HIV 10 – STIs

WHAT IS A STI?

STI stands for ‘sexually transmitted infection’. This is also called an STD (sexually transmitted disease). STIs are infections that pass from person to person through sex. This includes anal, vaginal or oral sex.^2a,3a
Some STIs can also be spread through non-sexual means such as via blood or blood products. Many STIs – including syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes and HPV – can also transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth.^1hSTIs are caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses. HIV is a viral STI.

SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:

Painful urination
Painful sex
Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
Fever
Itching or discomfort in the genital area

Not all people have symptoms and may be asymptomatic. In this instance, STIs can still be transmitted to other people regardless of the presence of symptoms in an infected person.^2c

TREATMENT

STIs caused by bacteria or parasites can be treated (and cured) with medicine. As with HIV, there is no cure for STDs caused by viruses. Treatment can relieve and manage symptoms and help keep the STI under control. Treatment also reduces the risk of passing on the STI to a partner.^3c
Untreated STIs can cause serious complications:^3d

WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN HIV AND OTHER STIS?

HIV is an STI. Having an STI can make it easier to get HIV.^3g
Here is why:

WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE?

Interventions such as male circumcision and vaginal microbicides show some promise in being effective against viral STIs.^1j

Even STIs with no symptoms can cause complications, be transmitted (spread) to sexual partners, and enhance the risk of HIV transmission.^4a It is therefore important that all people living with HIV get regularly tested and treated for STIs.^4b

DID YOU KNOW?

The HPV vaccine could prevent the deaths of millions of women from cervical cancer over the next decade.^1k

Even STIs with no symptoms can cause complications, be transmitted (spread) to sexual partners, and enhance the risk of HIV transmission.^4a

It is therefore important that all people living with HIV get regularly tested and treated for STIs.^4b

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further advice on your condition and the best treatment options for you.

Medical References

World Health Organisation (WHO) Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Key Facts; [June 14, 2019]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis) Last accessed August 2020.
Mayo Clinic. Sexually transmitted disease (STD) symptoms. [April 30, 2020]. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-symptoms/ART-20047081?p=1 Last accessed August 2020.
AIDSINFO, National Institutes for Health (NIH). HIV and Opportunistic Infections, Coinfections, and Conditions. Available from: https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/fact-sheets/26/98/hiv-and-sexually-transmitted-diseases Last accessed August 2020.
National Consolidated Guidelines for the management of HIV in adults, adolescents, children and infants and prevention of mother-to-child transmission. South African National Department of Health, February 2020.