NAPWA

Any drug can cause side effects, or unwanted effects. These can be divided into different types: allergic reactions and short-term side effects; ongoing side effects; and long-term toxicities or effects which can develop over a number of years. Not everyone gets side effects from their drugs and not everyone experiences the same side effects, many are quite rare. read more »

Viral loadA measurement of the quantity of HIV RNA in the blood. Viral load blood test results are expressed as the number of copies (of HIV) per milliliter of blood plasma. and CD4 cell count results are two of the main tests used to inform treatment decisions about starting or changing treatments. Usually every time you have regular blood tests a whole range of other tests are done. Some of these are useful in monitoring for possible drug side effects and potential organ damage. read more »

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liverA large organ, located in the upper right abdomen, which assists in digestion by metabolising carbohydrates, fats and proteins, stores vitamins and minerals, produces amino acids, bile and cholesterolAn essential component of cell membranes and nerve fibre insulation, cholesterol is important for the metabolism and transport of fatty acids and the production of hormones and Vitamin D. Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver, and is also present in certain foods. High blood cholesterol levels have been linked to heart disease and may be a side effect of some anti-HIV medications., and removes toxins from the blood.. This section is about hepatitis that is caused by the hepatitis B virusA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell..

Hepatitis B is a sexually transmissible disease, and it is also vaccinepreventable, so people who are sexually active can protect themselves by having the vaccination. read more »

PID is an inflammation of the pelvic area usually caused by untreated sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea or Chlamydia. Many, if not most, women have PID without knowing it and without noticing any significant symptoms. Untreated PID may become increasingly painful and can cause infertility. read more »

Cervical cancer is preventable and if diagnosed early, curable. Abnormalities in cervical cells and cervical cancer affect many women regardless of HIV status. They are more common in women with HIV, and HIV related immune suppression appears to make cancers more invasive and more likely to recur after treatment.
Early detection and treatment is the key. read more »

Genital warts are an extremely common STI[Sexually Transmissible (or Transmitted) Infection] Infections spread by the transfer of organisms from person to person during sexual contact. Also called venereal disease (VD) (an older public health term) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). . Warts are caused by the HPV (human papillomavirus), which has over 200 different strains, but many people who are infected with HPV do not have any symptoms (i.e., actual warts). read more »

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteriaA microscopic organism composed of a single cell. Many bacteria can cause disease in humans. that can be passed from one person to another during sex. The bacteria usually live inside the cells of the cervix (entrance to the womb), the urethra (tube where urine comes out), the rectum (back passage), the throat and occasionally the eyes. read more »

Herpes infections are caused by a virusA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell., either herpes simplex virus type I or II. Herpes simplex I is the virus that causes cold sores. This virus can also cause genital herpes, and is now the most common cause of new genital herpes infections in young adults. Genital herpes is also caused by the herpes simplex II virus, and this is the most common cause of recurring lesions. read more »

Chlamydia is an STI[Sexually Transmissible (or Transmitted) Infection] Infections spread by the transfer of organisms from person to person during sexual contact. Also called venereal disease (VD) (an older public health term) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). caused by bacteriaA microscopic organism composed of a single cell. Many bacteria can cause disease in humans. that infects the cervix in women and can travel upwards through the reproductive organs to the fallopian tubes. It is particularly important to screen for and to treat. read more »

Sexually transmissible infections like Chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis may affect any woman. HIV can affect the severity and course of some infections, and ongoing infection can be a burden on the immune system, so it is important to be tested and treated if necessary, then re-tested if you change sexual partner. read more »