Prevention and Treatment of STDs and HIVAIDS n

Prevention and Treatment of STDs and HIV/AIDS

n STD – Sexually transmitted disease are infections spread from person to person through sexual contact. n For infection to occur, a person must engage in sexual activity that involves direct genital contact or the exchange of bodily fluids with someone who is infected with an STD.

n HIV – Human immunodeficiency virus is a virus that attacks the immune system n AIDS – Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a disease in which the immune system is weakened n HIV/AIDS can not be spread through casual contact – such as holding hands, hugging, or closed mouth kissing

HIV is transmitted only when a person’s infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions comes into contact with broken skin or mucus membrane n Abstinence is the only 100% successful way to prevent STDs and HIV/AIDS. n Birth control pills, condoms, and other birth control devices do not prevent STDs and HIV/AIDS. n

n Guidelines for staying committed to abstinence - not having sex: ¨ 1. set limits on physical affection ¨ 2. avoid dating someone who is sexually active ¨ 3. avoid situations where you may feel pressure 4. practice refusal skills

Avoid High-Risk Behaviors and STDs High-risk behaviors include: ¨ 1. being sexually active with more than one person ¨ 2. engaging in unprotected sex ¨ 3. engaging in sexual activity with highrisk partners ¨ 4. using alcohol and other drugs n Avoid situations in which your judgment or commitment might be compromised. n

Understanding the Risks n Each month, about 750, 000 teens are diagnosed with an STD. n One of the main problems for teens who are sexually active is that they are unaware of a partner’s past behavior.

Understanding the Risks n You can not tell if someone has an STD or HIV/AIDS by looking at them n Many STDs go undiagnosed because a person might not know they have one or are embarrassed and therefore are contracted by others unknowingly.

Diagnosing STDs and HIV/AIDS n There are many methods used to diagnose STDs and HIV/AIDS ¨ 1. physical examinations ¨ 2. urine test ¨ 3. laboratory tests ¨ 4. blood tests

Diagnosing STDs and HIV/AIDS n Some symptoms of STDs and HIV/AIDS do not appear right away. n If STDs and HIV/AIDS are not diagnosed and treated early, serious long-term consequences can result.

Treatment n Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis can all be treated and cured with antibiotics n Genital HPV Infection has no cure, but does have medication to relive symptoms

Treatment n Genital Herpes have no cure, but medication can control outbreaks. n HIV/AIDS has no cure, but medications can slow the growth of this disease.