Sexually Transmitted Infections

1. Sexually Transmitted Infections The University of Toledo College of Medicine Student to Student Program Look at the following notes for more information! Look at the following notes for more information!

2. Many STIs are (more easily) transmitted through the mucous membranes of the penis, vulva, and (less often) the mouth. The visible membrane covering the head of the penis is a mucous membrane, though it produces no mucus (similar to the lips of the mouth). Mucous membranes differ from skin in that they allow certain pathogens into the body. Many STIs are (more easily) transmitted through the mucous membranes of the penis, vulva, and (less often) the mouth. The visible membrane covering the head of the penis is a mucous membrane, though it produces no mucus (similar to the lips of the mouth). Mucous membranes differ from skin in that they allow certain pathogens into the body.

3. sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an illness caused by an infectious pathogen that has a significant probability of transmission between humans by means of sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an illness caused by an infectious pathogen that has a significant probability of transmission between humans by means of sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex.

4. What are SexuallyTransmitted Infections? STDs, also called sexually transmitted infections or STIs, are diseases that you get by having intimate sexual contact; that is having sex (vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse), with someone who already has the disease. Every year, STIs affect more than 13 million people.

5. What are the DifferentTypes of STIs? Researchers have identified more than 20 different kinds of STIs, which can fall into two main groups:  STIs caused by bacteria - These diseases can be treated and often cured with antibiotics. Some bacterial STIs include: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. STIs caused by viruses - These diseases can be controlled, but not cured. If you get a viral STI, you will always have it. Some viral STIs include: HIV/AIDS, genital herpes, genital warts, human papilloma virus (HPV), hepatitis B virus, and cytomegalovirus.

6. What are some common symptoms of STIs? The symptoms vary among the different types of STIs.� Some examples of common symptoms include: Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina Sores or warts on the genital area Burning while urinating Itching and redness in the genital area Anal itching, soreness, or bleeding If you are having any of these symptoms or think you might have an STI, talk to your health care provider.

7. How can STIs be prevented? If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of getting STIs by practicing "safe sex." This means: Using a condom for vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse - every time Knowing your partner and his/her STI status and health Having regular medical check-ups, especially if you have more than one sexual partner

9. Chlamydia Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs, infecting an estimated 1 in 6 teens. An infected person with no symptoms can still pass the disease to others, or have serious complications. Symptoms in a male may include: a slight discharge (drip) from the penis, and a tingling sensation or pain with urination. A female may experience irregular bleeding, pain during intercourse, a vaginal discharge, belly pain, or pain with urination. Untreated chlamydia can lead to fertility problems. This disease can also be passed to babies during birth. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics To prevent chlamydia use latex or plastic condoms each time you have sex.

10. Chlamydia Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD). It is estimated that about 1 in 6 sexually active teens are infected with chlamydia. In fact, chlamydia is seen most often among 15 to 24 year-olds. Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics. A person with chlamydia may have no symptoms, but can pass the disease to others, or have serious complications. Chlamydia symptoms in a male may include: a slight discharge (drip) from the penis, and a tingling sensation or pain with urination. A female may experience irregular bleeding, pain during intercourse, a vaginal discharge, belly pain, or pain with urination. People are sometimes afraid to tell their sexual partner that they have an infection. Although it's hard to talk about, it is necessary to do so. It is very important for the partner to get treatment also. Untreated chlamydia can lead to fertility problems. This disease can also be passed to babies during birth. If you have questions about chlamydia, contact the health department, a family planning clinic, or your healthcare provider. To prevent chlamydia use latex or plastic condoms each time you have sex.Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD). It is estimated that about 1 in 6 sexually active teens are infected with chlamydia. In fact, chlamydia is seen most often among 15 to 24 year-olds. Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics. A person with chlamydia may have no symptoms, but can pass the disease to others, or have serious complications. Chlamydia symptoms in a male may include: a slight discharge (drip) from the penis, and a tingling sensation or pain with urination. A female may experience irregular bleeding, pain during intercourse, a vaginal discharge, belly pain, or pain with urination. People are sometimes afraid to tell their sexual partner that they have an infection. Although it's hard to talk about, it is necessary to do so. It is very important for the partner to get treatment also. Untreated chlamydia can lead to fertility problems. This disease can also be passed to babies during birth. If you have questions about chlamydia, contact the health department, a family planning clinic, or your healthcare provider. To prevent chlamydia use latex or plastic condoms each time you have sex.

