Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections

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Sexually transmitted infections {STI’s}- are infection spread from person to person through sexual contact. STI’s sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted diseases or STD’s. Each year, one-quarter of all new cases of sexually transmitted infections occur among 15 to 19 year olds. Sexually transmitted infections take a toll on young people because many lack knowledge about sexually transmitted infections and how they are transmitted.

Some facts about sexually transmitted infections:

Sexually transmitted infections are spread mostly through sexual contact.
You cannot tell if someone has a sexual transmitted infection by his/her appearance.
A person with a sexually transmitted infection may have no symptoms.
Many sexual transmitted infections can be treated, but early diagnosis is vital.
Because Treatment of sexually transmitted infections vary, they must be accurately identified.
Sexually transmitted infections can reoccur because the body does not build up immunity to them.
Sexually transmitted infections are serious diseases that can cause sterility, blindness, deafness, insanity, and death.

Common sexually transmitted infections:

Chlamydia- is a very common sexual transmitted infection. It is a "silent" sexual transmitted infection, many infected people have no symptoms. If left untreated, it can seriously damage the reproductive organs in both males and females.
Genital herpes- is caused by the virus herpes simplex type 2. Herpes cannot be cured, and it results in periodic bouts of painful blisters on the genitals. Herpes can be passed to another person even when the blisters are not apparent.
Genital warts- are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked with cervical cancer and skin cancer. It is thought that the virus may disable the skins defense against ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Gonorrhea - is caused by bacteria. Infection can affect the entire body, causing joint pain. Some people, especially females, may have no symptoms until the disease is in its advanced stage.
Syphilis- is a very serious sexual transmitted infection. If left untreated, the bacteria that cause syphilis invade the entire body, damaging the internal organs. Advanced syphilis may cause blindness, paralysis, insanity, and death.
Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU)- is an infection of the urethra, the tube that transports urine from the bladder. It is caused by bacteria different from those that cause gonorrhea. NGU is more common in men than women.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)- is a general infection of the female reproductive organs. Most women with PID become infected as a result of an other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. If left untreated, PID may worsen over time and cause sterility.