Summary (STD)

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Information:

• Diseases transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse

• Caused by bacteria and viruses

• Affect the reproductive system (may also affect other body parts)

• May not show visible signs or symptoms à pass on the disease unknowingly to      their partners.

•Infections can be fatal

•Examples:

- Syphilis

- Gonorrhea

- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Syphillis:

Causes:

Bacterium

Consequences:

- Sores in mouths and also reproductive parts

- Worse than gonorrhea

- Can cause deformities in joints

- Can cause abnormal teeth shape

- Blindness and also heart pains and brain problem

- Mother may pass the deformities to the unborn, causing deafness and blindness

Cures:

- Can be cured with anti-bacterias if diagnosed early

Gonorrhea

Causes:

Bacterium

Consequences:

- Can cause pain in reproductive organs and also thick liquid coming out from the penis or vagina

- Damage reproductive parts causing infertility

Cures:

- Can be cured with anti-bacterias if diagnosed early

People at risk of AIDS

•Unprotected sexual intercourse- most likely they do not use contraceptions.

•Multiple sex partners

•Sharing of infected needles – mostly affect drug addicts.

•Pregnancy / Childbirth

•Blood Transfusion

Preventions

•Keep to one sexual partner and avoid pre-marital sex.

•Avoid direct contact between the penis and vagina with the use of a suitable contraceptive e.g. a condom

•Avoid abusing drugs by sharing contaminated needles

•Ensure that ear piercing equipment has been sterilised before being used on you.

•Don’t share toothbrushes and shavers etc.