SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STD’S) �CURBING OUTBREAKS�7-29-2022

TINA MCBRIDE, RN, BSN,MA, FLE

HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTOR

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TYPES OF STD’S OR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STI’S):

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Genital Herpes
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis
• Other STD’s/STI’s (trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis & yeast, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts and pelvic inflammatory disease)

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CHLAMYDIA:

CHLAMYDIA: CONT.

• A common sexually transmitted infection that may not cause symptoms.
• Chlamydia affects people of all ages but is most common in young women.
• Many who have chlamydia don't develop symptoms, but they can still infect others through sexual contact. Symptoms may include genital pain and discharge from the vagina or penis.
• Can have no symptoms, but people may experience: Pain areas: in the eyes, lower abdomen, pelvis, testicle, or vagina. Pain circumstances: can occur during sexual intercourse or during urination. Groin: abnormal vaginal discharge, discharge from penis, or vaginal bleeding. Also common: eye discharge or spotting
• HOW IT SPREADS: By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.

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Common STD/STI: Ages 15-19

• More than 200,000 US cases per year
• Spreads by sexual contact
• Treatable by a medical professional; Antibiotics: stops the growth of or kills bacteria.
• Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging always required: retested at 1-3 months due to high reinfection rate

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GONORRHEA:

GONORRHEA: CONT.

• A sexually transmitted bacterial infection that, if untreated, may cause infertility.
• Regular screening can help detect instances when an infection is present despite having no symptoms.
• Symptoms include painful urination and abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina. Men may experience testicular pain and women may experience pain in the lower belly. In some cases, gonorrhea has no symptoms. Can have no symptoms, but people may experience: Pain areas: in the lower abdomen, pelvis, testicle, or vagina. Pain circumstances: can occur during sexual intercourse or during urination. Groin: abnormal vaginal discharge, discharge from penis, or increased vaginal discharge. Also common: fever, frequent urge to urinate, irregular menstruation, pus, or sore throat.
• HOW IT SPREADS: By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.

Very common: Ages 15-24

• More than 3 million US cases per year
• Spreads by sexual contact
• Treatable by a medical professional: Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics.
• Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging often required; may retest if symptoms do not go away or if they come back

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SYPHILIS:

SYPHILIS: CONT.

• A bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact that starts as a painless sore.
• Syphilis develops in stages, and symptoms vary with each stage.
• The first stage involves a painless sore on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. After the initial sore heals, the second stage is characterized by a rash. Then, there are no symptoms until the final stage which may occur years later. This final stage can result in damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, or heart.
• People may experience: Groin: painless ulcers, sores, vaginal discharge, or wart-like growths on genitals. Skin: rashes, small bump, or ulcers. Also common: fatigue, itching, mouth ulcer, rash on the palms and soles, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, or rectal lining inflammation
• HOW IT SPREADS: By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. By blood products (unclean needles or unscreened blood). By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.

Rare:

• Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year
• Spreads by sexual contact
• Treatable by a medical professional; Syphilis is treated with penicillin. Sexual partners should also be treated.
• Medium-term: resolves within months
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging always required

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GENITAL HERPES:

GENITAL HERPES: CONT.

• A common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores.
• Caused by the herpes simplex virus, the disease can affect both men and women.
• Pain, itching, and small sores appear first. They form ulcers and scabs. After initial infection, genital herpes lies dormant in the body. Symptoms can recur for years. People may experience: Pain areas: in the penis or vagina. Pain circumstances: can occur during urination. Also common: genital sores, sensation of pins and needles, or skin rash
• HOW IT SPREADS: By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.

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Very common:

• More than 3 million US cases per year
• Spreads by sexual contact
• Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured; Medications can be used to manage outbreaks.
• Antiviral drugs reduce viruses' ability to replicate (i.e. Acyclovir)
• Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
• Usually self-diagnosable
• Lab tests or imaging often required

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) & ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS):

HIV & AIDS CONT.

• HIV causes AIDS and interferes with the body's ability to fight infections.
• The virus can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.
• Within a few weeks of HIV infection, flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue can occur. Then the disease is usually asymptomatic until it progresses to AIDS. AIDS symptoms include weight loss, fever or night sweats, fatigue, and recurrent infections.
• People may experience: Pain areas: in the abdomen. Pain circumstances: can occur while swallowing. Cough: can be dry. Whole body: fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, malaise, night sweats, or sweating. Gastrointestinal: nausea, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or watery diarrhea. Throat: difficulty swallowing or soreness. Groin: sores or swelling. Mouth: ulcers or white tongue. Also common: opportunistic infection, headache, oral thrush, pneumonia, red blotches, severe unintentional weight loss, skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes.
• No cure exists for AIDS, but strict adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) can dramatically slow the disease's progress, prevent secondary infections and complications, and prolong life.
• HOW IT SPREADS: By blood products (unclean needles or unscreened blood). By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.

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Rare:

• Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year
• Spreads by sexual contact
• Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured; HIV antiviral suppresses HIV to slow progression of infection. Reduces the risk of infecting others.
• Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging always required

HEPATITIS B & C

HEPATITIS:

• An inflammation of the liver.
• MOST COMMON TYPES: Hepatitis B - A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus that's easily preventable by a vaccine. Hepatitis C - An infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation. Alcoholic hepatitis - Liver inflammation caused by drinking too much alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis - Inflammation in the liver that occurs when the immune system attacks the liver. Hepatitis D - A serious liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis D virus. Hepatitis A - A highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis E - A liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus.

