Sexually transmitted diseases

Increasing due to: n Increasing sexual activity n Multiple sexual partners n Use of birth control pills – Increases the chance of contracting an STD

Frequency of STD’s n 50% by age 30-35

Chlamydia n Most common bacterial STD in US n Often no symptoms in men and women n Female symptoms – Urethritis, cervicitis – PID n Male Burning urination

Increasing risk for women & chlamydia n Oral contraceptives n Douching

Syphilis - Cause n Treponema Pallidium

Syphilis - symptoms n Primary stage - Painless sore

Syphilis - symptoms n Primary stage - Painless sore

Syphilis - symptoms n Primary stage - Painless sore

Syphilis - symptoms n Secondary stage - skin rash

Syphilis - symptoms n Third (Tertiary) stage n No symptoms n Death or blindness

Latent syphilis passed on to the fetus:

Gonorrhea n Bacterial infection

Gonorrhea n Symptoms (in males) – Burning urination – Cloudy discharge n Symptoms (in women) – Most women unaware of primary symptoms

Gonorrhea n “Short-arm “ inspection – “milking” penis for suspicious discharge

Gonorrhea - diagnosis

Herpes n 20% - 25% of population infected n Type I & II – Oral herpes transmitted through kissing n Transmitted during asymptomatic periods n Will not pass through latex condoms

Herpes symptoms n Prodromal symptoms – Itching or burning n Regular symptoms – Blisters

Herpes - Blisters

Herpes treatment n No cure n Treatment with Zovirax

Pubic lice n Symptoms – Itching in the pubic area

Pubic Lice n Treatment

Genital Warts n Most prevalent STD in the U.S. n Virus

Genital warts - Treatment n No cure, but will often subside by itself. n Related to cervical cancer n Treatment – Gardasil vaccine

Gardasil Vaccine – For girls and women 9 to 26 years old – Most effective if given before sexual activity begins n Protects against 2 high risk strains of HPV causing 70% of cervical cancers n Protects against 2 low risk strains responsible for 90% of genital warts n Even if you have been exposed to one strain, the vaccine can protect against other strains n Women should get this vaccine! – (personal opinion)

HIV n Heterosexual transmission increasing n Incubation period – years n Increasing faster among women than men n Symptoms most commonly associates with other types of illnesses. E.g. the flu (in early stages).

Avoiding HIV n Avoid IV drugs n Avoid anal intercourse n Avoid intercourse during menstruation n Avoid male or female prostitutes

HIV virus found in: n Vaginal secretions n Blood n Semen n Saliva n Urine n Breast milk

Safer Sex n Tell partner about your previous sexual history n Carry & use latex condoms every time n Use a water based lubricant (e.g.” KY”) – Oil based lubricants damage latex condoms n Use spermicidal foams, jellies or creams – Some spermicides kill some STD germs – Apply inside the tip of the condom – Apply inside the vagina

Condom use n Unroll the condom directly onto the erect penis n Store in a cool dry place n Withdraw after ejaculation while still erect (hold the base of the condom to prevent slippage).

STD’s and the Pill n Being on the pill increases your chances to almost 100%

Chronic vaginitis and the pill n Being on the pill increases your chances of having chronic vaginitis.