What is the connection between HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections?
Studies show that having a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) can increase a person’s risk of becoming infected with HIV as much as 2 to 5 times. Because HIV and other STIs are transmitted in basically the same way, a person who has contracted one STI has potentially also put themselves at risk for HIV. In addition, if the STI causes irritation or lesions on the skin, these breaks or sores make it easier for the virus to enter the bloodstream during sexual contact. Even an STI that does not cause breaks or sores can stimulate an immune response in the genital area such as inflammation, also making HIV transmission more likely. For more information on STIs, visit the Virtual Health Library: Sexually Transmitted Infections.
