What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases? Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are spread from person to person through sexual contact. Generally, there are 4 causes of STD’s Viruses Bacteria Parasites Fungus This Powerpoint will discuss the most common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The Facts About STDs When you know the facts about STDs, you have the power to avoid them. Someone who has an STD may not have visible symptoms or may have symptoms that come and go. However, such a person may be contagious even when there are no symptoms. STDs can make a person sterile or infertile. Not all STDs are curable, and some are even fatal. STDs can be prevented by avoiding sexual activity and by not injecting drugs. Vaccines are not available for most STDs. A person who suspects that he or she is infected with an STD must see a doctor.

Common Virus Caused Sexually Transmitted Diseases HIV HPV Herpes Hepatitis B

HIV and AIDS HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a deadly disease that interferes with body’s ability to fight infection. A person who is infected with HIV may not show any signs of illness for long time.

The Spread of HIV HIV is almost always spread in one of the following ways: 1)Sexual Activity with an infected person. 2)Sharing or using a contaminated needle. 3)Contact between infected Blood and your blood 4)From mother to child, before birth, during birth, or through breast feeding

HIV and AIDS (cont’d.) HIV and AIDS damage the body in the following way: Even before the infected person starts showing signs of illness, the virus seriously damages the infected person’s immune system. When the system’s defenses are critically weakened, the body becomes unable to fight off other infections and diseases, which eventually prove fatal.

How HIV Attacks the T-Lymphocyte White Blood Cells 1 Virus invades and destroys T cell. 3 The immune system loses its ability to fight infection. 2 Virus multiplies and destroys more T cells.

How HIV Is Not Spread Swimming Donating blood Nonsexual contact Using the same Items Bites from insects Sharing utensils or dishes with an infected person Through the air

Battling AIDS Scientists, health care professionals, educators, and many others have joined the fight against AIDS. Combinations of powerful drugs can dramatically reduce HIV levels in the blood and prolong the life expectancy of many HIV- infected people. They are however very expensive and have many possible side effects But….there is still NO CURE for HIV/AIDS.

Battling AIDS (cont’d.) Scientists are also working to develop an HIV vaccine. However, because the virus occurs in many forms, a vaccine that works against one form of HIV may not work against another. With neither a cure for AIDS nor an effective HIV vaccine currently available, educating people about preventing the spread of HIV is crucial.

Common STDs (cont’d.) Genital warts are growths or bumps in the genital area caused by certain types of the human papilloma virus (HPV). Many people will not develop genital warts until long after they have been exposed, so they may not know that they are passing the virus to others. Genital warts has been linked to cervical cancer.

Human papilloma virus (HPV).continued There is currently a vaccine (most commonly called Gardisil) that protects agains t2 strains of HPV that cause 75% of cervical cancer cases and 2 more types that cause 90% of gential Warts cases There are side effects and controversy…do research

Common STDs (cont’d.) Genital herpes is a viral STD that produces painful blisters in the genital area. The herpes virus may remain inactive in a person’s body, causing no symptoms. Some people, though, have periodic outbreaks of painful blisters or sores.

Common STDs (cont’d.) Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can be transmitted through sexual contact. a vaccine is available.

Common Bacteria Caused Sexually Transmitted Diseases Chlamydia Syphilis Gonorrhea

Common STDs Chlamydia is a bacterial STD that may affect the reproductive organs, urethra, and anus. Symptoms of chlamydia, which are not present in many cases, may include a genital discharge and a burning sensation during urination. It is the FASTEST spreading STD in Philadelphia. In some schools, more than 50% of the school population have been infected

Common STDs (cont’d.) Gonorrhea is a bacterial STD that affects the mucous membranes of the body, particularly in the genital area. Symptoms of gonorrhea may include a thick, yellow discharge from the genitals and burning during urination. If left untreated, this infection can cause sterility in men and infertility in women.

Common STDs (cont’d.) Syphilis is a bacterial STD that can affect many parts of the body. Symptoms of syphilis vary as the disease progresses. Early symptoms may include only a painless sore at the site where the infection entered the body and swollen lymph glands in the genital area. It can be cured during the first two of 4 stages

Common Parasite Caused Sexually Transmitted Diseases Pubic Lice aka Crabs Scabies aka “the itch”

Common STDs (cont’d.) Pubic Lice, also known Crabs are little bugs (parasites) that infest hair of the genital area and feed on blood sucked through the soft tissue of the genital area They can be treated by medicated creams and ointments as well as shaving and washing

Common STDs (cont’d.) Scabies also known as “the itch”, can be spread by any contact, direct and in-direct. It is caused by little parasites that dig under the skin and bite to receive nourishment (like small ticks or fleas). A generalized rash along with blisters are common signs among others. May harm immune system

Abstinence Before Marriage Sexual activity before marriage can have many negative consequences including: Physical consequences such as STDs and unplanned pregnancy. Less obvious effects such as social problems and emotional trauma. The only 100 percent effective method of protecting yourself from the harmful consequences of sexual activity is abstinence from sexual activity before marriage.

Abstinence Before Marriage (cont’d.) Protecting yourself from the harmful consequences of sexual activity has many advantages: You protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy and STDs, including HIV infection. You get to know someone in a way that goes beyond physical attraction. You show respect for the wishes of your family.

Abstinence Before Marriage (cont’d.) It is normal to feel physically attracted to another person and have sexual feelings. If you have questions about these feelings, discuss them openly and honestly with your parents or guardians. You can acknowledge your feelings responsibly by showing affection in ways that do not risk your health or compromise values.

Abstinence Before Marriage (cont’d.) By practicing abstinence from sexual activity before marriage: You can be sure that your relationships are built on shared interests and mutual trust rather than on sexual attraction. You are more likely to enjoy a mutually faithful sexual relationship with your future mate.