Other STIs and HIV

Living with HIV doesn't mean you're more likely to catch every other sexually transmitted infection (STI), but there is an important overlap worth understanding: STIs and HIV can share risk factors, and having one can sometimes affect the other. Regular STI screening is a simple, effective way to stay on top of your overall sexual health.

How STIs and HIV Interact

A few things are worth knowing:

• Some STIs can make HIV easier to transmit or acquire. Infections that cause inflammation or sores, such as syphilis, herpes, or gonorrhea, can increase the amount of HIV in genital fluids or make it easier for HIV to enter the body during sex.

• HIV can make some STIs harder to treat or more likely to cause complications, particularly if your immune system is more compromised.

• Symptoms can overlap or be mistaken for something else. Some STIs cause few or no symptoms at all, which is exactly why routine screening, not just testing when something feels wrong, matters.

None of this means STIs are more dangerous or shameful for someone with HIV. It simply means screening and prompt treatment are especially worthwhile.

Common STIs to Screen For

Depending on your sexual activity and risk factors, your provider may routinely screen for:

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea

• Syphilis

• Herpes (if symptomatic)

• Trichomoniasis

Screening is usually done through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, or swabs, depending on the infection and where you may have been exposed.

How Often to Get Screened

Many HIV care guidelines recommend STI screening at least annually, and more often, every three to six months, for people who are sexually active with multiple or new partners. Your provider can help you figure out a screening schedule that fits your life, and it's always reasonable to ask for a test if you're unsure when you were last screened.

Prevention

The same tools that reduce HIV transmission also reduce STI transmission:

• Condoms remain one of the most effective and accessible tools for reducing STI risk during sex.

• Open conversations with partners about testing history and status help everyone make informed decisions.

• Regular screening, even without symptoms, catches infections early, when they're easiest to treat.

Key Takeaways

• STIs and HIV can affect each other, particularly when an STI causes inflammation or sores.

• Many STIs have no obvious symptoms, so routine screening matters more than waiting for warning signs.

• Screening frequency depends on your individual risk factors. Ask your provider what makes sense for you.

• Condoms and open communication with partners remain effective tools for reducing STI risk.