Sexually Transmitted Infections In this lesson you will… Identify commons STDs and the problems they cause State how to protect yourself from STDs Define HIV/AIDS Explain how people become infected with HIV and develop AIDS.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Infections that are spread from person to person through sexual contact

Chlamydia Bacteria Affects reproductive organs, urethra, and anus It can be treated with antibiotics Curable Called a “silent” disease Symptoms include… Genital discharge Pain when urinating If left untreated it can cause damage to the reproductive organs and lead to infertility.

Genital Herpes Virus Produces painful blisters in the genital area, rectum or mouth Transmitted by sexual contact with an infected partner Will cause periodic outbreaks of painful blisters and sores Can be passed on without sores present No cure Can be treated with antibiotics to prevent/shorten outbreaks

Genital Warts Virus Growths or bumps in genital area caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) Transmitted through genital contact (vaginal or anal), oral sex, genital to genital contact Can be treated with antibiotics NO cure Silent disease Linked to cervical and skin cancer

Trichomoniasis Bacteria Caused by protozoan Trichomonal vaginalis Can be treated with antibiotics and CAN be cured Silent disease Symptoms – discomfort during urination, genital discharge, irritation/itching in genital area Most common curable STI

Gonorrhea Bacterial Affects moist areas of the reproductive tract Women - cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes, urethra Both – urethra, mouth, throat, eyes, and anus. Symptoms – burning during urination, thick yellow, green, or white discharge. Can be treated with antibiotics and CAN be cured If untreated… can infect other parts of the body (blood, joints) and become life threatening. Cause fertility problems for men and women

Syphilis Bacterial Affects body organs and brain Stages of Syphilis Primary - symptoms include sores Secondary – symptoms include body rashes, fever, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue Latent stages – symptoms - difficulty coordinating muscle movements, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia In latent stages, if still untreated can cause mental disorders, blindness, heart problems, paralysis, death It can be treated with antibiotics and CAN be cured

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Infection of the female reproductive organs bacteria move upward from a woman's vagina into her reproductive organs. Result of contracting Chlamydia or gonorrhea Males can not have this Can be treated with antibiotics and CAN be cured If left untreated, it can cause sterility

HIV/AIDS HIV – human immunodeficiency virus Can cause AIDS AIDS – acquired immunodeficiency syndrome HIV attacks T-cells. HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. When this happens, HIV infection leads to AIDS. Carrier – a person who appears healthy but is infected with HIV and can pass it to others

HIV/AIDS HIV is spread by contact with body fluids Sperm Vaginal fluid Blood Breast milk HIV is NOT spread by… Air Bitten by mosquito Swimming Sharing utensils Kissing Hugging

HIV/AIDS There is NO cure for HIV or AIDS HIV/AIDS can be treated Treatments can slow onset of AIDS HIV/AIDS can be prevented by practicing abstinence, avoiding drugs/alcohol, and not sharing needles

Practicing Abstinence Abstinence is a conscious, active choice not to participate in sexual activity Ways to avoid being pressured into sexual activity… Group dates Talking before the date Stating your intentions Confident with your choice