SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

THE MOST COMMON STI’S STI’s are caused by pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoan’s. These pathogens live in the reproductive organs of males and females. STI’s can spread from person to person through blood and bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. The three most common STI’s are trichomoniasis, human papilloma virus and chlamydia.

TRICHOMONIASIS Symptoms for males include painful urination, a clear discharge from the penis, and some itching. Most males experience no symptoms at all Symptoms for females include itching and burning in the vagina, an unpleasant smelling, yellowish discharge, and pain when urinating.

TRICHOMONIASIS Symptoms may develop in 3-28 days. Over 7 million people are infected each year. Often called “trich” Caused by a protozoan that infects the urinary tract or vagina.

HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS The most common VIRAL STI in the US is HPV. Some forms of HPV can cause genital warts. (low risk) Other forms of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women. (high risk) Sometimes, the body’s immune system will destroy the virus, clearing the body of the infection in 8-13 months. Other times, the virus will hide in the body going undetected for years.

HPV Vaccine More than 100 different types of HPV, 40 of which are sexually transmitted. Half of all people will have HPV in their lifetime. 1 in 4 women will have the high risk HPV Treatment for high risk HPV includes a colposcopy, cryotherapy and a LEEP.

CHLAMYDIA The most common STI caused by a bacteria. Infected males often experience painful, frequent urination and discharge from the penis. Infected females may experience a yellowish discharge. Most females have no symptoms what so ever.

CHLAMYDIA If left untreated, chlamydia may lead to PID. A pregnant woman can transmit chlamydia to her child during birth. If the infant survives, it may suffer damage to the lungs or eyes. Nearly 3 million infected each year.

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE PID Infection of the reproductive organs that can lead to scarring. May lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy, a potentially fatal condition where a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus.

HEPATITIS Hepatitis B and C Sexually transmitted infections that attack the liver. Children are vaccinated for Hep B (HBV) There are no vaccinations for Hep C (HCV)

GONORRHEA Bacterial STI that infects the urinary tract of males and females and the reproductive organs of females. 700,000 infections each year Infected males usually have a thick, pus like discharge from the penis and painful urination. Symptoms in infected woman are often very mild and go unnoticed. May lead to PID May transmit to child during birth. In the US, babies are given medicated eye drops to prevent at birth to prevent infection.

GENITAL HERPES Virus Herpes Simplex Virus Symptoms may often be unnoticeable Others may have painful blisters that appear on or around the genital area. You can pass herpes with or without a current outbreak. Mother to child during birth- may cause blindness or death. Cesarean section if infected.

SYPHILIS Bacterial disease- 3 distinct stages 1 st stage: Painless sore called a chancre appears 2 nd stage: Sores appear on the mouth and flu like symptoms develop. A non-itchy rash on the hands and feet. 3 rd stage: Symptoms may disappear for years. During this time, however, the bacteria attack the brain and heart. If left untreated syphilis may cause brain damage, paralysis, heart disease and death.

SYPHILIS Treatment only works in the 1 st and 2 nd stage. Mother to child- syphilis can damage the baby’s skin, bones, eyes, teeth, and liver.