sexual activity can contract and pass on HIV

Any person that engages in sexual activity can contract and pass on HIV. This includes heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual men and women. The more sexual partners a person has, the greater the risk of catching and passing on HIV. Having another type of sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia, genital herpes, HPV or gonorrhea, also puts a person at greater risk for contracting an HIV infection and AIDS.

The diagnostic test for HIV is a blood test that can reveal the presence of the specific antibodies (infection-fighting substances) that the body makes in response to an HIV infection. However, HIV may not be detectable in the first one to three months after infection.

During or after diagnosis, a physician or licensed health care provider will take a medical and sexual history to determine general health and immune system status. A complete physical and pelvic examination for women and physical and examination of the penis and testicles for men is also done. Additional tests are done to test for the presence of other potential disorders and diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases. Pelvic ultrasound and laparoscopic surgery may also be done in women if other sexually transmitted diseases or complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, are also present.

Because there may be no symptoms, some people with HIV may be unaware of a problem, and a diagnosis can be missed or delayed. For more information on misdiagnosis, refer to

Contracting HIV is highly preventable. Prevention of HIV is best accomplished by abstaining from sexual activity or having sex only within a mutually monogamous relationship in which neither partner is infected with HIV. Latex condoms also provide some protection from HIV when used properly.

There currently is no cure for HIV infection. However, prompt diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce or delay the onset of some serious complications, such as opportunistic infections, improve the quality of life, and minimize the spread of the disease to others. Treatment generally includes medication. Hospitalization may be necessary if a person has serious complications, such as meningitis or an opportunistic infection