Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Responsible Sexual Behavior

STD Cases Estimated Annual Cases 333 million Worldwide 15.3 million new cases in the United States this year alone

What is a Sexually Transmitted Disease? Diseases you can get by having sex – vaginal, oral, or anal – with someone who is already infected Caused by bacteria or viruses that are spread through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids Also, spread simply by touching infected skin for certain STDs, like herpes and genital warts

STD Facts 1 in 4 Americans will become infected with an STD in their lifetime 2/3 of all STD cases occur in ages 25 or younger

STD Transmission HIV and STDs are transmitted through exposure to: Blood Semen Vaginal secretions Contact with open sores and infected areas

Chlamydia Most common of all bacterial STDs. About 3 million new cases occur each year. When symptoms do occur they include abnormal genital discharge and burning with urination. If untreated, it may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal pregnancies, and infertility. Can be cured with oral antibiotics.

Gonorrhea Bacterial infection of the genital area. About 650,000 new cases occur each year. When symptoms do occur they include burning during urination, green or yellowish discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or pelvic pain. Antibiotics can cure the infection.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Viral infection primarily affecting the outer and inner genital areas. About 5.5 million new cases occur each year. Most people don’t know they are infected. Symptoms are soft, itchy warts in and around the genitals, often called genital warts. There is no cure for HPV, but warts can be removed through medication and surgery. There may be future outbreaks because the virus stays in the body permanently.

Genital Herpes Viral infection of the genital area and sometimes the mouth. About 1 million new cases occur each year. Symptoms: cold sores and fever blisters on the mouth, red bumps that turn into painful blisters, or sores on the genital areas. If untreated, it may lead to complications during pregnancy. There is no cure for herpes, but medication can be used to reduce the frequency of future outbreaks. Herpes can be transmitted even when medication is used and there are no symptoms.

Syphilis Caused by bacteria that spread throughout the body. About 70,000 new cases occur each year. Appears in stages. Stage 1 symptoms are painless sores on the genitals or mouth. Stage 2 symptoms are a rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or genital area. Stage 3 can result in damage to the brain, heart, nervous system, and death. If untreated, it may lead to complications during pregnancy. Can be cured with antibiotics if caught early, but damage caused by the disease cannot be undone.

Hepatitis A – How does it Spread? Food preparers who are infected can pass the virus on if they do not wash their hands with soap and water after having a bowel movement, especially when they prepare uncooked foods. Fecal contamination of food and water. Anal/oral contact, by putting something in the mouth that had been contaminated with infected feces.

Hepatitis A - How does it Spread? Diaper changing tables, if not cleaned properly or changed after each use, may facilitate the spread of HAV. Fecal residue may remain on the hands of people changing soiled diapers. Eating raw or partially cooked shellfish contaminated with HAV.

Hepatitis A - Treatment No treatment Clears up by itself in a few weeks or months No serious effects

Hepatitis B Viral infection primarily affecting the liver. About 77,000 new cases occur each year. When symptoms do occur they include fatigue, achiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, darkening of urine, abdominal tenderness, and yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes. Can be treated with antibiotics, but some people are contagious for the rest of their lives.

Hepatitis C Spread – Blood Symptoms – usually none (if symptoms are present – flu-like, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain and headaches) Treatment – Interferon (injection) and ribavirin

Bacterial Vaginosis - Overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina Cause – new/multiple sexual partners Sign/ Symptoms - Overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina Discharge, odor, pain, itching or burning Treatment – Antibiotics Complications – More susceptible to other STD’s

Scabies Parasite – microscopic mite burrows under the skin Pimple-like irritations, burrows or rash of the skin, especially the webbing between the fingers; the skin folds on the wrist, elbow, or knee; the penis, the breast, or shoulder blades.

Scabies (con’t) By direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested with scabies. Infestation may also occur by sharing clothing, towels, and bedding. 4 – 6 weeks for symptoms to begin Treatment – Medicated lotions

Pubic Lice (Crabs) – Parasitic Insect Found in genital region Sexual Contact – (not by toilet seats, towels/bedding Itching in genital region – visible nits (lice eggs)

Pubic Lice (con’t) Feed off blood Treatment – Lice killing lotion, shampoo

MRSA Staph (group of bacteria) infection antibiotic resistance Treatment – vancomycin or other antibiotics Can be fatal

MRSA (con’t) Signs and symptoms small red bumps that resemble pimples, boils or spider bites can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses that require surgical draining. Sometimes the bacteria remain confined to the skin. But they can also burrow deep into the body, causing potentially life-threatening infections in bones, joints, surgical wounds, the bloodstream, heart valves and lungs.

HIV and AIDS AIDS was first reported in the U.S. in 1981. Caused by the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV), which destroys the body’s ability to fight off infection. HIV can lead to AIDS, which can cause death. An estimated 900,000 Americans currently have HIV and an estimated 40,000 Americans contract the disease each year. Is the leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year olds since 1991.

How is HIV Transmitted? Sexual contact Blood exchange During pregnancy, birth, and breast feeding Not from tears, saliva*, sweat, hugging, touching, toilet seats, and swimming pools *if open sores in mouth (flossing) can contract HIV

Strategies for Preventing STDs Abstain from sex or delay sex Choose outer-course versus intercourse Monogamy Use Condoms and other barriers Reduce the number of sexual partners Do not have sex with “higher-risk” people Do not share needles Stay sober

Why Should You be Responsible Health Family Career Why Should You be Responsible for Your Sexual Behavior? Finances Personal Values Relationships

Esteem for your family and friends Honor Esteem for your family and friends Admiration for your profession Respect for your body

Courage Nerves to abstain from sex Bravery to make good choices Guts to do the right thing and stand up to peer pressure

Commitment Living up to your promises Choosing a complete life over a passionate moment Holding on the principle-centered values