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Sexually Transmitted Infections
Introduction
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are spread primarily through person–to–person contact.
There are more than 30 different
sexually transmittable bacteria, viruses, and parasites (World Health Organization).
Young people are one of the highest risk groups for STIs but unfortunately often think they are not at risk and that STIs only happen to ‘others.’
Factors that may increase that risk include:
Having unprotected sex.
Having sexual contact with multiple partners.
Having a history of STIs . ...
Anyone forced to have sexual intercourse
or sexual activity.
Misuse of alcohol or use of recreational drugs.
Injecting drugs.
Being young.
1) List at least three behaviours that can place someone at risk of getting an STI.
2) Describe three ways a person can reduce their risk of getting STIs.
Factors that reduce the risk
How do I reduce my risk of contracting an STI?
- Abstinence (not having sex)
- Communicate. Talk with your partner(s) about STIs, sexual health, and prevention before sexual activity. ...
- Get Tested. ...
- Limit the number of partners you have. ...
- Protect Yourself. ...
- Learn about Vaccines. ...
- Avoid Alcohol and Drug use.
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STI
STI Information
Summary
Chlamydia
Chlamydia
TRANSMISSION
Semen, pre– ejaculate (pre–cum), vaginal fluid.
TYPES OF SEXUAL CONTACT THAT MAY PRESENT A RISK
OF CONTRACTING THE DISEASE
Oral sex (mouth-penis, mouth-vagina) Vaginal sex (vagina-penis) Anal sex (anus-penis)
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Often no noticeable symptoms. Potential for itching, discharge or burning during urination or ejaculation, pain in the lower abdomen or back, pain during intercourse, discharge from the vagina, bleeding between menstrual periods, nausea, or fever
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
If left untreated, may lead to infection of the testicles or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, a serious medical condition that can lead to infertility. May cause infertility even without symptoms. Can be transmitted from mother to newborn during childbirth.
TREATMENT
Curable with antibiotics.
HPV
HPV (Genital Warts)
TRANSMISSION
Skin–to–skin contact (usually genital). Transmission is possible even without visible warts.
TYPES OF SEXUAL CONTACT
THAT MAY PRESENT A RISK
OF CONTRACTING THE DISEASE
Oral sex (mouth–penis, mouth–vagina, mouth–anus)
Vaginal sex (vagina–penis)
Anal sex (anus–penis)
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Often no noticeable symptoms but may cause raised or flat growths around genitals or anus that are usually flesh coloured or whitish in appearance.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Certain strains of HPV are considered risk factors for cervical cancer. In very rare cases, it can be transmitted from mother to newborn during childbirth.
TREATMENT
No cure but warts can be removed using creams, surgery, cryosurgery (freezing), or laser treatment. There is now a vaccine to prevent certain types of HPV infection, including types that cause cervical cancer.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea
TRANSMISSION
Semen, pre– ejaculate (pre– cum), vaginal fluid.
TYPES OF SEXUAL CONTACT
THAT MAY PRESENT A RISK
OF CONTRACTING THE DISEASE
Oral sex (mouth–penis, mouth–vagina) Vaginal sex (vagina–penis) Anal sex (anus– penis)
COMMON SYMPTOMS
May have discharge or burning during urination or ejaculation, pain in the lower abdomen or back, pain during intercourse, discharge from the vagina, bleeding between menstrual periods, nausea, or fever. For women, there are often no noticeable symptoms
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
If left untreated, may lead to infection of the testicles or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, a serious medical condition that can lead to infertility. Can be transmitted from mother to newborn.
TREATMENT
Curable with antibiotics.
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Syphilis
TRANSMISSION
Skin-to-skin contact (between syphilis sore and penis, vagina, anus or mouth).
TYPES OF SEXUAL CONTACT
THAT MAY PRESENT A RISK
OF CONTRACTING THE DISEASE
Oral sex (mouth-penis, mouth-vagina) Vaginal sex (vagina-penis) Anal sex (anus-penis)
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Painless sore on or around penis, vagina, mouth or anus; rash over the entire body or on the hands and soles of the feet, fever, swollen lymph glands, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and tiredness.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
If left untreated, may damage heart, eyes, central nervous system and other organs. Can be transmitted
from mother.
TREATMENT
Curable with antibiotics
HIV
TRANSMISSION
Blood, semen, pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), vaginal fluid, breast milk.
TYPES OF SEXUAL CONTACT THAT MAY PRESENT A RISK OF CONTRACTING THE DISEASE
Oral sex (mouth-penis, mouth-vagina) Vaginal sex (vagina-penis) Anal sex (anus-penis)
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Often no symptoms for years but may cause fever, chills and sweats, fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss, muscle and joint pain, long-lasting sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, yeast infections, and skin sores.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Over time, can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which can leave a body vulnerable to other infections or cancers normally controlled by a healthy immune system. Can be transmitted from mother to newborn during childbirth.
TREATMENT
No cure or vaccine for HIV or AIDS. There are medications that allow people to live with HIV or AIDS for longer periods of time.
Hepatitis B
TRANSMISSION
Blood, semen, pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), vaginal fluid.
TYPES OF SEXUAL CONTACT THAT MAY PRESENT A RISK OF CONTRACTING THE DISEASE
Oral sex (mouth-penis, mouth-vagina) Vaginal sex (vagina-penis) Anal sex (anus-penis)
COMMON SYMPTOMS Often no noticeable
symptoms but may cause mild flu-like symptoms including fever, tiredness, aches, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyeballs).
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Can lead to chronic infection, cirrhosis (scarring of liver tissue) and cancer of the liver. Can be transmitted from mother to newborn during childbirth.
TREATMENT
Nearly all infections resolve on their own but medications may be used to treat chronic illness. Alcohol and certain medicines should be avoided to prevent further liver damage. There are vaccines to prevent hepatitis B.
Genital Herpes
TRANSMISSION
Skin–to–skin contact (usually genital), saliva may transmit virus from the mouth or lips. Transmission is possible even without an outbreak of sores.
TYPES OF SEXUAL CONTACT THAT MAY PRESENT A RISK OF CONTRACTING THE DISEASE
Oral sex (mouth-penis, mouth-vagina) Vaginal sex (vagina-penis) Anal sex (anus-penis)
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Often no noticeable symptoms. May cause one or more sores, blisters, pimples, bumps, or a rash around mouth, genitals or anus, itching, burning, or tingling in either the genital area or the mouth, a fever, swollen glands or stiff neck and headache. May have repeated outbreaks that are generally less severe than the original.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
May result in chronic painful condition particularly for people who have a weakened immune system. Can be transmitted from mother to newborn during childbirth.
TREATMENT
No cure but medications can reduce the frequency and duration of outbreaks.
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HELP
SCENARIOS
3
What would you tell these people?
1. Savannah and Deon have been dating for two months. Sometimes they have sex. Savannah suspects that Deon is having sex with other partners, but isn't sure. What should Savannah do?
2. Mark just learned that he has an STI. He wants to tell his partner himself, but is afraid of what his partner will think. What can Mark do?
3. Daniel has never had sex. He recently shared needles with friends at a tattooing party. He realizes he has put himself at risk for HIV, Hepatitis B and is worried. What should Daniel do?