Sexually Transmitted Infections Chapter 23

What Are STIs? Sexually transmitted infections are infections that are spread from person to person through sexual contact Previously known as STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases Infections are categorized as bacterial or viral Bacterial infections are curable, viral infections are not

Sexually Transmitted Infections Some common STIs include: Genital HPV Chlamydia Gonorrhea Herpes Syphilis

Genital HPV Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 30 strains are transmitted through sexual contact Symptoms include: Warts (bumps) in or around the genital area They may go away on their own, or they can grow, spread, or remain unchanged Can cause cervical cancer Warts can come back because the virus may remain in body

Chlamydia Affects both women and men Symptoms occur within 7-28 days of intercourse Most have NO symptoms When symptoms are present, they include: Discharge from vagina Bleeding between periods Burning or pain with urination; frequent urination Pain in abdomen Fever and nausea

Chlamydia Can lead to a more serious infection, and the reproductive organs can be damaged Damaged reproductive organs can result in sterility Mother can pass STI to child during vaginal childbirth

Gonorrhea Symptoms can occur 2-21 days after intercourse Most have no symptoms, but symptoms include: Thick yellow or white discharge Burning with urination and pain with bowel movement Abnormal periods Cramps in abdomen Reproductive organs can be damaged, leading to sterility Can also cause heart trouble, skin disease, or blindness

Herpes Symptoms can occur 1-30 days or longer after intercourse Many have no symptoms or mild symptoms, including: Flu- like feeling Small, painful blisters around genitals or mouth Itching or burning before the blisters appear Blisters last 1-3 weeks Blisters go away, but you still have herpes.

Syphilis Stage 1: Symptoms can occur 3-12 weeks after intercourse A painless, reddish- brown sore or sores on the mouth, sex organs, breast or fingers that last about 1-5 weeks Sores go away, but you still have syphilis

Syphilis Stage 2: 1 week to 6 months after sores heal Rash anywhere on the body Flu- like symptoms Symptoms will subside, but you still have syphilis