Download STI Handout

Sexually Transmitted Infections (ch. 14)
Be Informed. Be Smart.
1.
What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Parasitic, bacterial, or viral infections that are received or transmitted via unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal,
oral and hand-genital contact.
2.
Can I become immune to STI?
No. You can become reinfected, and you can have multiple infections simultaneously.
3.
List 8 of the most common STIs.
4.
a.
Chalmydia
b.
Gonorrhea
c.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) / Genital Warts
d.
HIV / AIDS
e.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
f.
Syphilis
g.
Herpes: SV1 – Oral; SV2 – Genital
h.
Hepatitis B
What are the acronyms HIV and AIDS?
HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
AIDS – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
5.
During what three situations can HIV be spread?
a.
Sex with an infected partner ( vaginal secretions and semen)
b.
Direct contact with infected blood
c.
Infected mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and/or breastfeeding
6.
With regard to HIV, is it safe to have a blood transfusion today?
Yes, extremely low risk. Before 1980 many people were infected with HIV via blood transfusions
7.
Why should you never mix alcohol or other drugs with sexual activity?
Decision making and sound reasoning are compromised when you’re under the influence
8.
What are three guidelines for correct condom usage?
9.
a.
Always use a new latex condom with EVERY sex act
b.
Put a condom on an erect penis before the penis enters the vagina, anus, or mouth
c.
Pinch the end of the condom when applying it to squeeze the air out of the reservoir tip
d.
Hold the condom onto the base of the penis when withdrawing after ejaculation
e.
Use water-based personal lubricants only (not oil-based like Vaseline or many lotions)
f.
Store condoms in a location that is not exposed to extreme temperature changes and where it will not be crushed (like
in a dresser drawer, not in your wallet or in your car)
What are symptoms of STI that both men and women need to watch for?
a.
Swelling or redness in throat, eyes, groin
b.
Unusual discharge
c.
Sores, bumps, blisters
d.
Painful or frequent urination or bowel movement
e.
Fever, aches, flu-like symptoms
f.
Itching
Meloni HES-1
10. What should you do if you have any symptoms of STI?
a.
STOP sexual contact immediately
b.
You and your partner(s) need to GET TESTED
c.
COMPLETE your treatment before resuming sexual contact
11. If STI symptoms go away on their own without any treatment, does that mean that the STI has been cured and that you
cannot spread it to others?
NO! You most likely still have the infection, and you can spread it to others until you are treated.
12. Can STIs damage reproductive organs?
Yes, especially Chlamydia and gonorrhea, both of which can also lead to PID.
13. Name three STIs that cannot be cured.
HIV, Herpes, and HPV
14. Can some STIs be cured?
Yes, if treated properly
15. Why is chlamydia so dangerous?
75% of women and 50% of men do not have any symptoms. “Chlamys” means “cloak” in Greek. Chlamydia, for these
reasons, is called the “Silent Epidemic”.
16. How can you find out for sure if you have chlamydia?
Get tested. Women – Pap test. Men – blood or urine test.
17. What is Hepatitis B?
Viral infection/inflammation of the liver 90-95% of adults will recover completely on their own, but 5-10% will develop a chronic
liver infection, which increases their risk for liver disease and liver cancer. Hep B is highly infectious and can be transmitted via
semen, vaginal fluids, saliva, urine, & blood.
18. Is hepatitis B preventable?
Yes, with a 3-step vaccination.
19. Why should I get a Hepatitis B vaccination?
Because CA schools require it, and because it is the only way to prevent Hep B before you are exposed to it. 1/20 people have
Hep B – very common.
20. What is the biggest risk factor for Hepatitis B?
More than one sex partner in the last 6 months.
21. What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus. The MOST common STI. 100 strains total. 40 strains affect genitals (genital warts). 15 strains are
oncogenic (cause cancer in men and women). Half of HPV cases are ages 15-24.
22. Who should get a vaccine for HPV and WHY?
Vaccination is a 3-dose process. Two brands on the market now. Gardasil™ is for girls and boys age 9-26, especially focused
on girls and boys 11 and 12, before they become sexually active. Vaccine targets four strains of HPV, two strains that account
for 70% of cervical cancers and two that account for 90% of genital warts. Cervarix™ is another vaccine available only for girls,
and it targets the two major oncogenic strains. Immune protection is expected to be “long-lasting”.
23. For women who have had the HPV vaccine, do they need to have Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer?
YES! Pap tests are still needed. Vaccine does NOT protect against all causes of cervical cancer…
24. How can you protect yourself from STIs?
a.
Have one monogamous, uninfected partner
b.
Be aware of signs and symptoms
c.
Get tested periodically
d.
Complete treatment for STI before resuming sexual activity
e.
Use condoms
f.
Talk with your partner(s)
g.
Practice abstinence
Meloni HES-1