Are HIV And STIs The Same Thing?
man listening to headphones

Learn more about HIV and STIs.

You’ve heard over and over: It’s important to practice safe sex.

Some may think safe sex means sex won’t feel good, but that’s not the case. Using condoms or dental dams won’t ruin a good time – in fact, they make it better by allowing you and your partner to enjoy sex with peace of mind.

That’s because safe sex stops the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (also known as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs). STIs are different infections passed from person to person through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal or oral sex.

The most common STIs are: 

  • HIV
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Syphilis 
  • Genital herpes 

Are HIV and STIs the same?

No, they aren’t the same. Because HIV is an STI, everyone who has HIV has an STI, but not everyone with an STI has HIV. People who have an STI may be at an increased risk of getting HIV.

Some STIs can be cured while others can’t. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea are among the most common STIs that can be cured, while viruses like herpes or HIV can’t be cured but can be treated.

Unlike an STI, HIV attacks your body’s defense system, which may leave you weaker against diseases and lessen your overall health. 

HIV is spread through: Unprotected sex with a partner who has HIV, sharing drug needles or direct contact with blood from someone who’s living an HIV positive life. These are the only ways HIV spreads from person to person, despite many myths about it spreading in other ways.

How to stay safe and stop the spread of HIV and STIs

  • Practice safe sex by using protection | The best time to manage your risks for HIV or other STIs is before sex, whether it’s your first or next time. Talk to your partner about their sexual history, choose to use condoms or dental dams during sex, and talk to your doctor about starting PrEP.
  • Connect to Treatment | If you’ve tested positive for an STI or HIV, don’t panic and don’t beat yourself up. A positive test result isn’t your fault or something you deserve, and it doesn’t make you any less of a person. 

Simple treatments are available for STIs and HIV, and there are support systems ready to connect with you to help you through any questions, fear or uncertainty you may feel.

Anyone is at risk. If you’re sexually active, STI testing and treatment must be part of your overall health care. Visit www.TakeControlHIV.com for additional information on stopping the spread of HIV and STIs. 

Thriving with community

Thriving with community

by | Mar 17, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Tim’m West – Educator, community builder and lifelong HIV advocate “When I tested positive at 26, I didn’t imagine 50. So, turning 50 was a spiritual moment for me. I...

Breaking down barriers: HIV care for trans women

Breaking down barriers: HIV care for trans women

by | Mar 10, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

6 tips to finding a healthcare provider Often excluded or wrongly identified in HIV research, we want to set the stage for transgender women to break down barriers to...

Don’t be risky while getting frisky

Don’t be risky while getting frisky

by | Feb 9, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Five steps for safer sex while HIV+ If you’re HIV positive, you can still have safe sex – it just takes a few precautions. Reduce the risk of transmitting HIV and other...

Lady being diagnosed

Just diagnosed?

by | Feb 9, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Four tips for managing mental health after finding out you’re HIV positive Confusion, anger, depression, and shock are normal emotions to experience following a...

Couple

I’m HIV positive. Now what?

by | Dec 29, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

There's no one-size-fits-all regimen for HIV – know your options Recently diagnosed with HIV? Living with a positive status and interested in changing your treatment...

Paired Hands

Starting a family with HIV

by | Dec 15, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Can I have a child If I am HIV positive? Ready to start a family? Whether it is you or your partner with HIV, know there are ways to have a safe pregnancy. It just...

World AIDS Day

Make a difference this World AIDS Day

by | Dec 1, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Overcoming inequalities and ending stigmas together For the last 34 years, each December 1, people worldwide unite to honor those who lost their lives to AIDS-related...

Partners

Can I hook up with HIV?

by | Oct 31, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

How to enjoy casual sex while protecting your partner Living with HIV doesn’t have to end your sex life, and you don’t have to wait for an undetectable status or to be...

HIV Ribbon

HIV testing: What should I know?

by | Oct 28, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Learn about the three types of HIV tests, their accuracy and how to understand results Before World AIDS Day, Thursday, December 1, learn about HIV testing, its...