New York Patient Handbook - 45

be diagnosed as " HIV-negative. " HIV tests are very
accurate-but you may need to be tested more than
once. It takes time for your body to begin producing
HIV antibodies after you have been infected. If you
take a test soon after you are infected, you might test
negative for HIV when you are actually HIV-positive. If
you aren't sure when you might have been exposed to
HIV, be sure to discuss the option of retesting with your
health care provider or an HIV testing counselor.
Should I get tested?
The CDC recommends that all Americans ages 13-64 be
routinely tested for HIV in health care settings. (In other
words, you should take an HIV test in the same way
you have routine blood testing done during your annual
physical exam.) But most of the time, people are tested
based on their risk factors. You are considered at risk for
HIV if:
* You have had unprotected sexual contact (oral, anal,
or vaginal).
* You have had multiple sexual partners.
* You have had another sexually transmitted infection.
* You have used injection drugs.
* You received a blood transfusion or a blood-clotting
factor between 1978 and 1985.
There are some other risk factors, but these are the
major ones. Talk to your primary care provider or an
HIV testing counselor to determine your risk level and
whether you may need an HIV test. Contact your health
department, doctor, Employee Assistance Provider or
the National AIDS Hotline, 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636), about the location of facilities near you.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
What are sexually transmitted
infections?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections
you can get by having sex with someone who has
an infection. These infections are usually passed by
having intercourse, but they can also be passed through
anal sex, oral sex, or skin-to-skin contact. STIs can be
caused by viruses or bacteria. STIs caused by viruses
include hepatitis B, herpes, HIV, and the human
papilloma virus (HPV). STIs caused by bacteria include
chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
44
Am I at risk for having an STI?
If you've ever had sex, you may be at risk for having
an STI. Your risk is higher if you have had many sex
partners, have had sex with someone who has had
many partners, or have had sex without using condoms.
Some common symptoms of STIs are listed below.
* Itching around the vagina and/or discharge from the
vagina
* Discharge from the penis
* Pain during sex or when urinating
* Pain in the pelvic area
* Sore throats in people who have oral sex
* Pain in or around the anus for people who have anal
sex
* Chancre sores (painless red sores) on the genital area,
anus, tongue, and/or throat
* A scaly rash on the palms of your hands and the soles
of your feet
* Dark urine, loose, light-colored stools, and yellow
eyes and skin
* Small blisters that turn into scabs on the genital area.
* Swollen glands, fever, and body aches
* Unusual infections, unexplained fatigue, night
sweats, and weight loss
* Soft, flesh-colored warts around the genital area
Should I be checked for STIs?
See your doctor if you're at risk for having an STI, if you
have any of the symptoms listed above, or if you have
concerns about whether you have one. STIs can cause
problems if left untreated.
How are STIs diagnosed?
Most STIs can be diagnosed through an exam by your
doctor, a culture of the secretions from your vagina or
penis, or through a blood test.
Can STIs be prevented?
Yes. The only sure way to prevent STIs is by not having
sex. If you have sex, you can lower your risk of getting
an STI by only having sex with someone who isn't
having sex with anyone else and who doesn't have an
STI. You should always use condoms when having sex,
including oral and anal sex.
Do condoms prevent STIs?
External and internal latex condoms can reduce your
risk of getting an STI if used correctly. Be sure to use
them every time you have sex. Remember, though,
New York Patient Handbook

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of New York Patient Handbook
