Unit Three

Ground Rules  We respect:  That any question is OK  That it is OK to pass  That we all have different points of view  Each other by listening  The right to privacy  That we all need to be listened to

STDs vs. STIs  What ’ s the difference?  Sexually Transmitted infection (STI) has  replaced the term Sexually Transmitted  Disease (STD)  Why?  STI a more encompassing term that  includes infections that are assymptomatic;  or show no symptoms

What is an STI?  Sexually Transmitted Infections are infections generally spread by close sexual contact and sexual intercourse  They can spread by contact with an infected partner by:  Skin  Genitals  Body Fluids  Mucous Membranes eg. eyes, mouth

Why is it important to learn about STIs?  It helps one be able to take care of one's own body  Untreated STIs can cause problems for a person's health and future ability to have children  It helps a person to discuss STIs with a partner  It helps us recognize myths like “It’s easy to tell if a person has a STI/HIV because he/she will look sick” that could prevent a person from using effective prevention methods or seeking needed treatments

What are some common STIs?  Chlamydia  Genital herpes  Genital warts (HPV) Human Papillomavirus  Gonorrhea  Hepatitis B/C (also a blood borne disease)  HIV and AIDS (also a blood borne disease)  Syphilis  Pubic Lice (crabs)  Scabies

STIs can be Viral, Bacterial, or Parasitic  Bacterial/Parasitic:  a parasite causes an infection, it can be treated with antibiotic or antimicrobial medication  Viral:  possible for it to remain “asymptomatic” for periods of time (meaning there are no symptoms). It is possible to have the virus and not know it, and it is possible to pass it to another person without either person knowing it. Viral STIs can be treated with medications, but not cured

Which STIs are Blood-Borne?  Some of the viral infections are also blood-borne:  HIV and AIDS  Hepatitis B and C

Blood Borne Diseases  Blood-borne diseases are spread by contaminated blood. Some are also spread through body fluids ( semen, vaginal secretions) and breast milk (HIV only)  They can be transmitted by:  sharing needles  body piercing and tattooing equipment  helping someone who is bleeding without using gloves  sexual intercourse and close sexual contact  an infected mother to her baby

What are common symptoms?  burning while urinating,  itching  discharge (for females; different color, amount or smell. For males; anything other than semen or urine)  sores, bumps or a rash on or around the genitals.

 It is common to have NO SYMPTOMS at all!

Complications of STIs  Infertility (male and female)  Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in woman  Urinary tract complications  Cervical cancer  Psychological impact  Serious illness and death

What are the best ways to prevent STIs?  Abstinence – No skin to genital, genital to genital, body fluid to genital contact  Limiting number of sexual partners  Use condoms correctly and consistently  Communication with partner –sexual history  Not having sex if you see a sore, etc.  Regular STI testing (at least annually, more often if you’ve had multiple partners)

When Should I Get Tested?  Before you have sex with a new partner  If you or your partner have been sexually active and have never been tested  If you know your current or past partner has a STI  If you have been forced to have sex  If you have any STI symptoms  At least once a year if you are sexually active

Safer Sex  The only safe sex is no sex (abstinence)  If you choose to be sexually active:  Talk to your partner about your sexual health histories  Choose to protect yourself from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)  Limit your number of partners  Get tested regularly for STIs  Get more information

Key Messages  ABSTINENCE is the only way to prevent pregnancy and STIs 100%  Always wear a protection  STIs often have NO symptoms  Have regular testing for STIs

Where Can I Go For Help?  School Counselor  Teacher  School Nurse  Walk in Clinic  Family Doctor  Sexual Health Clinic

Questions?