Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI’S) By Jessica Reid

Introduction to STI’S What is it? And how is it caused? An STI or sexual transmitted infection are infections transited through sexual activity. Any STD/STI can be spread through sexual intercourse, and some STDs/STIs also are spread through oral sex and sex play. Ejaculation does not have to occur for an STD/STI to be passed from person to person. Sharing contaminated needles used to inject drugs or using contaminated body piercing and tattooing equipment also can transmit some infections, such as HIV or hepatitis B and C. A few diseases can be sexually transmitted but are also spread through nonsexual, close contact. Regardless of how a person is exposed, once a person is infected by an STD/STI, he or she can spread the infection to other people through oral, vaginal, or anal sex, even if he or she has no symptoms. STDs/STIs are of particular concern in pregnant women, because some infections can be passed on to the infant before birth or during delivery. However, the risk of transmission from mother to infant can be lowered, and it is important for every expectant mother to be screened.

Prevention To prevent getting a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, always avoid sex with anyone who has genital sores, a rash, discharge, or other symptoms. The only time unprotected sex is safe is if you and your partner have sex only with each other, and if it's been at least six months since you each tested negative for STDs. Otherwise you should: Use latex condoms every time you have sex. If you use a lubricant, make sure it's water-based. Use condoms for the entire sex act. Condoms are not 100% effective at preventing disease or pregnancy. However, they are extremely effective if used properly. Learn how to use condoms correctly. Avoid sharing towels or underclothing. Wash before and after intercourse. Get a vaccination for hepatitis B. This is a series of three shots. Consider that not having sex is the only sure way to prevent STDs

Symptoms Sexually transmitted diseases -- or STDs -- often are silent, meaning there are no symptoms. Especially if you are a woman, you may not notice any symptoms until you have developed serious complications. Be on the lookout for: A drip or discharge from the penis, urethra, vagina, or anus. The colour may be white, yellow, green, or grey. The discharge may be blood-streaked, and it may or may not have a strong odour. Genital and/or anal itching or irritation. A rash, blisters, sores, lumps, bumps, or warts on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth. Burning or pain during urination. Swollen lymph glands in the groin. Pain in the groin or lower belly. Vaginal bleeding. Pain or swelling of the testicles. Swelling or redness of the vagina. Weight loss, loose stools, night sweats. Flu-like symptoms (such as aches and pains, fevers, and chills). Painful sex. Bleeding from the vagina other than during a monthly period

Common STI’S (Caused by Bacteria) Chlamydia Chlamydia is the most common curable STD. It infects the cervix in women, and the penile urethra in men. Its most frequent symptoms are pain during sex, and discharge from the penis or vagina. However, the reason chlamydia is so common is that most people who get chlamydia don't have symptoms for weeks, months, or even years. Despite the lack of symptoms, it's important to get screened and treated if you think you might have been exposed to chlamydia, because it can do a lot of damage to your body in the long run. Want to avoid getting chlamydia? Latex condoms are effective at preventing the disease.

Gonorrhea Gonorrhea, otherwise known as "the clap," is another common bacterial STD. In general it infects the same organs as chlamydia, and has similar long-term effects. Symptoms of gonorrhea include burning when urinating and, in men, white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Just as with chlamydia, however, many people with gonorrhea don't have symptoms. This is why the CDC estimates that, in the United States alone, there are more than 700,000 new cases a year. Oh, and if you're one of those people who thinks that oral sex is safe sex (or isn't sex at all), you should know that gonorrhea can also infect the throat.

Syphilis Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease with a notorious history. Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Syphilis is transmitted by direct contact with syphilis sores, which can appear on the external genitals and the mouth, as well as in the vagina or rectum. Because these sores can appear on areas not covered by a condom, condoms only reduce the likelihood of transmission, but not eliminate it entirely. The small painless sores (chancres) of early syphilis may heal by themselves, but that doesn't mean the disease is gone -- it's just become more difficult to detect and treat.

More extreme STI’S (caused by virus) ADIS/HIV Herpes Genital warts

Cures Bacterial STDs can be cured with antibiotics if treatment begins early enough. Viral STDs cannot be cured, but you can manage symptoms with medications. However the virus will always remain in your body

Stats Key findings from the 2007 New Zealand Annual STI Surveillance Report: Chlamydia trachomatis was the most commonly diagnosed STI Between 2003 and 2007, diagnoses of chlamydia increased by 19% and gonorrhoea by 56% Genital warts were the most common viral infection There were 71 cases of infectious syphilis in 2007, up 4% from 2006 People aged less than 25 years accounted for 72% of cases of chlamydia, 62% of gonorrhoea, 43% of genital herpes and 62% of genital warts

Extra notes If you have any concerns about STIS please do not hesitate to get checked by your doctor or book a ointment at family planning. Better be safe then sorry right? Keep safe kids!