HIV Testing Reduces STD Risk Behaviors

[Bam Bam]

Impact of HIV testing on sexual health communication in South Africa -- Scott-Sheldon et al. 87 (3): 242 -- Sexually Transmitted Infections links to a study which finds that HIV testing can actually have a role in STD prevention....apparently it leads to a decrease in risk behaviors.

[Go VCU!]

Yeah, I've read some posts and news links on here that talk about how having an STD can make you more likely to get another STD, even HIV, if exposed. No wonder there are so many cases out there!

[Pulaski]

I wanted to respond to this, too. STDs can make people more likely to get other STDS for a couple of reasons, including causing breaks in the skin (sores, blisters, etc) that let infections get in easier. Also, STDs can provoke a response from the immune system that increases certain types of cells that HIV really targets.

That's why testing is SO important - how else do you know if you have an STD? Especially since so many cases don't have symptoms (which is the opposite of what we grew up thinking).