Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

Annex A:8
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Do STIs affect my risk of getting HIV? Having an STI increases the risk of getting HIV. STIs
produce sores in the genitals or anus, which make it easier for HIV to pass into the
bloodstream during sex. Prevention and early treatment of STIs will reduce the risk of
contracting or transmitting HIV.
Can I get an STI from oral sex? Yes. Oral sex is high risk for most STIs, including chlamydia
and gonorrhea, which can cause sores in the mouth. If there are no cuts, sores or STIs
present, oral sex is low risk for HIV. It is important to keep one’s mouth clean and clear
from sores or cuts and to use a condom for oral sex to lower the risk of STI transmission.
Saliva contains a natural enzyme that kills HIV but provides no protection from other
STIs. Some MSM choose oral sex instead of anal sex because oral sex is a much safer
activity to avoid HIV, but many forget that oral sex is high risk for other STIs.
Are STIs curable? Most STIs are easily treated and cured, but can be very dangerous if left
untreated. STIs can damage sexual organs and lead to infertility. Some STIs can cause
blindness, cancer and heart problems; others can lead to death.
STIs fall into two categories:
Those caused by bacteria and which can be cured, such as chlamydia,
gonorrhea, chancroid, and syphilis
Those caused by viruses, which cannot be completely cured, such as genital
herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B and HIV.
What should I do if I think I have an STI? Go to a clinic and get tested and treated. Many
STIs can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Genital or anal warts can be removed,
but may return.
Patients should complete the full treatment. Otherwise the infection will stay in the body and
make the person ill later on. The person can also transmit the disease to others. People who
are treated for STIs should tell their most recent partners, so they can also be treated.
It is recommended that all sexually active people get tested regularly for HIV and other STIs.
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