In order to cause an infection, HIV needs access to the bloodstream. Genital herpes sores break the skin and give HIV an easy path in. That’s why people with genital herpes are more likely to acquire HIV, and should get an HIV test regularly if they’re sexually active.
Certain viral STDs are of great concern to healthcare providers, because they can be fatal. These include HIV (the virus which causes AIDS) and HBV (which causes hepatitis B, a liver infection). HIV needs access to the bloodstream in order to cause an infection.
Healthy skin and mucous membranes (such as the linings of the genitals and mouth) provide a barrier that prevents HIV from getting to the bloodstream. Although an infection can be caused by HIV exposure on a healthy mucous membrane, because these are thin and moist structures, there is normally a barrier that prevents HIV from getting in.
However, anything that disrupts this healthy barrier can allow HIV to enter the bloodstream much more easily. Genital herpes causes sores on the genitals. The resulting breaks in the mucous membrane of the genitals provide an easy path for HIV to access the bloodstream. This is why people who have %genital herpes% are at a higher risk for HIV infection. Similarly, herpes sores on the anus or in the mouth (“cold sores”) cause a higher risk of HIV being acquired through anal or oral sex.
Public health officials recommend a yearly %HIV test% for certain groups. People with other STDs, including genital herpes, are one of those groups. It’s important for sexually active people who have genital herpes to get an HIV test every year, because they’re at an increased risk of getting HIV.
Some people may want to be tested more frequently than once a year. Men who have sex with men are at a higher risk for HIV, and should consider having an HIV test every three to six months. This is particularly important if they also have herpes, whether the sores appear on the genitals, anus, or mouth.
To get a confidential %HIV test in Singapore%, you should visit an STD clinic. The healthcare providers there are knowledgeable and up-to-date about the recommendations for STD testing, so you’ll be able to get not only your HIV test, but any other STD testing that could be useful for you. Also, if you get an HIV test in Singapore at an STD clinic, the results will be confidential, so you don’t have to worry about others finding out about your status. You can be sure that your privacy will be maintained.
Knowing your HIV status is very important for your own health as well as that of your partners, because medications can alter the course of the illness. If you have genital herpes, make sure that you get an HIV test regularly.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 19 May 2016. Accessed 15 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Diseases and conditions – genital herpes.” Mayo Clinic. Published 21 May 2014. Accessed 15 Jun 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/basics/causes/con-20020893
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “HIV Basics – Testing.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 5 May 2016. Accessed 15 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
References
Genital at Shim Clinic, Singapore