Sexually Transmitted Diseases Stop, Think, Be SAFE!!

General Facts 18.9 million people become infected w/ one or more STD’s each year in the U.S. 48% of STD’s are contracted by people ages 15-24. One in five people in the United States has an STD.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases STDs are diseases and infections which are capable of being spread from person to person through: - Vaginal, anal, oral sex - Intimate skin to skin contact

True or False?? 1. Most people with an STD experience painful symptoms. False. Most people who are infected with an STD, do not notice any symptoms until they visit their doctor or suffer from infertility. 2. Abstinence is the best way to prevent STDs. True. Abstinence from sexual intercourse is the most effective way to avoid becoming exposed to a sexually transmitted disease. However, some STD’s can be spread through oral sex and close body-to-body contact.

True or False?? 3. If you get an STD once, and are treated, you can’t get it again. False. Even if a person has been treated with antibiotics, he/she can be re-infected if she/he has sexual contact with someone who carries the disease. 4. A person does not need to see a doctor if she/he notices sores on his/her genitals once, but then they go away. False. Even if symptoms go away after a week or so, a person still needs to see a doctor. Just because the symptoms have subsided, doesn’t mean the disease has disappeared.

Bacterial OR Viral Bacterial infections may be cured by antibiotics. Most viral infections have NO CURE! You will have the virus FOREVER!

What are some of the common symptoms I should look out for?? Sores (either painful or painless) Blood in urine Burning sensation when urinating Rashes Itching Bumps Warts Unusual discharge

Chlamydia 2.8 million new cases each year Bacteria Is it curable?? - Yes. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. ** If untreated can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease**

Chlamydia

Genital Herpes 1million new cases each year Virus (Herpes Simplex 2) Spread via sexual contact with or without a visible outbreak (sores)

Genital Herpes Is it curable?? - NO! - The symptoms of genital herpes can be treated, but the virus remains in the body FOREVER!

Genital Herpes

Genital Warts/HPV 6.2 million new cases each year Virus HPV: most of the time no symptoms are present

HPV Most widespread STD because sexual intercourse does not need to occur (only skin-to-skin contact needed) Leading cause of cervical cancer in women.

Genital Warts/HPV Is it curable?? - NO! - Gardisal Vaccine - The symptoms of genital warts/HPV are treated, but the virus remains in the body FOREVER!

Genital Warts/HPV

Gonorrhea Is it curable?? - Yes. 700,000 new cases each year Bacteria Is it curable?? - Yes. - Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics.

Gonorrhea

Hepatitis “B” Virus Organ Affected: Liver Is it curable?? - NO! Prevention: Vaccine (3 shot series)

HIV 40,000 new cases per year Virus Two Different Stages  “asymptomatic”  “symptomatic”

HIV Is it curable?? - NO! HIV is a deadly disease, although with advanced treatment infected individuals are living longer.

Pubic Lice – “Crabs” Parasite VERY easily spread Is it curable?? - Yes. - Treated with special shampoo, cream, or spray

Pubic Lice – “Crabs”

Syphilis 70,000 per year Bacteria (3 stages)

Syphilis - Symptoms Stage 1: - chancre (sore), rash Stage 2: - swelling, fever, sore throat Stage 3: - attacks heart, blood vessels, and CNS

Syphilis Is it curable?? - Yes - Treated with penicillin only during stages 1 and 2!

Prevention Abstinence. Know your partner. Get the FACTS. Be knowledgeable. Get vaccinated. Reduce your number of partners. Get tested – RESPECT your body! Ask your partner to get tested. Use protection – ALWAYS!

True/False – Prevention Methods 1. Condoms are 100% effective against STD’s. FALSE. 98% effective with perfect use; 85% effective with typical use. 2. It is acceptable to use the same condom more than once. FALSE. 3. Condoms have an expiration date., FALSE. Condoms are made of latex that can break down over time. Heat and friction can also weaken the condom.

True/False – Prevention Methods 4. Wearing two condoms will provide extra protection. FALSE. The two condoms will rub against each other and cause rips in the latex. 5. A woman taking birth control pills should still insist that her partner use a condom. TRUE. The pill is only effective against pregnancy prevention. It provides 0% effectiveness against STD’s.

True/False – Prevention Methods 6. Oral sex is a safe way to have sex if you do not want to get an STD. FALSE. STD’s can be spread through oral sex. 7. Teenagers can receive testing and treatment for STD’s and pregnancy without having their parents notified. TRUE. Many local clinics (ex: Planned Parenthood) offer confidential testing.

Safe Practices for Using a Condom Make sure the condom package is not tampered with and check the expiration date. Read the directions to make sure you know the right way to put the condom on and take it off. Use a condom EVERY time you have sex. If you are mature enough to engage in sexual activities then be mature enough to protect yourself and your partner. Be prepared. Respect yourself and your partner. Remember it only takes one “mistake” to change your life forever.