Prevention and Treatment of STDs and HIV/AIDS

STD – Sexually transmitted disease are infections spread from person to person through sexual contact. For infection to occur, a person must engage in sexual activity that involves direct genital contact or the exchange of bodily fluids with someone who is infected with an STD.

HIV – Human immunodeficiency virus is a virus that attacks the immune system AIDS – Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a disease in which the immune system is weakened HIV/AIDS can not be spread through casual contact – such as holding hands, hugging, or closed mouth kissing

HIV is transmitted only when a person’s infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions comes into contact with broken skin or mucus membrane Abstinence is the only 100% successful way to prevent STDs and HIV/AIDS. Birth control pills, condoms, and other birth control devices do not prevent STDs and HIV/AIDS.

Guidelines for staying committed to abstinence - not having sex: 1. set limits on physical affection 2. avoid dating someone who is sexually active 3. avoid situations where you may feel pressure 4. practice refusal skills

Avoid High-Risk Behaviors and STDs High-risk behaviors include: 1. being sexually active with more than one person 2. engaging in unprotected sex 3. engaging in sexual activity with high-risk partners 4. using alcohol and other drugs Avoid situations in which your judgment or commitment might be compromised.

Understanding the Risks Each month, about 750,000 teens are diagnosed with an STD. One of the main problems for teens who are sexually active is that they are unaware of a partner’s past behavior.

Understanding the Risks You can not tell if someone has an STD or HIV/AIDS by looking at them Many STDs go undiagnosed because a person might not know they have one or are embarrassed and therefore are contracted by others unknowingly.

Diagnosing STDs and HIV/AIDS There are many methods used to diagnose STDs and HIV/AIDS 1.physical examinations 2.urine test 3.laboratory tests 4.blood tests

Diagnosing STDs and HIV/AIDS Some symptoms of STDs and HIV/AIDS do not appear right away. If STDs and HIV/AIDS are not diagnosed and treated early, serious long-term consequences can result.

Treatment Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis can all be treated and cured with antibiotics Genital HPV Infection has no cure, but does have medication to relive symptoms

Treatment Genital Herpes have no cure, but medication can control outbreaks. HIV/AIDS has no cure, but medications can slow the growth of this disease.