STIs

Senga

"How do people get HIV?"

"A person gets HIV when an infected person's body fluids (blood, semen, fluids from the vagina, or breast milk) enter his or her bloodstream. The virus can enter the blood through linings in the mouth, anus, or sex organs (the penis and vagina), or through broken skin. Both men and women can spread HIV. A person with HIV can feel okay and still transmit the virus to others. Pregnant women with HIV also can pass the virus to their babies. Common ways people get HIV include; sharing a needle to take drugs, having unprotected sex with an infected person You…"

"Is it true that you can’t get an STI if your partner is a virgin?"

"This is a myth! Depending on how your partner defines being a virgin, it is possible for them to have contracted an STI. Your partner might not have had vaginal sex, but may have had oral sex with someone (and still consider themselves a virgin), putting themselves at risk for an STI. Also, there are other STIs (herpes and HPV) that are passed through skin-to-skin contact, even if no penetration has taken place. It is important to discuss with your partner all sexual activity they have participated in and to always practice safer sex."

"Is using PrEP safer than condoms?"

"Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is a way for people who do not have HIV, but are at a very high risk of getting HIV, preventing HIV infections By taking a pill every day, someone exposed to HIV through sex, injection or exposure to infected blood, can keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection. When taken daily and correctly, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV infection. However, PrEP only protects against HIV infections and not all other STIs like gonorrhea, Chlamydia, or syphilis. PrEP also does not prevent unwanted pregnancy. Only Condoms do protect against HIV/AIDS, STIs,"

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