Behaviour Change Is Complex
Despite considerable efforts to identify simple interventions that can reduce risky sexual behaviour, behaviour change remains a complex challenge. Research has demonstrated the need to focus on carefully defined populations, consult extensively with the identified target populations, and involve them in design, implementation and evaluation.
Education and counselling can improve peoples ability to recognize the symptoms of STIs and increase the likelihood that they will seek care and encourage a sexual partner to do so. Unfortunately, lack of public awareness, lack of training among health workers, and long-standing, widespread stigma around STIs remain barriers to greater and more effective use of these interventions.
Condom Availability And Use
Thailands 100% Condom Program, which began in 1991 to offer condoms free of charge nationwide, particularly to sex workers and brothels, is widely credited with averting a generalised HIV epidemic in the country.
Subsequent condom distribution and awareness campaigns have since run and often target young people. In 2016, health authorities launched a new, three-year condom campaign aimed at young people, distributing about 40 million free condoms per year.62 Despite this, condom use among this age group is low. For instance, Thailand has the second highest rates of teenage pregnancy in South East Asia.
Among adults of all ages, it is estimated that around two thirds use condoms with non-regular partners.63
What Is The Connection Between Hiv And Other Stds
Behaviors that put people at risk for HIV also increase their risk for other STDs. These behaviors include the following:
- Having sex without a condom.
- Having sex with many partners, especially anonymous partners.
- Having sex while using drugs or alcohol. Using drugs and alcohol can affect a person’s judgement, which can lead to risky behaviors.
Having an STD can make it easier to get HIV. For example, an STD can cause a sore or a break in the skin, which can make it easier for HIV to enter the body. Having HIV and another STD may increase the risk of HIV transmission.
Recommended Reading: Hiv Without Ejaculation
Treating Stds And Hiv
Its important to get tested if you think youve been exposed to any STD or to HIV. Getting proper treatment can reduce your risk of serious complications and the chance of spreading it to others. Although the treatments for STDs and HIV are different, theres some overlap.
Treating an STD can help to slow the spread of HIV in your body. But STD treatments wont prevent or stop HIV. Similarly, the antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV wont prevent or cure STDs.
The treatments youll need for an STD depend on which one you have.
STDs caused by bacteria like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are treated with antibiotics. STDs caused by viruses like human papilloma virus , hepatitis B, and herpes cant be cured, but treatments can reduce your symptoms and your risk of passing them on to others.
HIV is also caused by a virus and cant be cured. But treatments can stop HIV from progressing to AIDS and can greatly reduce the risk of passing the virus on to sexual partners.
In fact, people who take antiretroviral drugs as directed and have an undetectable amount of HIV in their blood effectively have no risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.
Viral STDs or HIV cant be cured, but many people living with them still lead full and active lives. When treated, these conditions dont cause symptoms and dont continue to damage your body. The virus will continue to live in your body, but the treatments will keep it from harming you.
Sti Vs Std: What Is The Difference
The terms STI and STD sound similar, and some health organizations use them interchangeably. Technically, however, STIs and STDs are different.
Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are infections that have not yet developed into diseases, and can include bacteria, viruses, or parasites such as pubic lice. They are usually transmitted during sexual activities through an exchange of bodily fluids or skin-to-skin contact where the infection is active. Nonsexual activities in which bodily fluids are exchanged can also transmit STIs. For example, people who share needles can infect each other with HIV.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, on the other hand, are diseases that result from STIs, and therefore suggest a more serious problem. All STDs start out as infections. Pathogens enter the body and begin multiplying. When these pathogens disrupt normal body functions or damage structures in the body, they become STDs. However, some STIs may never develop into diseases. For example, most HPV cases go away on their own without causing health problems. In these instances, the HPV is an STI. If the HPV infection develops into genital warts or cervical cancer, then it is considered an STD.
Don’t Miss: Atlanta Hiv Rate 2017
Will Treating Stds Prevent Me From Getting Hiv
No. Its not enough.
If you get treated for an STD, this will help to prevent its complications, and prevent spreading STDs to your sex partners. Treatment for an STD other than HIV does not prevent the spread of HIV.
If you are diagnosed with an STD, talk to your doctor about ways to protect yourself and your partner from getting reinfected with the same STD, or getting HIV.
Important: Using Sexual Health Clinics During Coronavirus
The symptoms of an STI can include:
- an unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
- pain when peeing
- lumps or skin growths around the genitals or bottom
- a rash
- blisters and sores around your genitals or anus
- warts around your genitals or anus
- warts in your mouth or throat, but this is very rare
Read Also: Atlanta Hiv Statistics 2016
Std Statistics In The Us
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , nearly 20 million new STD infections occur every year, accounting for almost $16 billion in healthcare costs. In 2017, the bulk of infections were primarily constrained to three diseases:
- Chlamydia: 1,708,569 infections at a rate of 529 per 100,000
- Gonorrhea: 555,608 infections at a rate of 172 per 100,000
- Syphilis : 30,644 infections at a rate of 9 per 100,000
The rate of STD infections is particularly high among gay and bisexual men who, not surprisingly, account for the highest rate of HIV infections in the U.S.
