Download HIV/AIDS

Sexually Transmitted
Infections
Melissa Kondor
HSC 5138
Objectives
Today you will learn…
1.
2.
3.
Various types of Sexually Transmitted
Infections (STIs)
Modes of transmission & signs and symptoms
The risks of STI’s and steps to prevention
What is an STI?
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Sexually Transmitted Infection
Any disease or infection that is spread through
sexual contact
It is estimated that 15 million new cases of STIs
occur each year in the U.S. and that, globally,
annual new cases of STIs exceed 400 million!
Modes of Transmission
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Sexual activities where STIs can be passed
 Vaginal sex
 Anal sex
 Oral sex (mouth to penis/vagina/anus)
 Digital sex (i.e.. Using hands or fingers for genital
contact)
Can also be transmitted from mother to infant during
childbirth.
Usually spread through:
 Exchange of body fluids
 Direct skin-to-skin contact
STI: Facts & Stats
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50% of all STI cases in U.S. among people ages
15-24
Women are at higher risk of STI transmission
Chlamydia is the most common STI in the U.S.;
followed by HPV and Herpes
By the age of 24, one in three sexually active
people will have contracted and STI.
Contributing Factors to the
Epidemic
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Risky sexual behavior (unprotected sex with
multiple partners)
Use of oral contraceptives
Limited resources for prevention and treatment
Health care providers are not addressing the
problem
Many STIs are asymptomatic
Social stigmas
Classifying STIs
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Bacterial
 Chlamydia
 Gonorrhea
 Syphilis
Parasitic
 Pubic Lice (crabs)

Viral
 Herpes I/II
 HPV/Genital
Warts
 Hepatitis B
STI Trivia #1
Which of these STIs is curable?
•
Herpes
•
Genital Warts
•
Syphilis
•
Hepatitis B
Correct Answer: syphilis
Bacterial Infections
Caused by some kind of bacteria
 Common Bacterial STIs:
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 Chlamydia,
Gonorrhea, Syphilis
Curable with antibiotics
 If left untreated, can lead to sterility in
both men and women
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Chlamydia
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Caused by the bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis.
Females: 2 types
a. Lower reproductive track (urethritis or
cervicitis)
b. Upper reproductive track (Pelvic
Inflammatory Disease, PID)
Males: Epididymis or non-gonococcal urethritis
Gonorrhea
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Caused by bacteria, Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
Early symptoms are more likely to be manifested
by men, who will probably have a discharge
from the penis and burning during urination.
Males: infections of prostate, bladder, kidneys.
May include Gonococcal Epididymis, which may
lead to sterility.
Females: May lead to PID, sterility
Syphilis

Caused by a thin, corkscrew like bacterium
called Treponema Pallidum, which has been
around at least since the 15th century.

If left untreated, will progress through
stages.
Stages of Syphilis
Primary- small, painless sores (chancre) appear at the site
where organism entered body.
Secondary- The chancre disappears and a generalized
skin rash develops
Latent-There may be no visible symptoms
Tertiary-Heart failure, blindness, mental disturbances,
and many other symptoms. Death may result
STI Trivia #2

Who has a higher chance of contracting
gonorrhea from an infected partner?
a. Males from females
b. Females from females
c. Females from Males
d. Males from Males
Parasitic Infections
Caused by a parasitic organism that feeds
off living host
 Common Parasitic STI:
 Pubic Lice (crabs)
 Severe itching, discomfort in genital area
 Curable

Pubic Lice (crabs)
 Tiny
biting insects that live on the
body hair and feed off of blood
 Transmitted through sexual contact or
by contact with infected sheets/clothes
 Primary symptom is itching
 Treatable with OTC cream/shampoo
Viral Infections
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Caused by a living virus
Common Viral STIs:
Herpes
 HPV (Genital Warts)
 Hepatitis B
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Treatable, but NOT curable
Herpes
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Herpes Simplex I: Oral Herpes
Presents as cold sore or fever blister
 Can be spread by kissing!
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Herpes Simplex II: Genital Herpes
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Blisters on genitals/genital area
Contagious during outbreak
Can be treated with suppressive therapy
Human Papillomavirus
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HPV: Genital Warts, 100 types
The annual Pap smear can detect lesions on
cervix
Some HPV types cause lesions that can be precancers
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If not treated, they can eventually become cancers
Warts can be treated and removed, but the virus
may remain in latent form
Viral Hepatitis
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Disease in which liver function is impaired.
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5 types: Hepatitis A,B, C, D and E.
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Hepatitis B is most often transferred through
sexual activity
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Both A and B can be prevented with vaccination
STI Trivia #3

Which of these is the virus that causes genital
warts?
a. Hepatitis
b. Herpes
c. Gonorrhea
d. Human Papillomavirus
Common Signs & Symptoms
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Sore, bumps, blisters near genitals, anus, or
mouth
Burning sensation during urination
Discharge from penis, vagina, anus
Swollen testicles (men)
Pain in lower belly (Women)
Bleeding from vagina not associated with period
(Women)
Prevention is the Key
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Abstinence is the only 100% effective method
of preventing pregnancy and contracting STDs
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Defined as completely refraining from any type
of sexual contact
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Public Health education
Reducing the Risk!
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Practice Safer Sex
 Use approved latex male or female condoms during
sexual intercourse
 Condoms & “dental dams” should be used during
oral sex
Limit number of sex partners; practice monogamy
Having open discussions with partners
Both partners being tested before sexual activity
Are you positive that you’re
negative??
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Getting tested is the only way for a person to
really know their status
Most tests ~98-99% accurate
Be aware of 3-6 month window period
Know your options. Different types of tests
available
 Confidential vs. Anonymous
 Private Physician, Clinic, Home Tests
 Blood test, Urine test, OraSure, OraQuick
Resources
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UF Student Health Care Center
www.shcc.ufl.edu
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov
Planned Parenthood
www.plannedparenthood.com
Alachua County Health Department (free STI testing)
www.doh.state.fl.us/chdalachua
MyStudentBody.com
www.mystudentbody.com (enter school code : GATORS)