s there a connection between HIV and other sexually transmitted infections?
Yes. Having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can increase a person’s risk of becoming infected with HIV, whether the STI 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 STI infection causes irritation of the skin, tears or sores may make it easier for HIV to enter the body during sexual contact. Even when the STI 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 STI, 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 STIs, including HIV.
