Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Myth: STD is a new problem. Fact: With the exception of HIV/AIDS all of the approximately 50 STDs have been around for decades if not centuries

Most Common STDs Chlamydia Gonorrhea HPV Herpes Syphilis Hepatitis B HIV/AIDS

Risk Factors: Gender- women are twice as likely to get an STD. It is also harder to diagnose in women than men. Age- teens more likely because of impulsivity, reluctance to name partners, feelings of invulnerability,

STD is spread by sexual contact. Sexual intercourse Anal sex Oral sex

Facts: Young women have fewer protective antibodies against STD bacteria and viruses. Women in the U.S. have the highest rate of gonorrhea infection in the world.

STD and women: Not only are women more likely to contract an STD, but they more frequently suffer the long-term consequences because of mild symptoms and therefore go undetected and untreated

Women and STD Pelvic inflammatory disease Ectopic pregnancy Infertility Cervical cancer Higher risk for HIV *STD can also affect pregnancy and newborn baby

Fact: In the U.S. over 12 million cases occur every year.

Two categories of STD Bacterial Viral

Common Bacterial STD Chlamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis

Chlamydia Symptoms: 7-28 days after infection 75% of women don’t show symptoms 75% of men are symptomatic Untreated: accounts for 30-50% of PID in women and epididymitis in men Can cause blindness in unborn baby 3 million people contact each year

Gonorrhea Symptoms: 2-8 days Can get anal, vaginal or orally *eyes! MEN: Pus filled discharge, burning sensation 20% of men with G. don’t show any signs WOMEN: vaginal discharge, irritation of vulva, pain during urination, abnormal menstrual bleeding

Gonorrhea If left untreated: PID, spread to other organs including brain, heart and joints..leading to arthritis. Newborn babies can contract and become blind 650,000 people contract each year

Syphilis Symptoms days after exposure 4 Stages: early, secondary, latent, late

Myth: Once someone is cured from and STD, he is cured forever Fact: Even with proper treatment, a person can be reinfected with most STDs. There is no limit to the amount of times a person can contract most STDs.

Common Viral STDs Hepatitis B Herpes Simplex HPV HIV/AIDS

Hepatitis (HBV) Means: inflammation of the liver HBV: transmitted by infected blood (saliva, semen, menstrual blood) Symptoms: 2-6 weeks after exposure Liver becomes tender and swollen Weakness, jaundice, brownish urine, whitish bowel movements

Hepatitis (HBV) Treatment: Bed rest,, healthy diet, restricted alcohol use, hospitalization Recovery 4 months HBV vaccine is available

Herpes Simplex II Periods of activity and inactivity Symptoms: 2-10 days Progressive, but not fatal Blisters and sores around genitals Treatment: No cure, antiviral drugs to relieve severity of symptoms 45 million people have it!

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Virus that causes Genital Warts Can cause cervical cancer in women Small, cauliflower like, flat Treatment: wart removal 5.5 million new cases each year

HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

HIV/AIDS HIV is a virus that affects the immune system and leads to AIDS. Can be infected with HIV for years before contracting AIDS Blood borne disease that can be contracted by sexual contact, contaminated blood, shared needles, mother to baby and through breast milk.

HIV/AIDS Can you get HIV from: Mosquitoes Sharing water Shaking hands

HIV/AIDS- symptoms/treatment Non-specific- lower immune system leaves body open to opportunistic infections Swollen lymph glands in throat, armpits and groin fever headaches, fatigue and muscle ache No Cure! Vaccine is years away, drugs to suppress symptoms

STD prevention What ways can you protect yourself against Sexually Transmitted Diseases?