This document provides an overview of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including their types, causes, transmission, symptoms, and treatments. It emphasizes the importance of regular testing, particularly for sexually active individuals, and discusses risk factors that contribute to the high rates of STIs among adolescents. Preventative measures, safe sex practices, and proper management of STIs are also highlighted.

1. Grade 11 Life
orientation
Sexually transmitted infections, their causes, how
they transmit, symptoms and treatments (Page
182 in prescribed textbook)

2. In this lesson we will
look at
• Take out textbooks turn to page 182
• What Sexually transmitted infections are and the different
types
• How STI’s are transmitted
• Factors such as poor decision making, lack of
knowledge, improper use of protection etc that make you
high risk of contracting Sti’s
• What the symptoms of STI’s are
• How to treat them
• Resources and aids

3. What are STI’s?
• STI’s or STD’s are infections, diseases and illnesses that
are spread through sexual contact. This includes all contact
such as oral, vaginal and anal sex.
• These infections are caused by certain bacteria, viruses or
parasites and affect both men and women.
• There are a variety of STI’s, some more common than
others, some curable, some incurable.
• Some types of STI’s : Chlamydia, HPV, HIV/AIDS, Herpes
• STI’s= infection (HPV)
• STD’s= infection that’s developed into a disease (Genital
warts/cervical cancer

4. Causes and transmission of STI’s

5. Symptoms of STI’S
• Many STI’s, especially in young people, have no immediately apparent
symptoms
• STI’s such as HPV, HIV and gonorrhea remain ‘dormant’ in the body
until another infection arises to highlight their symptoms.
• Common symptoms of an STI include discolored/abnormally smelling
discharge, burning or pain when urinating, sores/bumps around the
genital area and itching or pain in the genital area.
• Symptoms differ from infection to infection
• Lower abdominal/pelvic pain or discomfort is common in women
• Symptoms differ in men and women and men are more likely to have
dormant or asymptomatic
• If left untreated STI’s can cause other complications EG: HPV in
women is the leading cause of cervical cancer and Chlamydia causes
infertility

6. Factors that leave adolescents at
high risk of contracting STI’s
The stigma surrounding
getting tested or receiving
treatment for STI’s
Insufficient access to
resources (due to
financial, transport, poor
education)
Engaging in risky
behaviour. Young people
are less enticed by
monogamy and thus
engage in more frivolous
sexual behaviour
Younger learners are also
more likely to have lower
immune systems, higher
levels of stress, hormonal
imbalnces that impair
physiological capabilities
Peer pressure

7. Getting tested and resources
• It is imperative that if you are sexually active that you get tested regularly.
• Different STI’s have different incubation period so if you have multiple partners, it
is recommended that you get tested every 3-6 months to ensure initial incubation
is accounted for.
• On average a sexually active person should get tested AT LEAST once a year.
• You can get tested at sexual health clinics (such as Marie Stopes), your GP,
gynecologist.
• Girls if you are sexually active it’s advised you receive yearly routine pap smears
• With regard to both contraceptives and HIV testing, adolescents from the age of
12 are able to access them without parental consent.
• Clinics: Berario clinic, Windsor clinic, Weltervreeden clinic free resources

8. How can we treat STI’s
• Prevention is better than a cure
• Practice safe sex, abstain from having multiple partners,
communicate with your partners etc
• Different STI’s require different treatment
• Bacterial STI’s such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and
syphilis all require antibiotic treatment
• Some STI’s can only be managed and not cured. This includes
HIV/AIDS (treated by ARV’s) and HPV (warts are treated with
creams/ointments and even laser surgery)
• Herpes medication manages outbreaks
• NB NB STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM

9. Class discussion
• Why do you think that South Africa has one of the
highest rates of HIV and STI’s?
• How can we facilitate open, nonjudgmental
conversations about safe sex?
• How can you as an individual contribute to ensuring
you and your peers practice safe sex?
• Open floor: questions and comments