Treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) consists of taking a combination of medicines daily to suppress viral activity and slow the progression of the virus.1 HIV is classified as a retrovirus, a class of virus using RNA as genetic material and replicates through integrating to the host DNA. While there is no current cure for HIV, there is…
Tag: AIDS
How to Ask Your Partner to Get Tested
Asking a partner to be tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be a difficult conversation to have. It is a sensitive subject for most and may result in hurt feelings or other emotions. Some may take the request the wrong way and assume their partner believes they are dirty or sleep around. However, if a…
Sex and Ecstasy
There are many reasons why one might seek out illegal drugs. For many people, taking illegal drugs is a method of escaping reality; of seeing, feeling, and thinking differently; and of exploring the world they know from an altered perspective. Some take drugs for the purpose of fitting into social settings, some to cope with…
HIV/AIDS
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a sexually transmitted virus that, if left untreated, can progress to AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, and is the symptomatic part of this infection. Because HIV is a “retrovirus,” each virus is encased in a protein shell, which allows them to attack and alter cells from the host…
An Overview of STIs
The Basics Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be spread through sexual contact such as intercourse, oral sex, kissing, or shared sex toys. Also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), these conditions are more often asymptomatic than not, which means an infected individual does not show signs of infection. To contract an STI,…
Sex and Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine (N-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-2-amine), also known as meth, crystal, chalk, and ice, is a psychoactive substance that stimulates the central nervous system when ingested. It belongs to a drug class called “psychomotor stimulants,” as it produces increased energy and attention.1 It is infrequently prescribed by clinicians to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but…
Effects of STIs on Pregnancy
It is entirely possible for a pregnant individual to contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) during, or prior to, pregnancy. This can cause problems for the individual by affecting their fertility and pregnancy. STIs can be transmitted to the developing fetus and potentially cause damage, which can range from physical or mental abnormalities to loss…
Living with an STI
Getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be a new and scary experience. Luckily, there are many resources available to treat all STIs, as well as to cure the STIs that are curable. We recommend that people seek treatment as early as possible following any concern that they may have been exposed to or contracted…
STIs: Who Is At Risk?
What Is an STI? A sexually transmitted infection, or STI, is a condition passed from one person to another through sexual contact. An infection occurs when a bacteria, virus, or parasite enters and grows in or on a person’s body, and STIs are infections that are transmitted sexually. STIs are also sometimes referred to as…