Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that weakens the body’s immune system and its ability to fight off diseases and other infections. HIV spreads through bodily fluids—unprotected sex and sharing needles are the most common forms of transmission. A longlasting HIV infection can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Thanks to recent advancements in HIV/AIDS treatments—particularly highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART)—many people with HIV/AIDS are living long and healthy lives, transforming HIV for many into a chronic but manageable illness.
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HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, also can damage nerves. This form of peripheral neuropathy often includes erectile dysfunction. When the nerves that send signals to the penis are damaged, erectile dysfunction may result. HIV may cause erectile dysfunction in other ways, such as through stress, depression and low testosterone levels.
People with HIV should also take precautions, such as wearing a condom, to prevent the spread of disease to their partner. HIV-positive individuals must always disclose their condition to potential sexual partners.
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See All 2 AnswersThe most common ways to contract HIV is through anal or vaginal sex or sharing drug injection equipment. Preventative measures thus include avoiding unprotected sex and IV drug use. When engaging in sexual activity with a new partner make sure both parties are screened for HIV. Condoms work well if used properly, but abstinence is of course safer. Get tested often and do not hesitate to seek medical care if exposure to HIV is suspected.
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HealthyWomen answeredThe primary means of preventing infection from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the primary focus of public health officials throughout the epidemic have been on the use of barrier contraceptives -- condoms, male or female. In the United States overall, HIV is most commonly acquired from homosexual sex; among women, it is most commonly acquired through heterosexual sex.
And although they provide some protection against HIV infection, condoms are not foolproof -- the only surefire way to prevent HIV is to abstain from having sex with individuals who are infected, even if they may not know they're infected. -
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SAGE answeredResearch indicates that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) may progress faster among older adults, making early detection and treatment especially important for this population. Unfortunately, the many symptoms of HIV are often casually ignored or misconstrued as symptoms associated with aging, further complicating detection among older adults. Common symptoms for HIV include chronic pain and fatigue, weight loss and fevers. -
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Dr. Frank A. Spinelli, MD , Internal Medicine, answered
Currently, there are 1.1 million people living with HIV in the U.S., and every year there are 50,000 new cases diagnosed. In this video, men's health and HIV/AIDS specialist Frank Spinelli, MD, shares some statistics about the prevalence of HIV. -
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HealthyWomen answeredStudies have identified disturbing increases in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among young gay men and high-risk adolescents. Health officials believe this may be because of over-optimism about HIV treatment; further, relaxed attitudes about using barrier protection have health officials worried.
This relaxed attitude toward prevention has led to an upswing in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases in this younger age group over the past few years. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young people age 13 to 24 made up an estimated 21% of all new HIV infections in 2013. The numbers are driven in part by a dramatic increase in HIV infection in young men having sex with men. More than half of youth with HIV do not know they're infected. -
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SAGE answeredSee All 2 AnswersThe best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is to get tested; older adults, like everyone else, can be HIV positive for years without showing any symptoms. Early detection of HIV is key to a successful treatment plan and to age successfully with HIV.
Protect yourself by asking the right questions. Ask your sexual partners if they are HIV positive, have had unprotected sex or if they have shared needles. By assessing their risks, you can also assess your own. To greatly reduce your chances of contracting or spreading HIV through sexual activity, use a condom or other form of protection. -
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SAGE answeredResearch reveals that the number of older adults living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. is the largest ever in history. Often referred to as the “aging of the epidemic,” older adults with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) tend to fall into three groups: those who were infected earlier in life and are aging with the disease; the newly diagnosed (those who could have been living with HIV for any amount of time but were only recently diagnosed), and the newly infected (those whose infection is in the beginning stages). Newly infected older adults account for 16% of all new HIV diagnoses annually.
While limited, the available research on older adults with HIV suggests that HIV rates are increasing among adults ages 50 and older -- and that the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic has disproportionately affected lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elders and marginalized subgroups within LGBT older adult populations. Studies have identified older men who have sex with men, transgender elders (especially transgender elders of color) and older lesbians as populations adversely affected by HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that among adults 50 and older, Blacks and Latinos were 12 times and five times more likely, respectively, to contract HIV than their white counterparts. -
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HealthyWomen answeredOne approach to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention that is gaining support is called the ABC approach, in which A stands for abstinence or delay of sexual activity, B for being faithful and C for condom use. This idea implies monogamy and reductions in casual sex and multiple sexual partnerships.
This approach is the primary reason behind the ability of Uganda and Thailand to reverse their HIV epidemics.