Pamphlet

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) primarily spread through direct sexual contact. They are commonly caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. In Hong Kong, the commonest STIs are syphilis, gonorrhoea, non-gonococcal urethritis/ non-specific genital tract infection, genital wart, herpes genitalis, and pubic lice.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), being one of the STIs, is caused by the virus HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). After entering human body, if left untreated, HIV will gradually destroy the patient’s immune system, causing various diseases such as cancer and opportunistic infections, and ultimately progressing to AIDS.

Different STIs can present in different ways. Itchiness over the genitalia, broken skin, small growth, blisters, painful or frequent urination, and unusual discharge from the penis or vagina are all common symptoms. Some STIs, however, do not develop any symptom at all, making people difficult to know their infected status. For example, people infected with HIV can have no symptoms in the first few years, yet continue to spread the virus to other people.

1. Sexual contact
   sexual intercourse with an infected person, including vaginal, oral and anal sex.
2. Mother to baby
   from infected mothers to their infants before, during, and after birth (breast feeding).
3. Blood contact
   by sharing injection tools with an infected person; or transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products.

STIs and HIV cannot be transmitted through social contacts such as shaking hands, hugging, kissing cheeks, going to school and working together and sharing meals. Up till now, no medical evidence has shown insect bites can transmit STIs or HIV.

Treatment for STIs and HIV infection

STIs can increase a person's risk of HIV infection and cause other serious health consequences, e.g. infertility, congenital abnormalities or even death.

Nowadays, some STIs can be cured with medication such as antibiotics. To avoid re-infection, your sexual partners should also receive check-up and treatment. You should refrain from sex or practise safer sex when under treatment to avoid spreading the virus. Please comply with doctor’s instruction to complete the whole course of treatment for the best result. To ensure complete cure or the infection is well controlled, please follow your doctor’s or clinic’s advice to continue follow-up even you have no more symptoms.

If you think you have STI, please consult your doctor for early diagnosis and treatment. The social hygiene clinics of the Department of Health provides testing, treatment and counselling on STIs. All information is kept confidential. Neither advanced booking nor doctor's referral letter is required. For detail, please visit the Department of Health’s website: www.dh.gov.hk. OR you should consult a registered medical practitioner. Please DON’T self-medicate as it may delay effective treatment and worsen the condition.

Although cure for HIV infection is not yet available, antiretroviral therapy can effectively control the infection by suppressing HIV in the human body and slowing down damages to the immune system. Other drugs are also available to prevent or treat opportunistic infections and other complications. This helps people living with HIV to enjoy a longer life with good quality.

As with other diseases, early diagnosis and early treatment can prevent the condition from worsening. If you suspect you might have HIV infection, do consult doctors and ask for an HIV test as soon as possible. You may call the AIDS Hotline of the Department of Health: (852) 2780 2211 or visit www.hivtest.gov.hk to book an appointment for free and anonymous HIV antibody testing service. All information is kept confidential.

Anyone who has ever had sex and is unsure of their infection status, should undergo HIV testing.

To prevent STIs and HIV infection, practise safer sex

The most effective way of preventing STIs and HIV infection is to use condom properly for each sexual contact. Sex without exchange of body fluids such as kissing cheeks, masturbation, mutual caressing have a lower risk of STIs and HIV infection.

Proper use of male condom

	Use a new, good-quality condom and check the expiry date before use.
	Put the condom on before the penis touches the vagina, mouth or anus.
	With care, hold the tip of the condom to squeeze out the air. This allows room to contain the semen during ejaculation.
	Place the condom over the tip of the erected penis, unroll it to the base of the shaft.
	Use water-based lubricants if needed. Oil-based lubricants can cause condom breakage.
	After ejaculation and before the penis gets soft, grip the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw.
	Gently pull the condom off the penis, making sure that semen doesn’t spill out.
	Wrap the used condom in tissue paper and throw it in the trash.

Related information

AIDS Hotline of the Department of Health:〈852〉2780 2211
Red Ribbon Centre website: www.rrc.gov.hk
Virtual AIDS Office of Hong Kong：www.aids.gov.hk

Revised in JAN 2026