Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), formerly called venereal diseases, are common infections spread through sexual contact. STIs affect about 15-16 million people in the US each year. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and are transmitted through sexual behaviors like vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Many STIs initially show no symptoms but can cause health issues if left untreated, including infertility and cancer. Treatment and prevention requires abstinence, condom use, vaccinations, testing and treatment of partners.
2. What are Sexually Transmitted Infections? Once known as Venereal Diseases (VD) STIs are infections that are transmitted primarily through sexual contact with an infected person. STIs are very common. An estimated 15-16 million new cases occur each year in the U.S. alone. 1 in 4 adolescents will get an STI
5. Modes of Transmission STIs are spread through contact: Penis Vagina Rectum Breaks in skin Mucous membranes And Needle Sharing Blood contact Vertical transmission (Mother-to-child)
7. STI Pathogens *Not classified as an STI Pathogen = Bacteria Chlamydia Gonorrhea Bacterial Vaginosis* Syphilis Pathogen= Virus Herpes Hepatitis B Genital Warts (HPV) HIV/AIDS Pathogen= Parasite Pubic Lice Scabies Trichomoniasis
8. Common Symptoms Pain during urination Bump/sores Bleeding between periods Unusual discharge Pain during intercourse Rash Many people can have no symptoms (asymptomatic) and still pass on a STI.
9. Partners Need to Be Treated All partners should be examined and treated Why!?!?!
10. Bacterial Infections Infections caused by bacteria, this agent represents about half of the STIs identified. Bacterial infections are curable. Medication does not protect against future exposure.
11. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Transmission Direct mucous membrane contact with the germ during sexual contact. Using condoms and dental dams lowers chance of transmission. Testing Culture sample (can be done during pap smear) Urine sample
12. Symptoms in Males With Chlamydia: 50% of men will not get symptoms Gonorrhea & Chlamydia Pain during urination Frequent urination Watery discharge Discharge from penis
13. Symptoms in Females With Chlamydia: 75% of women will not get symptoms Gonorrhea & Chlamydia Pain during urination or sex Bleeding between periods Dull pelvic pain Thick discharge with foul odor
14. If gone untreated Transmission to sex partners and newborns Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (can cause infertility) Higher rate of miscarriage Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
15. Treatment Available Treated and cured with antibiotics Because many people with Gonorrhea also have Chlamydia, treatment for both infections are usually given together
16. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Transmission Direct sexual contact with the bacteria (especially with new or multiple partners) Wiping the incorrect way Douching Testing Culture Test
18. If gone untreated Bacteria may spread and infect the uterus and fallopian tubes Transmission to sex partners and newborns Increased risk for premature birth
19. Treatment Available Can be cured with either oral antibiotics or suppositories. There is no need to douche unless your doctor or clinician prescribes it as treatment.
20. Syphilis Transmission Skin to skin contact Contact with mucous membrane Mother-to-child through placenta Testing Blood Sample
21. First Stage Syphilis Chancres (shangker) (painless open sore) appear on the body. They disappear in about 14 days.
22. Second Stage Syphilis Flu-like symptoms and rash. Rash is brownish red and can appear on any part of the body.
23. If gone untreated Third Stage Syphilis Transmission to sex partners and newborns Nerve and brain damage Blindness Physical damage Death Degenerative lesions called gummas appear as a result of hypersensitivity
24. Treatment Available A single intramuscular injection of medication will cure a person. Other treatments are also available. Syphilis is curable, but the damage to the body and/or internal organs is not reversible.
25. Viral Infections Viral infections are not curable . They can be treated and managed with medication to reduce symptoms and outbreaks caused by the virus.
26. Herpes HSV-1: Oral Herpes HSV-2: Genital Herpes Can be passed back and forth Transmission Sexual Contact Contact with herpes sore Mother-to-child Testing Visual exam Blood test
27. Herpes can be transmitted anywhere there is a break in the skin, and mucous membrane. Herpes
28. If gone untreated Higher miscarriage rate Transmission to sex partners and newborns Eye problems with herpes infection Proctitis (inflammation of rectum)
29. Treatment Available Antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks. In addition, daily suppressive therapy for chronic herpes can reduce frequency of outbreaks and transmission to partners.
