Does having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) affect my risk of getting HIV?
Yes. Having an STD, especially herpes or syphilis sores, increases your risk of getting HIV and giving HIV to a partner. Other STDs like gonorrhea or chlamydia, also increase your risk of becoming infected with HIV. STDs change the cells that line the vagina, penis, rectum, or mouth, which can cause open sores to develop. These sores make it easier for HIV to enter the body. Any inflammation or sore caused by an STD also makes it easier for HIV to enter the bloodstream during sexual contact. If you already have an STD, you are more likely to get infected with HIV during unprotected sex with someone who has HIV. Studies have shown that STDs increase the amount of HIV in the semen and vaginal fluids of people infected with HIV because of increased inflammation in the area. Therefore, if you have HIV and an STD, you are more likely to pass HIV to your partner during unprotected sex. Studies have also shown that treatment for STDs may reduce HIV transmission. Many STDs do not cause symptom
