This essay was submitted anonymously after the author participated in the STI Interviews. This is part 1 of a 3 part series. Many people toss around jokes as if the only way they can get an STD is to sleep with tons of people. In high school, almost daily, girls bashed each other with names like […]
The Difference Between HIV & AIDS
This guest post was written by Dr. Lisa Oldson, Medical Director for SexualHealth.com. HIV and AIDS: What’s the difference? ‘HIV’ and ‘AIDS’ – seven little letters that have made a BIG impact on the world in the past three decades. The two acronyms are so closely associated, many think they’re the same thing. Actually, they’re not. […]
HSV2 – This is My Life Now – STI Interviews
This interview came in as an anonymous submission via the contact form after the interviewee found The STI Project’s website and also happened upon an article we wrote for Take Part, which, was syndicated by Yahoo News. As we spent the first part of this year working on external outreach, it’s delightful to hear our efforts were […]
Early HIV Symptoms and How to Spot Them
How to Spot Early HIV Symptoms The earliest HIV symptoms — if you experience any at all — can be disguised as other common illnesses, making a new HIV infection difficult to detect. Early detection is essential, however, to avoid spreading the condition and to give a newly diagnosed person the best chance at successfully […]
Similarities & Differences Between HIV & Hepatitis C (HCV)
HIV and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) share many of the same characteristics, but there are also some very distinct differences in the way they are transmitted, how long each virus lives outside of the body, disease progression, and treatment. This post explores some of the similarities and differences between HIV and HCV. RNA Viruses […]
Herpes Blood Tests – Why I Haven’t Been Type-Specific Tested Yet
Recently, I had a written exchange with a reader about blood testing for HSV1/HSV2. In my interview, I previously mentioned not having taken a blood test to determine which strain of HSV I’m living with*. Diagnosed 14 years ago at the family doctor’s office, with a very obvious genital outbreak, a blood test was neither […]
What You Need to Know About HIV Testing
About HIV What is HIV and how is it spread? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a long-term infection that damages the body’s immune system or it’s ability to fight off diseases. It spreads through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. You can get or give the infection by: Having vaginal, anal, or oral sex […]
World AIDS Day 2013 and Beyond – What YOU Can Do Now
World AIDS Day is December 1st This year, The STI Project had the privilege of participating in multiple events to both commemorate those who lost their lives to AIDS as well as celebrate the leaps and bounds achieved in the fight to end HIV/AIDS. While I was delighted to take part in those events, I was […]