30. Hepatitis B (HBV-2) Hepatitis B can cause liver damage and is considered the most general and severe liver disease worldwide. Transmission Sexual contact * Sharing needles Mother-to-child Oral utensils Testing Blood test
31. Symptoms Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes) Fatigue Abdominal and joint pain Nausea Loss of appetite About 30% of persons have no signs or symptoms
32. If left untreated Transmission to sex partners and newborns Liver failure Cirrhosis (scarring) Liver cancer can develop
33. Types of Hepatitis B Acute: Virus clears out of persons system after initial exposure. This must be confirmed by a negative blood test after 6 months. Chronic: Virus stays in the persons system, and person tests positive after 6 months. Chronic Hepatitis may stay with a person for a lifetime. About 10% of adults who contract Hepatitis B will develop the chronic type.
34. Treatment Available Hepatitis B vaccine is the best protection. Three injections given over 5-6 months. Remember to be tested before getting vaccinated Medications will slow down the virus and reduce liver damage. In some cases, they may even rid of the virus completely.
35. Genital Warts/HPV (Human Papillomavirus) The fastest growing STI in U.S. among young adults. There are about 100 different strands of HPV. Only 30 strands affect the genital region. HPV is classified as high risk or low risk. Transmission More likely transmitted through direct contact With infected skin (i.e. wart is present) Testing Males Only visual exam* Females Visual exam and detection through Pap smears
36. Symptoms Genital Warts Lesion on the perianal area Raised warts on the vulva Raised warts on the penis Low risk HPV causes warts in the genital area Common Symptoms Small bumps, can feel hard or soft Can take on cauliflower-like appearance Most people have no symptoms
37. HPV and Cervical Cancer High risk HPV does not cause genital warts but can turn into cervical cancer in women. Dysplasia found in a biopsy cell sample
38. If gone untreated Transmission to sex partners and newborns Warts may grow and spread if left untreated May cause cervical cancer Block openings from anus, vagina and urethra
39. Treatment Available HPV is treated through treatment of the genital wart. Application of topical medicine Removal by cryotherapy or laser If the wart recurs, an injection of a type of interferon.
40. HIV/AIDS HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Virus that attacks the immune system HIV is the virus that causes AIDS AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) When the body is at below 200 T-cells per ML (drop) of blood. Body is vulnerable to opportunistic infections.
41. HIV/AIDS Testing Blood Sample Saliva Test Testing Guidelines Test are most accurate 6 months after possible exposure Results are available in 1-2 weeks Rapid HIV Test - Some test sites offer immediate results through finger prick. This test can be expensive.
42. How can someone get HIV? Exchange of Bodily Fluids Sexual fluids Semen, pre-ejaculate, vaginal secretions Blood contact Needle sharing, areas with break in skin Mother-to-child Transmitted when giving birth or breast milk
43. How can someone not get HIV? Holding hands Hugging Toilet seats Kissing Sharing utensils
44. If gone untreated Health Problems Transmission to sex partners and newborns Weakening of immune system Vulnerable to other infections Death
45. Treatment Available HIV treatment is a combination of Anti- Retro Viral (ARV) medications, referred to as a cocktail that will keep the viral count low. HIV drug treatment is complicated and different people have different results. Treatment can help people at all stages of HIV infection stay healthy.
46. Parasitic Infections Infections caused by parasite can be transmitted sexually and non-sexually. Treatment does not protect against future infection.
47. Parasitic Transmission Sexual contact Prolonged contact (household members) Sharing towels and sheets (parasites live up to 3 days without human host) Testing Examination of suspicious area Further diagnosis done with skin biopsy, and topical solution. Culture testing (for trichomoniasis) Pubic lice attach to hair
48. Pubic Lice Pubic lice at the hair follicle Pathogen organism called Pthirus pubis Where pubic hair and other areas with hair How Spread through sexual contact or bedding Symptoms Persistent itching around Becomes worse at night
49. Scabies Pathogen Mite Where Found around genital, groin, and areas with folds of skin How Sexual contact or bedding Symptoms Pimple-like irritations, mite burrows in zigzag pattern Scabies on webbing between fingers
50. Treatment Available Over the counter treatment can be purchased at pharmacies. Wash all clothing and bedding to avoid being re-infected Continued itching is common 1-3 weeks after treatment. More treatment is required if new burrows or rash appear.
55. Treatment Available Yeast Infections can be cured by anti-fungal medication. There is no need to douche unless your doctor or clinician prescribes it as treatment.
56. Breaking the Cycle of Infection Healthy behaviors that you can practice to lower the risk and prevalence of STIs.