HIV/AIDS Related Conditions The Link Between HIV and STDs How STDs Facilitate HIV Infection and Vice Versa By Mark Cichocki, RN Mark Cichocki, RN LinkedIn Twitter Mark Cichocki, RN, is an HIV/AIDS nurse educator at the University of Michigan Health System for more than 20 years. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 22, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Latesha Elopre, MD, MSPH Medically reviewed by Latesha Elopre, MD, MSPH LinkedIn Latesha Elopre, MD, is a board-certified internist specializing in HIV. She is an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print It is generally accepted that having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) increases in a person's risk of getting HIV, both for biological and behavioral reasons. According to research, STDs like syphilis and gonorrhea not only provide HIV easier access to vulnerable cells and tissues of the body, STD co-infection actually increases the infectivity of the person with HIV—making them more likely to transmit the virus to others. Wesley Wilson / Getty Images STDs can increase HIV susceptibility in a number of ways: Some STDs cause open wounds or ulcers to form in the genital area (such as syphilis, which frequently presents with ulcerative chancres). These wounds, sometimes seen and sometimes not, provide HIV a direct route into the bloodstream. While some STDs don't cause open wounds, the presence of the infection can cause the body to increase the concentration of CD4 T-cells in the genital area. It has been well established that increased concentrations these cells can provide HIV with a favorable target for infection. People infected with an STD also have increased concentrations of HIV in their seminal and vaginal fluids, increasing the possibility of HIV transmission. Prime among the concerns are STDs like infective syphilis, gonorrhea, and herpes (HSV), with evidence that chlamydia can also increase HIV risk in women. STD Statistics in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 20 million new STD infections occur every year, accounting for almost $16 billion in healthcare costs. In 2017, the bulk of infections were primarily constrained to three diseases: Chlamydia: 1,708,569 infections at a rate of 529 per 100,000Gonorrhea: 555,608 infections at a rate of 172 per 100,000Syphilis (primary and secondary): 30,644 infections at a rate of 9 per 100,000 The rate of STD infections is particularly high among gay and bisexual men who, not surprisingly, account for the highest rate of HIV infections in the U.S. Gay and bisexual men account for almost all primary and secondary syphilis cases. To this end, If you are a sexually active gay or bisexual man, you should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV at least once a year. More frequent STD testing, between every three to six months, is recommended for gay or bisexual men at high risk, especially those who have multiple sex partners, use recreational drugs, or practice condomless sex. Benefits of STD Screening and Treatment In the presence of an STD diagnosis, people should receive treatment as soon as possible—not only to treat the infection but to potentially decrease the risk of onward transmission should you have HIV. According to the latest research, HIV-positive people on STD therapy tend to shed far less HIV and to shed the virus less frequently than those not on treatment. (Shedding is the state where the HIV is present in semen, vaginal secretions, blood, or breast milk even when a person has an undetectable HIV viral load). Additionally, safer sex counseling hand-in-hand with STD therapy can help a person uninfected with HIV to identify their personal risk factors and find ways to better reduce their risk of HIV. A Word From Verywell Oftentimes, we tend to focus on HIV in isolation, particularly when it comes to issues of prevention and treatment. But the fact is this: even if a person is on the HIV prevention pill (PrEP) or is taking full-time antiretroviral therapy, STDs can increase the risk of HIV transmission, putting yourself or others at risk. It is, therefore, important to remember the following take-home points: You have a greater chance of HIV if you have an STD. Having an STD and HIV can increase your risk of spreading HIV. STD treatment may help slow the spread of HIV. HIV therapy does not prevent you from getting another type of STD. Condoms are still the single best way to reduce your risk of getting an STD, including HIV. The Best At-Home STD Tests Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get information on prevention, symptoms, and treatment to better ensure a long and healthy life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 6 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Peterman, T.; Newman, D.; Maddox, L; et al. Risk for HIV following a diagnosis of syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia: 328,456 women in Florida, 2000–2011.International Journal of STD and AIDS. 2015:26(2):113-19. doi:10.1177/0956462414531243. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STDs and HIV. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Fact Sheet: Reported STDs in the United States. 2013. Print. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydia. 2017. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gonorrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Syphilis. Additional Reading Pathela, P.; Braunstein, S.; Schillinger, J.; et al. Men who have sex with men have a 140-fold higher risk for newly diagnosed HIV and syphilis compared with heterosexual men in New York City.Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. 2011; 58:408-416. doi:10.1097/QAI.0b013e318230e1ca.