How Are STD and HIV Connected?
Both STDs and HIV can be contracted through unprotected sexual contact, however, there is still more overlap that exist between them. There are significant links between STDs and HIV and understanding how their connection will help you stay safe.
How STDs and HIV Spread
STDs and HIV are majorly contracted via having unprotected sexual contact of any kind, such as vaginal, anal and oral sex. But note that sexual contact is not the only way to contract an STD or HIV.
Pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B [5], and hepatitis C [6] can also be gotten by sharing needles and other drug paraphernalia. HIV and STD can also be transferred from birthing parents to babies while pregnant, during pregnancy, or via breast feeding. Two major pathogens that can be passed to a baby during delivery include gonorrhea and chlamydia.
What Are the Risks of Contracting STDs and HIV?
A risk factor is anything that exposes you and increases your chances of contracting a condition or disease. Since both STDs and HIV are spread through the same means they can also have some similar risk factors. Some risk factors common between HIV and some STDs include:
- Having any type of unprotected sexual contact
- Sharing injection and needles
- Sharing tattoo or piercing needles
- Sharing blade or any sharp object
- Having sexual encounters under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Some groups of people are also more likely to contract HIV or STDs. This can be due to variety of factors, such as:
- No access to healthcare
- Discrimination faced in accessing health care
- Size of population
Also, 2019 record showed that 47 percent of primary and secondary syphilis were among men that have sex with men. Although STDs are common among all individuals. It is important that you immediately get tested if you have one or more risk factors.