Sexually Transmitted Infections

What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection or STI? STI’s are infections that are spread from person to person through intimate sexual contact. STI’s are dangerous because they are easily spread and it is hard to tell just by looking who has an STI. 1 in 4 sexually active teens has an STI.

Common STI’s Chlamydia Gonorrhea Genital Herpes (HSV-2) Genital Warts (HPV) Hepatitis B HIV and AIDS Pubic Lice Syphilis Trichomoniasis

How do I know if I have an STI? Most people who have an STI have no symptoms. A test from your health care provider or local health clinic may be the only way to tell for sure if you're infected. If you do become infected, symptoms may appear right away. Or, they may not show up for weeks or months or even years. They may come and go. Even if the signs and symptoms go away, you can still infect other people if you have sex with them. Or, they can still infect you!

Common Symptoms for Girls Some symptoms you may have are: Sores, bumps or blisters near your genitals, anus or mouth Burning or pain when you urinate Itching, bad smell or unusual discharge from your vagina or anus Pain in your lower abdomen Bleeding from your vagina between your menstrual periods Remember: Sometimes symptoms don't show up for weeks or months or years.

Common Symptoms for Guys Some symptoms you may have are: Sores, bumps or blisters near your genitals, anus or mouth Burning or pain when you urinate Drip or discharge from your penis Itching, pain or discharge from your anus Remember: Sometimes symptoms don't show up for weeks or months.

What do I do if I have symptoms? If you think you have an STI you need to see a healthcare provider for treatment. If you feel nervous about getting checked for STIs, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. You may be shy about having doctors and nurses look at your genitals. The tests are usually quick, and it may help to remember that the nurses and doctors are there to help you, and do this kind of test all the time.

How will they know I have an STI? The doctor or nurse will ask for males to urinate in a cup. They can look under a microscope at the organisms in your urine. Some STI’s are diagnosed by taking a swab of the vagina for secretions. Other STI’s can be diagnosed by looking at the sores or bumps on your genitals. Some STI’s are diagnosed by testing your blood.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) HIV – progressive infection that attacks immune system T-Cells infected, used to reproduce HIV, then destroyed Can carry and spread HIV for up to 12 years without knowing they’re infected

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) AIDS is caused by HIV AIDS- immune system (white blood cells) can no longer fight off infection Body develops “opportunistic infections” Die from opportunistic infections- not AIDS

What fluids transmit HIV? HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to another person through: blood semen vaginal fluids breast milk NOT saliva, sweat or tears

What are risky behaviors for contracting HIV? Sharing hypodermic needles (heroin, steroids), anal sex, vaginal sex, sharing tattoo or piercing needles, & oral sex are all risky activities. People who have another STD are at higher risk for contracting HIV during sex with infected partners NOT donating blood, hugging, holding hands, or dry kissing

How do people know they have HIV? Many people do not know Possibly flu-like symptoms initially Serious symptoms may not appear for up to 10 years. Some people may feel and look healthy for years while they are infected with HIV. It is possible to infect others with HIV, even if the person has absolutely no symptoms.

Symptoms of AIDS Opportunistic Infections Extreme weakness and fatigue Rapid weight loss Frequent fevers with not explanation Heavy sweating at night Swollen lymph glands Kaposi’s Sarcoma PCP (pneumonia) Minor infections that cause skin rashes and mouth, genital, and anal sores. White spots in the mouth or throat Chronic diarrhea A cough that won’t go away Short-term memory loss

Kaposi’s sarcoma (Cancer associated with AIDS) Oral Leukoplakia Oral Thrush (yeast infection) Common infection associated with AIDS

How is HIV treated? There is NO cure. Cocktail of drugs used to slow down disease progression (AZT) Drugs help some live longer, but do not help everyone Liver disease and severe memory loss with long-term use

DuPage County Health Dept. HIV Testing (630) 682-7400 HIV Testing by Appointment FREE Anonymous Results in 2 weeks (must receive in person) Blood test or mouth swab (Rapid HIV Test- results in 20 minutes) 3-6 month window period

DuPage County Health Dept. STI Testing (630) 682-7400 STI Testing Walk-In Basis (no appt.) $50.00 fee includes medication Confidential Will not contact parents Can combine with HIV Test Results within 7 days Females: Swab cervix for chlamydia & gonorrhea Males: Urine test for chlamydia & gonorrhea Both: Blood test for syphilis & HIV Visual inspection for herpes and genital warts

HIV Transmission Simulation 1. What was the purpose of this activity? 2.How could you tell if someone was infected with the Alphabet (HIV) virus? 3. How would the number infected change if you exchanged elbow taps with only one person? Five people? No one? 4. How does the number of sex partners a person has impact his/her risk for catching HIV? 5. Why is it important to know your partner’s drug and sexual history? What questions should you ask? 6. How do you know for certain if someone is HIV+? 7.Why is it important to protect yourself and act wisely despite what your partner says about his/her past?