Gay and bisexual men account for almost all primary and secondary syphilis cases.
To this end, If you are a sexually active gay or bisexual man, you should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV at least once a year. More frequent STD testing, between every three to six months, is recommended for gay or bisexual men at high risk, especially those who have multiple sex partners, use recreational drugs, or practice condomless sex.
What Is The Treatment For Stds
STDs caused by bacteria or parasites can be cured with medicine. There is no cure for STDs caused by viruses, but treatment can relieve or eliminate symptoms and help keep the STD under control. Treatment also reduces the risk of passing on the STD to a partner. For example, although there is no cure for HIV, HIV medicines can prevent HIV from advancing to AIDS and reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Untreated STDs may lead to serious complications. For example, untreated gonorrhea in women can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which may lead to infertility. Without treatment, HIV can gradually destroy the immune system and advance to AIDS.
Also Check: Does Cookie Johnson Have Hiv
How Do You Get Hiv
HIV is carried in semen , vaginal fluids, anal mucus, blood, and breast milk. The virus gets in your body through cuts or sores in your skin, and through mucous membranes . You can get HIV from:
-
having vaginal or anal sex
-
sharing needles or syringes for shooting drugs, piercings, tattoos, etc.
-
getting stuck with a needle that has HIV-infected blood on it
-
getting HIV-infected blood, semen , or vaginal fluids into open cuts or sores on your body
HIV is usually spread through having unprotected sex. Using condoms and/or dental dams every time you have sex and not sharing needles can help protect you and your partners from HIV. If you do have HIV, treatment can lower or even stop the chances of spreading the virus to other people during sex. If you dont have HIV, theres also a daily medicine called PrEP that can protect you from HIV.
HIV can also be passed to babies during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. A pregnant woman with HIV can take medicine to greatly reduce the chance that her baby will get HIV.
HIV isnt spread through saliva , so you CANT get HIV from kissing, sharing food or drinks, or using the same fork or spoon. HIV is also not spread through hugging, holding hands, coughing, or sneezing. And you cant get HIV from a toilet seat.
Why Does Having An Std Put Me More At Risk For Getting Hiv
If you get an STD, you are more likely to get HIV than someone who is STD-free. This is because the same behaviors and circumstances that may put you at risk for getting an STD also can put you at greater risk for getting HIV. In addition, having a sore or break in the skin from an STD may allow HIV to more easily enter your body. If you are sexually active, get tested for STDs and HIV regularly, even if you dont have symptoms.
Read Also: Nba Youngboy Truth About Herpes
The Future Of Hiv In Thailand
Although Thailand made enormous progress with HIV prevention in the 1990s, the rate of decline in HIV prevalence has slowed down in recent years. Access to prevention services and behaviour change communication has not been enough to significantly reduce the rate of new infections, particularly among men who have sex with men.115
Thailands 2017-2030 National AIDS Strategy provides a roadmap for ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.116 From 2015, the Ministry of Public Health increased its budget to prepare for implementing its strategy to end AIDS.117 Its spending commitments must remain if real progress is to be made.
But to be in with a real chance of ending AIDS by 2030, Thailand will also need to give significant focus to new and innovative intersectional strategies to improve data on certain key populations, such as people who inject drugs, and reach migrant communities and young people from all key affected populations with HIV prevention, testing and treatment. Efforts to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination will be essential to achieving this, as will continuing to create more enabling legal and policy environments for people at increased HIV-risk.
- 1. UNAIDS ‘AIDSinfo’
Why You Should Go To A Sexual Health Clinic
You can see a GP, but they’ll probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you may have an STI.
Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system. You can usually turn up without an appointment.
You’ll often get test results quicker than from the GP and you may not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment.
You can feel comfortable sharing information about your sexual activities or orientation with a doctor. You do not need to give your real name or tell staff who the GP is if you do not want to.
No information about your visit to the clinic will be shared with the GP or anyone else outside the clinic unless you ask for it to be.
You can ask to see a female or male doctor or nurse if you wish.
You May Like: Average Hiv Life Expectancy
Funding For Hiv In Thailand
In 2018, around 90% of Thailands HIV response was funded domestically, with PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fights AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria contributing about 6% and 5%, respectively, mainly to support HIV prevention for key populations, strategic information, and health system strengthening.112
In 2017, 77% of domestic funding was spent on HIV treatment and care, 13% was spent on preventing HIV and 7% was spent on social protection services. 113
Funding from international donors continues to fall. Particularly important in this regard is funding from the Global Fund, which dropped from US $39 million in 2014 to US $13.1 million in 2018 and US $12.8 million in 2019. A total of US $11.7 million is allocated for 2020.114
What Are The Symptoms Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. So it is possible to have an infection and not know it. But you can still pass it on to others.
