Sexually transmitted diseases as a gateway to HIV

Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are venereal diseases that can be transmitted through sexual activity. This disease is still a health problem in society because many people are not aware of it and do not cause symptoms. Sexually transmitted diseases do not always cause symptoms or only cause mild symptoms. Therefore, sufferers sometimes only realize that they are suffering from a sexually transmitted disease after complications arise or when their partner is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection.

There are more than 30 types of pathogens or microorganisms that can be transmitted through sexual contact, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. And one of the STIs that can be caused by viruses is STI-HIV which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus and attacks the immune system.

How can STIs be a gateway for HIV?

Sexually Transmitted Infections or STIs are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact, whether transmitted through the vagina, anus or mouth. STIs and HIV are interrelated in that STIs can make it easier for the HIV virus to enter a person's body. Where. When someone has an STI, they are at greater risk of being infected with HIV because sores on the genitals can increase a person's chances of contracting HIV when having unprotected sex.

HIV is a lifelong disease, because the HIV virus will remain in the sufferer's body for the rest of his life. Although there is no treatment method to treat HIV, there are drugs that can slow the progression of this disease and increase the life expectancy of sufferers. This virus can spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing injection equipment, blood transfusions, or childbirth. If left untreated, HIV infection can develop into AIDS. Initial symptoms that commonly appear in HIV sufferers include mouth ulcers, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, loss of appetite, muscle aches, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats.

Difference between HIV and AIDS

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks white blood cells, specifically CD4 cells, in the human immune system. This of course can make the body more susceptible to infection or disease.

When someone is infected with the HIV virus and does not receive proper treatment, it can gradually lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is a virus that attacks the human immune system, while AIDS is a condition caused by the HIV virus and can cause symptoms that are more severe than HIV. AIDS sufferers definitely suffer from HIV too. However, not all HIV sufferers suffer from AIDS. This is because some treatments can slow down the development of the virus in the body, so that HIV does not develop into AIDS.

So Hermina's friends already know how STIs can be a gateway for someone to get HIV and AIDS. So that the risk of HIV does not increase, of course we need steps to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Apart from early detection of STDs - HIV we can also prevent it by using the following ABCDE ( Absen, Be faithful, Cegah, Drug No, Edukasi ) method:

• Absent or not having sex when your partner is away
• Be Faithful (Faithful) or don't change partners
• Prevent it by using a condom during sexual intercourse.
• Drug No, Do not consume drugs because they can increase risky sexual behavior
• Education, actively seeking correct information regarding causes, transmission and treatment.

And for someone who experiences symptoms that lead to HIV or AIDS and is at high risk of contracting it, don't hesitate to see a doctor, okay? In order to get the right examination and diagnosis, so that treatment can be obtained before the disease causes more serious and fatal complications.