Lesson 5.1 STDs By Carone Fitness The Silent Epidemic 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
The Silent Epidemic 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). The Silent Epidemic 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
The Silent Epidemic 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 Silent Epidemic 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
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
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
Common STDs Chlamydia is a bacteria-caused infection that affects the vagina in females and the urethra in males. Chlamydia is the most common STD in the United States. Chlamydia In males, the symptoms of Chlamydia include pain and burning during urination and an unusual discharge from the penis. In females, the symptoms are not always obvious. If they do exist, they include an unusual discharge from the vagina, pain in the pelvic region, and painful urination. 6
Chlamydia If Chlamydia goes untreated, it can lead to other severe infections or even sterility. Sterility is the inability to conceive children. Chlamydia is diagnosed through a laboratory test, and antibiotics can cure it. Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a bacteria-caused infection that affects the mucous membrane of the male urethra and the female cervix. The symptoms of gonorrhea are very subtle, especially in females. 7
Gonorrhea In males, the symptoms may include a whitish discharge from the penis and a burning sensation during urination. The lymph nodes in the groin may become swollen and tender. In females, the symptoms may include a slight discharge from the vagina, a burning sensation during urination, abnormal menstruation, and abdominal pain or tenderness. Gonorrhea The symptoms usually arise somewhere between 3 days and 3 weeks after sexual contact with an infected person. The symptoms may go away on their own, but the disease is still present. To diagnosis gonorrhea, the discharge from the penis or vagina must be examined under a microscope. Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. 8
Genital Warts Genital warts are pink, cauliflower-like warts that appear on the genitals. The virus that causes genital warts is called the human papilloma virus (HPV). An infected person can never get rid of the virus. A physician may be able to remove the warts, but they may reappear. Treatment may also include a prescription for a skin medication that is applied to the warts. Genital Herpes Genital herpes are blister-like sores on the genitals. The virus that causes genital herpes is called the herpes simplex type 2 virus. Like genital warts, genital herpes cannot be cured. The virus can spread to other areas of the body with the help of moisture and friction, so it is important that an infected person keep the afflicted area dry. 9
Genital Herpes An infected person should be careful not to touch the area and then touch other areas of the body. The blisters have bouts of appearing and disappearing. Periods of stress often lead to an outbreak of the blisters. An infected person is advised not to have sexual contact when blisters are present or right after they disappear in order to prevent spreading the infection to others. is caused by a small bacterium called a spirochete that attacks many parts of the body. If left untreated, this STD 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. 10
develops in stages. If treated in the early stages, syphilis can be cured. Symptoms of syphilis appear and then disappear on their own. Therefore, even if the symptoms are gone, it is important not to assume that the disease is also gone. Primary Stage The first sign of syphilis is a reddish, painless sore called a chancre. This chancre is the site where the pathogen entered the body, which is most commonly the genitals. It usually emerges 10-90 days after contact with an infected person. The chancre will usually last 1-5 weeks and then disappear, even if it is untreated. 11
Secondary Stage If not treated, the pathogen will circulate in the bloodstream. The symptoms of the second stage include the development of a non-itching rash on the chest, back of the arms, and the legs. Sores then form within the rash. The sores usually give off a clear liquid filled with the infectious spirochetes. This makes the infection extremely contagious. Other common symptoms include a fever, sore throat, and general malaise. Even without treatment, these symptoms will disappear, but the infection remains. 12
Latent Stage This stage could be deemed the calm before the storm. This stage usually occurs 2-3 years after the person was initially infected. The symptoms completely disappear, lulling the person into a false sense of security. Many begin to doubt that they even had the disease. However, during this stage, the spirochetes begin to slowly but steadily attack the heart, blood vessels, and central nervous system. Neurosyphilis Stage If untreated, the disease enters the neurosyphilis stage. This stage normally begins within 10-30 years of the initial infection. By this time, the spirochetes have severely damaged the heart, skin, brain, and spinal cord. 13
The effects of syphilis may include: Loss of muscle coordination Blindness Insanity Loss of mental abilities Paralysis Convulsions in its final stage can be treated, but it cannot be cured. This is why early detection and treatment is vital. is diagnosed by a blood test, which determines whether or not spirochetes are present in the blood. In its early stages, syphilis is treated with penicillin. 14
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 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. 15
Presented By Carone Fitness 16