Sexually Transmitted Diseases Chapter 18

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)- All STD’s start out as infections and once they cause a disruption of normal body function or structure than it is a disease (STD)

Diagnosis The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested!! STDs are diagnosed by samples of urine, fluid from a lesion, or material from a genital sore. Bacterial infections can be cured with antibiotics Take all antibiotics even if symptoms go away Viral infections cannot be cured but can be managed with medications.

The Major STDS Seven STDs pose major health threats Bacterial Infections Chlamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis Viral Infections HIV/AIDS Hepatitis Herpes HPV

Chlamydia Most prevalent bacterial STD in U.S. Symptoms Females: Most women Asymptomatic If symptomatic women have discharge, inflammation of cervix, vaginal bleeding, painful urination, painful intercourse, abdominal pain, nausea, fever Males: slightly watery discharge from penis, pain around testes, painful urination Symptoms appear in 7-21 days

Chlamydia

Gonorrhea Bacterial Infection Symptoms Females: Most women are asymptomatic If symptomatic = painful urination, pelvic pain, discharge Males: Thick yellow-white discharge from penis, painful urination

Syphilis Bacterial Infection Symptoms – Primary Syphilis - Painless sores (chancre) appear Secondary Syphilis – skin rashes Tertiary Syphilis- Damage to organs and nervous system, dementia, blindness; damage can be serious enough to cause death

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease PID Bacterial Infection Definition: Progressive infection that harms a women’s reproductive system. Symptoms - long and painful periods, discharge, spotting, low abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, pain during intercourse. Usually caused by untreated Chlamydia and/or Gonorrhea.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Viral Infection Attacks T helper cells thus reducing the strength of the IS. Infected individuals can die from opportunistic infections. Early symptoms are flu like; later symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, confusion, night sweats, etc.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Viral Infection Attacks and causes Inflammation of the liver Can lead to liver disease and death Symptoms - Extreme fatigue, headache, fever, hives, nausea, vomiting, tenderness in abdomen Preventable with vaccination

Herpes Viral Infection Comes in two forms: HSV1 & 2 (Both cause herpes) HSV1 causes cold sores & fever blisters HSV2 causes genital herpes (lesions) HSV-1 and 2 can cause miscarriages/still births & serious health issues in newborns Herpes can increase your chances of becoming infected with HIV

Herpes

Human Papilloma Virus Viral Infection Virus targets the cervix and vaginal area causing genital warts and cancers (depending on the strain) Symptoms Small bump on the skin or a large, warty growth or cauliflower-like mass

Genital Warts

Should the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine be Mandatory? Discussion Questions Do you agree with this proposed law? How would you explain this vaccine to your 11- or 12-year-old daughter/son? What are opponents of the vaccine concerned about? Do you agree or disagree? Why do you suppose this vaccine is to be mandated and not left as a choice by parents?

Other STD’s Ectoparasitic Infections Scabies Pubic Lice (Crabs) Parasitic insects Found attached to hair in the pubic area (sometimes found on other coarse hair (eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, mustache, etc.) Usually spread through sexual contact. Feed on human blood Scabies Caused by an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite Scabies mite deposits eggs beneath skin Treated with topical creams

Women are hit hard by STDs Male-to-female transmission is more likely to occur Young women are more vulnerable because the cervix is more susceptible to injury and infection Once infected women seem to suffer more consequences of STDs Ex. gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause PID in women In some parts of the world women are more stigmatized if they have an STD

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself Education Diagnosis and Treatment Get vaccinated Be alert for symptoms Get tested Inform your partners Get Treated Prevention Use a barrier defense Condoms are not as effective against herpes, syphilis, & genital warts Know your potential partner.