There are several diseases in addition to HIV that can be contracted through sexual activity. Studies show that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that cause sores to form on or around the genitals (such as chancroid, herpes, and syphilis) can make it easier to contract or transmit HIV. HIV+ people may also be more likely to contract or transmit other STDs. Fortunately, many STDs can be prevented by practicing safer sex . And most STDs, though not all, can be treated.

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
  This condition is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria that normally live in the vagina. Symptoms may include vaginal irritation and discharge, but many women have no symptoms. BV can be treated with antibiotic cream. If left untreated, it can cause babies to be born prematurely. It also can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility (making it difficult or impossible to become pregnant).
• Chancroid
  This STD is caused by the Haemophilus ducreyi bacteria. It can be spread by vaginal or anal sex, or skin-to-skin contact with sores. Symptoms may include genital sores, vaginal discharge, a burning feeling when urinating, and swollen lymph nodes in the groin. The sores may look like herpes or syphilis sores. Chancroid can be treated with antibiotics.
• Chlamydia
  This is one of the most common STDs. It can be spread by vaginal or anal sex, and pregnant women can pass it on to their babies during delivery. Symptoms may include vaginal discharge and burning during urination, but most women do not have any symptoms. This is why it’s important to be tested for it, at least when you first enter health care. Chlamydia can be successfully treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it can spread to a woman’s upper, internal reproductive organs (meaning the ovaries and fallopian tubes) and cause PID.
• Gonorrhea
  This bacterial STD can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Symptoms may include a yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge and a burning feeling when urinating. Gonorrhea can also affect the anus and the throat. Many women have no symptoms. Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, it can cause PID and infertility.
• Hepatitis
  Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are blood-borne viruses that can be spread by vaginal or anal sex (although hepatitis C is not commonly transmitted this way). Hepatitis A is spread through the so-called fecal-oral route—that is, when feces come into contact with the mouth. It can be spread through anal intercourse or oral-anal sex. It can happen in simpler or less direct ways, too, for instance, from contact with fecal matter when changing diapers or using the bathroom; this is one reason why proper hand-washing is so important. Hepatitis A goes away on its own, but hepatitis B and C can become chronic.
• Herpes
  This STD is caused by a virus that lives in the nerves. There are two common types of herpes. Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) usually causes cold sores around the mouth. Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) usually causes sores in the genital or anal area. But both types of herpes can be spread from one area to the other, for example through oral sex. Symptoms include itchy or painful blisters. The virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact with sores, but it may also spread from one person to another by a person who already has it, even before visible sores appear on him or her. In most people the sores come and go, but the virus stays in the body for life. HIV+ women may have more frequent or difficult to treat herpes outbreaks. There is no cure for herpes, but treatment with a drug called Zovirax (acyclovir) may make the outbreaks less frequent or less severe.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  Some types of HPV cause genital warts, while other types are associated with cervical and anal cancer (read about gynecological problems). HPV can be spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or by skin-to-skin contact with warts. Genital warts may look like very, very tiny “cauliflower-like” bumps in the genital or anal area. They may also grow inside the vagina or anus, on the cervix (the lower part of the uterus), or in the throat. Often the warts are too small to see; sometimes your doctor might spot them when doing a careful examination (even though you might not notice them). Often warts never develop at all, even though HPV is present. Most people with HPV never have any symptoms. HIV+ women should get regular Pap smears to detect early signs of cervical cancer, since HPV can be more aggressive in women with HIV. There are various treatments for genital warts and early cervical cancer, but there is no cure for HPV infection.
• Pubic Lice (“crabs”)
  Pubic lice live in the pubic hair and can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. They can also be spread through infected clothes and bedding. Symptoms may include intense itching and visible lice or eggs in the hair. Pubic lice can be treated with a topical medication containing lindane, which is actually a pesticide--pregnant women should not use it. Contaminated clothes, bedding, and towels should be washed in hot water to kill lice and eggs, and to prevent reinfection.
• Syphilis
  This STD is caused by bacteria. It can be spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and pregnant women can transmit it to their babies. The disease has various phases. People with primary syphilis (early disease) may have open sores in the genital or anal area or around the mouth. These sores are often a sign that syphilis infection may have occurred. The sores usually heal on their own in 3-6 weeks. People with secondary syphilis (a later stage of the disease) often have a rash (which may include the palms of the hands and soles of the feet) and flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, advanced syphilis can damage the heart, brain, and other organs. Syphilis can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
• Trichomoniasis
  This STD is caused by a parasite. It can be spread by vaginal sex. Trichominiasis is a common cause of vaginal infections. Symptoms may include a foamy, foul-smelling vaginal discharge (unlike a yeast infection, which causes a thick white discharge that smells like dough). Trichomoniasis can be successfully treated with drugs.

You can greatly reduce your risk of getting many STDs by practicing safer sex. But be aware that some STDs like genital warts, herpes, and syphilis can be spread through contact with sores. If the sore is not inside the vagina or anus or on the penis—for example, if it’s in the mouth or throat--a condom will not protect you.

• Use a latex condom for vaginal and anal sex, or a plastic condom if you are sensitive to latex
• The female condom (Reality), sort of like a plastic pouch that is worn inside the vagina, can also prevent many STDs
• Use condoms for oral sex on a man
• Use latex or plastic barriers, such as a dental dams or food wrap, for oral sex on a woman or oral-anal sex. Use latex or plastic (nitrile) gloves if you have cuts or sores on your hands
• Use water-based lubricants (KY, Astroglide) with latex condoms or barriers. Oil-based products (Vaseline, body lotions) destroy latex
• Don’t use lubricants or condoms that contain nonoxynol-9 (N-9), which can damage the lining of the vagina or anus
• Wash shared sex toys (dildos, vibrators) or put on a fresh condom between users

There are many sexually transmitted diseases besides HIV. Some, like herpes and HPV, cannot be cured, but can be managed. Others can cause serious consequences or may even be fatal if left untreated. Practicing safer sex can protect you from many, but not all, STDs. See your health-care provider if you have symptoms like genital sores, discharge, or burning when you urinate. You may want to get regular STD tests if you have sex with more than one partner, especially since may STDs don’t have recognizable symptoms. If needed, get the treatment your doctor recommends. And make sure your partner gets treated too, so that you don’t pass an infection back and forth.

1		Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1998). Prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases as an HIV prevention strategy: Retrieved July 2003 from http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/od/news/fstdctx.htm
2		Centers for Disease Control. (2002). Sexually transmitted diseases: Treatment guidelines 2002. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 51(RR-6): Retrieved July 2003 from http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/TOC2002TG.htm
3		Highleyman, L. (2000). Sexually transmitted diseases and HIV-related risks: An overview of STDs and other conditions that increase risk of HIV transmission. Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS.