Frequently Asked Questions

HIV transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, labor and delivery, or breastfeeding is known as perinatal transmission and is the most common route of HIV infection in children.However, when HIV is diagnosed before or during pregnancy and appropriate steps are taken, the risk of mother-to-child transmission can be lowered to less than 2% (3). HIV testing is recommended for all pregnant women.A mother who knows early in her pregnancy that she is HIV-positive has more time to consult with her healthcare provider and decide on effective ways to protect her health and that of her unborn baby.

STDs & Pregnancy - CDC Fact Sheet. (2014, December 16). Retrieved May 8, 2015, from http://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/STDFact-Pregnancy.htm

Thanks to the work of biopharmaceutical scientists, the disease is no longer a death sentence and the costs are now manageable.

The good news is that today, a 20-year-old diagnosed with HIV can expect to live a long and full life. In fact, advances in treatment options have revolutionized what it means to live with HIV/AIDS. For two famous athletes, Arthur Ashe and Magic Johnson, the short time between their diagnoses was the difference between respectively succumbing to AIDS-related pneumonia at 50-years-old and anticipating a full life expectancy.

As we continue our march forward in the fight against HIV/AIDS, you should know that biopharmaceutical research companies continue to work on more than 70 potential new medicines and vaccines.  These potential treatments will continue to forge a path toward hope and progress in the great battle against disease. 

http://www.phrma.org/catalyst/a-visual-journey-how-hivaids-became-a-treatable-disease

Although an exact percentage is not known, as of 2011 the UTEP Student Health Center has registered about 30 new cases of STDs each month. This number does not include UTEP students who address their issues with a personal doctor or at a community clinic. 

Perez, D. (2011, February 11). UTEP Health Center Covers Benefits of Condom Use.

Retrieved May 8, 2015, from  http://admin.utep.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=68106

STD and STI are two terms that often mean the same thing — but the “D” stands for “disease,” while the “I” stands for “infection”. Medically, infections are only called diseases when they cause symptoms, and many STIs don’t have any symptoms. So that’s why you may hear people say STIs – it’s technically more accurate, and also reminds people that there are often no symptoms so it’s important to get tested.

But many people are more familiar with the terms “STD” and “sexually transmitted disease.” So it’s really common to hear people use these terms even when there are no signs of disease. And that’s why we tend to use STDs when we’re talking about them. 
Source: plannedparenthood.org

If the condom comes off inside of you, you will have to take your hand and fish out the condom from the vagina. If the male has already ejaculated, it is recommended that you seek medical advice from the pharmacist and obtain a Plan B in order to prevent pregnancy.

In a healthy relationship, both people feel good about the relationship most of the time. There are many things we can do to build healthy relationships. Remember that in any relationship, both people must be willing to put in the effort. One person cannot build a great relationship alone. Here are some tips:Love yourself, share your feelings and listen to your partner’s, be honest and expect honesty. If you want to know what is on your partner's mind — ask. Spend time on your own and let your partner do the same.It’s OK to have disagreements, forgive and expect forgiveness and help your partner feel good about her- or himself and expect the same in return.Communicate openly and honestly about sex and take care of your sexual health. Planned Parenthood. (2014). How to have a great relationship. Retrieved from: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/relationships/your-relationship-good-you

• Make reference to an event, movie, online video clip, celebrity, or television show that touches on or can be related to HIV.
• Start the discussion with a question about how you can protect yourself against HIV and ask your family member/friend for advice.
• If you already feel comfortable talking openly about HIV with your family or friend, try opening the conversation more directly with an interesting fact about HIV
• Ideally, choose a place and time where you and your family member or friend can talk without too much distraction. But remember, situations and interactions occur in our everyday lives that can be a natural trigger for starting the conversation about HIV. Take advantage of such occasions when you and your family member or friends are doing something together to help jump start the conversation.

Religion, culture, family values, and personal feelings and choice help defines what each individual considers "enough" or "too much" sex. Questions to consider includes: What makes you think your stats are off the chart? What is bad about sex? Is it because it is unhealthy or is it getting in the way of your daily routine. These questions need to be answered when it comes to defining what you feel may be "too much sex." Source: Is it possible to have too much sex? (2010, October 25). Retrieved May 8, 2015, from: http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/it-possible-have-too-much-sex

Painful intercourse or dyspareuniacan occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from structural problems to psychological concerns. Many women experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives. There are many causes to painful intercourse, such as psychological problems (anxiety, depression, and physical appearance), stress, and history of sexual abuse, surgeries, and even injuries. Painful intercourse (dyspareunia). (n.d.). Retrieved May 8, 2015, from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/basics/causes/con-20033293