Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What is a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? An infection that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. Here are some of the most common STDs in the United States that we will discuss: Chlamydia Gonorrhea Genital Herpes Genital Warts Syphilis HIV/AIDS

What you should know… Most STDs are spread ONLY through sexual contact. Most STDs have either very mild or no symptoms. Many STDs can be treated and cured, but early diagnosis is important. STDs can recur because the body does not build up an immunity against them. The BEST way to protect yourself from an STD is by practicing ABSTINENCE.

Surprising Facts STDs are most common in the 15 -24 age group…50% of all new STDs are found in this age group! 46% of American high school students have had sexual intercourse and put themselves at risk for STDs. 1 in 4 teens contracts an STD every year. 1 in 2 sexually active people will get an STD by the age of 25.

Activity How are sexually transmitted diseases spread?

Important Terms Bacteria: Infective agent that can be cured. Virus: Infective agent that can’t be cured. Sterility: Inability to fertilize or reproduce. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs.

Chlamydia Cause Bacteria Transmission Sexual contact, mother to baby during delivery Signs & Symptoms Unusual discharge from penis or vagina, burning when urinating; may not have symptoms *Many people don’t realize they have Chlamydia because they don’t show symptoms. *If symptoms do appear, they can take up to 3 weeks. Treatment Antibiotics should clear up the infection in 7 to 10 days. Effects Infection of the urethra, inflammation of the cervix (female) or the epididymis (male), Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in females which can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancies later in life.

Gonorrhea Cause (Bacteria or Virus) Bacteria Transmission Sexual contact, mother to baby during birth Signs & Symptoms Unusual discharge from penis or vagina, burning when urinating, stomach pains in women; may not have symptoms *Males are more likely than females to show symptoms. *Many girls show no symptoms or they may be so mild, she doesn’t notice them until they are severe. Treatment Antibiotics Complications Severe harm to reproductive organs, sterility, heart trouble, skin disease, arthritis, PID

Genital Herpes Cause Herpes simplex virus 2 Transmission Sexual contact (even when sores are not present), direct contact with herpes sore, mother to baby during delivery Signs & Symptoms Small, painful blisters on sex organs or mouth, flu-like feelings; may not have symptoms. Treatment No known cure, symptoms can be treated with medications. Complications Mild to severe attacks of painful sores. Can be passed even when sores are not present.

Genital Warts Cause (Bacteria or Virus) Human papillomavirus – HPV (virus) Transmission Sexual contact, direct contact with warts, mother to baby during birth Signs & Symptoms Small, bumpy warts on the sex organs or anus; may not have symptoms *Warts are usually flesh-colored and painless, therefore, they are not noticed right away. Treatment Treated with chemicals, removed by burning, freezing or surgery. No known cure for the virus, but it can clear up on its own. Complications Can grow larger, spread, and become more serious. If left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer in women.

Syphilis Cause (Bacteria or Virus) Bacteria Transmission Sexual contact, mother to baby during pregnancy Signs & Symptoms Primary stage: A chancre sore appears 10 days to 3 months after contracting infection and/or enlarged lymph nodes. Secondary stage: Weeks to months after the chancre appears, syphilis bacteria enters the blood causing symptoms such as rash, fever, headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain, and enlarged lymph nodes. Infection can affect the liver, kidneys, and eyes, or cause meningitis. Tertiary stage: Symptoms such as damage to the eyes, large blood vessels, heart, bones and CNS can appear years later. Other symptoms include memory loss, decreased mental function, walking, balance, bladder control, and vision. Treatment Can be treated with antibiotics in the early stages. Complications If left untreated, can lead to very serious health problems. (see above)

HIV/AIDS Cause (Bacteria or Virus) HIV (virus): HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. Transmission Sexual contact, sharing needles, mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. Signs & Symptoms May show no symptoms; tiredness, fever, night sweats, weight loss, swollen glands, white spots in mouth, diarrhea Treatment No known cure, but treatment can delay symptoms Complications Weak immune system, cancer, pneumonia, death

Think about it... If you were diagnosed with an STI today, how would that affect your life now? How would that affect your future and future relationships?

REMEMBER… ABSTINENCE is the BEST way to prevent yourself from getting a sexually transmitted infection. Don’t ruin your future by making bad choices now!

It’s a Gamble!