1. 4.3.1 About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs)
Using what I have learned I am able to make informed decisions and choices that promote and protect my own and others’ sexual health and wellbeing. HWB 4-47b
I know how to access services, information and support if my sexual health and wellbeing is at risk. I am aware of my rights in relation to sexual health including my right to confidentiality, and my responsibilities, including those under the law. HWB 4-48a
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2. Success Criteria
Young people can name STIs/BBVs and explain how they are transmitted.
Young people recognise general symptoms (including that there might be none) of STI infection.
Young people can apply their knowledge of STIs/BBVs to make decisions to protect their own sexual health and that of others.
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3. Why are we talking about STIs/BBVs?
15 – 24 year olds are the most at risk group for STI/BBV infection
1 in 5 young people aged (18 – 24) do not understand what an STIs/BBVs are.
1 in 3 (18 – 24 year olds) have never had a test.
1 in 5 (18 – 24 year olds) say they are too embarrassed to go for a test.
(Info from a survey by The Mix UK charity)
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4. Activity: What do we know? What do we need to know?
What do STI and BBV stand for? (use this a title for your poster)
What STIs and BBVs are there?
How are STIs and BBVs transmitted?
What might the symptoms of an STI/BBV be?
What might the consequences be of getting an STI or BBV?
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5. STIs and BBVs
1. Some are viruses: A virus is a small infectious agent that grows inside the living cells of other organisms. Viruses can infect humans, other animals and plants. For example, the common cold and the flu are caused by a virus. Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Hepatitis A, B and C, HIV are sexually transmitted viruses.
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6. STIs and BBVs
2. Some are bacteria: Bacteria are very small organisms. Some bacteria can cause disease. Treatment is often with antibiotics. STIs that are a bacteria include Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis.
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7. STIs and BBVs
3. Some are parasites: A parasite lives or feeds on the body. STIs that are a parasite include Pubic Lice (also called crabs), Trichomoniasis (Trich for short).
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8. STIs: symptoms and treatment
A symptom is a sign of an illness. For example if you have chicken pox you would get a fever and feel sick, then you would get spots. Some STIs/BBVs do not have symptoms. A symptom of an STI could be sores, blisters, redness, bumps or lumps on or around the genitals (private parts). Or it could be an unusual, coloured or smelly discharge (liquid) from the vagina or penis. Or maybe itching around the genitals or pain when peeing or having sex.
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9. STIs: symptoms and treatment
Treatment means what a doctor says you should do or take to help when you are ill. Treatment can be a medicine or other advice, like to eat a certain way or rest. Treatment by a doctor or nurse is confidential.
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10. Activity: STIs: Fact or Fiction?
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11. 1 Only people that sleep around get an STI/BBV FICTION
STIs and BBVs don’t discriminate. If you have sex you are at risk. You can reduce the risk by using condoms.
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12. 2 If someone has an STI/BBV you’ll see it. FICTION
Even a nurse or doctor won’t necessarily know if a person has an STI/BBV just by looking. That’s why they do tests.
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13. 3 The best protection against most STIs/BBVs is using condoms FACT
Condoms don’t provide 100% protection but they are the most effective way to protect yourself.
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14. 4 You can avoid STIs/BBVs by having oral sex FICTION
The virus or bacteria that causes most STIs/BBVs can entre the body in the mouth, especially if there are little tears or cuts in the mouth you don’t realise are there.
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15. 5
You can protect yourself by limiting the number of partners you have.
FACT
When you are ready to have sex – any kind of sex – have it with just one person and talk to them about it first. Find out about them. Always use condoms and (if you need to) contraception. The fewer partners you have the less chance you will get an STI/BBV.
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16. 6 You can protect yourself by choosing not to have some kinds of sex.
FACT
When we say ‘sex’ this of course can include a lot of things. If you choose not to have penetrative (oral, vaginal or anal) sex then you will be more protected from STIs/BBVs.
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17. 7 Once you have had an STI/BBV you can’t get it again. FICTION
Some STIs/BBVs are for life – like Herpes or HIV and you have to manage them so that you don’t pass them on to others. For others you have to protect yourself every time you have sex because you can get them again.
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18. 8
If you get checked and you don’t have an STI/BBV then your partner doesn’t need checked.
FICTION
Your partner could have an STI/BBV and not know it. You both need checked.
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19. 9
If you are in a relationship and you only have sex with each other you will be protected from STIs/BBVs.
FACT
This is called being faithful or being monogamous. At the start of a relationship though the partners still need to have tests to make sure they don’t have an STI/BBV.
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20. 10
Young people say that one reason for not going to a sexual health clinic is that they feel embarrassed or even ashamed of maybe having an STI/BBV.
FACT
Anyone can get an STI/BBV. There is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. Your local sexual health clinic has helped lots of young people. No-one will embarrass you or make you feel ashamed. They will get you sorted with anything you need.
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21. Things to remember about STIs
Sex without a condom increases risk of STIs.
Anything that is different or unusual about your genitals (private parts) or body like rashes, blisters, itchiness or spots needs to be checked out at a clinic.
Remember that not all STIs have symptoms, so when you are sexually active it’s a good idea to have a regular check-up.
Your local sexual health service will provide good online information about STIs. Anyone can visit this site as an example: health/sexually-transmitted-infections/
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