11. Genital Warts Genital warts are bumps on the skin of the genitals. They result from infection with some types of human papillomavirus, or HPV (a common sexually transmitted virus). Certain types of HPV infections may cause abnormal cell growth or cancer of the cervix. Warts usually appear on moist surfaces about 2 months after exposure. They start as tiny red or pink swellings that can grow up to 4 inches. Most patients report no symptoms, unaware of the warts until discovery during a physical examination. Treatment is to remove the warts. There is no effective therapy to get rid of the viral infection completely. Treatment of warts is usually an acid mixture applied directly on them, but other methods include freezing, laser treatment, and cautery. Warts may recur even after treatment.

12. Genital Warts Genital warts are bumps of various sizes on the skin of the genitals. They result from infection with some types of human papillomavirus, or HPV (a common sexually transmitted virus). Sexual contact spreads this viral infection. It is uncommon before puberty or after menopause. The warts can grow rapidly in the presence of heavy sweating, poor hygiene, or during pregnancy. Certain types of HPV infections may cause abnormal cell growth or cancer of the cervix.Genital warts can occur in any sexually active person. Sometimes they pass from an infected mother to her baby at birth. Warts usually appear on moist surfaces about 2 months after exposure. They start as tiny red or pink swellings that can grow up to 4 inches. If several grow in the same area, they may appear like a cauliflower. If infected with bacteria, they take on a foul odor. Sometimes warts develop in the urethra. However, most patients report no symptoms. Many are unaware of the warts until discovery during a physical examination. A few complain of itching, pain, or odor.Treatment is to remove the warts. There is no effective therapy to get rid of the viral infection completely. Treatment of small warts is usually an acid mixture applied directly on them. One should never use this acid during pregnancy. One must also avoid contact with eyes and healthy tissue around warts. Other methods for larger warts include freezing, laser treatment, and cautery. Warts often resolve on their own. However, warts may recur even after treatment.Genital warts are bumps of various sizes on the skin of the genitals. They result from infection with some types of human papillomavirus, or HPV (a common sexually transmitted virus). Sexual contact spreads this viral infection. It is uncommon before puberty or after menopause. The warts can grow rapidly in the presence of heavy sweating, poor hygiene, or during pregnancy. Certain types of HPV infections may cause abnormal cell growth or cancer of the cervix.Genital warts can occur in any sexually active person. Sometimes they pass from an infected mother to her baby at birth. Warts usually appear on moist surfaces about 2 months after exposure. They start as tiny red or pink swellings that can grow up to 4 inches. If several grow in the same area, they may appear like a cauliflower. If infected with bacteria, they take on a foul odor. Sometimes warts develop in the urethra. However, most patients report no symptoms. Many are unaware of the warts until discovery during a physical examination. A few complain of itching, pain, or odor.Treatment is to remove the warts. There is no effective therapy to get rid of the viral infection completely. Treatment of small warts is usually an acid mixture applied directly on them. One should never use this acid during pregnancy. One must also avoid contact with eyes and healthy tissue around warts. Other methods for larger warts include freezing, laser treatment, and cautery. Warts often resolve on their own. However, warts may recur even after treatment.

13. Gonorrhea Sometimes called the "clap" or the "drip.� 1.5 million cases each year; most occurring among 15 to 24 year-olds. The symptoms include discolored discharge from the penis, vagina, or rectum. It can also cause painful urination and irregular menstrual bleeding. It can be transmitted to a baby during birth, and may cause blindness in the infant. If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems, like sterility and blood infections. People can prevent the spread of gonorrhea by using a latex or plastic condom each time they have sex. Treatable with antibiotics.

14. Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted disease that is treatable with antibiotics. It is sometimes called the "clap" or the "drip." There are one and a half million cases each year, with most occurring among 15 to 24 year-olds. The symptoms of gonorrhea include: discolored discharge from the penis, vagina, or rectum, depending on which parts are infected. It can also cause painful urination and irregular menstrual bleeding. However, gonorrhea may occasionally cause so few symptoms that a person does not realize they are infected.Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner can pass on this disease. It can be transmitted to a baby during birth, and may cause blindness in the infant. It is important that a person with gonorrhea get medical treatment. The sexual partner also needs treatment. If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems, like sterility and blood infections. Inability to pay for a healthcare provider visit should not prevent you from seeking care. Most communities have free or low cost STD clinics. If you think you may be infected with gonorrhea, seek help from your healthcare provider right away. People can prevent the spread of gonorrhea by using a latex or plastic condom each time they have sex. Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted disease that is treatable with antibiotics. It is sometimes called the "clap" or the "drip." There are one and a half million cases each year, with most occurring among 15 to 24 year-olds. The symptoms of gonorrhea include: discolored discharge from the penis, vagina, or rectum, depending on which parts are infected. It can also cause painful urination and irregular menstrual bleeding. However, gonorrhea may occasionally cause so few symptoms that a person does not realize they are infected.Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner can pass on this disease. It can be transmitted to a baby during birth, and may cause blindness in the infant. It is important that a person with gonorrhea get medical treatment. The sexual partner also needs treatment. If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems, like sterility and blood infections. Inability to pay for a healthcare provider visit should not prevent you from seeking care. Most communities have free or low cost STD clinics. If you think you may be infected with gonorrhea, seek help from your healthcare provider right away. People can prevent the spread of gonorrhea by using a latex or plastic condom each time they have sex.

15. Herpes Caused by the herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2. Type 1 most often grows on the body above the waist. It causes cold sores or fever blisters. Type 2 occurs most often below the waist, and causes genital (sex organ) herpes. Either virus will grow on the opposite spot, if carried by oral sex. This is a virus that recurs. Recurrences happen for many reasons, including being sick, friction from tight clothing or intercourse, emotional stress, and heat. When someone is newly infected or having a recurrence of herpes, they may have pain, itching, fever and fatigue. Blisters form, then open and cause painful sores. . Treatment includes the antiviral drug acyclovir. It does not rid the body of the infection. Depending on the location of the sores on the genitals, herpes may be prevented by using a latex or plastic condom every time you have sex. Herpes can be passed on to a baby during birth.

16. Herpes HERPESGenital Herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection that affects about 30 million Americans. About five hundred thousand new cases of herpes occur each year. This disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2. Type 1 most often grows on the body above the waist. It causes cold sores or fever blisters. Type 2 occurs most often below the waist, and causes genital (sex organ) herpes. Either virus will grow on the opposite spot, if carried by oral sex. This is a virus that recurs, or comes and goes. Infection with this virus continues for life. Recurrences happen for many reasons, including being sick, friction from tight clothing or intercourse, emotional stress, and heat. The herpes virus is passed by direct contact with an infected person. A person may be infected, but have no symptoms. This means that a person with no obvious sores can spread the disease. When someone is newly infected or having a recurrence of herpes, they may have: pain itching fever and tiredness Blisters form, then open and cause sores. These sores are usually painful. The blisters last for about a week, and then dry up. They may return several times a year. Treatment includes a medication called acyclovir that stops the virus from reproducing itself. It does not rid the body of the infection. Treatment may help shorten the length of an outbreak. Some people take the medicine daily to stop outbreaks from recurring. Depending on the location of the sores on the genitals, herpes may be prevented by using a latex or plastic condom every time you have sex. If you have a history of herpes and are planning to get pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider. Herpes can be passed on to a baby during birth.

