UNDERSTANDING STI

What are Sexually Transmitted Infections? As the name suggests these are infections which transmit from one person to another through sexual route These infections are usually caused by microorganisms such as bacteria or virus

URETHRAL DISCHARGE

Pain or burning while passing urine Increased frequency of urination May be cream or yellow coloured discharge coming from urine passing hole Discharge may be thick or thin like mucus

PAINFUL SCROTAL SWELLING

Swelling and pain in the scrotal region Pain or burning while passing urine Systemic symptoms like malaise, fever History of urethral discharge

INGUINAL BUBO

Swelling in one or both groins which may be painful Preceding history of genital ulcer or discharge Systemic symptoms like malaise, fever

GENITAL ULCER – NON-HERPETIC

Genital ulcer, single or multiple, painful or painless Burning sensation in the genital area Enlarged lymph nodes

GENITAL ULCER –HERPETIC

Eruption of vesicles, painful, multiple genital ulcer Burning sensation in the genital area Recurrence

VAGINAL DISCHARGE

Vaginal discharge (cheese, white) Nature and type of discharge – Increase in quantity, colour and odour Itching around genitalia

CERVICAL DISCHARGE

Yellowish discharge with bad odour Nature and type of discharge – quantity, colour and odour Burning while passing urine, increased frequency CERVICAL DISCHARGE

LOWER ABDOMINAL PAIN (LAP)

Lower abdominal pain Fever Vaginal discharge Menstrual irregularities like heavy, irregular vaginal bleeding Pain during bleeding Lower backache Cervical motion tenderness

ORAL AND ANAL STI

 Ulcers, sores, blisters, discharge, growth at oral and/or anall regions

OTHER STI Warts (single or multiple, soft painless growths which looks like a cauliflower) Genital Louse Infestation (itching, leading to scratching which may be limited to genital area all over the body) Molluscum Contagiosum (multiple, soft, painless smooth, pearl like swellings ) Genital Scabies (itching of genitals, especially at night )

CONSEQUENCES OF STI Risk of transmission to partner Increase in symptoms leading to pain, disability Spread of infection to other parts of body Increased risk of HIV

UNDERSTANDING HIV

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus

AIDS Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome

HIV vs AIDS HIV – chronic manageable disease like diabetes AIDS – end stage of untreated HIV disease, can be managed

HOW DOES ONE GET INFECTED? Unprotected sex with infected partner (oral, anal or vaginal) Infected mother to child (during pregnancy/delivery, breastfeeding) Direct blood contact, which may occur through needle sharing, blood transfusions, accidents in health care settings

HIV DOES NOT SPREAD THROUGH: Shaking hands Sharing combs Eating from the same plate Hugging

HIV DOES NOT SPREAD THROUGH: Towels or clothesSharing latrines or toilets Sitting close to other people Mosquitoes, bedbugs, other insects or animals.

LINKAGE OF STI WITH HIV Persons suffering from STI have 2 to 4 times increased risk of getting HIV infection HIV decreases immunity and increases vulnerability to getting STI Genital ulcers –sores make it easier for HIV to enter the body

CONTD. Impaired Immunity STI HIV Unprotected sexual intercourse Unprotected sexual intercourse

IDUs AND HIV

Increased risk of HIV Sharing injection equipment High risk sex behaviour Socio-cultural reasons Effect of substance Economic & Financial reasons Legal/ discriminatory law

WHAT ARE HIGH-RISK BEHAVIOURS? INJECTING RELATED Sharing needles Sharing syringes Sharing other injection paraphernalia Unhygienic injecting practices SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR Sex with multiple partners Sex with a partner who has multiple partners (e.g., sex worker) Sex in presence of STIs Anal Sex UNPROTECTED SEX