Sexually Transmitted Infections 10 Grade Health

Sexually Transmitted Infection A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is an infection passed from one person to another person through sexual activity

How many people have STIs and who is infected? An estimated 19 million people are infected in the United States each year People 15-24 make up half the infected cases

How do you get an STI? Multiple sex partners Oral sex Anal sex Contact with body fluids such as saliva, blood, sperm and vaginal discharge Skin-to-skin contact

Ways to avoid STIs Practice Abstinence~ do not engage in sexual activity, such as oral sex, anal sex, and genital to genital touching. Use protection barriers (protect yourself) Limit the number of partners you have Get tested Avoid alcohol and drugs Education

Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Chlamydia Gonorrhea Genital Herpes Syphilis

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Is the most common viral STI in the United States In many cases, HPV causes no symptoms. HPV causes genital warts, which may itch or burn. Sometimes, the body’s immune system will destroy the virus, clearing the body of infection. But in some people, HPV remains in the body for life Serious conditions are associated are cervical cancer in women

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Transmission Vaginal sex Anal sex Oral sex Rarely spread to fetus Prevention Condoms Abstinence

Chlamydia Is the most common STI caused by bacteria in the United States. This infection can be cured with antibiotics. Male symptoms: painful, burning, frequent urination, discharge from penis Female symptoms: no symptoms, other than yellowish vaginal discharge

Chlamydia Transmission Prevention Vaginal sex Anal sex Oral sex Can spread to fetus during birth Prevention Condoms Abstinence

Gonorrhea Is a bacterial STI that infects the urinary tract of males and females and the reproductive organs of females Male Symptoms: thick, pus like discharge from penis, painful/burning urination Female Symptoms: painful urination, abdominal pain, pus like discharge from vagina or urinary tract

Gonorrhea Transmission Prevention Vaginal sex Anal sex Oral sex Can spread to fetus during birth Prevention Condoms Abstinence

Genital Herpes Is caused by a virus, known as herpes simplex virus Symptoms: hardly noticeable or more severe that cause painful blisters on or around genitals There is no cure for genital herpes. Infected people can experience periodic outbreaks of blisters throughout their lives. An infected individual can pass genital herpes whether blisters are present or not

Genital Herpes Transmission Prevention Vaginal sex Anal sex Oral sex Sexual touching Kissing Can spread to fetus during birth Prevention Condoms Abstinence

Syphilis Is a serious bacterial STI that progresses through THREE stages. Stage 1: painless sore called a chancre, bacteria may spread from sore to different body parts Stage 2: sores appear in the mouth, flu like symptoms develop, rash on hands/feet

Syphilis Stage 3: symptoms may disappear for years, bacteria attacks internal parts of body which can cause brain damage, paralysis and heart disease In its early stages, syphilis can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Once it progresses beyond the second stage, the bacteria can be killed, but any damage that has already occurred to the bodies internal organs is permanent

Syphilis Transmission Prevention Vaginal sex Anal sex Oral sex Kissing Can spread to fetus during birth Prevention Condoms Abstinence

Bacterial vs. Viral STIs Caused by Bacteria Cured with Antibiotics Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Chlamydia Viral Caused by a virus Treatable, but not curable with antibiotics Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Herpes

How do you get tested for STIs? A blood sample A urine sample A swab of the inside of the mouth A swab from the genitals, such as the urethra in guys or the cervix in girls A swab of any discharge or sores