Sexually Transmitted Infections Vladimir Oge, MPH, CHES Sexual Health Specialist Student Health Care Center (352) 392-1161, ext. 4281

What Am I Going to Learn today?? Various types of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Modes of Transmission & signs and symptoms Understanding your risk and preventing STIs NOTE: Don’t worry…no nasty pictures!!

What is an STI? Sexually Transmitted Infection Any disease or infection that is spread through sexual contact Usually spread through: Exchange of body fluids Direct skin-to-skin contact

STI: Facts & Stats 50% of all STI cases in U.S. among people ages 15-24 Women are at higher risk of STI transmission Chlamydia is the most common STI in the U.S.; followed by HPV and Herpes

Classifying STIs Bacterial Parasitic Viral Chlamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis Parasitic Pubic Lice (crabs) Scabies Viral Herpes I/II HPV/Genital Warts Hepatitis B HIV

Bacterial Infections Chlamydia Women: infects urethra, cervix Often no symptoms Sometimes pain with urination or lower abdominal pain Infection can spread to tubes and ovaries Can cause infertility Men: infects urethra, epididymis Can cause pain with urination Swelling and pain of the testicles

Herpes Herpes Simplex I: Oral Herpes Herpes Simplex II: Genital Herpes Presents as cold sore or fever blister Can be spread by kissing! Herpes Simplex II: Genital Herpes Blisters on genitals/genital area Contagious during outbreak Can be treated with suppressive therapy

Human Papillomavirus HPV: Genital Warts 100 types The annual Pap smear can detect lesions on cervix Some HPV types cause lesions that can be pre-cancers If not treated, they can eventually become cancers Warts can be treated and removed, but the virus may remain in latent form

Common Signs & Symptoms Sore, bumps, blisters near genitals, anus, or mouth Burning sensation during urination Discharge from penis, vagina, anus Swollen testicles Pain in lower belly (Women) Bleeding from vagina not associated with period (Women)

A Warning about STI Symptoms You should never attempt to diagnose yourself. Consult a health care provider You may be infected and not show any symptoms If symptoms disappear, it doesn’t mean the infection has!!

Why are college students at risk? More likely to have sex than any other age group Multiple partners Alcohol & Drugs Most students don’t know their STI/HIV status

Prevention is the Key… Know your Options It’s not who you are, it’s what you do!! Abstinence is the only 100% effective method of preventing pregnancy and contracting STDs Defined as completely refraining from any type of sexual contact With any other method there’s ALWAYS a possibility of failure.

Reducing the Risk!! Practice Safer Sex Use approved latex male or female condoms during sexual intercourse Condoms & “dental dams” should be used during oral sex Change condoms between each sex act Avoid sharing sex toys Limit number of sex partners; practice monogamy Stay away from alcohol & drugs during sexual situations

If you think you have an STI… Stop having sex!! Get help from your health care provider, immediately Take ALL of the medicine given to you Avoid sex until treatment is complete Contact anyone you’ve had sex with so they can be tested

Where to go for HIV Testing UF Student Health Care Center (Infirmary) (352) 392-1161 Alachua County Health Department (352) 334-7900 Planned Parenthood of North Central Florida, Inc. (352) 377-0881

Resources UF Student Health Care Center www.shcc.ufl.edu Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov Go Ask Alice! www.goaskalice.columbia.edu Alachua County Health Department www.doh.state.fl.us/chdalachua MyStudentBody.com www.mystudentbody.com (enter school code : GATORS)