Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed from one person to another through oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV/AIDS, and HPV. STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. While some STIs have symptoms, many do not, so testing is important. STIs can be prevented through abstinence or condom use and treated with antibiotics or antiviral medication to cure or manage the infection. Untreated STIs can lead to long term health issues.

1. Life Orientation
Topic: Sexually Transmitted Infections
(STIs)
PRESENTED BY: ADELIZE REYNEKE

2. What are Sexually Transmitted
Infections (STIs)?
 STI is a term applied to a variety of infections
that are passed from one person to another
primarily through vaginal, oral or anal sex.

3. Common Types of STIs:
 Chlamydia
 HIV and AIDS
 Gonorrhea
 Pubic Lice
 Genital Herpes (HSV-2)
 Syphilis
 Genital Warts (HPV)
 Trichomoniasis
 Hepatitis B

4. Modes of Transmission:
STIs are spread through contact:
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Penis
Vagina
Rectum
Breaks in skin
Mucous membranes
And
 Needle Sharing
 Blood contact
 Vertical transmission (Mother-to-child)

5. Areas of Infection:

6. Prevention is the key:
 Abstinence, or not having oral, vaginal or anal
sex, is the best way to protect yourself.
 It is possible to get an STD even without having
intercourse through skin-to-skin contact.
 Use latex condoms correctly for any type of sex
(vaginal, oral or anal) from start to finish.

7. How do I know if I have an STI?
 Most people who have an STI have no
symptoms. A test from your health care provider
or local health clinic may be the only way to tell
for sure if you're infected.
 If you do become infected, symptoms may
appear right away. Or, they may not show up for
weeks or months or even years. They may come
and go. Even if the signs and symptoms go away,
you can still infect other people if you have sex
with them. Or, they can still infect you!

8. Common Symptoms:
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Pain or burning while urinating
Itching
Discharge
Unusual smell from the penis or vagina
For women, sharp pain in the lower belly
Growths
Bumps or sores
Rashes around the genitals or anal area
Many people can have no symptoms
(asymptomatic) and still pass on a STI.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea (cont…)
Symptoms in Males:
Symptoms in Females:
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Pain during urination
Frequent urination
Watery discharge
Discharge from penis
With Chlamydia: 50% of men will not
get symptoms.
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.

12. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea (cont…)
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 .

13. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV):
Transmission
 Direct sexual contact with the bacteria
(especially with new or multiple partners).
 Wiping the incorrect way.
 Douching.
Testing
 Culture Test.

14. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) cont…
Symptoms:
 Heavy and milky discharge
 Fishy-smelling odor
 Itching in or around the
vagina

15. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) cont…
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.

16. Syphilis:
Transmission
 Skin to skin contact.
 Contact with mucous membrane.
 Mother-to-child through placenta.
Testing
 Blood Sample.

17. Syphilis (cont…)
First stage Syphilis:
Second stage Syphilis:
 Chancres (painless open
 Flu-like symptoms and rash.
sore) appear on the body
 They disappear in about 14
days
Rash is brownish red and
can appear on any part of
the body.

18. Syphilis (cont…)
Third stage Syphilis:
If gone untreated…
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Transmission to sex partners and newborns.
Nerve and brain damage.
Blindness.
Physical damage.
Death.

19. Syphilis (cont…)
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.

20. Viral Infections:

Viral infections are not curable. They can be
treated and managed with medication to reduce
symptoms and outbreaks caused by the virus.

21. 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 and blood tests.
Herpes can be transmitted anywhere there is a break in
the skin, and mucous membrane.

22. Herpes (cont…)
If gone untreated
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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.

23. 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.

24. Hepatitis B (HBV-2) cont…
Symptoms:
If left untreated:
 Jaundice (yellowing of skin
 Transmission to sex
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and whites of the eyes).
Fatigue.
Abdominal and joint pain.
Nausea.
Loss of appetite.
About 30% of persons have
no signs or symptoms.
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partners and newborns .
Liver failure.
Cirrhosis (scarring).
Liver cancer can develop.

25. Hepatitis B (HBV-2) cont…
Types of Hepatitis B
• Acute:
Virus “clears out” of person’s system after initial
exposure. This must be confirmed by a negative
blood test after 6 months.
• Chronic:
Virus stays in the person’s 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.

26. Hepatitis B (HBV-2) cont…
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.

27. Genital Warts/HPV:
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

28. Genital Warts/HPV (cont…)
Symptoms
 Small bumps, can feel hard or soft.
 Can take on cauliflower-like appearance.
 Most people have no symptoms.
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.

29. Genital Warts/HPV (cont…)
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.

30. 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.

31. HIV/AIDS (cont…)
Testing
 Blood Sample
 Saliva Test
Testing Guidelines
 Test are most accurate 6 months after possible
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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.

32. HIV/AIDS (cont…)
If gone untreated

Transmission to sex partners and newborns.

Weakening of immune system.

Vulnerable to other infections.

Death.

33. HIV/AIDS (cont…)
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.

34. Pubic Lice (Crabs):
Pathogen: Organism called Pthirus pubis.
Where: Pubic hair and other areas with hair.
How: Spread through sexual contact or bedding.
Symptoms: Persistent itching and becomes worse
at night.

35. Trichomoniasis
 Protozoa.
 Greenish-yellow discharge with foul odor.
 Frothy in texture.
 Itching.
Treatment available
• Trichomoniasis can be cured with the
prescription drug, taken by mouth in a single
dose.

36. Prevention:
 Testing.
 Communication.
 Seeking help.
 Education.
 Respect .
 Limiting the number of sex partners.

37. What to do & where to go:
 If you have suspicious that you have an STI go to
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the doctors immediately and get tested
Where to go for help?
 Go to a public health care center, these clinics
are free to teens and treat you without pay
Family planning clinics may offer counseling and
therapy treatment
Get help and never be ashamed.

38. References:
 M.S. Drew
 Gina Ciccone
 Rhetta Guimond
 Jennifer Dole
 Kris Teelee