STD/ STI
Prevention
By Nicole Perry
Description
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually
transmitted infections (STIs), are generally acquired by
sexual contact. The organisms or viruses that cause
sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to
person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids.
Some such infections can also be transmitted nonsexually,
such as from mother to infant during pregnancy or
childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared
needles.
It's possible to contract sexually transmitted diseases from
people who seem perfectly healthy — people who, in fact,
aren't even aware of being infected. Many STDs cause no
symptoms in some people, which is one of the reasons
experts prefer the term "sexually transmitted infections"
to "sexually transmitted diseases."
This book manual has been created for the individual
who believes he or she has been infected with a STD
Common Symptoms and Alerts that you may have a
STD
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or Sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs) have a range of signs and symptoms. That's
why they may go unnoticed until complications occur or a
partner is diagnosed. Signs and symptoms that might indicate an
STI include:

Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area

Painful or burning urination

Discharge from the penis

Vaginal discharge

Unusual vaginal bleeding

Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but
sometimes more widespread

Lower abdominal pain

Rash over the trunk, hands or feet
Signs and symptoms may appear a few days to years after
exposure, depending on the organism. They may resolve in a
few weeks, even without treatment, but progression with later
complications — or recurrence — sometimes occurs.
Data and statistics
STD/STI in the U.S
per year
THE FACTS:
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One in two sexually active young people will get an STD by the age of 25.
Most young people with STDs don’t even know they have them. Getting
tested is the only way to know for sure.
STDs are really common -- every year there are more than 19 million new
cases in the U.S.
Left untreated, some STDs can cause infertility or increase your risk of getting
cancer
More than 50 percent of sexually active people will get HPV at some point
during their lives.
Specific STI/STDs and their related symptoms
Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome (AIDS)
AIDS is caused by the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a
virus that destroys the body's
ability to fight off infection.
People who have AIDS are very
susceptible to many lifethreatening diseases and to
certain forms of cancer.
Transmission of the virus occurs
during sexual activity or by the
sharing of needles used to inject
intravenous drugs
Chlamydial Infections
Chlamydial infections, the most
common of all STDs, can affect
both males and females.
Infections may cause an abnormal
genital discharge and burning
with urination. In females,
untreated chlamydial infection
may lead to pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID).
Human Papillomaviruses
(HPVs)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is
a common sexually transmitted
disease that can cause genital
warts. These warts can occur on
the inside or outside areas of the
genitals and may spread to the
surrounding skin or to a sexual
partner. Because HPV infection
does not always cause warts, the
infection may go undetected.
Women with HPV infection have
an increased risk of developing
cervical cancer. Regular Pap
smears can detect HPV infection
as well as abnormal cervical cells.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea causes a discharge
from the vagina or penis and
painful or difficult urination. The
most common and serious
complications occur in females,
which include pelvic
inflammatory disease, ectopic
(tubal) pregnancy and infertility.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes infections are
caused by the herpes simplex
virus (HSV) Symptoms may
include painful blisters or open
sores in the genital area, which
may be preceded by a tingling or
burning sensation in the legs,
buttocks, or genital region. The
herpes sores usually disappear
within a few weeks, but the virus
remains in the body and the
lesions may recur from time to
time.
Syphilis
The cause of syphilis is a
bacterium called Treponema
pallidum. The most common
route of transmission is through
contact with an infected person's
sore during sexual activity.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by a
virus related to the virus that
causes common skin warts.
Usually, genital warts first appear
as small, hard, painless bumps in
the vaginal area, on the penis, or 
around the anus.
Other diseases that may be
sexually transmitted include the
following:
The initial symptom of syphilis is
a painless open sore that usually
appears on the penis or around or
in the vagina. If untreated,
syphilis may go on to more
advanced stages, including a
transient rash and, eventually,
serious involvement of the heart
and central nervous system.
Bacterial vaginosis.
Pubic lice.
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Scabies.
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Trichomoniasis.
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Vaginal yeast infections.
Populations at risk

Gender- Women suffer more frequent and more serious STD
complications than men do. Among the most serious STD complications
are pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside
of the uterus), infertility, and chronic pelvic pain

Age disparities - Compared to older adults, sexually active adolescents
ages 15 to 19 and young adults ages 20 to 24 are at higher risk for
getting STDs.

Racial and ethnic disparities - Certain racial and ethnic groups (mainly
African American, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native
populations) have high rates of STDs, compared with rates for whites.

Access to health care - Access to high-quality health care is essential
for early detection, treatment, and behavior-change counseling for STDs.
Groups with the highest rates of STDs are often the same groups for
whom access to or use of health services is most limited.

Substance abuse - Many studies document the association of substance
abuse with STDs. The introduction of new illicit substances into
communities often can alter sexual behavior drastically in high-risk
sexual networks, leading to the epidemic spread of STD

Sexuality and “secrecy” - Perhaps the most important social factors
contributing to the spread of STDs in the United States are the stigma
associated with STDs and the general discomfort of discussing intimate
aspects of life, especially those related to sex. These social factors
separate the United States from industrialized countries with low rates of
STDs.
Risk factors
Having unprotected sex. Vaginal or anal penetration by an infected
partner who is not wearing a latex condom transmits some diseases with
particular efficiency. Without a condom, a man who has gonorrhea has a
70 to 80 percent chance of infecting his female partner in a single act of
vaginal intercourse. Improper or inconsistent use of condoms can also
increase your risk. Oral sex is less risky but may still transmit infection
without a latex condom or dental dam. Dental dams — thin, square
pieces of rubber made with latex or silicone — prevent skin-to-skin
contact.

Having sexual contact with multiple partners. The more people you
have sexual contact with, the greater your overall exposure risks. This is
true for concurrent partners as well as monogamous consecutive
relationships.

