STD Review

Chlamydia- most common bacterial STD Caused by bacteria 75% of females, 50% of males have no symptoms Transmitted through all types of sexual contact, mother to baby Most show no symptoms. Symptoms can include burning during urination, discharge, pain during sex Problems: PID and sterility in women, inflammation of the urethra, eye infections in babies born to infected mothers

Chlamydia Can be cured Treated with antibiotics for all partners Prevention: abstinence, mutual monogamy, condoms

Gonorrhea Caused by a bacteria Transmitted through sexual contact Symptoms: often have none, discharge from genitals and burning during urination Problems: PID in females and sterility in both, can cause infection and blindness in infants if passed on during birth

Gonorrhea Treated/cured with antibiotics Prevention: abstinence, condom use

Genital Warts Caused by Human Papilloma virus Transmitted by direct contact with skin infected with wart virus, and all types of sex Symptoms: none, or warts on the cervix, genital or anal area. Problems: increases risk for cervical cancer, transmitted to infants during birth

Genital Warts Cannot be cured since it’s a virus Treated by medications that are put on the warts, freezing warts, laser therapy or surgery Prevention: Abstinence, condoms may reduce exposure depending on location

HIV infection and AIDS Caused by the HIV virus Transmitted through sex, IV drug use, mother to baby, injecting contaminated blood Symptoms: no symptoms for several years, typical symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite and weight, diarrhea, night sweats, fever. May alternate between periods of health and illness, then symptoms become more frequent and severe.

HIV Infection and AIDS Problems: No known cure for AIDS, all infected people will eventually die Treatment: Drugs that slow growth of HIV Prevention: Abstinence, use of latex gloves, condoms, never share needle injection equipment.

Hepatitis B Caused by Hepatitis B virus, causes infection of the liver Transmitted through very tiny amounts of blood. Sex is the most common transmission route in the US. 100x more easily spread than HIV. Symptoms: Flu Like: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice, lack of appetite. Many have no symptoms

Hepatitis B Problems: long term liver damage, liver cancer Treatment: no cure, antiviral drugs may help. Rest, good nutrition, avoiding alcohol and drugs Prevention: Hep. B vaccine, abstinence, correct sterilization of needles, condom use, latex gloves when in contact with blood.

Herpes Caused by virus, type 1 or type 2 Transmitted by sexual contact-can be transmitted when sores are not present, skin to skin, and close body contact Often no symptoms, internal and external sores on genitals Problems: virus remains in body, can have out breaks at any time, can be transmitted to newborns

Herpes Cannot be cured- it’s a virus Treated with medications that can shorten the length and severity of outbreaks Preventions: abstinence, condoms may decrease risk depending on location of sores

Pubic Lice Caused by tiny insects that infest body hair, feed on human blood. Also called crabs, cooties Transmitted by close or sexual contact, shared sheets, towels, clothing. Symptoms: no symptoms, or severe itching, may be able to see the lice

Pubic Lice Problems: infection due to scratching Treatment: special creams, shampoos Prevention: Abstinence, all partners must e treated, all bedding and clothing must be washed, don’t share towels, underwear

Syphilis Caused by bacteria Transmitted by sexual contact Symptoms: First stage: open sore (chancre), goes away without treatment 2 nd Stage: very contagious rash, develops into sores Latent Stage: no symptoms, but disease can be passed on Late Stage: Tumors, damage to brain, heart, nervous system

Syphilis Problems: Mental illness, crippling, heart disease, death. Treatment: antibiotics Prevention: Abstinence, condoms

Trichomoniasis (yeast infection) Caused by parasite (Fungus) Transmitted through sex, touching genitals Symptoms: no symptoms for most, itching, swelling, painful urination, yellow discharge Problems: irritation, more susceptible to other illnesses and STDs

Trichomoniasis (yeast infection) Treatment: antifungal medications Prevention: Abstinence, condoms

Ways to Reduce Your Risk IF Sexually Active Pre-relationship testing Know your partner’s sexual and drug history Talk openly about past & present risks CONSISTENT use of safer sex products

Testing Locations Public Health Clinics Family Planning Clinics (Planned Parenthood) Private doctor or clinic Hospital emergency room

Methods of Transmission All types of sex Skin to skin contact Close body contact Unwashed clothing Infected blood Infected body fluids Kissing Mutual Masturbation Mother to baby