Sexual Transmitted Infections (STDs/STIs)

What are sexually transmitted diseases/infections?

Sexually transmitted infections are transferred from one person to another through sexual contact (MedicineNet.com).

Types of STDs/STIs

Source: CDC

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Genital Herpes
• Hepatitis
• HIV/AIDS
• HPV
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

Side effects:

• Chlamydia & Gonorrhea (Odor discharge from the penis or vagina; pain or burning when urination)
• Syphilis (Sores & rashes on or in the mouth, vagina, and anal)

Not all STDs/STIs show symptoms and when they do the infection is taking over your body or causing bodily harm.

Treatment:

Most STDs/STIs can be treated with Antibiotics, penicillin, and/or metronidazole. STDs like genital warts and HIV/AIDS are not curable the virus stays in your body  

How are STDs/STIs spread?

• Body Fluids (Blood, Vaginal Fluids or semen)
• Contact with infected skin or mucous membranes (Ex. Sores in the mouth)
• Needle injection

You can be exposed to body fluids and infected skin through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Ways to prevent STDs/STIs:

1. Use Condoms
2. Limit number of sexual partners to ONE
3. Get Tested (You and Your Partner)
4. Avoid drugs & alcohol when engaging in sex
5. Get the HPV & Hepatitis B vaccinations

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/std-treatments#1
http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/most-common-stds-men-women#1
http://youngwomenshealth.org/2013/01/16/sti-information/
http://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5472

Prevention & Sexual Health

Understanding Prevention:

What is prevention?

Prevention is to keep something from happening. To stop the occurrence of any obstacle.

Levels of Health Prevention:

• Primary Prevention- the first level of health care, concerned with preventing the onset of a disease, the goal is to reduce the incidence of diseases (www.med.uottawa.ca).
• Secondary Prevention- the second level, is detecting a disease at the earliest stages before it progresses ("").
• Tertiary Prevention- the third phase, interventions designed to arrest the progress of an established disease and to control its negative consequence  ("").

Why is prevention important for sexual health?

Prevention is important when it comes to sexual health because it ensures healthy sexual habits. This relates to HIV/AIDs, STDs/STIs, and HPV. Knowing what prevention is and knowing how to apply it to your health will decrease your chances of any sexually transmitted infections or diseases. Moving forward, relating prevention and sexual health is important because many people are not educated on prevention steps. Prevention starts with educating oneself on safe sex practices, communicating concerns to your partner, and know the different types of STDs/STIS. 

Male & Female Sexual Health Prevention

Common health tips for men and women from Webmb

• Control blood pressure, cholesterol level, and other medical conditions
• Avoid Alcohol and recreational drugs (This can lessen sexual desire and can effect performance)
• Avoid any medications that cause sexual problems (notify your physician)
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly
• Get enough sleep 

Sources:

http://www.med.uottawa.ca/sim/data/Prevention_e.htm

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/understanding-male-sexual-problems-prevention

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/understanding-female-sexual-problems-prevention