an STD
• You have hepatitis C
  

If left untreated, HIV can cause serious illness and death. If you test HIV+ there are effective medications to help you stay well. But you cannot get the health care and treatment you need if you do not know your HIV status. For more information on HIV, go to the section on TWP website called HIV: The Basics.

Pubic Lice ("Crabs")

Pubic lice live in the pubic hair and can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. They can also be spread through infected clothes and bedding. Symptoms may include intense itching and seeing lice or eggs in the hair. Pubic lice can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, pregnant women must use products specially designed for them. Contaminated clothes, bedding, and towels should be washed in hot water and laundry soap to kill lice and eggs and to prevent being infected again.

Syphilis

This STD is caused by a bacterium. It can be spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier. The disease has several phases. People with primary syphilis (early disease) may have pain-free open sores, called chancres, in the genital area or around the mouth. The sores usually heal on their own in 3-6 weeks. People with secondary syphilis (a later stage of the disease) often have a rash and/or hair loss. If left untreated, syphilis can proceed to the latent stage during which it may have no visible symptoms but can cause damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Syphilis can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Without treatment, it can hurt your body's organs, leading to severe illness and even death. Pregnant women can pass syphilis to their babies during pregnancy and childbirth, so it is important that pregnant women get tested for syphilis.

Trichomoniasis

This STD is caused by a single-celled organism called a protozoa. It can be spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier. Trichomoniasis is a common cause of vaginal infections. Symptoms may include a foamy, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and itching. Trichomoniasis can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

Protecting Yourself and Others

You can greatly reduce your risk of getting many STDs by practicing safer sex. Be aware that some STDs like genital warts, herpes, and syphilis can be spread through contact with infected skin. If that skin is not inside the vagina or anus or on the penis (for example, if it is in the mouth or throat), a condom will not protect you. Here are some tips for protecting yourself:

• Use a latex condom for vaginal and anal sex or a plastic condom if you are sensitive to latex
• The female condom can also prevent many STDs
• Use condoms without lubricant for oral sex on a man
• Use latex or plastic barriers, such as a dental dams or plastic wrap, for oral sex on a woman or for oral-anal sex; use latex or plastic gloves if you have cuts or sores on your hands
• Use water-based lubricants (KY, Astroglide) with latex condoms or barriers
• DO NOT use oil-based products (Vaseline, body lotions) because they destroy latex
• Do not use lubricants or condoms that contain nonoxynol-9 (N-9), which can damage the lining of the vagina or anus
• Wash shared sex toys (dildos, vibrators) or put on a fresh condom between users
• Know that some methods of birth control, like birth control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms, will not protect you from STDs. If you use one of these methods also use a latex condom
• Talk with your sex partner(s) about STDs and using condoms
• Talk honestly with your health care provider and your sex partner(s) about any STDs you or your partner has or has had
• Have regular pelvic exams and Pap tests, but remember that Pap tests do not screen for STDs other than HPV
• Talk to your health care provider about having routine STD screening as part of your annual physical or gynecological exam
• Do not share needles or syringes for injecting drugs or other substances

The Bottom Line

There are many sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. Some can be cured with treatment. Some, like HIV, herpes, and HPV, cannot be cured, but can be managed. Many can cause serious health and fertility problems or even death if left untreated. Practicing safer sex can protect you from many, but not all, STDs.

See your health care provider right away about STDs if:

• You have had sexual contact with someone who may have an STD
• You have symptoms like genital sores, discharge, or burning when you urinate
• You are pregnant

You should get regular STD tests if you are sexually active, especially if you have sex with more than one partner. Many STDs do not have symptoms. If needed, get the treatment your health care provider recommends. Even if the symptoms go away, you still need to finish treatment. If symptoms continue after treatment, see your health care provider. Also make sure your partner(s) gets treated, so that you do not pass an infection back and forth.