Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and AIDS

Individuals infected with certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are two to five times more likely than uninfected individuals to acquire HIV when exposed to HIV through sexual contact.(1)
Increased HIV susceptibility has been found, not just with STDs that create ulcers (herpes, syphilis and chancroid), but with non-ulcerative STDs (gonorrhea and chlamydia) as well.  Trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis have also been implicated in the spread of HIV.(2)
The absence of symptoms is an important factor in the spread of STDs.  In one study of women seeking contraceptive and other gynecological services, about 50 percent of the women with gonorrhea and 70 percent of the women with chlamydia had no symptoms.  Among men even higher percentages of those infected had no symptoms.(2)
The United States has both the highest STD rates among western industrialized nations and a high prevalence of HIV infection.  This unfortunate combination means that enhanced STD control in the U.S. can have a substantial impact on sexually transmitted HIV infection.  We need to increase efforts to detect and treat persons suffering from STDs who are without symptoms and make medical treatment for STDs available to those unable to afford treatment.(2)
STDs, AIDS and heterosexuals    
STDs, AIDS, and women    

Footnotes

(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.1998. Prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases as an HIV prevention strategy. July. 3 pages.

(2) HIV spreads differently with ulcerative and non-ulcerative STDs.  Ulcerative STDs:  When ulcerative STDs bleed during sex, HIV can come in contact with the partner's vaginal, cervical, oral, urethral, and rectal mucosa.  Non-ulcerative STDs:  The inflamed tissues of non-ulcerative STDs appear to increase the prevalence of HIV in genital secretions. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 1998. "HIV prevention through early detection and treatment of other sexually transmitted diseases - United States." vol. 47. no. RR-12. 24 pages.  

For information on sexual risk behaviors for people living in selected states, see Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2001. "Prevalence of risk behaviors for HIV infection among adults -- United States, 1997." April. pages 262-285.

For a list of other materials used on this website, see References.