HEPATITIS B & C:

• Hepatitis B:
• A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus that's easily preventable by a vaccine.
• This disease is most commonly spread by exposure to infected body fluids.
• Symptoms are variable and include yellowing of the eyes, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Some people, particularly children, don't experience any symptoms. In chronic cases, liver failure, cancer, or scarring can occur. Can have no symptoms, but people may experience: Pain areas: in the abdomen. Pain types: can be mild. Whole body: fatigue, loss of appetite, or malaise. Gastrointestinal: fluid in the abdomen or nausea. Skin: web of swollen blood vessels in the skin or yellow skin and eyes. Also common: dark urine or itching. The condition often clears up on its own. Chronic cases need medication and possibly a liver transplant.
• HOW IT SPREADS: By blood products (unclean needles or unscreened blood). By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.

Common

• More than 200,000 US cases per year
• Spreads by sexual contact
• Preventable by vaccine
• Treatable by a medical professional; Medications: Antiviral drug; Self-care: Avoid alcohol
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging always required

HEPATITIS C:

• An infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation.
• The virus is spread by contact with contaminated blood, for example, from sharing needles or from unsterile tattoo equipment.
• Most people have no symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms may have fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the eyes and skin. Can have no symptoms, but people may experience: Pain areas: in the abdomen. Gastrointestinal: bleeding, bloating, fluid in the abdomen, or nausea. Whole body: fatigue, fever, or loss of appetite. Skin: web of swollen blood vessels in the skin or yellow skin and eyes. Also common: depression or weight loss.
• HOW IT SPREADS: By blood products (unclean needles or unscreened blood). By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.
• Hepatitis C is treated with antiviral medications. In some people, newer medicines can eradicate the virus.

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Common:

• More than 200,000 US cases per year
• Treatable by a medical professional; Medications: Antiviral drug; Self-care: Avoid alcohol and possibly Surgery: Liver transplantation
• Spreads easily
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging always required

TRICHOMONIASIS:

TRICHOMONIASIS: CONT.

• A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.
• Trichomoniasis is among the most common sexually transmitted infections. Risk factors include multiple sexual partners and not using condoms during sex.
• Trichomoniasis causes a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching, and painful urination in women. Men typically have no symptoms. Complications include a risk of premature delivery for pregnant women. Can have no symptoms, but people may experience: Pain areas: in the abdomen. Pain circumstances: can occur during sexual intercourse or during urination. Groin: cervix inflammation, vaginal discharge, vaginal inflammation, vaginal irritation, vaginal itching, vaginal odor, or vulva inflammation.
• HOW IT SPREADS: By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Treatment involves both partners taking one large dose of a certain oral antibiotic (Metronidazole) .

• Very common
• :More than 3 million US cases per year
• Spreads by sexual contact
• Treatable by a medical professional
• Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging always required

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS:

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS: CONT.

• Bacterial overgrowth in the vagina.
• Bacterial vaginosis tends to affect women of childbearing age. Activities that change the balance of bacteria in the vagina, such as sexual intercourse or frequent douching, can increase a person’s risk.
• In some cases, there are no symptoms. In other cases, there may be abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, or odor.
• Treatment can include prescription cream, gel, or medication. Recurrence within three to 12 months is common, requiring additional treatment.

• Very common:
• More than 3 million US cases per year
• Treatable by a medical professional
• Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging often required

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID):

PID: CONT.

• An infection of the female reproductive organs.
• It usually occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from the vagina to the womb (uterus), fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
• Common symptoms include pelvic pain and fever. There may be vaginal discharge. People may experience: Pain areas: in the pelvis, abdomen, lower back, or vagina. Pain circumstances: can occur during sexual intercourse or during urination. Whole body: chills, fatigue, or fever. Groin: cervical motion tenderness, vaginal discharge, or vaginal odor. Gastrointestinal: nausea or vomiting. Also common: cramping or painful menstruation.
• HOW IT SPREADS: By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Treatment includes antibiotics

• Common:
• More than 200,000 US cases per year
• Spreads by sexual contact
• Treatable by a medical professional; Antibiotics
• Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging often required

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV):

HPV: CONT.

• An infection that causes warts in various parts of the body, depending on the strain.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Many people with HPV don't develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact. Symptoms may include warts on the genitals or surrounding skin. Common symptoms: itching or warts
• HOW IT SPREADS: By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.
• There's no cure for the virus and warts may go away on their own. Treatment focuses on removing the warts. A vaccine that prevents the HPV strains most likely to cause genital warts and cervical cancer is recommended for boys and girls.
• Two doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for children at ages 11–12; the vaccine can be given starting at age 9 years. Children who start the HPV vaccine series on or after their 15th birthday need three doses given over 6 months.
• In October 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration announced it had expanded the approved age for the HPV vaccine up to age 45 for women and men. In June 2019, a key advisory committee for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the vaccine for all men and women up to age 26.

• Very common:
• More than 3 million US cases per year
• Spreads by sexual contact
• Some types preventable by vaccine
• Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured; Medical procedure: Loop electrosurgical excision procedure, Freezing, and Cervical conization
• Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging often required

GENITAL WARTS:

GENITAL WARTS: CONT.

• A small bump on the genitals caused by a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• The characteristic symptom is a small bump on the genitals. People may experience: Common symptoms: warts, itchiness around anus, itching, itching of vagina, or skin burning sensation
• HOW IT SPREADS: By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. By skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs).
• Vaccines can protect against many genital-wart-causing strains of HPV. Genital warts can be treated with prescription medication applied directly to the warts or can be surgically removed.

• Very common:
• More than 3 million US cases per year
• Spreads by sexual contact
• Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured; Medical procedure: Cauterization and Freezing. Topical anti-tumor medication: Treats skin cancer and other skin conditions.
• Usually self-diagnosable
• Lab tests or imaging rarely required

SEXUAL HEALTH:

• Sexual health is just as important as physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental and occupational health.

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