Chp. 6d: Sexual Health & Sexually Transmitted Infections

Risk factors for STIs

• abstinence is only absolute protection

• condoms can protect, but not always, not perfectly, and not for everything

• bigger risk when sex acts involve tissue damage (as w/ anal sex)

• women catch STIs from men more easily than men from women (receivers of more bodily fluids)

Risk factors for STIs: no - highest risk

• no risk: talking, fantasy (no sexual contact)

• low risk: kissing (saliva transferring)

• moderate risk: oral sex (less likely to break skin)

• high risk: receptive vaginal intercourse

• highest risk: receptive anal intercourse

General symptoms

• symptoms can differ from person to person (some don’t have symptoms)

• discharge from penis or vagina causing itching, burning, or bleeding of skin

• frequent urination with discomfort or burning

• flu-like symptoms: fatigue, nausea, fever, diarrhea, etc.

• a sore, rash, pimple blister - something that itches, hurts or aches, in your genital area

• abnormal or genital ache or other pain inside your body

• if untreated - STIs can lead to secondary infections and additional symptoms

Bacterial STIs

• can be cured (via antibiotics)

• bacteria passed person-to-person

Bacterial STIs: Chlamydia

• 50-70% of people do not exhibit symptoms

• females are more than likely to have symptoms

• easily treated with antibiotics

• 100% curable with treatment

Bacterial STIs: Gonorrhea

• people are sometimes asymptomatic; males are more likely to experience symptoms

• treated with antibiotics, sometimes multiple round

• 100% curable with treatment

Bacterial STIs: Syphilis

• people are usually symptomatic with noticeable symptoms

• treated with antibiotics (penicillin is most common)

• 100% curable with treatment

Viral STIs

• cannot be cured

• viruses passed person-to-person

Viral STIs: HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

• genital warts

• vaccine available (get it before being sexually active)

• cannot completely cure HPV at this time, but can treat symptoms

• can cause cervical cancer

Viral STIs: HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus)

• herpes 1 & 2

• can be transferred via kissing (sore)

• most people have no or very mild symptom, so they don’t realize they have HSV

• cannot completely cure HSV at this time, but can treat symptoms

Viral STIs: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

• the virus that causes AIDS

• spread by blood, semen, and vaginal fluids, by anal, vaginal and oral sex

• cannot completely cure HIV at this time (one case of curing), but can treat and reduce viral load

• undetectable viral load = untransmittable

Parasitic STIs

• can be cured

• parasites (little bugs) person-to-person

• possible to 100% get rid of all parasitic STIs if treatment is done properly

Parasitic STIs: Pubic lice (crabs, cooties)

• important to kill the lice and the eggs OR experience re-infestation when eggs hatch

• treatment: shampoo

Parasitic STIs: Trichomoniasis/trick

• men: frequent & burning urination, discharge from penis

• women: vaginal discharge, itching, burning

• treatment: specific antibiotics

Parasitic STIs: Scabies (itch mites)

• burrow into skin, causing itching, rash, skin infection from scratching

• treatment: shampoo

Reducing risk of STIs

• use condoms

• if you’re sexually active, especially if you and/or your partner(s) have had other/multiple partners, get yourself checked for STIs multiple times every year

• get immunized (Hepatitis B and HPV)

• all STIs can be treated, but not all will completely go away/be cured

Doctors visits for sexual health

• all adults should have yearly physical

• during medical exam - be honest

• you’ll be asked about medical history, lifestyles, any concerns

• procedure will always include height, weight, blood pressure, temperatures, etc.

Talking about STIs with partners

• discuss STI status before sex

• find a place and time where you feel comfortable and are sober

• share status with new partners

• be prepared to answer questions and deal with stigma

• if you have symptoms or an STI diagnosis after sex, communicate with previous partners