Sexually transmitted diseases Increasing due to: Increasing sexual activity Multiple sexual partners Use of birth control pills – Increases the chance of contracting an STD Frequency of STD’s 50% by age 30-35 Chlamydia Most common bacterial STD in US Often no symptoms in men and women Female symptoms – – Urethritis, cervicitis PID Male Burning urination Increasing risk for women & chlamydia Oral contraceptives Douching Syphilis - Cause Treponema Pallidium Syphilis - symptoms Primary stage - Painless sore Syphilis - symptoms Primary stage - Painless sore Syphilis - symptoms Primary stage - Painless sore Syphilis - symptoms Secondary stage - skin rash Syphilis - symptoms Third (Tertiary) stage No symptoms Death or blindness Latent syphilis passed on to the fetus: Gonorrhea Bacterial infection Gonorrhea Symptoms (in males) – – Burning urination Cloudy discharge Symptoms (in women) – Most women unaware of primary symptoms Gonorrhea “Short-arm “ inspection – “milking” penis for suspicious discharge Gonorrhea - diagnosis Herpes 20% - 25% of population infected Type I & II – Oral herpes transmitted through kissing Transmitted during asymptomatic periods Will not pass through latex condoms Herpes symptoms Prodromal symptoms – Itching or burning Regular symptoms – Blisters Herpes - Blisters Herpes treatment No cure Treatment with Zovirax Pubic lice Symptoms – Itching in the pubic area Pubic Lice Treatment Genital Warts Most prevalent STD in the U.S. Virus Genital warts - Treatment No cure, but will often subside by itself. Related to cervical cancer Treatment – Gardasil vaccine Gardasil Vacine – – For girls 9 and up Most effective if given before sexual activity begins Protects against 2 high risk strains of HPV causing 70% of cervical cancers Protects against 2 low risk strains responsible for 90% of genital warts Even if you have been exposed to one strain, the vaccine can protect against other strains Women should get this vaccine! – (personal opinion) HIV Heterosexual transmission increasing Incubation period – 8 - 11 years Increasing faster among women than men Symptoms most commonly associates with other types of illnesses. E.g. the flu (in early stages). Avoiding HIV Avoid IV drugs Avoid anal intercourse Avoid intercourse during menstruation Avoid male or female prostitutes HIV virus found in: Vaginal secretions Blood Semen Saliva Urine Breast milk Safer Sex Tell partner about your previous sexual history Carry & use latex condoms every time Use a water based lubricant (e.g.” KY”) – Oil based lubricants damage latex condoms Use spermicidal foams, jellies or creams – – – Some spermicides kill some STD germs Apply inside the tip of the condom Apply inside the vagina Condom use Unroll the condom directly onto the erect penis Store in a cool dry place Withdraw after ejaculation while still erect (hold the base of the condom to prevent slippage). STD’s and the Pill Being on the pill increases your chances to almost 100% Chronic vaginitis and the pill Being on the pill increases your chances of having chronic vaginitis.