Sexual Diseases

HCA/240 Ann Gove August 19, 2012

Sexual Diseases and You

Chlamydia

What is an STI?
Sexually Transmitted Infections are infections generally spread by close sexual contact and sexual intercourse They can spread by contact with an infected partners: Skin Genitals Body Fluids Mucous Membranes e.g.. eyes, mouth
Chlamydia - CDC fact sheet (2012).

What are some common STIs?

Chlamydia Genital herpes Genital warts (HPV) Human Papillomavirus Gonorrhoea Hepatitis B/C (also a blood borne disease) HIV and AIDS (also a blood borne disease) Syphilis Pubic Lice (crabs) Scabies

Chlamydia - CDC fact sheet (2012).

Chlamydia- Do you have it ?

What is chlamydia? Chlamydia is a disease you can catch by having unprotected sex with an infected person. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia, particularly among young people between 16 and 29 years of age. It can have serious effects for both men and women. Most people do not realize they have chlamydia because they don't see or feel anything wrong. Without knowing, they continue to pass chlamydia on to their sex partners. Unless it is found and treated early, chlamydia can lead to infertility in both men and women. Pregnant women can pass chlamydia on to their babies, who can then develop infections of the eye, nose, throat, or lungs. Having chlamydia also makes it easier for you to catch HIV and, if you already have HIV, it can make you more infectious. Fortunately, testing for chlamydia is easy and there is a simple treatment

MedicineNet, (2012)

Chlamydia Bacteria
Image Source: BSIP/Photo Researchers Inc.

Image Source: BSIP/Photo Researchers Inc.

Image Source: BSIP/Photo Researchers Inc.

The Not So Romantic Side of Unprotected Sex

Chlamydia infection of Chlamydia infection the cervix, discharge with discharge from and inflammation penis and unilaterally swollen testicles

The "Std-Gov.org" (2012) website

Image source : Afraid To Ask http://www.afraidtoask.com

You May be Infected and Not Know It

Could I have chlamydia?
You are most at risk of chlamydia if you: are under 29 years have changed sex partners in the last 12 months have had more than one sex partner in the last 12 months have had sex without a condom or your sex partner has another STI such as genital herpes or genital warts. Chlamydia can be passed on by vaginal, oral and/or anal sex. If you fit into any of these risk categories, visit a doctor as soon as possible and
MedicineNet, (2012).

What Affect Chlamydia has on Men

The "Could I Have It" (2010) website.

Male symptoms
At least half of all men with chlamydia will have no symptoms. Others notice: whitish or yellow discharge from the penis burning or pain when urinating irritation or soreness around the urethra (the opening of the penis) If you have any of these symptoms, visit a doctor as soon as possible and ask for an STI check-up. If the infection is not found and treated early, men can develop prostatitis (infection and swelling of the prostate gland), epididymo-orchitis (infection in the sperm-conducting tubes and testicles) and infertility

Tran, M, Frey, R.(2012)

Male Protection From STDs

The "Teaching Sexual Health.ca" (2011) website

What every woman needs to know about STDs

(n.d.). Pelvic inflammatory disease [Video file]. Retrieved from YouTube website: http://disease-journalist.blogspot.com

What are the symptoms of Chlamydia for the female

Female symptoms Around three quarters of women who have chlamydia do not have any symptoms. Others notice: a burning feeling when urinating unusual vaginal discharge lower abdominal (stomach) pain pain during sex unusual bleeding, or spotting, between periods. If you have any of these symptoms, visit a doctor as soon as possible and ask for an STI check-up. The "Could I Have It" (2010) website.

Tran. M, Frey, R. (2012)

Protection Options For Women Female Condom

Provides a barrier for skin to skin contact and body fluids which can help protect against pregnancy and STI Available at pharmacies, grocery stores and health clinics Inserted prior to any vaginal contactcan be inserted up to 8 hours prior to intercourse Soft thin plastic quickly warms to body temperature, which allows for natural feeling and sensitivity Safe to use for people with latex allergies Can use water and/or oil based lubricants Do not use with the male condom, this increases the chance that both will break Use a new condom every time you have sex.

The "Teaching Sexual Health.ca" (2011) website

Treating Chlamydia Infections

What is the treatment for chlamydia? Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. A single dose of azithromycin or a week of doxycycline (twice daily) are the most commonly used treatments. HIV-positive persons with chlamydia should receive the same treatment as those who are HIV negative. All sex partners should be evaluated, tested, and treated. Persons with chlamydia should abstain from sexual intercourse for 7 days after single dose antibiotics or until completion of a 7-day course of antibiotics, to prevent spreading the infection to partners. Women whose sex partners have not been appropriately treated are at high risk for reinfection. Having multiple infections increases a woman's risk of serious reproductive health complications, including infertility. Women and men with chlamydia should be retested about three months after treatment of an initial infection, regardless of whether they believe that their sex partners were treated.

Chlamydia - CDC fact sheet (2012).

Complications of STIs
Infertility (male and female) Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in woman Epididymitis in men Urinary tract complications Cervical cancer Psychological impact Serious illness and death

The Bridges (2009) website

Help Is Always Available

"Teaching Sexual Health.ca" (2011) website

Safer Sex
The only safe sex is no sex (abstinence) If you choose to be sexually active:
Talk to your partner about your sexual health histories Choose to protect yourself from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Limit your number of partners Get tested regularly for STIs Get more information
The Bridges (2009) website

References
Tran, Mai; Frey, Rebecca. "Pelvic Inflammatory Disease." Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. 2005. Retrieved August 13, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3435100602.html Medicine Net. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com http://disease-journalist.blogspot.com Your fallopian tube." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2012. Retrieved August 13, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http:// www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-fallopia.html Chlamydia - CDC fact sheet. (2012, February). Sexually Transmitted Diseases, RR-12(59), . Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov

References
(n.d.). Pelvic inflammatory disease [Video file]. Retrieved from YouTube website: http://disease-journalist.blogspot.com Bridges, D. (2009). WebMD- Health & Sex. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com Teaching Sexual Health.ca. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.teachingsexualhealth.ca Herpes-Coldsores.com. (2010). Retrieved from http:// www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/chlamydia_pictures STD-gov.org. (2012). Retrieved from http:// www.std-gov.org/std_picture/chlamydia.htm Could I have it. (2010). Retrieved from http://couldihaveit.com/chlamydia.asp