Welcome to Gaia! ::

This sticky will contain everything you ever wanted to know about STIs (sexually transmitted infections; formerly known as STDs). I've added a bunch of new pamphlets and resources, and added the information from the older stickies.


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Table of Contents:

- Post 1: Introduction <--- You are here
- Post 2: Chlamydia [pamphlet]
- Post 3: The ABCs of Viral Hepatitis [pamphlet]
- Post 4: Hepatitis C: Get the Facts [pamphlet]
- Post 5: HPV and Cervical Cancer: What You Should Know, and Do [pamphlet]
- Post 6: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) [pamphlet]
- Post 7: STI Information [previous stickies]
- Post 8: STI Information [pamphlet]
- Post 9: Additional STI Information From Guild Members [previous sticky]
- Post 10: STI - Sexually Transmitted Infections [downloadable pamphlet]
- Post 11: Reserved
- Post 12: Reserved
- Post 13: Reserved

The ABCs of Viral Hepatitis [pamphlet]


David’s roommate was ill 4 weeks ago, and now David feels like he has the stomach flu. He also notices his urine is darker than normal, and his skin is yellowish. His doctor suspects Hepatitis A.

Last semester, Christine had sexual intercourse without a condom. Christine hasn’t had much of an appetite lately, has had abdominal pain, and has felt tired, achy and feverish. At the campus health centre, the nurse says that blood tests indicate that Christine has Hepatitis B.

Juanita received a blood transfusion in 1991. Lately, she feels like she has a mild stomach virus with a fever. Her doctor explains that Juanita may have Hepatitis C.


What is Viral Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by medicines, alcohol, or a variety of other agents including the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. However, when health care providers talk about hepatitis, they usually mean hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C virus.


What Are the Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis?

Early symptoms of viral hepatitis include:

- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Tenderness in the upper right abdomen.
- Low-grade fever.
- Sore muscles and joints.
- Altered sense of taste and smell.

Later symptoms can include:

- Jaundice – abnormally yellow skin and eyes.
- Darkened urine, and light-coloured or grey stool.


What Is the Difference Between Hepatitis A, B and C?

Although hepatitis A, B & C have similar symptoms, the viruses themselves are quite different.

- Hepatitis A is often associated with the consumption of contaminated food or water. Symptoms usually appear suddenly, but are not followed by the chronic problems that hepatitis B and C viruses can cause.
- The hepatitis B and C viruses can infect a person if his/her mucous membranes or blood are exposed to an infected person’s blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions. Symptoms appear more gradually than in hepatitis A.
- Unlike the hepatitis A virus, the hepatitis B and C viruses can stay in the body –sometimes for a lifetime- and can eventually cause chronic, serious liver diseases and liver failure.


How Can I Protect Myself From Infection?

Because the different viruses that cause hepatitis enter the body in different ways, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from infection. Most importantly, both hepatitis A and B vaccines are available. If you are unsure of whether your immunizations are up-to-date, check with your health care provider. It is also important to practice good hygiene and safer sexual behaviours.


How is Viral Hepatitis Diagnosed and Treated?

- Although health care providers use information about a person’s symptoms, health history and behaviours to help make a diagnosis, only blood tests can confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint which type of hepatitis a person has contracted.
- Since there is no medication that can treat the initial illness, health care providers manage symptoms as they occur and try to help the body’s immune system fight off the virus.
- If you have viral hepatitis, your health care provider may tell you to avoid alcohol and other drugs, large doses of vitamins, and prescription drugs metabolized by the liver (sometimes including birth control pills).
- If you experience severe vomiting, or you don’t feel better after several weeks, your health care provide may recommend hospitalization.


Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth that has been contaminated with the stool of a person with hepatitis A. For this reason, the virus is more easily spread in areas where there are poor sanitary conditions or where good personal hygiene is not observed. Most infections result from contact with a household member or sexual partner who has hepatitis A.

Some facts about hepatitis A:

- Symptoms occur 2 – 6 weeks after exposure, and can last from several days to 3 weeks.
- The virus usually causes mild illness and is often mistaken for a stomach virus, although occasionally symptoms are more serious. It is rarely fatal and does not cause permanent liver damage or the long-term, chronic symptoms that hepatitis B and C can cause.
- A person with hepatitis A can transmit the virus as early as 2 weeks before symptoms disappear. Once symptoms disappear, the person is rid of the virus and is no longer infectious to others.

