sexually transmitted infections (STI’s)

1. Warning Contains graphic images sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) Lesson Objectives Describe the symptoms of common STI’s and to understand how to protect against them

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

3. 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!

4. 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 • 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!

6. Chlamydia – the facts Caused by Bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis Incidence The most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK Symptoms • Women – vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, pain on passing urine • Men – discharge from the penis, testicular inflammation, irritation of the penis Transmission • Via vaginal, anal and oral sex Chlamydia trachomatis

7. Herpes Simplex Virus Genital Herpes Caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Incidence Increased by 33% between 1997 – 2006 in the UK Symptoms • 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

8. Genital warts • Causes • Warts are caused by a virus and are spread through skin-to-skin contact. • They can be passed on during vaginal, anal or oral sex • Symptoms • You might notice small, fleshy growths, bumps anywhere in the genital or anal area. • itch and cause inflammation

9. Gonorrhoea Caused by Bacterium Neisseriagonorrhoeae 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

10. Thrush Caused by Fungus of the species Candida Incidence Increased by 46% between 1997 and 2006 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

11. Pubic lice Pubic lice are tiny insects that live in the pubic hair region or under the arms. Pubic lice are usually acquired through sexual contact but can occasionally be transferred by close physical contact or by sharing sheets or towels. Special shampoo or lotion can treat the lice

12. STI Misconceptions If I only engage in oral sex, I can't contract a sexually transmitted infection The TruthSTIs can be transmitted through oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex If I have an STI, I will recognize the symptoms immediately The TruthIn most women (and some men), there are often virtually NO symptoms of STIs. Not only can a partner not tell if a woman or man has an STI, the person with the STI often does not know. I am not promiscuous and neither are the people I hang out with…it's unlikely that the people I would sleep with would be carrying something The TruthContracting STIs has nothing to do with cleanliness or grooming. Contracting an STI has everything to do with being intimate with someone who is already infected. The more partners you have or have had, the greater your chances of having an STI. The more partners your partner has or has had, the greater your partner's chances of having a STI.

13. A role play example • Patient 1: Comes to the doctor with discharge and pain when urinating • Doctor: Well that sounds like you have a sexually transmitted infection. Are you sexually active? • Patient 1: Yes and I did have sex without a condom • Doctor: Well many sexually transmitted infections have similar symptoms – burning when urinating and discharge – so we’ll have to figure out what you might have… • The rest of the class must diagnose and offer test and treatment

14. Role play example • Patient 2: Comes to the doctor with itching and a rash • Doctor: Well that sounds like you have a sexually transmitted infection. Are you sexually active? • Patient 2: Yes and I did have sex without a condom • Doctor:Well many sexually transmitted infections have similar symptoms – itching and a rash – so we’ll have to figure out what you might have…

15. Plenary • Round 1 – Quick Quiz • Name 3 STIs • Name 2 places you can be treated for STIs • What is the most common STI in Britain? • Name 3 ways to stop yourself getting an STI? • Name 3 common symptoms of STIs • Name 2 STIs that can have no symptoms

16. Match up the STI with the statements • Chlamydia • Genital Warts • Herpes • Gonorrhoea • Syphilis • Pubic Lice • Causes a rash • 5 out of 6 cases have no symptoms • Also known as crabs • May go away untreated after 6 months • Most common STI in young men and women • Has 2 types – one affecting the mouth and one affecting the genitals

17. Chlamydia • Genital Warts • Herpes • Gonorrhoea • Syphilis • Pubic Lice • Causes a rash (5) • 5 out of 6 cases have no symptoms (4) • Also known as crabs (6) • May go away untreated after 6 months (2) • Most common STI in young men and women (1) • Has 2 types – one affecting the mouth and one affecting the genitals (3)