If there are symptoms, they could include:
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Sores or warts on the genital area
- Painful or frequent urination
- Itching and redness in the genital area
- Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
- Abnormal vaginal odor
- Fever
Read Also: How Long Does Hiv Last
Risks Of Contracting Hiv And Stds
Just as HIV and STDs are spread in the same ways, they can also share some of the same risk factors. A risk factor is anything that makes you more likely to contract a condition or disease.
For HIV and some STDs, risk factors include:
- having unprotected sex of any kind
- sharing injection needles
- sharing tattoo or piercing needles
- having sexual encounters under the influence of drugs or alcohol
The risks of contracting HIV or an STD are also higher among some populations and groups. This can be due to a variety of factors, like:
- lack of access to healthcare
- discrimination faced in accessing healthcare
- population size
47 percent of primary and secondary syphilis were among men who have sex with men. But STDs are common among all Americans. Its important for anyone of any gender or sexuality who has one or more risk factors to get tested and treated.
What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases , or sexually transmitted infections , are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The contact is usually vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But sometimes they can spread through other intimate physical contact. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.
There are more than 20 types of STDs, including:
STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Don’t Miss: Do Youngboy Have Herpes
Goal: Reduce Sexually Transmitted Infections And Their Complications And Improve Access To Quality Sti Care
Although many sexually transmitted infections are preventable, there are more than 20 million estimated new cases in the United States each year and rates are increasing.1 In addition, more than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV .2Healthy People 2030 focuses on preventing and treating STIs, including HIV, and on improving the health and well-being of people who have them.
Adolescents, young adults, and men who have sex with men are at higher risk of getting STIs. And people who have an STI may be at higher risk of getting HIV. Promoting behaviors like condom use can help prevent STIs.
Strategies to increase screening and testing for STIs can assess peoples risk of getting an STI and help people with STIs get treatment, improving their health and making it less likely that STIs will spread to others. Getting treated for an STI other than HIV can help prevent complications from the STI but doesnt prevent HIV from spreading.3
People With Hiv And Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections are very common among people who are sexually active. Anyone who has sex is at risk, including people with HIV. STIs are also commonly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases .
STIs are infections that are spread from person to person through sexual activity, including anal, vaginal, or oral sex. HIV is an STI. Other types of STIs include:
- Chlamydia
- Human papillomavirus
- Syphilis
STIs in the United States have increased in the past 5 years and are a public health crisis. Many STIs do not have symptoms, but when left undetected and untreated they can lead to serious health consequences. If you have HIV, it can be harder to treat STIs, especially if you have a low CD4 count. Thats why STI testing and treatment should be part of your regular HIV care if youre sexually active.
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C can also be transmitted through sexual contact and pose health risks to people with HIV. Read more about these viruses.
Recommended Reading: Hiv Causes Hair Loss
Benefits Of Std Screening And Treatment
In the presence of an STD diagnosis, people should receive treatment as soon as possiblenot only to treat the infection but to potentially decrease the risk of onward transmission should you have HIV.
According to the latest research, HIV-positive people on STD therapy tend to shed far less HIV and to shed the virus less frequently than those not on treatment. .
Additionally, safer sex counseling hand-in-hand with STD therapy can help a person uninfected with HIV to identify their personal risk factors and find ways to better reduce their risk of HIV.
What Are The Treatments For Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Antibiotics can treat STDs caused by bacteria or parasites. There is no cure for STDs caused by viruses, but medicines can often help with the symptoms and lower your risk of spreading the infection.
Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
There are vaccines to prevent HPV and hepatitis B.
You May Like: Can You Get Hiv From Dried Blood
Sti/hiv Infection Prevention Counseling
After obtaining a sexual history from their patients, all providers should encourage risk reduction by offering prevention counseling. Prevention counseling is most effective if provided in a nonjudgmental and empathetic manner appropriate to the patients culture, language, sex and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and developmental level. Prevention counseling for STIs and HIV should be offered to all sexually active adolescents and to all adults who have received an STI diagnosis, have had an STI during the previous year, or have had multiple sex partners. USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral counseling for all sexually active adolescents and for adults at increased risk for STIs and HIV . Such interactive counseling, which can be resource intensive, is directed at a persons risk, the situations in which risk occurs, and the use of personalized goal-setting strategies. One such approach, known as client-centered STI and HIV prevention counseling, involves tailoring a discussion of risk reduction to the persons situation. Although one large study in STI clinics demonstrated that this approach was associated with lower acquisition of curable STIs , another study conducted 10 years later in the same settings but different contexts did not replicate this result .