HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases

Mucous membranes of the rectum.

Among the diseases with which anal sex is associated are HIV,^[27] human papilloma virus (HPV) (which can increase risk for anal cancer)^[28] typhoid fever^[29] and various diseases associated with the infectious nature of fecal matter^{[citation needed]} or sexual intercourse in general. Among these are: amoebiasis; chlamydia; cryptosporidiosis; E. coli infections; giardiasis; gonorrhea; hepatitis A; hepatitis B; hepatitis C; herpes simplex; human papillomavirus; Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

The high concentration of white blood cells around the rectum, together with the risk of cuts to the rectum and that one of the functions of the rectum is to absorb fluid, increases the risk of HIV transmission because the HIV retrovirus reproduces within the immune system's T-cells/CD4 cells. Use of condoms and other precautions are a medically recommended way to lessen risk of infections. Unprotected receptive anal sex is the most risky sexual behavior in terms of HIV transmission.^[34][35][36]