Sexually Transmitted

Infections (STIs)
What are Sexually
Transmitted Infections?
Once known as Venereal Diseases (VD)

STIs are infections that are transmitted primarily

through sexual contact with an infected person.

STIs are very common.

An estimated 15-16 million new cases occur each

year in the U.S. alone.

1 in 4 adolescents will get an STI

Modes of Transmission
STIs are spread through contact:
Penis
Vagina
Rectum
Breaks in skin
Mucous membranes
And
Needle Sharing
Blood contact
Vertical transmission (Mother-to-child)
Areas of Infection
 STI Pathogens
Pathogen = Bacteria Pathogen= Virus Pathogen= Parasite
Chlamydia Pubic Lice
Herpes
Gonorrhea Scabies
HepatitisB
Bacterial Vaginosis* Trichomoniasis
Genital Warts (HPV)
Syphilis
HIV/AIDS

*Not classified as an STI

Common Symptoms
Pain during urination
Bump/sores
Bleeding between periods
Unusual discharge
Pain during intercourse
Rash

Many people can have no symptoms

(asymptomatic) and still pass on a STI.
Partners Need to Be
Treated
All partners should be examined and
treated
Why!?!?!
Bacterial Infections
Infections caused by bacteria,
this agent represents about half
of the STIs identified.

Bacterial infections are curable.

Medication does not protect
against future exposure.
Chlamydia
and Gonorrhea
Transmission
Direct mucous membrane contact with the germ during
sexual contact. Using condoms and
dental dams lowers chance of transmission.

Testing
Culture sample (can be done during pap smear)
Urine sample
Symptoms in Males
Gonorrhea & Chlamydia
Pain during urination
Frequent urination
Watery discharge
Discharge from penis

With Chlamydia: 50% of men will not get symptoms

Symptoms in
Females

Gonorrhea & Chlamydia

Pain during urination or sex
Bleeding between periods
Dull pelvic pain
Thick discharge with foul odor

With Chlamydia: 75% of women will not get symptoms

If gone untreated
Transmission to sex partners and newborns

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (can cause infertility)

Higher rate of miscarriage

Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)

Treatment Available
Treated and cured with antibiotics

Because many people with Gonorrhea also have

Chlamydia, treatment for both infections are
usually given together
Bacterial Vaginosis
(BV)
Transmission
Direct sexual contact with the bacteria
(especially with new or multiple partners)
Wiping the incorrect way

Douching

Testing
Culture Test
Symptoms
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Heavy and milky discharge
Fishy-smelling odor
Itching in or around the vagina
If gone untreated
Bacteria may spread and infect the uterus and
fallopian tubes

Transmission to sex partners and newborns

Increased risk for premature birth

Treatment Available

Can be cured with either oral antibiotics or

suppositories.

There is no need to douche unless your doctor or

clinician prescribes it as treatment.
Syphilis
Transmission
Skin to skin contact
Contact with mucous
membrane
Mother-to-child through
placenta

Testing
Blood Sample
 First Stage Syphilis
Chancres (shangker) (painless open
sore) appear on the body.
They disappear in about 14
days.
 Second Stage Syphilis

Flu-like symptoms and rash. Rash is brownish red

and can appear on any part of the body.
If gone untreated
Third Stage Syphilis

Transmission to sex
partners and newborns
Nerve and brain damage
Blindness
Physical damage
Death

Degenerative lesions called

gummas appear as a result of
hypersensitivity
Treatment Available
A single intramuscular injection of medication will
cure a person.

Other treatments are also available.

Syphilis is curable, but the damage to the body

and/or internal organs is not reversible.
Viral Infections
Viral infections are not curable.
They can be treated and
managed with medication to
reduce symptoms and
outbreaks caused by the virus.
Herpes
HSV-1: Oral Herpes
HSV-2: Genital Herpes
Can be passed back and
forth

Transmission
Sexual Contact
Contact with herpes sore
Mother-to-child
Testing
Visual exam
Blood test
Herpes
Herpes can be transmitted
anywhere there is a break
in the skin, and mucous
membrane.
If gone untreated

Higher miscarriage rate

Transmission to sex partners and newborns

Eye problems with herpes infection

Proctitis (inflammation of rectum)

Treatment Available
Antiviral medications can shorten and prevent
outbreaks.

In addition, daily suppressive therapy for chronic

herpes can reduce frequency of outbreaks and
transmission to partners.
Hepatitis B (HBV-2)
Hepatitis B can cause liver damage and is considered
the most general and severe liver disease worldwide.

Transmission
Sexual contact *
Sharing needles
Mother-to-child
Oral utensils

Testing
Blood test
Symptoms
Jaundice (yellowing of skin
and whites of the eyes)
Fatigue
Abdominal and joint pain
Nausea
Loss of appetite

About 30% of persons have no signs or symptoms

If left untreated
Transmission to sex partners and newborns

Liver failure

Cirrhosis (scarring)

Liver cancer can develop

Types of Hepatitis B

Acute: Virus clears out of persons system after

initial exposure. This must be confirmed by a negative
blood test after 6 months.