17. Syphilis When the bacteria that causes syphilis gets into a person's body from sexual contact with an infected person, the first symptom it causes is an open sore. This is called the first stage of syphilis. The sore will go away on its own. However, without proper medical treatment, the infection will not leave the body, and will continue to cause damage. Weeks later there will be a rash all over the body. This is called the second stage of syphilis. Even after the rash goes away, the infection stays in the body and causes even more damage. Many years later it will appear again in the third stage of syphilis. In this stage, the tissues of brain, bone, and flesh are destroyed. This is rarely seen any more since antibiotics can easily treat the disease.

18. Syphilis (Stage 1) SYPHILIS Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is treatable with antibiotics. When the bacteria that causes syphilis gets into a person's body from sexual contact with an infected person, the first symptom it causes is an open sore. It is not very painful, and many people do not notice it. This is called the first stage of syphilis. The sore will go away on its own. However, without proper medical treatment, the infection will not leave the body, and will continue to cause damage. eeks later there will be a rash all over the body, even on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This rash prompts many people to see their healthcare provider for treatment. This is called the second stage of syphilis. If the disease is not treated, the rash will go away. However, the infection stays in the body and causes even more damage. Many years later it will appear again in the third stage of syphilis. In this stage, the tissues of brain, bone, and flesh are destroyed. This is rarely seen any more since antibiotics can easily treat the disease. SYPHILIS Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is treatable with antibiotics. When the bacteria that causes syphilis gets into a person's body from sexual contact with an infected person, the first symptom it causes is an open sore. It is not very painful, and many people do not notice it. This is called the first stage of syphilis. The sore will go away on its own. However, without proper medical treatment, the infection will not leave the body, and will continue to cause damage. eeks later there will be a rash all over the body, even on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This rash prompts many people to see their healthcare provider for treatment. This is called the second stage of syphilis. If the disease is not treated, the rash will go away. However, the infection stays in the body and causes even more damage. Many years later it will appear again in the third stage of syphilis. In this stage, the tissues of brain, bone, and flesh are destroyed. This is rarely seen any more since antibiotics can easily treat the disease.

19. Syphilis (Stage 2) SYPHILIS Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is treatable with antibiotics. When the bacteria that causes syphilis gets into a person's body from sexual contact with an infected person, the first symptom it causes is an open sore. It is not very painful, and many people do not notice it. This is called the first stage of syphilis. The sore will go away on its own. However, without proper medical treatment, the infection will not leave the body, and will continue to cause damage. eeks later there will be a rash all over the body, even on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This rash prompts many people to see their healthcare provider for treatment. This is called the second stage of syphilis. If the disease is not treated, the rash will go away. However, the infection stays in the body and causes even more damage. Many years later it will appear again in the third stage of syphilis. In this stage, the tissues of brain, bone, and flesh are destroyed. This is rarely seen any more since antibiotics can easily treat the disease. SYPHILIS Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is treatable with antibiotics. When the bacteria that causes syphilis gets into a person's body from sexual contact with an infected person, the first symptom it causes is an open sore. It is not very painful, and many people do not notice it. This is called the first stage of syphilis. The sore will go away on its own. However, without proper medical treatment, the infection will not leave the body, and will continue to cause damage. eeks later there will be a rash all over the body, even on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This rash prompts many people to see their healthcare provider for treatment. This is called the second stage of syphilis. If the disease is not treated, the rash will go away. However, the infection stays in the body and causes even more damage. Many years later it will appear again in the third stage of syphilis. In this stage, the tissues of brain, bone, and flesh are destroyed. This is rarely seen any more since antibiotics can easily treat the disease.

20. HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes AIDS, causing severe damage to the immune system. Death occurs due to opportunistic infections. There is no treatment for HIV. Condoms can stop the spread of HIV.

21. AIDS-relatedOpportunistic Infections Kaposi�s Sarcoma Yeast Infections

22. The Chain of Infection

23. Be Careful! Take preventative measures Talk with your partner Use contraceptives Condoms can be effective only if used correctly! Abstinence is the only way to prevent STIs 100% of the time!

24. Get Help! Talk to your physician about safe sex and treatment of STIs. Inability to pay for a healthcare provider visit should not prevent you from seeking care. Most communities have free or low cost STD clinics through their health departments. Free condoms are also available.

25. Questions?