1. Transfer of Infection Sexual Transmission
Please be aware that this presentation contains some graphical images of sexual reproductive organs, please delete them if you do not wish to use.

2. What are STIs?
Infections passed from person to person through sexual contact
Some can be cured e.g. Chlamydia
Some more serious diseases cannot e.g. AIDS
There are over 25 different known STIs!

3. Can you think of any STIs?
Thrush
Hepatitis
Chlamydia
HIV
AIDS
Herpes
Gonorrhoea
Genital Warts
Syphilis

4. Chlamydia trachomatis Swollen testicles due to a Chlamydia infection
Chlamydia – the facts
Caused by
Bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis
Incidence
The most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK
Symptoms
In many cases Chlamydia is asymptomatic however
Women – vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, pain on passing urine
Men – discharge from the penis, testicular inflammation, irritation of the penis
Babies – eye infection, pneumonia
Transmission
Via vaginal, anal and oral sex
Can be transmitted from mother to unborn baby
Chlamydia trachomatis
Swollen testicles due to a Chlamydia infection

5. Genital herpes in a female
Caused by
Herpes Simplex Virus
Incidence
Increased by 33% between 1997 – 2006 in the UK
Recurrent Symptoms
In many cases there are no symptoms however asymptomatic carriers can still spread the infection
Symptoms can occur 26 days after exposure and include
itching/tingling in the genital or anal area
small fluid-filled blisters and painful sores
pain when passing urine
a flu-like illness
Transmission
Skin to skin contact
Herpes Simplex Virus
Genital herpes in a female

6. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Caused by
Bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Incidence
Increased by 46% between 1997 and 2006 in the UK
Symptoms
About half of all women infected with gonorrhoea, and over 90% of men experience symptoms
Can affect the genitals, anus, rectum and throat with symptoms including
a thin, watery discharge from the vagina or tip of the penis that can appear yellow or green, and pain when urinating
Transmission
Sexual intercourse
Neisseria gonorrhoeae

7. HIV / AIDS
Caused by
Virus Human Immunodeficiency virus which leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
Incidence (UK)
there are 73,000 people in the living with HIV
experts believe that 30% of people with HIV do not know that they have the condition
Symptoms
Early stage HIV: fever, sore throat, joint pain, rash
Later stage HIV: fever, night sweats, blurred vision, swollen glands, weight loss
AIDS: the immune system stops working leaving the patient exposed to many other life threatening conditions such as pneumonia
Transmission
Via vaginal, anal and oral sex

8. Oral candidiasis on the tongue and soft palette
Thrush
Caused by
Fungus of the species Candida
Incidence
Increased by 46% between 1997 and 2006 in the UK
Symptoms
Women
vaginal discharge and or itching
pain, or discomfort, during sexual intercourse
pain, or discomfort, during urination
Men
Discharge from and inflammation of the penis
Pain while passing urine
Small red spots on the tip of the penis
Increased by
Associated with antibiotic use that kill the normal microflora; pregnancy; immune deficiency
Can be transmitted sexually
Candida albicans
Oral candidiasis on the tongue and soft palette

9. Protection against STIs
Abstinence
The only sure way not to catch an STI
Use a condom during sexual activity
Prevents the transmission of bodily fluid
Only protects the skin it covers, sores/warts not covered can still spread through skin contact
Talk to your partner
Discuss the options of safer sex practices
Discuss the option of you both being tested for an STI before committing to a sexual relationship
Have regular check ups at the local family planning or GUM (Genito urinary medicine) clinic
Even if you do not think you have an infection – remember many infections do not appear to have symptoms!