STD/STI

Sexually Transmitted Disease/Infection Communicable Diseases Infections that are spread from person to person through sexual contact. Sexual contact is not restricted to sexual intercourse. ¼ of all new cases of STDs appear among year olds. ¼ of sexually active teens have an STD. Many don’t know they are infected (asymptomatic)

What You Should Know You cannot tell if someone has an STD, because of this a person may be a carrier. A carrier is a person who appears healthy but is infected. Most STDs can be treated or cured, but early diagnosis is key. Because treatments for STDs vary, they must be accurately identified. STDs can cause serious health problems, especially if left untreated.

Bacterial Infections Chlamydia A silent disease because in many cases there are no symptoms and if left untreated can cause infertility. Symptoms include genital discharge, pain when urinating and pain/swelling of the genital area. Treated with antibiotics Up to 40% of sexually active teens contract chlamydia.

Bacterial Infections Gonorrhea Affects the mucus membranes of the body. If left untreated can infect other parts of the body, including the heart, can cause fertility problems. Symptoms include genital discharge, burning/pain when urinating, sore throat. Treated with antibiotics.

Bacterial Infections Syphilis If not caught and treated early can cause blindness, paralysis, deafness, brain and heart disease. Symptoms include painful sores, flu-like symptoms, painless rash on hands, feet or whole body. Swollen lymph nodes and hair loss. If diagnosed early can be treated with antibiotics.

Insect/Parasite Pubic Lice/Crabs Can be spread as simply as sharing a towel, clothes or bedding. Symptoms include itching and redness Treated with special medicated shampoos and lotions.

Viral Infections Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Over 30 different kinds. An estimated 8/10 women will get some form of HPV. Can cause cervical cancer (internal) as well as genital warts (external). There is no cure, but is a new vaccine is available to protect from the disease.

Viral Infections Genital Herpes Symptoms include painful, watery blisters, burning during urination, flu-like symptoms. Outbreaks can occur as often as every month. There is no cure but medications can lesson outbreaks. However, this is an ongoing disease and the outbreaks are unpredictable.

Viral Infections Genital Warts Is a strand of the HPV virus and highly contagious. Warts may be round, flat or raised small cauliflower-like bumps. There is no cure for genital warts. Medication can be applied to the wart or warts may be removed by surgery or laser.

ABSTINENCE There is only ONE way to 100% prevent STDs:

Education is KEY Stand up if you have a small blue dot on the corner of your paper. 25% of sexually active teens have an STI/STD. That’s a lot! Now is the time to write down any question(s) you may have about sex, reproduction, STIs, STDs, etc. You do not have to put your name on it. Fold it and bring it up to me.