Can another Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) increase my risk?
Yes! Studies have shown that individuals infected with Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Herpes are nearly three to five times as likely to spread or contract HIV. An HIV positive individual who becomes sick with another STI will develop an increased presence of HIV in their body. When this happens, bodily fluids will be highly infectious. Conversely, STIs that cause sores – such as Syphilis and Herpes — may act as a gateway to the bloodstream and increase the risk of contracting HIV.
