Ch. 25 Lesson 2 Common STIs

STDs The CDC reports that STDs account for more than 85% of the most common communicable diseases in the US The primary means of transmission of STDs is sexual activity. Teens who choose abstinence from sexual activity greatly reduce their risk of contracting STDs.

Human Papillomavirus HPV Virus that causes genital warts or asymptomatic infections HPV is considered the most common STD in the US. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV HPV can cause cancers of the penis and anus.

Genital Warts Are pink reddish warts w/ cauliflower-like tops that appear on the genitals and throat Are highly contagious and are spread by any form of sexual contact

Chlamydia Is a bacterial infection that affects the reproductive organs 40% of cases are reported in teens 15 to 19 yrs old It’s asymptomatic Males may experience discharge from the penis and burning upon urination Females may experience vaginal discharge, burning urination or abdominal pain

Chlamydia cont. Untreated can lead to infertility Untreated females can also develop (PID) pelvic inflammatory disease

Genital Herpes Caused by the herpes simplex. There are two types… Type 1 usually caused by cold sores Type 2 caused by genital sores Both can infect the mouth and genitals About 20% of the total adolescent population is infected with the virus

Genital Herpes continued Most of those infected are asymptomatic and are not aware they have it. Most have blister-like sores that occur periodically Meds can relieve symptoms, but cannot cure Can be fatal for infants who contract it from their mothers

Gonorrhea A bacterial STD that usually affects mucous membranes The highest rates of gonorrhea are found in females from 15-19 yrs old and males from 20-24 yrs old. Symptoms include a discharge from the penis/vagina and painful urination Approximately 50% of females infected have no symptoms

Gonorrhea continued Can lead to infertility Can spread to the bloodstream and cause permanent damage to the joints. Females can pass the infection to their babies during childbirth and contract eye infections that cause blindness.

Trichomoniasis Caused by microscopic protozoan that results in infections of the vagina, uretha, and bladder. About 5 million new cases every year Usually no symptoms occur, however the disease may result in vaginitis-an inflammation of the vagina with discharge, odor, irritation, and itching

Syphilis An STD that attacks many parts of the body and is caused by a small bacterium called a spirochete. The first sign of the infection is a painless reddish sore, called a chancre. If not treated it spreads to other parts of the body.

Syphilis continued The disease can damage internal organs (heart, liver, nervous system, and kidneys) If left untreated, the person is at risk of paralysis, convulsions, and heart disease. An infant with syphilis may have a damaged nervous system and can die from the effects.

Other Common STD’s Chancroid (bacteria) Bacterial Vaginosis Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Pubic lice

Seeking Treatment Being embarrassed should not stop a person from seeking treatment from a private physician or health clinic By law, information about these diseases is kept confidential Only health care professionals can prescribe treatment and antibiotics Ultimately it is the responsibility of any person infected with an STD to notify anyone they have had sexual contact with.

Lesson 2 Review Questions Which STDs might not present noticeable symptoms? Analyze and explain the harmful effects of two common STDs on fetuses and infants. Where can a person go for treatment of an STD?

Review Questions continued… 4. Describe the symptoms of gonorrhea & genital herpes for males and females> 5. Public policies enable health officials to locate & contact sexual partners of people who have been diagnosed with an STD. How do these policies help with the prevention and treatment of STDs?