Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sexually Transmitted Diseases infections that

Sexually Transmitted Diseases • Sexually Transmitted Diseases: infections that are spread from person to person through sexual contact. Risk Behaviors for Contracting STDs ØHaving unprotected intercourse ØUsing alcohol and other drugs (poor choices) ØBeing sexually active with multiple partners ØEngaging in any sexual relationship ØChoosing partners who have a history of IV drug use

Abstinence Can Prevent STDs • Set limits and communicate them to your date/partner • Stay in public places when you go on a date • Use refusal strategies if you are pressured to engage in sexual activity • Never use alcohol or other drugs • Choose friends and dates who practice abstinence • Protect your food and/or beverages to avoid the risk of date rape drugs • Use latex condoms to provide the BEST protection against most STDs • Abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent getting an STD.

Common STDs in the United States The most important fact to remember is the primary way these STDs are spread is through any form of sexual intercourse, including vaginal, or anal sex. Virus=No cure Bacteria=cure/treatment Human Papillomavirus (HPV): a VIRUS that causes genital warts and warts on other parts of the body. (Symptoms: warts) Genital Warts: soft, moist, pink or red swellings that appear on the genitals and are caused by the human papillomavirus

Common STDs continued…. • Chlamydia: an STD caused by the BACTERIUM Chlamydia trachomatis. (Symptoms: often no symptoms, abnormal discharge or a burning sensation during urination) Females often develop PID. • PID-pelvic inflammatory disease: a painful infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. • Gonorrhea: an STD caused by BACTERIA that live in warm, moist areas of the body such as mucous membranes. (Symptoms: burning during urination and an abnormal discharge. ) • Genital Herpes: an STD caused by the herpes simplex VIRUS. (Symptoms: blisters on or around the genitals or rectum)

Lesson Two: Other STDs • Hepatitis B: VIRAL STD that attacks the liver and can cause extreme illness and death. (Symptoms: jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, joint pain and loss of appetite. • Hepatitis C: VIRAL STD that can lead to chronic liver disease, liver cancer and liver cancer. (Symptoms: most cases have no symptoms) • Syphilis: an STD caused by the BACTERIUM Trepomema pallidum. It progresses in stages.

Continued…. • Vaginitis: an inflammation of the vagina caused by various organisms • Trichomiasis: a type of vaginitis caused by the parasite (bug) trichomoniasis vaginalis. (Symptoms: discharge/pain during urination) • Bacterial Vaginosis: type of vaginitis caused by in imbalance of bacteria normally found in the vagina. (Affects only females) (Symptoms: vaginal discharge, vaginal odor as well as itching and burning around the vagina. ) • Pubic Lice: tiny parasitic insects, also known as crabs, that infest the genital area in humans. (Symptoms: itching) • Scabies: in infestation of the skin with microscopic mites. (Symptoms: severe itching/rash)

Treating STDs • Follow the doctors orders for treatment and take all the medication prescribed. Do not stop taking the medication even if the symptoms have gone away. • Notify everyone with whom the person has had any sexual contact. • Remember that abstinence is the only effective method of contracting, preventing re-infection, or transmission of STDs.

Facts about STDs • The body does not build up immunity to STDs, so reinfection can occur. • Symptoms of some STDs may go away without treatment, but the disease remains in the body. • It is possible to have an STD without knowing it.