According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the inside of the foreskin contains less keratin—a waxy coating that helps prevent infection—than other parts of the penis.  Because of this, it tears more easily during intercourse, providing an entry into the bloodstream for infections like HIV.  The foreskin also contains more of the cells HIV tends to target (Langerhans cells) and has been more easily infected by HIV than other parts of  the penis in laboratory studies.  Finally, there is evidence that the environment between the unretracted foreskin and the head of the penis allows viruses to survive longer, increasing the likelihood of transmission.

There is still debate among medical professionals as to the extent that circumcision should be used as a prevention method.  After all, plenty of circumcised men still get HIV!  Keep in mind that wearing a condom, talking to your partners, and getting tested will help protect you from HIV transmission whether you’re circumcised or not.

To learn more about the studies being done on circumcision and HIV, check out this fact sheet from the CDC.

No.  Most of the skin covering our bodies is protected by a wax-like coating called keratin.  Sexually transmitted infections like HIV are unable to penetrate intact skin because of this layer—even if a person is sweating.

It’s also helpful to know that HIV doesn’t live very long outside the body.  Exposure to air dries the fluid that contains the virus, which destroys or breaks up the virus very quickly. According to the Center for Disease Control, drying HIV reduces the viral load (amount of the virus present) by 90-99% within a few hours. Many common substances—including hot water, bleach, alcohol, and soap—can kill HIV.  And remember: HIV is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, urine, or tears.

Most HIV transmissions occur through mucous membranes, which are interior parts of the body not covered by keratin.  Body parts used for sexual activity–like the throat, vagina, penis head, urethra, and anus–are all mucous membranes, which is why HIV is considered a sexually transmitted infection.

However, be aware:  HIV and certain other STIs can spread through mucous membranes not traditionally used in sexual activity, like the eyes and nostrils, as well as through cuts or sores on the body.  Be sure to communicate with your partners about their sexual histories to understand the risk of transmission.  And get tested regularly to make sure you’re healthy!  At Teen Clinic, we have free and confidential HIV testing the first Tuesday of the month in Boulder, from 4-7, and the third Wednesday of the month in Longmont, from 3:30-5:30.

Chances are you some sort of flu virus. Contact your doctor to check for other causes of your fatigue and fever. HIV signs and symptoms would not present that rapidly. In fact, many people who contract HIV do not notice symptoms for years. We do offer free HIV testing if you want to be checked for reassurance. The next testing at the Boulder Teen Clinic is on June 1^st at 4pm. The next testing at the Longmont Teen Clinic is on June 16^th at 3pm. Another thing to keep in mind is that there is a slight window period between HIV infection and when a test will detect HIV antibodies. That window period is three months after the time of supposed transmission. In the meantime, be sure to use a condom anytime you are sexually active.

Yes! All of our services are free and confidential. Our HIV testing is provided by the Boulder County AIDS Project (BCAP) once a month at both of our Teen Clinics. HIV testing is done on a first come, first service basis so just walk in during the following hours:

Boulder Teen Clinic: the first Tuesday of the month

Longmont Teen Clinic: the third Wednesday of the month.

The New York City Council, together with HIV/AIDS organizations across the five boroughs, has launched a YouTube-based HIV/AIDS awareness channel, I Talk Because, that began on World AIDS Day December 1, 2009.  Join the conversation! Film and upload your own testimonial.  Share why talking about HIV/AIDS to the people in your life is important to you.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breastmilk HIV can be spread during sexual contact, sharing needles, or from a woman to a child during vaginal birth or breastfeeding. Using a condom or dental dam during sexual contact can prevent transmission.

Only some STIs are completely curable. STIs that cannot be cured, however, can be treated. When we say that STIs are treatable we mean that symptoms can be soothed and managed, but the infection cannot be cured. STIs that are curable can go away completely with the right medication. Curable STIs are the bacterias: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis; and the parasites: Trichomoniasis, Pubic Lice & Scabies. Bacterial infections are cured with antibiotics. Parasitic infections are curable with various shampoos, creams, and medications.

The viral STIs cannot be completely cured, but their symptoms and effects can be managed and treated. Herpes, HPV, HIV, Hepatitis A, B, C can be managable infections. If you or someone you know is concerned about any STIs, make an appointment at one of our Teen Clinics for free and confidential testing and treatment. Remember, the best treatment is prevention and partner communication.