STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease. Put simply, STDs are infections that are passed on through the close, intimate contact that usually accompanies sexual activities.

What are STDs and how do they relate to HIV infection?
HIV InSite STD Links “Sexually Transmitted Infections: The Facts”STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease. Put simply, STDs are infections that are passed on through the close, intimate contact that usually accompanies sexual activities.

Sexually transmitted diseases

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Chlamydia
Trichomoniasis (“Trich”)
Gonorrhea
Human papilloma virus (HPV) (“Warts”)
Genital herpes
Syphilis
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Understanding the risk

If you have ever had an STD, you may have been exposed to HIV as well, and should consider getting tested for HIV.

If you currently have an STD, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Having an STD causes the skin to break down and can increase the risk for getting HIV, or for passing HIV to others if someone is HIV positive. STDs can also cause problems of their own, which can range from minor and annoying to serious and life threatening.

Protect yourself

Taking steps to protect yourself from HIV, such as using condoms and other latex barriers if you are having sex, will also provide protection against many other STDs. Some STDs (like herpes and genital/anal warts), however, can still be passed by skin-to-skin contact during sex even if you are taking steps to protect yourself from HIV.