Sexually Transmitted infections

STIs Any pathogen that passes from one person to another during sexual contact is called a sexually transmitted infection There are 19 million new cases of STIs per year Of those, 3 million occur in people under the age of 20!!

STIs Short term effects: Long term effects: Pain Discomfort Embarrassment Long term effects: Increased risk of certain forms of cancer Increased risk of infertility

Risky Behaviors Many people engage in behaviors that are risky and dangerous Because of this, the spread of STIs becomes more and more prevalent

Ignoring Risks Being sexually active puts you at risk Many people don’t take precautions Many people ignore the risks Teens in particular think “it won’t/can’t happen to me”

Multiple Partners The more sexual partners you have, the greater the chances of contracting a sexually transmitted illness!

Not seeking treatment Some people who become infected do not receive immediate treatment Some people are too embarrassed Some don’t recognize symptoms Some STIs don’t have symptoms, or symptoms go away after a short period of time

Avoiding STIs Abstinence Avoid Using Drugs/Alcohol No sexual contact = No STIs Avoid Using Drugs/Alcohol Anyone who engages in sexual activity with a drug user is at higher risk of getting an STI Alcohol impairs your ability to think clearly Choose Responsible Friends Friends who support your healthy decisions can make it easier to resist the pressure to use drugs or engage in sexual activity

Kinds of STIs The most common STIs in the United States are trichomoniasis, human papilloma virus, and chlamydia However, there are many more that we need to discuss!!

Trichomoniasis Is caused by a protozoan that infects the urinary tract or vagina Males- painful urination & clear discharge from the penis, some itching (most of the time males will have no symptoms) Females- Itching & burning, yellowish discharge, pain when urinating If not treated, it can lead to severe vaginal infection & inflammation of the urinary tract

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) In many cases, HPV has no symptoms, so people may not be aware they are infected Some forms cause genital warts- these can be removed by a doctor (they are burned & cut off) however, they can & usually will grow back HPV can remain in your body for life Can cause cervical cancer in women, which can then cause them to become infertile

Chlamydia Most common STI caused by bacteria in the US Can be cured with antibiotics Males- painful, frequent urination & discharge Females- No symptoms other than a yellowish discharge If untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility

Gonorrhea Bacterial STI that infects urinary tracts Males- thick, pus-like discharge & painful urination Females- sometimes experience painful urination but symptoms might go unnoticed

Genital Herpes Caused by a virus Painful blisters that appear on or around the genitals NO CURE Infected people can experience periodic outbreaks of blisters throughout their lives Can be passed whether blisters are present or not A woman can pass it to her unborn child & it can cause blindness or death

Syphilis Bacterial STI that progresses in three stages: Stage 1: Painless chancre sores appear on genitals Stage 2: Sores appear in mouth & flu-like symptoms develop; a non-itchy rash appears on feet & hands Stage 3: Symptoms disappear for years; during this time bacteria attach internal parts of the body, such as the brain & heart; eventually causes brain damage & death

Check Ups People who participate in high-risk behaviors should get medical check-ups every 6 months to check for sexually transmitted infections If a person finds out they have an STI, it is important that they notify any sexual partners so they can seek treatment

Trichomoniasis

HPV

Chlamydia *Can cause pelvic inflammatory disease:

Genital Herpes

Syphilis