Sexually Transmitted Diseases
What are they? Infections that spread from person to person through sexual contact More than 25 known STDs Most of the time those who have them may not realize it, hard to track Also known as STIs or Sexually Transmitted Infections
Teens on the rise Around 19 million people contract at least one STD a year in the US Nearly 9 million of those are people between the ages of 15 and 24 Risk behaviors in teens, especially when sexually active, allow for a higher risk of contacting STDs The following are behaviors that can increase your risk: Unprotected intercourse (Just vaginal??) Alcohol and drug use Sex with multiple partners Sexual relationships in general Not knowing your partner
Only 100% Effective Method of Preventing?
Human Papillomavirus HPV Causes genital warts and warts on other parts of the body Likely considered the most commonly contracted STD in the US Does not have many symptoms besides the genital warts More than 100 types, with only 30 spread through oral, anal, vaginal sex Vaccine is now available
Chlamydia Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis Highest incidence is among teens and young adults Easily cured, but often goes undiagnosed: 75% of women and 50% of men with disease have no symptoms Usually comes with discharge and burning sensation Females, if not treated, can get PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Gonorrhea Caused by bacteria that live in warm and moist areas of the body Females 15-19 have highest reported rate; 20-24 in males Males: burning sensation when urinating, white/yellow/green discharge, swollen testicles Females: often shown no symptoms Anal: anal discharge, itching, soreness, bleeding, painful bowel movements Males: infect testicles with epididymitis, prostate gland Can spread to blood and joints, which can be life threatening
Genital Herpes 45 million people in the US have the disease Caused by Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-1 is what causes cold sores) Outbreak of blisters on or around the genitals or rectum Spread from open sores during sexual contact Once infected, you will always have it
Hepatitis B Attacks the liver and can cause extreme illness and death Transmitted when blood or other body fluids from an infected person enter a person who is not immune 60,000 contract each year, 5,000 die Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, join pain, loss of appetite
Hepatitis C 4 million Americans infected Can lead to chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and liver failure Transmitted through sexual contact and other transmittal of infected blood (needles, etc.)
Syphilis Spread by direct contact with a chancre or rash Transmitted primarily through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, anal) Can be passed to the fetus 3 Stages: Primary: 10-90 days after infection, small chancre appears at spot where bacterium entered body Secondary: Rash of spots appears on palms of hands and soles of feet, flulike symptoms, hair loss, weight loss Late: External signs disappear, continues to damage many body systems
Pubic Lice Parasitic insects that infest the genital area of humans Also known as crabs Usually spread through sexual contact Intense itching, live in pubic hair
Scabies Infestation of the skin with mites Sharing of infested bedding and clothing and prolonged skin-to-skin contact 4-6 weeks after contact Pimple-like rash on penis, breasts, shoulder blades Itching and sores