Protecting Your Health, Preventing Tomorrow's Infections
HIV and STD
Center in Hialeah
Expert Care for the Prevention, Diagnosis,
and Treatment of HIV, STD, and Infectious Diseases
Comprehensive STD Prevention and Treatment in Hialeah, Florida
At League Against AIDS, located in Hialeah, Florida, under the expert care of Dr. Clara Baccini MD, we are dedicated to providing thorough information and treatment for a wide range of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs). Sexual health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, and knowing how to protect yourself is the first step in preventing these infections.
Protect Your Health with Regular STI Screenings
Early detection is key to managing your health and preventing the spread of infections. Schedule your confidential STI screening with Dr. Clara Baccini at League Against AIDS in Hialeah, Florida.
Why Regular STI Testing is Crucial
Whether or not you are experiencing symptoms, getting tested regularly for STIs is key if you are sexually active. Many STIs can be asymptomatic, which means you could be infected and spread the infection without even knowing it. Regular testing ensures early detection and treatment, which can help prevent complications and the spread of infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. It's important to remember that having an STI can increase your risk of contracting other infections, including HIV.
The Connection Between STIs and HIV
Individuals with STIs are more vulnerable to contracting HIV, especially if they engage in unprotected sex. STIs like herpes, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause sores and breaks in the skin, creating a direct entry point for HIV during sexual contact. Even STIs that don't cause visible symptoms, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, can increase the risk of HIV transmission by causing inflammation, which attracts cells that HIV can target.
If you are HIV-positive and also have another STI, your chances of transmitting HIV to your partner increase significantly. This happens because the presence of another STI can raise the concentration of HIV in your bodily fluids, making transmission more likely during sexual contact.
Most Common STIs
Some of the most prevalent infections include:
- Chlamydia: A bacterial infection that often goes unnoticed due to mild or absent symptoms, but if left untreated, can cause severe reproductive issues, including infertility.
- Gonorrhea: Another bacterial infection that can affect both men and women, leading to complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women if untreated.
- Syphilis: A highly infectious bacterial infection that progresses through stages and can lead to severe health issues, including brain damage and heart problems, if untreated.
- Trichomoniasis: A parasitic infection that causes irritation and discomfort, particularly in women, and is easily curable with medication.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The most common STI, which can lead to genital warts and, in some cases, cancers of the cervix, anus, and throat.
- Genital Herpes: Caused by the herpes simplex virus, this infection leads to recurring outbreaks of painful sores, though it can be managed with antiviral medication.
- Hepatitis B and C: Viral infections that affect the liver, with Hepatitis B often transmitted through sexual contact and Hepatitis C through blood-to-blood contact. Both can lead to chronic liver disease if untreated.
Taking Control of Your Health
Protecting yourself from STIs begins with education and awareness. Knowing your STI status through regular testing is a crucial part of maintaining both your own health and the health of your sexual partners. If you are HIV-negative but engage in high-risk behaviors, such as having multiple sexual partners or not using condoms consistently, you should get tested more frequently—at least once a year, or every 3 to 6 months if you’re at higher risk.
If you test positive for any STI, prompt treatment is essential to managing the infection and reducing the risk of complications. Most STIs are treatable with medications, including antibiotics and antivirals. For those diagnosed with HIV, treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help manage the virus, allowing individuals to live long and healthy lives while also preventing transmission to others.
What You Need to Know About HIV
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body’s immune system, weakening its ability to fight infections and diseases. While there is no cure for HIV, it can be controlled with ART, which helps individuals with HIV live long, healthy lives. Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which is the most advanced stage of the infection.
Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime, regardless of their perceived risk. Those who are at higher risk should be tested more frequently. Knowing your HIV status empowers you to take steps to protect your health and the health of your partners.
STI vs. STD: What’s the Difference?
The terms STI and STD are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. An STI, or sexually transmitted infection, refers to the presence of an infection in the body, which may or may not lead to symptoms. When an STI progresses and causes symptoms or complications, it becomes an STD, or sexually transmitted disease. Both STI and STD require testing and treatment to prevent further health issues and reduce the risk of transmission.
Protecting Yourself and Your Partners
Prevention is key when it comes to STIs. Consistently using condoms during sexual activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of transmission. However, some STIs, such as HPV and herpes, can still be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even when condoms are used. That’s why regular STI testing and open communication with your partner(s) about sexual health are essential for staying safe.
At League Against AIDS, we are here to help you take charge of your sexual health. Dr. Clara Baccini MD PA and our dedicated team offer comprehensive testing, treatment, and prevention services for a wide range of STIs. Whether you need routine testing or are experiencing symptoms, we’re here to provide compassionate, confidential care.