Sexually Transmitted Diseases Basic Facts Why Knowledge is

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Basic Facts

Why Knowledge is Important Aside from colds and flu, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are some of the most widespread diseases both in the United states and the world. l STDs can cause infertility, can be passed on to children, stay with you for life, some lie dormant and asymptomatic (symptom free) l STDs GREATLY increase your risk of transmission, they are like open doors for viruses and other infections l

More Basic Facts l STDs are also known as STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). l There will be 12 million new cases in the U. S. this year l Symptoms are not always obvious l Can occur during oral sex l Americans spent $10 Billion to treat STDs last year l If you know four people, you probably know someone who has an STD!

Two Groups of STDs l Bacterial ¡ ¡ Caused by bacteria, most can be treated and cured with antibiotics Syphillis, Gonorrhea, or Chlamydia l (Half of all men and 8 out of 10 women show no symptoms!!!!) l Viral ¡ ¡ Caused by viruses, can not be cured, only the symptoms are treated Herpes, HPV, and HIV l Any STD means a 2 -5 times greater chance of contracting HIV

Common STDs GONORRHEA l l l l Yellow-green or white discharge form the penis or vagina l Burning sensation with urination Symptoms usually appear 2 to l 14 days after exposure l Possible sterility if untreated l Possible blindness in newborns if not treated with drops in eyes Can be cured with treatment, however, drug resistant strains l have appeared SYPHILLIS Painless sore on penis or in vagina Sore appears 10 to 90 days after exposure Non-itching rash on body Possible death if untreated Possible death or bone deformation in newborn if mother not treated early in pregnancy Easily cured within the first year of infection, but harder after that

Common STDs l l l HERPES SIMPLEX No cure, treatment is Acyclovir Small painful blisters on genitals or mouth Symptoms may recur when under stress Viral Infection Severe neurological damage or death to newborns if exposed in birth canal l l CHANCROID Painful sore on penis or vagina Sore appears 3 -5 days after exposure Inflammation of lymph gland on one side Greatest risk factor for HIV transmission

Common STDs HUMAN PAPALOMA VIRUS CHLAMYDIA Caused by bacteria ¾ of infected women and ½ of men do not show any symptoms l As the infection spreads some women may experience abdominal pain while men may experience testicular swelling l As it spreads it may cause serious damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus and surrounding tissues l Chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics l l l l The Virus lives in the skin and mucous membranes, it usually does no show any symptoms Some people experience warts, soft, pink or flesh colored bumps on the skin There is no cure for HPV, but for many women the infection goes away on its own If left untreated HPV leads to changes that may lead to cervical cancer A vaccine, Gardasil, is available for both boys and girls

How does Iowa Rank? ? ? l Gonorrhea: 37 th in the nation, 1, 606 cases l Syphillis: 43 rd in the nation, 9 cases l Chlamydia: 38 th in the nation, 7, 390 cases