Treatment and Facts Know the Facts!

Genital Herpes (HSV-2) HSV-2 is caused by the herpes virus. Shows up in 2-30 days- tingling/flu-like feelings Causes painful fluid-filled blister outbreaks (lasts 2-3 weeks) Spread during, before and after blister outbreak Can be spread with condom use and skin to skin contact Can spread cold sores on mouth (HSV-1) to genitals (1/3 of cases) After contracting the herpes virus you will have it FOREVER. There is NO cure. Antiviral medication helps control recurring outbreaks and clear up painful sores.

Genital Warts (HPV) Genital warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) Shows up in 6 weeks- 1 year Small painless bumps in genital area or throat Over 100 strains of HPV- some cause cervical cancer, flat warts There is NO cure for the virus. Warts can recur (30% cases) HPV can be spread with sexual contact, condom use and skin to skin contact Can be burned, frozen, laser, or surgically removed Gardasil Vaccine-protects against 4 strains

Syphilis Caused by bacteria called Trepenoma pallidum. Shows up in 3-6 weeks as a CHANCRE sore at site of infection (1st stage) 2nd Stage- rash and flu-like symptoms (9-13 weeks after infection) 3rd Stage- blindness, heart disease, insanity, death (10-40 years after infection) Can be cured with antibiotics (cannot reverse previous damage)

Chlamydia Caused by bacteria called Chlamydia Trachomatis found in semen & vaginal fluid One of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Shows up in 1-4 weeks 80% females and 20% males show NO symptoms Males: watery, white discharge Females: bleeding btwn. periods, ^ vaginal fluids Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics If not treated, leads to PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), ectopic pregnancy, and sterility/infertility

Gonorrhea Caused by a bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae found in semen & vaginal fluid Shows up in 2 days- 3 weeks 80% females and 20% males show NO symptoms Males: burning urination, thick yellow discharge Female: burning urination, abdominal pain/cramping, yellow or white discharge Gonorrhea is curable with antibiotics If not treated, leads to PID, ectopic pregnancy, sterility/infertility, heart disease, skin infections, arthritis

Pubic Lice (Crabs) Tiny insects crawl from the pubic hair of one person to the pubic hair of another person during sex or sharing bedding/clothing Can be cured with medication that kills the lice and their eggs. Dry clean or use very hot water to wash all of your bedding, towels, or recently worn clothing to kill the lice. Tell your partner. Can be spread even when you use a condom.

Hepatitis B/C Hepatitis is a disease of the liver. Hepatitis B/C is transmitted person to person through blood and body fluids. There is no cure for the virus after it has been contracted. 100x more infectious than HIV The only treatment is prevention: Abstain from sex Always use latex condoms Avoid contact with other people’s blood (razors, toothbrushes) Get immunized against B

Trichomoniasis “Trich” it is a parasite that can be passed from person to person during sexual intercourse. One of the most common STD’s Symptoms- unpleasant smelling discharge, vaginal itching Can be passed on via damp towels, washcloths, and bathing suits if someone has the parasite. Can be cured with antibiotics. Anyone with whom you’ve had sex will also need to be treated.

What Happens if I don’t get treated for STIs? If you have an STI and don’t get treatment you can have some long-term effects such as: Infertility (Unable to have babies) Cancer Long-term pain Can pass disease from mother to baby Death

Prevention is the Key Abstinence, or not having oral, vaginal or anal sex, is the best way to protect yourself. It is possible to get an STD even without having intercourse through skin-to-skin contact. Use latex condoms correctly for any type of sex (vaginal, oral or anal) from start to finish.

Conclusion It is much easier to prevent an STI than to cure one. The ONLY way to prevent STI’s is to abstain from ALL types of sexual intercourse. However, if you have sex, you must use a latex condom, EVERY TIME. However, condoms do not always protect you from STI’s such as HSV-2, HPV, syphilis and pubic lice. Remember, just because you and your partner may be monogamous with each other, the risk of getting an STI is increased by the number of previous sexual partners either partner has had.

References www.iwannaknow.org www.kidshealth.org www.lib.uiowa.edu www.healthac.org www.afraidtoask.com www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/pictures www.nehc.med.navy.mil/hp/images/std_pictures Developed by Bridget Robinson, RN, BSN,SNM University of Kansas School of Nursing HETC Project