Having a history of STIs. Being infected with one STI makes it much
easier for another STI to take hold. If you're infected with herpes,
syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia and you have unprotected sex with an
HIV-positive partner, you're more likely to contract HIV. Also, it's
possible to be reinfected by the same infected partner if he or she isn't
also treated.

Abusing alcohol or using recreational drugs. Substance abuse can
inhibit your judgment, making you more willing to participate in risky
behaviors.

Injecting drugs. Needle sharing spreads many serious infections,
including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. If you acquire HIV by
injecting drugs, you can transmit it sexually.

Being an adolescent female. In adolescent girls, the immature cervix is
made up of constantly changing cells. These unstable cells make the
adolescent female cervix more vulnerable to certain sexually transmitted
organisms.
Legal rights and responsibilities
Physicians, hospitals, and laboratories are required by law to
submit reports of communicable disease and other situations that
pose a threat to the public health. Nebraska, as in most states,
syphilis; gonorrhea; HIV/AIDS; and chlamydia are reported to
the appropriate health department.
If you're nervous about talking to your partners, here are a few
tips to help you gain confidence:
 Try role-playing with a trusted friend or in front of a mirror.
Practice saying the words out loud.
 Choose a neutral setting during a time when you won't be
distracted or interrupted. Be natural.
 Speak with confidence. You are not lecturing or confessing.
You're sharing personal information.
 Remain calm. If you're upset, a partner might think it's worse
than it is. Remember your delivery and body language
becomes your message, too.
 Expect your partner to be accepting and supportive. People
usually act as you expect them to.
While some people may overreact, some won't bat an eye.
However they react, it’s out of your control. Try not to be
surprised and give them time to think about what you're telling
them and asking them
People you may want to tell if you are positive
SEX PARTNERS
You may be thinking about telling people you had unprotected sex with
before you knew you were positive. Telling sex partners after the fact is
not easy, but, it's a law in most states that those who are HIV positive must
tell their partners before they have sex, so it’s something that must be
done. You might want to ask them if they're already positive. If they're
not, you might be able to help and support them through the process of
getting tested.
FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS
Some people don't tell their friends and families because they don't want
them to worry or they're afraid of being rejected. By not telling, you could
be cheating yourself out of an important source of love and support.
PEOPLE YOU WORK WITH
The main thing to know about HIV and the workplace is that you're
entitled to protections under federal law. You can't lose your job just
because you have HIV. It's often good to tell your supervisor, since you
might need time off for doctor's appointments or other health reasons
Prevention
Abstain. The most effective way to avoid STIs is to abstain from sex.

Stay with 1 uninfected partner. Another reliable way of avoiding STIs
is to stay in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a
partner who isn't infected.

Get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated early, before sexual exposure, is
also effective in preventing certain types of STIs. Vaccines are available
to prevent two viral STIs that can cause cancer — human papillomavirus
(HPV), hepatitis A and hepatitis B. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) recommends the HPV vaccine for girls and boys ages
11 and 12. If not fully vaccinated at ages 11 and 12, the CDC
recommends that girls and women through age 26 and boys and men
through age 26 receive the vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is usually
given to newborns.

Use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly. Use a new
latex condom or dental dam for each sex act, whether oral, vaginal or
anal. Never use an oil-based lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, with a
latex condom or dental dam. Keep in mind that while condoms reduce
your risk of exposure to most STIs, they provide a lesser degree of
protection for STIs involving exposed genital sores, such as human
papillomavirus (HPV) or herpes. Also, nonbarrier forms of
contraception, such as oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices, don't
protect against STIs.
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Don't drink alcohol excessively or use drugs. If you're under the
influence, you're more likely to take sexual risks.

Avoid anonymous, casual sex. Don't look for sex partners online or in
bars or other pickup places. Not knowing your sex partner well increases
your risk of possible exposure to an STI.
Treatments
Antibiotics
Antibiotics, often in a single dose, can cure many
sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic
infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia
and trichomoniasis. Typically, you'll be treated for
gonorrhea and chlamydia at the same time because
the two infections often appear together.
Once you start antibiotic treatment, it's crucial to
follow through. If you don't think you'll be able to
take medication as prescribed, tell your doctor. A
shorter, simpler treatment regimen may be available.
In addition, it's important to abstain from sex until
you've completed treatment and any sores have
healed.
Antiviral drugs
Can be used for a few different diseases such as
herpes
Support services and resources
It’s easier to talk to your partners about STD/HIV after you’ve
come to terms with it yourself. Give yourself time to work
through it. If you are well informed and know the facts about
STDs or HIV, you’ll be more confident and at-ease when
discussing the situation. You can always call 1-800-CDC-INFO
(1-800-232-4636) to talk to someone personally and to get
brochures and information to give your partners.
Other numbers
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National AIDS Hotline: (800) 342-AIDS
Herpes Resource Center: (919) 361-2120
National Planned Parenthood Hotline: (800) 230-7526
TEEN Line (provides peer-to-peer counseling for teens):
(800) 443-8336 Toll-free, 24 hours
 National STD Hotline:
(800) 227-8922
What Can/should be done?
If you think you have a
STD/STI… Get Tested
The only way to know for sure if you have a STD or STI is to get tested.
If you think you have one contact your local physician or other health
care provider
The key to any disease or infection is early diagnosis and
treatment
References
Statistics of sexually transmitted infections . (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/std-sti/std-statistics.html
Std resources . (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.thestdproject.com/stdresources/std-help-hotlines/
Center of disease control stds. (2013, December 10). Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/std/
Sexually transmitted diseases . (2013, November,26). Retrieved from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sexuallytransmitteddiseases.html
Sexually transmitted diseases . (2012, November 14). Retrieved from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sexuallytransmitteddiseases.html