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Sexually Transmitted infections. STIs. Any pathogen that passes from one person to another during sexual contact is called a sexually transmitted infection There are 19 million new cases of STIs per year Of those, 3 million occur in people under the age of 20!!. STIs. Short term effects:
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STIs • Any pathogen that passes from one person to another during sexual contact is called a sexually transmitted infection • There are 19 million new cases of STIs per year • Of those, 3 million occur in people under the age of 20!!
STIs • Short term effects: • Pain • Discomfort • Embarrassment • Long term effects: • Increased risk of certain forms of cancer • Increased risk of infertility
Risky Behaviors • Many people engage in behaviors that are risky and dangerous • Because of this, the spread of STIs becomes more and more prevalent
Ignoring Risks • Being sexually active puts you at risk • Many people don’t take precautions • Many people ignore the risks • Teens in particular think “it won’t/can’t happen to me”
Multiple Partners • The more sexual partners you have, the greater the chances of contracting a sexually transmitted illness!
Not seeking treatment • Some people who become infected do not receive immediate treatment • Some people are too embarrassed • Some don’t recognize symptoms • Some STIs don’t have symptoms, or symptoms go away after a short period of time
Avoiding STIs • Abstinence • No sexual contact = No STIs • Avoid Using Drugs/Alcohol • Anyone who engages in sexual activity with a drug user is at higher risk of getting an STI • Alcohol impairs your ability to think clearly • Choose Responsible Friends • Friends who support your healthy decisions can make it easier to resist the pressure to use drugs or engage in sexual activity
Kinds of STIs • The most common STIs in the United States are trichomoniasis, human papilloma virus, and chlamydia • However, there are many more that we need to discuss!!
Trichomoniasis • Is caused by a protozoan that infects the urinary tract or vagina • Males- painful urination & clear discharge from the penis, some itching (most of the time males will have no symptoms) • Females- Itching & burning, yellowish discharge, pain when urinating • If not treated, it can lead to severe vaginal infection & inflammation of the urinary tract
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) • In many cases, HPV has no symptoms, so people may not be aware they are infected • Some forms cause genital warts- these can be removed by a doctor (they are burned & cut off) however, they can & usually will grow back • HPV can remain in your body for life • Can cause cervical cancer in women, which can then cause them to become infertile
Chlamydia • Most common STI caused by bacteria in the US • Can be cured with antibiotics • Males- painful, frequent urination & discharge • Females- No symptoms other than a yellowish discharge • If untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility
Gonorrhea • Bacterial STI that infects urinary tracts • Males- thick, pus-like discharge & painful urination • Females- sometimes experience painful urination but symptoms might go unnoticed
Genital Herpes • Caused by a virus • Painful blisters that appear on or around the genitals • NO CURE • Infected people can experience periodic outbreaks of blisters throughout their lives • Can be passed whether blisters are present or not • A woman can pass it to her unborn child & it can cause blindness or death
Syphilis • Bacterial STI that progresses in three stages: • Stage 1: Painless chancre sores appear on genitals • Stage 2: Sores appear in mouth & flu-like symptoms develop; a non-itchy rash appears on feet & hands • Stage 3: Symptoms disappear for years; during this time bacteria attach internal parts of the body, such as the brain & heart; eventually causes brain damage & death
Check Ups • People who participate in high-risk behaviors should get medical check-ups every 6 months to check for sexually transmitted infections • If a person finds out they have an STI, it is important that they notify any sexual partners so they can seek treatment
Chlamydia • *Can cause pelvic inflammatory disease: