Other STIs 277
HIV Infection
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is transmitted most often
during unsafe sex. It is spread when semen, fluid from the vagina,
or blood of someone already infected with HIV gets into the
body of another person. Genital sores make it easy for the virus
to pass from one person to another. Semen and discharge from
someone with an STI and HIV contain a large amount of HIV
(see page 262).
Women can get HIV more easily than men during sex. You can
get HIV from someone who looks completely healthy.
There is no treatment that can cure HIV, but treatment can
lengthen and improve the life of someone with HIV. Practice safer
sex to protect yourself and others from spreading HIV. If you
think you have had unsafe sex with someone who might have HIV,
see page 518.
Hepatitis B (yellow eyes)
Hepatitis B is a dangerous infection caused by a virus that
harms the liver. Hepatitis B is spread when the blood, saliva (spit),
fluid from the vagina, or semen of someone already infected with
the virus gets into the body of another person. It spreads very
easily from one person to another, especially during sex.
Signs:
• fever
• no appetite
• tired and weak feeling
• yellow eyes and/or skin
• pain in the belly
• dark urine and
whitish stools
• no signs at all
Treatment:
There is no medicine that will help. In fact, taking medicine can
hurt your liver even more.
Most people get better from hepatitis B. A small number of
people may have liver problems that never go away, including
cancer. Rest as much as you can, and eat foods that are easy to
digest. Do not drink any alcohol for at least 6 months.
Pregnancy and hepatitis. If you have any of these signs when
you are pregnant, see a health worker. You may be able to
get a vaccination to prevent your baby from getting hepatitis B.
Other STIs
283
HIV and
AIDS
➤ If your partner has
had some of these
signs, do not have sex
until he is completely
well. Ask a health
worker if you can get
vaccinated.
384
cancer
503
vaccine for
hepatitis B
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012