Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Infections Mr. Miller Freshmen Health

Sexually Transmitted Infections What is an STI? Sexually Transmitted Infections are acquired through sexual contact with an infected person.

How does a person get an STI? Through ANY sexual act in which there is: Contact with infected bodily fluids Semen, vaginal fluid, blood. Contact with infected skin.

Chlamydia Symptoms: In men usually mild burning on urination In women, vaginal discharge, abdominal pain or no symptoms Potential Complications: In women, pelvic inflammatory disease, abdominal pain, fever, excessive menstrual bleeding, ectopic pregnancies, infertility In men, dangerously enlarged lymph glands of the groin or infection of the testicles leading to sterilization. Infection during birth can lead to blindness or illness.

Chlamydia Treatment or cure: Antibiotics for both partners simultaneously Preventive Measures: Abstinence Mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner Some protection from condoms

Genital Herpes Symptoms: Painful, blister-like sores on or near penis, anus, vagina, cervix, or less commonly the mouth Potential Complications: Recurrence, herpes eye infection, infection of newborn during birth

Genital Herpes Treatment or cure: No cure, prescription medication may lesson severity and frequency of outbreaks. Preventive Measures: Abstinence Mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner Some protection from condoms only if sores are absent from groin and thighs

Gonorrhea Symptoms: Possibly no symptoms Vaginal / Penile discharge In men painful urination In women heavy or painful menstruation bleeding after intercourse (the clap / drip) Potential Complications: Sterility, skin problems, arthritis, infection of heart lining, pelvic inflammatory disease, infection of newborns leading to blindness

Gonorrhea Treatment or cure: Antibiotics for both partners simultaneously Preventive Measures: Abstinence Mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner Some protection from condoms

Pubic Lice Symptoms: Itching; lice in pubic hair; eggs, possibly visible, clinging to hair strands. Also called “crabs” Potential Complications: Recurrence; cervical cancer; penile cancer; possible obstruction of cervix, vagina, anus Treatment or cure: Prescription or over the counter shampoo lotion, or cream used by both partners simultaneously. Preventive Measures: Abstinence from sexual intercourse, mutual monogamy with uninfected partner, not sharing towels or bedclothes with others, no protection provided from condoms

Syphilis Symptoms: 3 weeks after exposure: chancre on penis, vagina, rectum, anus, cervix 6 weeks after primary: rash on feet and hand, flulike symptoms 10 – 20 years later: severe nerve damage Potential Complications: Brain damage, heart disease, spinal cord damage, blindness, infection of fetus, causing death or severe retardation Treatment or cure: Antibiotics for both partners simultaneously Preventive Measures: Abstinence from sexual intercourse, mutual monogamy with uninfected partner, some protection provided by condoms

Human Papilloma Virus Symptoms: Often no symptoms, Possible wart like growths on or near penis, anus, cervix or vagina Precancerous cervical cells Potential Complications: Cervical cancer, penile cancer, possible obstruction of cervix, vagina or anus Treatment or cure: No cure, controlled by removal of growths or abnormal cervical cells Preventive Measures: Abstinence from sexual intercourse, mutual monogamy with uninfected partner, some protection provided by condoms

HIV Symptoms: Swollen lymph glands, diarrhea, pneumonia, weight loss, other infections, night sweats Potential Complications: Immune system failure, death, 8-10 years to see signs of infection Treatment or cure: No cure, treatment aimed at curing secondary infections Preventive Measures: Abstinence from sexual intercourse and intravenous drugs, mutual monogamy with uninfected partner, some protection provided by condoms