Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections spread through sexual contact that are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, herpes, syphilis, and HPV. STIs are transmitted through sexual fluids and can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. While some bacterial STIs can be cured with antibiotics, viral STIs like HIV and herpes have no cure and can be transmitted for life. Using condoms and having mutually monogamous relationships can help prevent the transmission of STIs.

1. (STIs)
Sexually Transmitted
Infections
BY: ZACK DIRUSSO

2. Overview
 Definition: An infection transmitted through sexual contact, caused
by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
 Types of infection:
-Bacterial (Chlamydia, LGV, Gonorrhea, Syphilis)
-Viral (HSV, Hepatitis B, HIV, HPV)
-Parasitic (Pubic lice, scabies, trichomoniasis)

3. How are they spread?
 STIs are most commonly spread through these different types of body
fluids including:
-Semen
-Vaginal fluid
-Blood
-Saliva
-Tears
-Sweat
-Urine

4. How are they spread cont’d (HIGH
RISK Forms of Transmission)
 Sexual Intercourse
-Vaginal
-Anal
-Oral
 Blood-to-blood contact
 Sharing needles or other drug-use equipment

5. Bacterial vs. Viral STIs
 Bacterial STI’s
-Chlamydia, LGV, gonorrhea & syphilis
-Can be treated and cured with antibiotics
-Untreated infection can cause PID, infertility, & epididymitis
 Viral STI’s
- HPV, HIV, Herpes, & Hepatitis B
-There is no real cure
-Medication available to treat symptoms only
-Can pass onto others for the rest of your life

6. Chlamydia
 The most common bacterial STI (Greatest number of infections
found in people 15 to 24 years old)
 Untreated, it can affect the cervix and urethra, and occasionally
the rectum, throat and eye.
 50% have NO symptoms - men and women.
 Can be treated with antibiotics.

7. Syphilis
 A bacterial infection that progresses in stages
 Primary: (3 days – 3 months) starts as a small, painless sore called a
chancre; goes away on it’s own
 Secondary: (2 – 24 weeks) rash on the body, palms of hands & soles
of feet, hair loss, feeling sick
 Latent: lesions or rashes can recur

8. HIV/AIDS
 HIV is a virus that destroys the immune system over time, robbing the
body of its ability to fight other infections and illnesses
 Once the immune system is weakened, other infections occur and
AIDS develops (the fatal stage of HIV infection)
 The virus is present in blood, semen, vaginal secretions & breast milk

9. STI Prevention
 Abstain from sexual intercourse (only method that is 100% effective)
 Don’t share needles or other drug-use equipment
 Have only 1 mutually faithful, uninfected sexual partner
 Get tested for STI’s before having sex
 Use a latex condom & spermicide
 Avoid alcohol & other drugs

10. References
 Carlson, A., (2012), “What causes a sexually transmitted disease or
sexually transmitted infection (STD/STI)?” Reviews in Obstetrics and
Gynecology,172-179
 Marquez, L., (2010) “Sexually transmitted diseases treatment
guidelines” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 Lawson, H. (2012) “Possible treatments for STDs/STIs” Panel on
Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents.