Abesha Care HIV/AIDS Initiative

Yes. Having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can increase a
person's risk of becoming infected with HIV, whether the STD 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 STD 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 STD 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
STD, that person is three to five times more likely than other
HIV-infected persons to transmit HIV through sexual contact.

Not having (abstaining from) sexual intercourse is the most effective
way to avoid all STDs, including HIV. For those who choose to be
sexually active, the following HIV prevention activities are highly
effective:

Engaging in behaviors that do not involve vaginal or anal intercourse
or oral sex
Having sex with only one uninfected partner
Using latex condoms every time you have sex

REFERENCE
CDC. HIV and AIDS: Are You at Risk?

Content Source:
Divisions of HIV/AIDS Prevention
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

Questions and Answers

		Is there a connection between HIV and other sexually
		transmitted diseases?

Transmission