Sexually Transmitted Infections Getting Smart on Staying Safe S – T – What???

Transmission STIs are transmitted through bodily fluids such as: Blood Semen Vaginal secretions Breast milk Me? Not sperm! Semen.

Transmission Which of these types of sexual contact transmits STIs? ??? Which of these types of sexual contact transmits STIs? Oral Vaginal Anal Masturbation Genital Contact STIs can be transmitted the first time a person engages in unprotected sex

Transmission Some STIs are only transmitted by blood and bodily fluids. HIV Chlamydia Gonorrhea Some can cause sores on the genital area or mouth and can be passed through genital contact. Syphilis Herpes Genital Warts / Human Papillomavirus (HPV) What?! Yep

Bacteria vs. Virus Help! Some STIs are caused by bacteria Bacteria= curable with treatment Go to a medical provider as soon as possible If a person does not engage in risk taking behaviors and does not re-expose they will remain cured Some STIs are caused by viruses Virus= treatable, but have NO CURE You will have them for life Help!

Bacteria vs. Virus Curable (Bacteria) Treatable (Virus) Gonorrhea Syphilis Chlamydia HIV Herpes Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) / Genital warts Got it!

Most sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms at all!

Symptoms Burning and itching in the genital area Sores on the genitals or mouth Abnormal vaginal discharge for females ANY discharge from the penis in males Warts or bumps on the genitals Unusual odor Pain when urinating If a person does have symptoms these are likely symptoms that could occur. How do I know if I have an STI?

Long term Effects STIs can cause: Scarring Infertility - When a woman cannot conceive a child Sterility – When a man cannot father a child Birth defects in children Incurable illnesses That’s bad news…

Nope! But condoms protect against all STIs, right?

Transmission Consistent and correct use of latex condoms… Reduces risk of STIs passed through genital fluids Reduces risk if the affected area is protected May reduce risk Chlamydia Gonorrhea Trichomoniasis Herpes Syphilis HPV Genital Warts Notes: The CDC reports that the consistent and correct use of latex condoms reduces the risk for many STIs that are transmitted through genital fluids (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis), reduces the risk of herpes and syphilis when the infected area is protected and may reduce the risk of HPV infection. http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/brief.html Source: CDC

Protection Practice abstinence. It’s 100% effective! Stay safe! Protection Practice abstinence. It’s 100% effective! Get tested for STIs, including HIV: At least once a year if a person is sexually active Before a new sexual partner If you don’t know if your sexual partner has an STI Wear a male or female condom! They protect against many STIs, including HIV.

#1 Protection Abstinence is Get tested Talk to your partner about STIs Here’s how… Protection #1 Abstinence is Get tested Talk to your partner about STIs Wear a male or female condom for vaginal intercourse. Wear a male or female condom for anal sexual contact. Use a condom or dental dam for oral sexual contact. Avoid genital contact unless you and your partner have been tested!

Remember, a new sexual partner, means exposing oneself to any partners they have had before you! Back Off!

Getting Tested Where to go: Doctor’s office Community clinic School based health center Women’s Health Center Youth 12 and older do not need a parent or guardian's consent to be tested or treated for STIs and HIV in the state of Illinois.* Notes: Positive HIV results will be confidentially reported to the health department. The provider may report positive test results to the parent/guardian if they have been unsuccessful in persuading the minor to do so and they believe it is in the best interest of the minor.

Good Health Practices Practice abstinence to avoid STIs and unplanned pregnancy. If you are sexually active – use a condom and get tested often. Show respect for yourself by eating healthy, getting enough rest, and exercising. Show respect to others by growing your relationship and never pressuring anyone for sex.

What are your healthy practices? I swim! What are your healthy practices?

Common STI Usually no symptoms Symptoms Include: Chlamydia Cook County ranks #2 in the country for this STI Most common STI Silent STI – most people have no symptoms Symptoms Burning Abnormal discharge Pain when urinating Long term consequences Infertility, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Sterility Gonorrhea Cook County ranks #1 in the country for this STI Symptoms Include: Abnormal vaginal discharge, discharge from the penis; pain and pus during urination Usually no symptoms Long term consequences Infertility, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Sterility

Genital Warts and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Common STI Syphilis Cook County ranks #3 in the country for this STI Caused by bacteria Curable only at stage 1 and early in stage 2 Three stages of syphilis: 1. Painless sore 2. Rash that goes away 3. Late Stage: blindness, numbness and brain damage Genital Warts and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Caused by a virus Symptoms are treatable but will not go away Can be transmitted from skin to skin contact Symptoms include: Non-painful bumps Some have no symptoms Can be treated with laser or chemical freezing A symptom of HPV can be genital warts

Common Sti Herpes Pubic Lice/ Crabs Caused by a virus Symptoms are treatable but will never go away Medication can be taken regularly to treat symptoms Can experience periods of dormancy or no symptoms Outbreaks can occur without warning Symptoms include: Painful blisters Genital area or in the mouth Discomfort in the genital region Pubic Lice/ Crabs Caused by a parasite, not a bacteria or virus Can be transmitted by skin to skin contact Symptoms include intense itching Looks like small grains of sand Treatment includes special shampoo from doctor Curable; all bedding, towels and clothes need to be washed in HOT water

HIV HIV is the virus that causes AIDS A person is infected with HIV, not AIDS Transmitted by 4 bodily fluids blood semen vaginal fluids breast milk Other ways to transmit Sharing of infected needles- IDU Tattoos and piercings You cannot look at someone and tell they have HIV No symptoms with HIV Blood test to determine infection