Transcript Sexually Transmitted Infections

Human Sexuality December 3, 2012
Chapter 15: Sexually Transmitted Infections
VIRAL INFECTIONS
Genital Warts
• Caused by the human
papillomavirus (HPV)
• More than 100 types of HPV
have been identified; ~half of
these cause genital infections
• Most common viral STI in the
U.S.; prevalence rapidly
increasing
• It is estimated that 50% of all
sexually active people will be
infected at some point
• Most commonly transmitted
by asymptomatic individuals
who do not know they are
infected!
HPV: symptoms and complications
• Warts usually appear a few weeks up to months after
contact with an infected person
• Can be on the genitals or in the anus
• Your immune system can help you get rid of the warts,
and HPV is often undetectable 6–24 months after
infection, though unclear if these people are really
“cured”
• Genital warts can invade the urethra and cause urinary
obstruction and bleeding
• HPV is associated with cancers of the cervix, vagina,
vulva, urethra, penis, and anus, but the types of HPV
associated with cancer are NOT the types that cause
genital warts
Treatment and prevention
• Genital warts can be
removed by freezing or
other methods
• In June 2006, an HPV
vaccine, Gardasil, was
approved for use in the U.S.
• Protects specifically against
2 HPV strains most strongly
associated with cervical
cancer
• The U.S. government
recommended it be given to
all women and girls ages
11–26
Gardasil: controversy
“There’s a woman who
came up crying to me
tonight after the debate.
She said her daughter was
given that vaccine. She
told me her daughter
suffered mental
retardation as a result of
that vaccine.”
-Michele Bachman,
September 14, 2011
Viral hepatitis
• Viral hepatitis: a virus that
affects the liver
• 3 major forms: hepatitis A,
hepatitis B, and hepatitis C;
each is caused by a
different virus
• All 3 types can be
transmitted sexually,
although A & B are most
likely to be transmitted in
this way
Spreading hepatitis
• Hepatitis A is common among young gay men;
spread primarily by fecal-oral contact
• Hepatitis A can be spread by food handlers not
washing hands after using the bathroom
• Both Hep A & B can also be transmitted by
sharing needles
• Hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood,
semen, vaginal secretions, and saliva
• Hepatitis C can be transmitted through blood,
sharing needles, sexual contact, and from
mothers to fetuses or infants
Hepatitis symptoms & treatment
• Symptoms vary from nonexistent to severe illness
and even death
• Characteristic sign is a yellowing of the eyes and
skin
• Serious disease can progress to liver cirrhosis and
liver cancer
• Antiviral drugs can be used to treat hepatitis A &
B, and these most often clear up on their own
• Hepatitis C may cause long-lasting infection that
may or may not be controlled by anti-viral drugs
VAGINAL INFECTIONS (THAT MAY
SPREAD TO PEOPLE WITHOUT
VAGINAS)
Vaginal infections
• Some vaginal infections are spread through sexual
interaction, others are not!
• Vaginitis: infection of the vagina, characterized by
discharge, irritation, itching, and burning during
urination
• The vagina is normally populated by “good” bacteria
that prevent harmful bacteria from causing disease;
these can be disrupted by douching, the use of
antibiotics, contraceptive pills, menstruation,
pregnancy, wearing nylon underwear or pantyhose and
lowered immune function due to stress or lack of sleep
• Extremely common! Practically every woman
experiences at least one vaginal infection in her lifetime
Types of vaginal infections
• Bacterial vaginosis: may be spread by sex; can
cause discharge and discomfort during urination.
Bacteria involved can cause urethritis and cystitis
(bladder infection) in men. Can be treated with
antibiotics
• Candidiasis: “yeast infection;” causes discharge,
itching, and soreness. Can be treated orally or
topically with anti-fungal drugs
• Trichomoniasis: caused by a parasite and primarily
spread through sexual contact. Causes discharge
and irritation. Can be treated with drugs
ECTOPARASITIC INFECTIONS
Pubic Lice (“crabs”)
• Different from head lice
• Cause itching
• Prevalent among young
people and often present
alongside other STDs
• Can get from clothes or
bedding; you can also reinfect yourself after
treatment in this way
• Prescription and over the
counter medications are
available to treat
Scabies
• Parasitic mites smaller than
lice
• Females lay eggs in the skin
of infected people, most
often the sides of fingers,
wrists, abdomen, genitals,
buttocks, and breasts
• Highly contagious, and can
spread in bedding &
clothes
• Can be treated with a
prescription lotion
ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY
SYNDROME (AIDS)
What is AIDS?
• AIDS results from infection with the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Appears to have been introduced to humans from
chimpanzees in Africa, possibly by people eating
infected animals
• Probably arose sometime around 1930, but did not
spread worldwide until the 1970s when Africa became
less isolated
• HIV specifically attacks a type of immune cell called Thelper cells, destroying them
• Without T-helper cells, we are susceptible to many
other illnesses that would not be problematic for a
healthy person
AIDS incidence
• More than 1 million people
in the U.S. have been
diagnosed with AIDS since
1981 and more than
570,000 have died
• However, that is a small
number compared to rates
of AIDS in Africa
• The HIV/AIDS pandemic may
be losing some of its
momentum finally
• Worldwide, most AIDS
transmission is from
heterosexual contact
Low-Cost reproductive health care
options in the East Bay
• Planned Parenthood 510-300-3800 (Oakland)
• Asian Health Services 510-986-6830 (Oakland)
• Native American Health Center 510-535-4400
(Oakland)
• La Clinica de la Raza 510-535-4000 (Oakland)
• Berkeley Free Clinic 510-548-2570 (Berkeley)
• STD community hotline 1-800-227-8922