STDs. Lesson 5.1. Fitness. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. An epidemic is an outbreak of an infectious disease that affects a large population.

Transcription

1 Lesson 5.1 STDs By Carone Fitness An epidemic is an outbreak of an infectious disease that affects a large population. Epidemics have afflicted people since the beginning of time, not only in the U.S. but throughout the world. 1

2 Research and technological advances have helped wipe out those infectious diseases. However, now our country is faced with a new epidemic, sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). About 12 million new cases of STDs are reported each year in the U.S. Yet there are likely millions more that go unreported. People fail to report STDs because they are embarrassed to talk about them; therefore, they have become known as the silent epidemic. 2

3 One myth about STDs is that they do not affect teenagers. However, 2/3 of all STD cases occur in teens or young adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1 out of every 4 sexually active teenagers will be infected with a STD before graduation. The occurrence of STDs in teenagers is greatly influenced by behaviors that many teens engage in. These risk factors include: Having more than one sexual partner rather than committing to a single, long-term relationship. Participating in unprotected sex. Selecting partners who are at a higher risk, such as those who have a history of multiple partners or intravenous drug use. Not seeking medical help to treat the infection. 3

4 Myths Myth: You can get STDs only if you have multiple sexual partners. Fact: You can get an STD from your first sexual experience. Myths Myth: STDs can easily be cleared up with antibiotics. Fact: Some types of STDs are incurable and will persist throughout your lifetime. 4

5 Myths Myth: Once the symptoms go away, the disease is cured. Fact: You can still have an STD, even if the symptoms are gone. Myths Myth: Once you get an STD, you can t get it again. Fact: No one can become immune to an STD. 5

6 Common STDs Common sexually transmitted diseases include: Chlamydia Gonorrhea Genital warts Genital herpes Syphilis Common STDs Symptoms and effects of STDs may include: Pain and tenderness Severe infections Blisters or warts on the genitals Irregular discharge Left untreated some STDs may cause sterility, or the inability to conceive children 6

7 Syphilis Syphilis is an STD that if left untreated can be very dangerous. It can damage vital organs, such as the heart, the liver, the kidneys, and the central nervous system. Eventually, it can lead to heart disease, blindness, paralysis, and insanity. Diagnosis and Treatment STDs are caused by either bacteria or a virus. Doctors are able to diagnose STDs based on appropriate lab work. Some STDs may be cured by antibiotics. Other STDs are not curable, so the doctor will prescribe medicine that helps treat the symptoms of the STD. 7

8 Prevention The best and most effective way to prevent against sexuallytransmitted diseases is to practice abstinence. Prevention If do you become infected with an STD, it is your responsibility to help prevent spreading the disease. The first step is to seek medical attention to treat the disease. Then you should notify all the people y y p p with whom you have had sexual contact. Describe the symptoms they should look for, the risks involved, and encourage them to have a medical checkup. 8

9 Presented By Carone Fitness 9