1. Sexually Transmitted infections

2. STIs
Any pathogen that passes from one person to another during sexual contact is called a sexually transmitted infection
There are 19 million new cases of STIs per year
Of those, 3 million occur in people under the age of 20!!

3. STIs Short term effects: Long term effects: Pain Discomfort
Embarrassment
Long term effects:
Increased risk of certain forms of cancer
Increased risk of infertility

4. Risky Behaviors
Many people engage in behaviors that are risky and dangerous
Because of this, the spread of STIs becomes more and more prevalent

5. Ignoring Risks Being sexually active puts you at risk
Many people don’t take precautions
Many people ignore the risks
Teens in particular think “it won’t/can’t happen to me”

6. Multiple Partners
The more sexual partners you have, the greater the chances of contracting a sexually transmitted illness!

7. Not seeking treatment
Some people who become infected do not receive immediate treatment
Some people are too embarrassed
Some don’t recognize symptoms
Some STIs don’t have symptoms, or symptoms go away after a short period of time

8. Avoiding STIs Abstinence Avoid Using Drugs/Alcohol
No sexual contact = No STIs
Avoid Using Drugs/Alcohol
Anyone who engages in sexual activity with a drug user is at higher risk of getting an STI
Alcohol impairs your ability to think clearly
Choose Responsible Friends
Friends who support your healthy decisions can make it easier to resist the pressure to use drugs or engage in sexual activity

9. Kinds of STIs
The most common STIs in the United States are trichomoniasis, human papilloma virus, and chlamydia
However, there are many more that we need to discuss!!

10. Trichomoniasis
Is caused by a protozoan that infects the urinary tract or vagina
Males- painful urination & clear discharge from the penis, some itching (most of the time males will have no symptoms)
Females- Itching & burning, yellowish discharge, pain when urinating
If not treated, it can lead to severe vaginal infection & inflammation of the urinary tract

11. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
In many cases, HPV has no symptoms, so people may not be aware they are infected
Some forms cause genital warts- these can be removed by a doctor (they are burned & cut off) however, they can & usually will grow back
HPV can remain in your body for life
Can cause cervical cancer in women, which can then cause them to become infertile

12. Chlamydia Most common STI caused by bacteria in the US
Can be cured with antibiotics
Males- painful, frequent urination & discharge
Females- No symptoms other than a yellowish discharge
If untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility

13. Gonorrhea Bacterial STI that infects urinary tracts
Males- thick, pus-like discharge & painful urination
Females- sometimes experience painful urination but symptoms might go unnoticed

14. Genital Herpes Caused by a virus
Painful blisters that appear on or around the genitals
NO CURE
Infected people can experience periodic outbreaks of blisters throughout their lives
Can be passed whether blisters are present or not
A woman can pass it to her unborn child & it can cause blindness or death

15. Syphilis Bacterial STI that progresses in three stages:
Stage 1: Painless chancre sores appear on genitals
Stage 2: Sores appear in mouth & flu-like symptoms develop; a non-itchy rash appears on feet & hands
Stage 3: Symptoms disappear for years; during this time bacteria attach internal parts of the body, such as the brain & heart; eventually causes brain damage & death

16. Check Ups
People who participate in high-risk behaviors should get medical check-ups every 6 months to check for sexually transmitted infections
If a person finds out they have an STI, it is important that they notify any sexual partners so they can seek treatment

17. Trichomoniasis

18. HPV

19. Chlamydia
*Can cause pelvic inflammatory disease:

20. Genital Herpes

21. Syphilis