Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Infections

Review Answers From STI Quiz

Process Questions What advice might you give a friend who was sexually active? Why is it important for someone your age to know this information?

Advice for a friend Having sex can put you at risk for an STI or pregnancy. Use a condom every time you engage in sex. Don’t exchange bodily fluids with your partner. Get tested regularly. Talk to your partner about their status, and make sure they get tested regularly.

Why is this stuff important to know now? Good to know before it becomes relevant. Good to know about it so that people can be safe. Good to know about it so that people can help a partner, or friend or family member, be safe.

And… Self-management: Some of the risks of sex can affect a person’s ability to reach their goals. Knowing the risks- and how to protect oneself from those risks-can help a person reach their goals. Social awareness: If I know that other people might not tell the truth about their health status, then I can take that into account and do whatever I need to do to stay safe. If I am choosing to engage in behavior that might be risky I can communicate about wanting to get tested/use protection in order to reduce the risks.

The Most Common STIs for teens The complete list is on page 31 & 32 of the Get Real workbook Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Trichomoniasis- protozoa Chlamydia- bacteria Gonorrhea- bacteria Genital Herpes- Virus

Common Symptoms Warts Sores Abnormal discharge Painful urination

No Symptoms? The most common symptom is to have no symptoms at all. How could an STI without symptoms be even more dangerous that an STI with symptoms?

The Answer People do not seek treatment and think everything is fine. As a result, they do not receive treatment and may unknowingly continue spreading the pathogen. Pathogen: something that causes an infections disease

HIV One STI people are often concerned about is HIV, the virus that causes AIDs. HIV= Human Immunodeficiency Virus AIDS= Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Early treatment for HIV can keep the virus from turning into AIDS. People with HIV often have no symptoms for years, but it’s very important to get tested so they can access appropriate medical treatment as soon as possible! There are quick and easy HIV tests (oral swab or finger prick) that can show results in just 15 minutes.

Modes of Transmission Exchange of sexual fluids (ejaculate, pre-ejaculate and vaginal fluid) through unprotected oral, anal or vaginal intercourse. Exchange of blood through sharing needles (used for tattooing, piercing or injecting drugs. Skin-to-skin contact, including oral-to-genital touching. Passage from mother to baby

Reduce the Risk While STIs are common, they are also easily preventable Refer to page 30 in your Get Real workbook Abstinence is the only 100% certain way to avoid the risk of STI transmission

The only way abstinence works is if: Keep blood, ejaculate, pre-ejaculate, and vaginal fluids from entering the body. Be aware that pre-ejaculate appears on the penis during an erection and can contain both sperms and STIs. Don’t touch sores or growths that are caused by STIs. Avoid having multiple sexual partners. Having more than one sexual partner at a time greatly increases the risk. Use condoms correctly and consistently (every time).