Through infected blood or blood products.By injecting drug users sharing needles.By unprotected vaginal sex (when the man's penis enters the woman's vagina).By unprotected anal sex (when the man's penis enters the anus / back passage).HIV is usually transmitted through sexual activity. As the virus grows, it damages or kills these and other cells, weakening the immune system and leaving the individual vulnerable to various infections and other illnesses. The hallmark of HIV infection is the progressive loss of a specific type of immune cell called T-helper or CD4 cells. These are the immune cells that normally protect us from disease. When a person is infected with HIV, the virus enters the body and lives and multiplies primarily in the white blood cells.AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease in which the body's immune system breaks down and is unable to fight off certain infections, known as "opportunistic infections," and other illnesses that take advantage of a weakened immune system.SYNDROME means a collection of symptoms and signs which a doctor may recognise as a disease.IMMUNO-DEFICIENCY means your body cannot defend itself against certain illnesses.ACQUIRED means you get it from someone else.A member of a group of viruses called retroviruses, HIV infects human cells and uses the energy and nutrients provided by those cells to grow and reproduce. HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS. If you use sex toys don't share them unless they're protected by a condom and cleaned after each use.Oral sex can pass on some STI's so use a flavoured condom or dental dam.Clinics take place twice a week at the Student Health Centre. If you have sex with someone who is infected with an STI and if you think you might be infected, even if you don't have any symptoms, go and have a check up. infertility and it still can be passed on. The infection can still cause the person damage e.g. Some people have an infection without having any symptoms. Peeing very frequently or more often than usual.Rash or irritation around the vagina, penis or anus.Sores or blisters near the vagina, penis or anus.it increases or becomes thicker than usual.it begins to have a different or unpleasant smell.it looks different, especially if the colour changes.It is normal for the vagina to have some wetness/discharge to keep it clean and healthy so don't worry unless: You might show some of the following signs: Even if you have been with a partner for a while you may still be at risk because some infections don't have any symptoms. Unprotected sex means vaginal, anal or oral sex without using a condom. You can get an STI by having unprotected sex, or close sexual contact with an infected person. This section provides important information about the most common STIs. Some can be cured, and some can only be treated by not cured. This information is adapted from information from Health Service Executive - North Western AreaĪ sexually transmitted infection (STI formerly called sexually transmitted disease or STD) is caused by a virus, parasite, fungus, or bacterium that can be passed from one person to another through intimate or sexual contact.