What sexually transmitted
diseases can I get?
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
Why are STD’s increasing?
Increasing sexual activity
 Multiple sexual partners
 Use of birth control pills

–
Increases the chance of contracting an
STD to almost 100%
What are my chances of getting
an STD?

50% by age 30-35
What bacterial STD am I most
likely to get?
Chlamydia
 Most common bacterial STD in US
 Often no symptoms in men and women
 Female symptoms

–
–

Urethritis, cervicitis
PID
Male Burning urination
What increases a woman’s risk
for chlamydia?
Oral contraceptives
 Douching

What causes Syphilis?

Treponema Pallidium
How do I know if I have Syphilis?

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
 Severe systemic illness

–
Death, blindness, mental illness
Latent syphilis passed on to the
fetus:
Do you remember?
Why are STDs increasing?
 What bacterial STD are you most likely to
get?
 What increases a woman’s risk of getting
chlamydia?
 What are the three stages of syphilis?

Gonorrhea

Bacterial infection
How do I know if I have Gonorrhea?

Symptoms (in males)
–
–

Burning urination
Cloudy discharge
Symptoms (in women)
–
Most women unaware of primary symptoms
How can I test for Gonorrhea
symptoms?

“Short-arm “ inspection
–
“milking” penis for suspicious discharge
Gonorrhea - diagnosis
Herpes
Perhaps 1 in 5 of population infected
 Type I & II

–
–
Oral herpes transmitted through kissing
Genital herpes transmitted through oral sex
Transmitted during asymptomatic periods
 Will not pass through latex condoms

How do I know if I have herpes?

Prodromal symptoms
–

Itching or burning
Symptoms
–
Blisters
Herpes - Blisters
How can I cure herpes?
No cure
 Treatment with Zovirax

Do you remember?
How do you know if you have gonorrhea?
 Are most women aware they have symptoms?
 How can you test for gonorrhea symptoms?
 Can herpes be transmitted if the person has no
symptoms?
 What is herpes treated with?
 Can herpes be cured?

How do I know if I have pubic lice?

Symptoms
–
Itching in the pubic area
Pubic Lice

Treatment
How do I know if I have genital warts?
Most prevalent STD in the U.S.
 Caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Genital warts - Treatment
No cure, but will often subside by itself.
 Related to various cancers

–

(e.g. cervical cancer)
Prevention – Gardasil vaccine
Gardasil Vaccine
–
–




For both sexes 9 to 26 years old
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
You should get this vaccine!
–
(personal opinion)
Do you remember?
How do I know if I have pubic lice?
 Can genital warts be cured?
 If you get genital warts, what should be a
women’s main concern?
 When should the Gardasil vaccine ideally
be given?

HIV = Human
Immunodeficiency Virus
Heterosexual transmission increasing
 Incubation period

–
8 - 11 years
Increasing faster among women than men
 Early symptoms similar to other types of
illnesses. E.g. the flu.

How can I avoid HIV?
Avoid IV drugs
 Avoid anal intercourse
 Avoid intercourse during menstruation
 Avoid male or female prostitutes

Where is the HIV virus found?
Vaginal secretions
 Blood
 Semen
 Saliva
 Urine
 Breast milk

How can I avoid STDs?
(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
What is the right way to use a condom?
Unroll the condom directly onto the erect
penis (do not unroll it first)
 Leave space in reservoir tip
 Store in a cool dry place
 Withdraw after ejaculation while still erect
(hold the base of the condom to prevent
slippage).

“No love without the glove!”
Do you remember?
Is HIV increasing most rapidly among men
or women?
 How can you avoid HIV?
 What general methods can you use to avoid
STDs?
 What is the right way to use a condom?
