SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) What You Need to Know…. MODULE 3 Sexual Health

Acknowledgement These slides were adapted from and used with permission by Jabulous.

Caution: Graphic Images In the following slides you are about to witness the impacts of untreated STI’s. There may be graphic images some might find unsettling. Please be advised.

What are STIs? Illnesses that are spread through sexual or intimate contact: Kissing Vaginal sex Anal sex Oral sex Casual contact (touching) Mother to child Some are bacterial  curable Some are viruses  INCURABLE

Other Important Information… In Central America and the Caribbean 20% (1 out of 5) young, sexually active people have an STI. Women are more vulnerable to certain STIs: Symptoms not as noticeable. Biology of sexual relationships. Symptoms can vary: Some people have none, while others have infertility, blindness, or death. Prevention: Abstinence, condom use, and less risky sexual behaviors. Some diseases can’t always be prevented by condoms.

Syphilis

Syphilis

Syphilis

Important Points about Syphilis… Bacterial infection, so there’s a cure. Symptoms may come and go, but if it’s not treated with medication, the bacteria will still attack the body. If not treated, it can have serious consequences: Blindness Dementia Paralysis Death

Gonorrhoea

Important Points about Gonorrhoea… Bacterial infection, so there’s a cure. Most people do not experience noticeable symptoms. If not treated, it can lead to infertility. Drug-resistant strains have been identified that can’t be cured.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia

Important Points about Chlamydia… Bacterial infection (intracellular organism), so there’s a cure. Most people do not experience noticeable symptoms. If not treated, it can lead to infertility or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies.

Herpes

Herpes

Important Points about Herpes… It’s a virus so there’s NO CURE. Can be transmitted by kissing and sex. Increases the chances of contracting other STIs or HIV because of open sores. May not be prevented by condoms.

Genital Warts (Human Papilloma Virus)

Genital Warts

Important Points about Genital Warts… It’s a virus so there’s NO CURE. The warts can be removed with medication, but will likely appear again. Can be transmitted even if there are no warts present. Increases the risk of cancer in the cervix, vagina, or penis. May not be prevented by condoms.

Chancroid

Chancroid

Important Points about Chancroid… It’s a bacteria, so there’s a cure. It is VERY contagious.

Pubic Lice (Crabs)

Important Points about Pubic Lice… You don’t have to have sex to catch them. Can be cured with special anti-louse shampoo. Can be found in any hair on the body. May not be prevented by condoms.

Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis

Hepatitis Damage to the Liver

Hepatitis B and C Can cause serious liver problems. Transmitted by sex, needle sharing, or blood exchange. Symptoms include tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. There is a vaccine that protects against Hepatitis B.

Prevention of STIs With all STIs it is important to prevent them from happening in the first place by practicing proper hygiene, using protection when having sex, and ensuring that you communicate with your sexual partner(s) about any pre-existing STIs. If you think you have an STI, it is important that you seek support and treatment from a health clinic right away to receive proper care. It is also important to abstain from sexual relations until you are free of symptoms so you can prevent the further spread of the STI.

Proper Hygiene Regularly wash your genitals using soap and water. Regularly examine your genitals for any signs of potential infections, including feeling around should there be any growths under the skin. Take proper medications regularly and consistently if they have been prescribed. Always clean yourself before and after sex or masturbation to remove any remaining bodily fluids from your body. Regularly check up on your health with a health care provider once a year.

Additional Resources Chlamydia U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. 2014. Chlamydia – CDC Fact Sheet. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/chlamydia- factsheet-june-2014.pdf. Gonorrhoea CDC, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. 2014. Gonorrhea – CDC Fact Sheet. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/gon-factsheet-july-2014.pdf. Hepatitis B CDC. 2017. “Viral Hepatitis.” Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/. Genital herpes CDC, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. 2017. Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm.

Additional Resources (cont’d) Human papillomavirus CDC, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. 2016. Genital HPV Infection – CDC Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/hpv-factsheet-march-2017.pdf. Syphilis CDC, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. 2017. Syphilis– CDC Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/Syphilis- June-2017.pdf. Trichomoniasis CDC, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. 2017. Trichomoniasis– CDC Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/trich-fact-sheet-feb-2017.pdf. Sexual dysfunction nam aidsmap. 2016. Factsheet: Sexual Dysfunction. Available at: http://www.aidsmap.com/Sexual-dysfunction/page/1044891/.