Sexually Transmitted Infections Intro to Wellness

True or False STIs can be caused by a bacteria or a virus. You can have more than one STI at a time. You always know if you have a STI. If the symptoms of a STI go away, you are cured. Some STIs will never go away. There is no contraception that helps protect against STIs. You have to have sex in order to get an STI.

Did you know? By the age of % of Americans will have contracted an STI 1 in 4 women by the age of 18 ▫More vulnerable to infections based on biology CDC estimates that nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections occur every year in this country, half among young people ages 15–24.

Facts about Chlamydia Caused by bacteria Most commonly reported STI ▫Estimated 2.86 million cases occur annually # 1 cause of infertility Known as the “silent” disease – often no symptoms Transmitted through sex and can be passed from mother to baby in child birth Can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics.

Symptoms include discharge or burning while urinating If not treated, will spread to fallopian tubes

Facts about Gonorrhea Caused by a bacteria Grows & multiplies easily in warm, moist areas Highest reported rates of infection are among sexually active teenagers Transmitted through sex and can be passed from mother to baby in child birth Antibiotics can cure gonorrhea

Gonorrhea Symptoms include: burning when urinating, white, yellow or green discharge

Facts about Syphilis Caused by a bacteria Three stages: Primary, Secondary, Late Transmitted by direct contact with the sore and can be passed from mother to baby in child birth Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Easy to cure in its early stage with antibiotics

Syphilis Symptoms include: a chancre – a single sore at the location the syphilis entered the body, skin rash – secondary, damage to brain & nerves - late

Facts about HPV Human Papillomavirus –caused by virus There are more than 40 types Transmitted through intercourse, oral sex or genital contact In 90% of cases, the body’s immune system clears HPV infection naturally Vaccines can protect against some of the most common types of HPV There is no treatment for the virus, just for the diseases it can cause: genital warts, cervical cancer

HPV Symptoms include genital warts, warts in throat, cervical cancer

Facts about Genital Herpes Caused by a virus 1 out of every 6 people 19 – 49 have genital herpes virus Transmitted through sex. Virus can be release from skin that does not appear to have a sore. It is not curable, but you can treat outbreaks

Genital Herpes Symptoms include: clusters of sores on genitals, flu-like symptoms including fever & swollen glands

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus Destroys T-cells which help the body fight diseases Transmitted through body fluids – semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk Can not be cured, but there are a variety of treatments slow down infection

Go see a doctor if… If you may have been exposed or you have any of the following signs or symptoms: ▫Odor from penis or vagina ▫Discharge from penis or vagina ▫Painful urination ▫Blisters or sores on or near the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus ▫Flu-like symptoms that don’t go away ▫Sore throat that does not go away ▫Abdominal pain

STIs are NASTY! The surest way to avoid transmission: Abstain from sexual intercourse Mutually monogamous relationship with someone who is known to be uninfected Use protection consistently and correctly