Transfer of Infection

1. Transfer of Infection Sexual Transmission Please be aware that this presentation contains some graphical images of sexual reproductive organs, please delete them if you do not wish to use.

2. What are STIs? • Infections passed from person to person through sexual contact • Some can be cured e.g. Chlamydia • Some more serious diseases cannot e.g. AIDS • There are over 25 different known STIs!

3. Can you think of any STIs? Thrush Hepatitis Chlamydia HIV AIDS Herpes Gonorrhoea Genital Warts Syphilis

4. Chlamydia – the facts Caused by Bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis Incidence The most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK Symptoms In many cases Chlamydia is asymptomatic however • Women – vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, pain on passing urine • Men – discharge from the penis, testicular inflammation, irritation of the penis • Babies – eye infection, pneumonia Transmission • Via vaginal, anal and oral sex • Can be transmitted from mother to unborn baby Chlamydia trachomatis Swollen testicles due to a Chlamydia infection

5. Genital Herpes Caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Incidence Increased by 33% between 1997 – 2006 in the UK Recurrent Symptoms • In many cases there are no symptoms however asymptomatic carriers can still spread the infection • Symptoms can occur 26 days after exposure and include • itching/tingling in the genital or anal area • small fluid-filled blisters and painful sores • pain when passing urine • a flu-like illness Transmission • Skin to skin contact Herpes Simplex Virus Genital herpes in a female

6. Gonorrhoea Caused by Bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae Incidence Increased by 46% between 1997 and 2006 in the UK Symptoms • About half of all women infected with gonorrhoea, and over 90% of men experience symptoms • Can affect the genitals, anus, rectum and throat with symptoms including • a thin, watery discharge from the vagina or tip of the penis that can appear yellow or green, and pain when urinating Transmission • Sexual intercourse Neisseria gonorrhoeae

7. HIV / AIDS Caused by Virus Human Immunodeficiency virus which leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Incidence (UK) • there are 73,000 people in the living with HIV • experts believe that 30% of people with HIV do not know that they have the condition Symptoms • Early stage HIV: fever, sore throat, joint pain, rash • Later stage HIV: fever, night sweats, blurred vision, swollen glands, weight loss • AIDS: the immune system stops working leaving the patient exposed to many other life threatening conditions such as pneumonia Transmission Via vaginal, anal and oral sex

8. Thrush Caused by Fungus of the species Candida Incidence Increased by 46% between 1997 and 2006 in the UK Symptoms • Women • vaginal discharge and or itching • pain, or discomfort, during sexual intercourse • pain, or discomfort, during urination • Men • Discharge from and inflammation of the penis • Pain while passing urine • Small red spots on the tip of the penis Increased by • Associated with antibiotic use that kill the normal microflora; pregnancy; immune deficiency • Can be transmitted sexually Candida albicans Oral candidiasis on the tongue and soft palette

9. Protection against STIs • Abstinence • The only sure way not to catch an STI • Use a condom during sexual activity • Prevents the transmission of bodily fluid • Only protects the skin it covers, sores/warts not covered can still spread through skin contact • Talk to your partner • Discuss the options of safer sex practices • Discuss the option of you both being tested for an STI before committing to a sexual relationship • Have regular check ups at the local family planning or GUM (Genito urinary medicine) clinic • Even if you do not think you have an infection – remember many infections do not appear to have symptoms!