How is HIV sexually transmitted?
The HIV in an infected person’s blood, semen, or vaginal secretions can enter another person’s body through tiny cuts and sores in the skin, or through the fragile, moist lining of the vagina, penis, rectum, or mouth. More about HIV/AIDS transmission. Back to top • What are the symptoms of HIV? Most infected people have no symptoms. Learn more about the symptoms of HIV/AIDS here. Back to top • What should I do if I think I have an STD? If you think you have an STD or have been exposed to one, see a healthcare provider immediately. Timing is everything: beginning treatment early helps minimize the long-term effects of most STDs. You also need to abstain from sexual contact until you’re sure that you can’t pass the STD on to someone else. That means no sex with anyone until your healthcare provider assures you that you’re no longer contagious. You also need to make certain that your partner is tested–to ensure his/her health and also to make sure you don’t get reinfected. Back to top •
