Chapter 7 Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (also called sexually transmitted diseases/STDs) STIs are infections that are passed from one person to another via sexual contact Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, or parasites may cause STIs STIs are among the most common infections in the United States

Did you know? The U.S. has the highest rates of STIs in the industrialized world Our rate of infection is times higher than other countries Approximately 15.3 million new cases are reported in the U.S. each year. –25% of these occur among teenagers –75% occur among those younger than 25 By age 24, one in three sexually active people will have contracted an STI

Why the rise in STIs? Increased tendency to have multiple partners Increased sexual activity among adolescents Increased use of birth control pills rather than spermicides or condoms Since many STI have no obvious symptoms, an infected person may unknowingly transmit an STI Many people remain uneducated or uninterested in the causes and consequences of STIs.

Levels of Risk of Various Sexual Behaviors

The number of sexual partners is the best predictor of STI risk

Common Bacterial Infections: Chlamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Bacterial Vaginosis

Chlamydia Cause and Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications Research

Gonorrhea Cause and Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications Research

Syphilis Cause and Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications Research

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Cause and Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications Research

Bacterial Vaginosis Cause and Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications Research

Common Viral Infections: Genital Herpes Hepatitis Human Papilloma Virus (Genital Warts) HIV and AIDS

Genital Herpes Cause and Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications Research

Hepatitis Cause and Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications Research

Human Papilloma Virus (Genital Warts) Cause and Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications Research

HIV and AIDS A Brief History of AIDS –1959: First documented case –1981: CDC issues bulletin with first official announcement describing 5 gay men in L.A.

HIV and AIDS Cause

HIV and AIDS Cause Incidence

HIV and AIDS

Cause Incidence Transmission –Blood Infection –Sexual Contact –Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Breast- Feeding –Artificial Insemination

HIV and AIDS Cause Incidence Transmission Nontransmission

HIV and AIDS Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications Prevention Research

Common Parasitic Infections Pubic Lice Scabies Trichomoniasis

Public Lice Cause and Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications

Scabies Cause and Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications

Trichomoniasis Cause and Transmission Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Possible Complications

Ten Ways to Reduce the Risks of Contracting STIs Be abstinent Use Condoms Engage in safer sex Get information Be selective Communicate Be assertive Be honest Stay sober Get regular sleep

What to do if you get an STI Seek medical attention Inform your sexual partner(s) Use strategies to reduce reinfection