Chronic: Virus stays in the persons system, and

person tests positive after 6 months. Chronic Hepatitis
may stay with a person for a lifetime. About 10% of
adults who contract Hepatitis B will develop the
chronic type.
Treatment Available
Medications will slow down the
virus and reduce liver damage.
In some cases, they may even
rid of the virus completely.

Hepatitis B vaccine is the best

protection. Three injections
given over 5-6 months.
Remember to be tested before
getting vaccinated
Genital Warts/HPV
(Human Papillomavirus)

The fastest growing STI in U.S. among young

adults. There are about 100 different strands of
HPV. Only 30 strands affect the genital region.
HPV is classified as high risk or low risk.

Transmission
More likely transmitted through direct contact
With infected skin (i.e. wart is present)

Testing
Males Only visual exam*
Females Visual exam and detection through
Pap smears
 Symptoms Genital Warts
Low risk HPV causes warts in the genital area

Raised warts on Lesion on the Raised warts on

the penis perianal area the vulva

Common Symptoms
Small bumps, can feel hard or
soft
Can take on cauliflower-like
appearance
Most people have no symptoms
HPV and Cervical Cancer
High risk HPV does not cause genital warts but can
turn into cervical cancer in women.

Dysplasia found in a biopsy cell sample

If gone untreated
Transmission to sex partners and newborns
Warts may grow and spread if left untreated
May cause cervical cancer
Block openings from anus, vagina and urethra
Treatment Available
HPV is treated through treatment of the genital
wart.

Application of topical medicine

Removal by cryotherapy or laser

If the wart recurs, an injection of a type of

interferon.
HIV/AIDS
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
Virus that attacks the immune system
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome)
When the body is at below 200 T-cells per
ML (drop) of blood.
Body is vulnerable to opportunistic
infections.
HIV/AIDS
Testing
Blood Sample
Saliva Test
Testing Guidelines
Test are most accurate 6 months after possible
exposure
Results are available in 1-2 weeks
Rapid HIV Test - Some test sites offer immediate
results through finger prick. This test can be
expensive.
How can someone get HIV?
Exchange of Bodily Fluids

Sexual fluids Semen, pre-ejaculate, vaginal

secretions

Blood contact Needle sharing, areas with break

in skin

Mother-to-child Transmitted when giving birth or

breast milk
How can someone not get
HIV?
Holding hands
Hugging
Toilet seats
Kissing
Sharing utensils
If gone untreated
Health Problems
Transmission to sex partners and newborns
Weakening of immune system
Vulnerable to other infections
Death
Treatment Available
HIV treatment is a combination of Anti-
Retro Viral (ARV) medications, referred
to
as a cocktail that will keep the viral
count
low.

HIV drug treatment is complicated and

different people have different results.

Treatment can help people at all stages

of
HIV infection stay healthy.
 Parasitic
Infections
Infections caused by
parasite can be transmitted
sexually and non-sexually.
Treatment does not protect
against future infection.
Parasiti
c
Transmission
Sexual contact
Pubic lice attach to hair
Prolonged contact (household members)
Sharing towels and sheets (parasites live up to 3 days without
human host)

Testing
Examination of suspicious area
Further diagnosis done with skin biopsy, and topical solution.
Culture testing (for trichomoniasis)
Pubic Lice Pubic lice at the hair
follicle

Pathogen
organism called Pthirus pubis
Where
pubic hair and other areas with hair
How
Spread through sexual contact or bedding
Symptoms
Persistent itching around Becomes worse at night
Scabies
Pathogen
Mite
Where
Found around genital, groin,
and areas with folds of skin
How
Sexual contact or bedding
Symptoms
Pimple-like irritations, mite
burrows in zigzag pattern Scabies on webbing
between fingers
Treatment Available
Over the counter treatment can be purchased at
pharmacies.

Wash all clothing and bedding to avoid being re-

infected

Continued itching is common 1-3 weeks after

treatment. More treatment is required if new
burrows or rash appear.
Trichomoniasis
Protozoa
Greenish-yellow discharge with foul odor
Frothy in texture
Itching
Treatment Available
Trichomoniasis can be cured with the prescription
drug, given by mouth in a single dose.
Fungal
Transmission
Sexual contact
Yeast Infection: Also caused by tight clothing and
hygiene products

Testing
Culture sample
Symptoms
Yeast Infection
Cottage cheese-like discharge

Foul odor

Itchiness
Treatment Available
Yeast Infections can be cured by anti-fungal
medication.

There is no need to douche unless your doctor or

clinician prescribes it as treatment.
Breaking the Cycle of
Infection

Healthy behaviors that you can

practice to lower the risk and
prevalence of STIs.
Prevention
Testing
Communication
Seeking help
Education
Respect
Limiting the number of sex
partners
Points to Remember
Every persons body is different

Never be embarrassed to consult with your

clinician about STIs

STIs do not discriminate