ASHA remains an independent, unbiased source of information on sexual health. We are guided by science, not ideology. READ MORE.
ASHA remains an independent, unbiased source of information on sexual health. We are guided by science, not ideology. READ MORE.

American Sexual
Health Association

Fast Facts about HIV

Ways HIV is Not transmitted

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Learn the basics about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.

PrEP

PrEP in a pill or a shot

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The word prophylaxis means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease. The goal of PrEP is to prevent HIV infection from taking hold if you are exposed to the virus.

Living with HIV/AIDS

National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Life continues after becoming HIV positive. Thanks to new treatments, many people with HIV are living long, healthy lives.

Scabies

A person with lesions on their abdomen from scabies

Scabies is an infestation of the top layer of skin caused by the parasite. Scabies are passed on through close physical contact. Transmission is more likely when partners spend the night together than during a brief sexual encounter.

Molluscum Contagiosum

A sample is viewed under a microscope

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disease caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV)
Once a disease primarily of children, molluscum has evolved to become a sexually transmitted infection in adults.

Viral Hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E)

Get tested for hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a group of viruses—hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. When hepatitis viruses damage liver cells, scar tissue is formed and those cells can no longer function.

The HPV Vaccine Prevents Cancer

In the U.S., HPV infections are estimated to cause about 37,300 cases of cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of these cancers from ever developing.