Student Handout
Edu~tainment Workshopby Dr. & Mrs. Braithwaite
Women & Teens Healthcare/ Reach for the STARS foundation &
16876 N.E. 19th Ave, North Miami Beach, Fl. 33162
305-895-5555
The Other Side of Sex –STDs-HIV/AIDS
What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a group of infections that are spread through any kind of sexual contact, not just intercourse
they are caused by tiny organisms called bacteria or viruses passed by another person through contact with the genitals, skin, mouth, rectum, or body fluids.
ANYONE having sex is at risk.
Are STDs a big problem?
STDs are a huge problem among teens!
Each year 4 million teens-about 1 in 4 teens who have sex-get an STD.
25% of all STDs occur in teens.
Who is a risk for STDs?
- Those who are having unprotected sex or close sexual contact with another person.
- Those who have had or whose partner has had sex with another person.
- Those who have had sex with someone with an STD.
- Those who have had a previous STD.
What are the effects of STDs?
STDs can make you sick or cause permanent harm to your body!
Many STDs have no noticeable symptoms, but some can cause problems ranging from mild irritation to severe pain, illness, and even death.
Some STDs, like herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV/AIDs, have no cure.
Even mild symptoms can cause permanent damage, including infertility.
In pregnancy, STDs can harm the unborn fetus.
Early diagnosis and treatment offers the best chance for curing the disease and preventing further spread to others.
What are some common STDs?
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Chlamydia and gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics.
Teens with these diseases may have no symptoms or may have vaginal or penile discharge, itching, pelvic pain, joint pain, or sore throat.
These diseases can spread to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, causing severe illness, pain, and even infertility.
Chlamydia Cervical Discharge
Gonorrhea (GC)
Eye infected with GC
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a very common STD caused by a virus.
It usually causes painful sores in the genital area that can last from a few days to weeks.
The sores heal, but the virus remains in your body and the sores may come back again and again.
Treatment can help the sores heal, but there is no treatment to kill the virus.
Genital Herpes (HSV-II)Herpes Simples I (HSV-I)
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus spread by body fluids and can destroy the liver.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
HIV enters the blood stream through body fluids and invades and kills cells of the immune system, which lead to AIDS.
Although new medicines may slow the progression of HIV/AIDS, there is no cure and the disease usually results in death.
Facial sarcoma
Human Papillomovirus (HPV)
HPV is a common virus in teens that can cause genital warts and may lead to some types of cancers of the cervix and vulva.
Warts may show up long after infection and may come and go for many years.
While there is no cure for the virus, there are several treatments available for the warts.
Genital warts
Syphilis
A type of bacteria that can infect many parts of your body causes syphilis
It may have no symptoms, but sometimes a painless, smooth sore on the genital area can be an early sign of disease.
If found early, by the use of a blood test, syphilis is treated easily.
If not treated, all signs may disappear, but may return years later in advanced stages that can cause severe disease.
Syphilis
Congenital Syphilis
PrimarySecondary
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis infection can cause an unpleasant smelling discharge and vaginal discomfort and can be seen with other STDs.
It can be cured with antibiotics
How can STDs be prevented?
The only sure way to prevent an STD is to not have sexual contact with another person.
If Sex does happen, the risk can be decreased by:
- Remembering that STDs can be contracted through oral and genital/skin contact.
- Asking the partner if he/she has/had an infection or any symptoms
- Limiting the number of sexual partners.
- Using a condom or other barrier method correctly every time vaginal, oral, anal, and genital sexual contact occurs.
- Using a spermicide
- Avoiding risky sexual practices, like anal intercourse (Sexual acts that cause even small breaks or tears in the skin can increase the risk for STDs by letting germs in an out more easily.)
- Visiting a health care provider for screening and prompt treatment.
- Getting immunized against Hepatitis B
- Being sure a partner is free of STDs by asking if he/she was recently tested for STDS.
For More Information on STDs
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist. Washington, DC.
AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics 847-228-5005
Advocates for Youth – & Tel. 202 347-5700
The Alan Guttmacher Institute 202-248-1951
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Atlanta, GA. 1-800 458-5231
National Women’s HealthInformationCenter 800-994-WOMAN
Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) Tel. 212-819-9770
Women & Teens Healthcare/Reach for the STARS Foundation &
Contact Dr. & Mrs. Braithwaite Tel. 305-895-5555
16876 N.E. 19th Ave, North Miami Beach, Fl. 33162
The National STD hotline 1-800-433-9016
Web sites designed for adolescents.
1
305-895-5555
Confidential STD Testing