STIs HIV Questions

STIs are spread predominantly by unprotected sexual contact. Some STIs can also be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding and through infected blood or blood products.

There are many ways to avoid or lower your risk of getting an STIs/STDs. ・Avoid sex or sexual activity. The most effective way to avoid STIs/STDs is not to have sex. ・Use condoms consistently and correctly. When used consistently and correctly, condoms offer one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs/STDs, including HIV. Although highly effective, condoms do not offer protection for STIs that cause extra-genital ulcers(i.e., syphilis or genital herpes). When possible, condoms should be used in all vaginal and anal sex. ・Stay with one uninfected partner. Staying in a long-term relationship in which both people have sex only with each other and neither partner is infected can be one way to avoid STIs/STDs. ・Talk to your partner. Before any sexual contact, talk to your partner about practicing safer sex. Be sure you clearly agree on what activities will and won't be OK.

Bacteria reproduce mainly by fission (dividing their own body). One bacterium splits into two bacteria, and it is called "binary fission." One bacterium can be two bacteria, and then two bacteria can become four bacteria. That's why bacteria are around us and in our bodies. Bacteria in our mouth and nose can spread when we cough and sneeze.