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17. 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 If you already have develop. These sores make it easier for HIV to enter the an STD, you are body. Any inflammation or sore caused by an STD also more likely to get makes it easier for HIV to enter the bloodstream during infected with HIV sexual contact. during unprotected sex with someone who has HIV.

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 symptoms, especially in women. It is important for sexually active men and women to get tested for STDs regularly, even if they have no symptoms.

New HIV/AIDS drug treatments have lowered the number of AIDS-related deaths in the United States.

If you are HIV positive and pregnant, there are medicines you can take that can greatly decrease the chances of your baby having HIV.