1. Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections14
Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections

2. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases spread through sexual contact
One million people are infected daily
U.S. has the highest rate of STIs
More than half of all Americans will acquire at least one STI in their lifetime
More than 25 different STIs
Some are still incurable

3. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection spread during sex, or to a newborn baby during childbirth
Most commonly reported STI
Can damage reproductive system
Symptoms may be mild or absent
Treated with antibiotics

4. Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a bacterial STI
700,000 new cases each year in the U.S.
Causes infertility, heart damage, arthritis
Blindness in children of infected mother
Symptoms may include pus-like secretion and painful urination; women may not have symptoms until advanced stages
Treated with antibiotics

5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Refers to effects of other STIs, primarily chlamydia and gonorrhea
Scarring develops when STI spreads to fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries
Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, bleeding, and pain
Treated with antibiotics

6. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Genital Warts
HPV is a group of viral STIs
More than 40 strains are sexually transmitted
Some cause genital warts
Some lead to cancers
50% of sexually active people acquire HPV
Diagnosed through abnormal Pap test
Two vaccines: Gardasil and Cervarix

7. Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a viral infection by the herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2
Highly contagious
Typically causes blisters on the genitals, fever, swollen glands, and headaches
Blood tests for HSV available
Repeated outbreaks are common
Incurable

8. Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial STI Symptoms similar to many diseases
Four stages (primary, secondary, latent, last) each with different symptoms
Fatal if left untreated
Diagnosed by blood test
Treated with antibiotics

9. Trichomoniasis Trich is caused by protozoan parasite
Some get symptoms, some don’t
Most common curable STI
Symptoms include:
Itching or burning
Redness
Discharge

10. Critical Thinking

11. HIV and AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral STI that attacks cells of the immune system and leads to AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) includes a number of diseases that arise when the body’s immune system is compromised by HIV

12. HIV and AIDS (cont’d.) HIV is a progressive infection
Incubation period up to 10 years before symptoms appear
Early symptoms include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, swollen lymph glands
Can cause neurological abnormalities
Death results from inability to fight off opportunistic infections
HIV is incurable

13. HIV and AIDS (cont’d.) HIV transmission routes
Blood
Sexual contact
Hypodermic needles
Mother to child
Diagnosis: by HIV antibody test, at least three months after suspected infection
New therapies are preventing AIDS from developing in many HIV-infected individuals

14. HIV Transmission
Figure Adults and adolescents living with diagnosed HIV infection, by gender and transmission category, year-end 2010—United States and six U.S. dependent areas.

15. Risky Behaviors
People do not get HIV because of who they are but because of what they do
Having any type of unprotected sex
Improper use of condoms
Anal intercourse
Sharing hypodermic needles or other drug paraphernalia

16. HIV and AIDS (cont’d.) Myths about transmission
Not through perspiration
Not through casual contact
Not from insects
Not from animals
Risk from health-care professionals is almost nil

17. Wise Dating
Those who seek sex partners over the Internet are at greater risk
As long as you avoid sexual activity and don’t share drug needles, you are not at risk for contracting HIV
About 33.3 million people are infected with HIV
In the U.S., 25% are unaware of the infection
Women are increasingly affected
Spreading faster among heterosexuals
80% of deaths are 25 to 49 years old

18. AIDS Diagnoses, Deaths, and Persons Living with AIDS
Figure AIDS diagnoses, deaths, and persons living with AIDS, —United States and six U.S. dependent areas.

19. HIV Testing
Persons at high risk for infection should be tested annually
Call your local Public Health Department or AIDS Information Service
Testing results are confidential

20. HIV Treatment AIDS has no known cure, and no vaccine
Antiretroviral drugs can delay the progress of HIV infection and prevent some people from developing AIDS
Drugs are usually used in combinations called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)

21. STI Hotlines
National AIDS Hotline: CDC-INFO ( ) in English and Spanish
National AIDS Hotline for the hearing impaired (TTY):
STI Hotline:
Information on local testing facilities is available online at

22. Guidelines for Preventing STIs
The best prevention technique is a mutually monogamous sexual relationship
Don’t let peers pressure you into having sex
Decide on your course of action before you get into an intimate situation

23. Reducing Risk for HIV and STIs
Wait for a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner
Practice safer sex every time
Use “barrier” methods of contraception
Know your partner and limit sexual relationships
Don’t have sex with prostitutes
Determine conditions when you will allow sex
Plan before you get into a sexual situation
Negotiate safer sex

24. Reducing Risk for HIV and STIs (cont’d.)
Have periodic physical checkups
Avoid sex with anyone who has had sex with a person at risk for HIV
If you do have sex, avoid exchanging body fluids
Don’t share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal implements
Check your partner for signs of infection
If you have an infection, abstain from sex
Wear loose-fitting clothes

25. Reducing Risk for HIV and STIs (cont’d.)
Abstain from sexual relations if you have any kind of an illness or disease
Wash thoroughly and immediately after sexual activity
Be cautious of procedures in which sharp instruments may be reused (such as acupuncture, tattooing, and ear piercing)
With artificial insemination, make sure donors are tested
For surgery, consider donating your own blood

26. Assess Yourself
Do you believe that a mutually monogamous sexual relationship is the best way to prevent STIs? If not, do you always take precautions to practice safer sex?
Do you understand the following concepts?
The most common STIs
Health consequences of STIs
Difference between HIV and AIDS
Prevention of STIs