What behaviours could put me at risk?

- Drinking water or eating food contaminated with the hepatitis A virus.
- Changing diapers or linens that contain stool from someone with hepatitis A, and neglecting to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Sharing a house or room with an infected person.
- Traveling to developing countries where the disease is common.
- Having intimate or sexual contact with an infected person. Hepatitis A can be passed through oral contact with ways that are both direct (such as rimming) and indirect (such as oral contact with fingers which have been in or around the a**s during sex).

What can I do to prevent acquiring hepatitis A?

- The hepatitis A vaccine should be considered by anyone with chronic liver disease and clotting-factor disorders, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and by those traveling to or working in countries with poor sanitation. The vaccine needs to be given at least 4 weeks before potential exposure. The hepatitis A vaccine can be combined with the hepatitis B vaccine.
- Avoid foods that would be contaminated, such as undercooked shellfish, when cleaning or after using the toilet, and before preparing or eating food.
- When traveling to developing countries, drink only bottled or boiled water, don’t use ice, and don’t eat raw fruits or vegetables unless they have been peeled.
- Use barriers (such as latex dams) during oral-a**l sex.

What if I have been exposed?

- If you think you have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus, visit your health care provider immediately for treatment. Some treatments can help ward off the infection if administered in time.
- Immune globulin can offer short-term protection to persons who have already been exposed to the virus. All people who have close household or sexual contact with an infected person need treatment.

If I’m infected, how can I avoid infecting others?

- Always wash your hands well after using the bathroom.
- Don’t prepare or handle food for others.
- Avoid sexual contact with other people until you are fully recovered.


Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is spread when the blood or other body fluids of a person with the virus are absorbed into an individual’s blood stream, either through cuts or tears of the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth, v****a, a**s and/or eyes. The hepatitis B virus can live in all body fluids of an infected person, including blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal fluids. It is transmitted exactly the same way as HIV’ it is one of the fastest-spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Some facts about hepatitis B:

- There are approximately 1.25 million Americans chronically infected with hepatitis B. The highest rate of cases occurs in individuals between the ages of 20 and 49.
- Symptoms, if they occur, appear from 1 – 6 months after exposure to the virus. About 30% of those infected with hepatitis B don’t have symptoms, but can go on to infect others.
- An infected person can begin infecting others 4 – 6 weeks before symptoms appear, and can continue infecting others long after symptoms subside.
- About 2 – 6% of people infected with hepatitis B become chronically infected; they run a high risk of developing serious, long-term liver diseases.

What behaviours or activities could put me at risk?

- Getting a tattoo or body piercing.
- Sharing items such as razors, earrings and toothbrushes.
- Sharing injection drug needles and other paraphernalia.
- Travel abroad to areas where the disease is common.
- Contact sports (during which other player may be exposed to each other’s blood or saliva).
- Helping an injured person who is bleeding.
- Household contact with person(s) with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
- Chronic kidney dialysis.

What can I do to prevent acquiring hepatitis B?

- A safe and effective vaccine is available to protect hepatitis B. Public health authorities now recommend the hepatitis B vaccine, a series of 3 shots, for adolescents and young adults.
- It is particularly important to get vaccinated if you are sexually active or if you will be travelling to an area where there are high rates of hepatitis B. Vaccination is strongly recommended for health care providers.
- Use latex or polyurethane condoms during sex.
- If you decide to get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure you know that sterile equipment is being used.
- Avoid sharing pierced earrings, razors and toothbrushes.
- Don’t share needles to inject drugs of any kind.

What if I have been exposed?

If you have not been vaccinated against hepatitis B but have been exposed to the virus, your health care provider can treat you to immune globulin, combined with the hepatitis B vaccination. Don’t delay – get immunized and vaccinated as soon as possible after the exposure.

If I’m infected, how can I avoid infecting others?

- Don’t engage in vaginal, a**l or oral sex without a condom.
- Don’t donate blood.
- Don’t share anything that could be contaminated with your blood, semen or vaginal secretions, such as needles, razors or toothbrushes.
- Bandage all cuts and open sores.
- If you have hepatitis B and you are pregnant, your baby must be immunized at birth and should also receive immune globulin. All pregnant women should be screened for hepatitis B.


Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus, which is found in the blood of persons who have this disease. It is spread by contact with the blood of infected persons. Most people who get hepatitis c carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Most have some liver damage, but have no symptoms. Some may even develop cirrhosis or scarring of the liver, or even liver failure; others have no long-term effects.

What behaviours or health history could put me at risk?

- If you ever injected illegal drugs (including anabolic steroids), even if only a few times years ago.
- If you received a blood transfusion before July 1992, or blood products for clotting problems before 1987.
- If your mother had hepatitis C when she gave birth to you.
- You could possibly be at risk if you had unprotected sex with an infected individual.

What can I do to prevent acquiring hepatitis C?

- There is no vaccine currently available to prevent hepatitis C.
- Use latex or polyurethane condoms during sex.
- If you decide to get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure you know that sterile equipment is being used.
- Avoid sharing pierced earrings, razors and toothbrushes.
- Don’t share needles to inject drugs of any kind.

If I’m infected, how can I avoid infecting others?

- Don’t engage in vaginal, a**l or oral intercourse without a condom.
- Don’t donate blood, body organs, other tissue, or semen.
- Don’t share personal items that might have your blood on them, such as toothbrushes, dental appliances, nail-grooming equipment, or razors.
- Bandage all cuts and open sores.



For More Information

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Center for Infectious Diseases
(88 cool 4-HEP-CDC (443-7232)
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis

American Social Health Association
(919) 361-8400
www.ashastd.org

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
(301) 656-0003
www.nfid.org


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The information in this post is from the American College Health Association, copyright 2004. I do not claim to own any of this information, nor am I trying to profit from it.

HPV & Cervical Cancer: What You Should Know, and Do [pamphlet]


HPV and Cervical Cancer

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by certain types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a virus that is transmitted by sexual contact, not just sexual intercourse. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and about 40 of these can infect the genital area. Some of the genital HPV types cause genital warts, and about 15 others cause cervical cancer. HPV is very common and there are usually no symptoms. Most adults will have HPV at some time in their lives, and it will usually go away on its own within 24 months without any problem.

For some women, HPV will not go away. Over time, the HPV can cause abnormal cervical cells that can change to cervical cancer. Regular screening is the best way to find abnormal cells early when they can be easily removed.


How Do You Get HPV?

Genital HPV is usually transmitted by sexual contact, not just sexual intercourse. Although condoms are very effective at preventing other sexually transmitted infections, they are not as effective in preventing HPV. This is because HPV can be found on skin not covered by the condom.


Can HPV Be Treated?

There are treatments for the HPV types that cause genital warts, but these have not been shown to work for the HPV types that cause cervical cancer. Most HPV infections will usually go away on their own within 24 months without any problem. Cigarette smoking can delay or prevent this process.


HPV Testing

HPV testing can be used in 3 possible ways:

1) As a screening test with the Pap test to help find women at risk of developing cervical cancer.
2) As a follow-up test after a mildly abnormal Pap test to help decide if treatment is needed or not.
3) As a follow-up test after treatment for abnormal cervical cells to help decide if the treatment has been successful.

The Cervical Cancer Screen Program is currently investigating the use of HPV testing in the province of BC.

Before having an HPV test, consider the following:

- HPV is very common in women under the age of 30, and will usually go away on its own without any problem. Thus, HPV testing is not recommended for women under age 30.
- HPV infection can be found anywhere in the genital area. Thus, it is difficult to collect a sample for HPV testing.


HPV Vaccination

HPV vaccines can prevent the two most common types of HPV linked to cervical cancers, but may not be effective if there has already been an infection with these HPV types. These vaccines protect against most but not all cervical cancers. Therefore, regular cervical screening should continue, even after vaccination.

For more information, please call the Cervical Cancer Screening Program at 604-877-6200, or visit our website at www.bccancer.bc.ca/cervicalscreening


About Cervical Screening

Regular screening can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by 70%. All women who have ever had sex should be regularly screened once a year for the first 3 years, and then every 2 years until age 69. Screening is free of charge and is offered by family doctors and medical clinics throughout BC. Call your doctor or healthcare provider to make an appointment.


Did You Know?

- Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
- Genital HPV is usually spread by sexual contact, not just sexual intercourse.
- HPV is very common, and will usually go away on its own within 24 months.
- For some women, HPV will not go away, and over time can cause abnormal cells on the cervix that can change to cancer.
- The HPV vaccines available can prevent most but not all cervical cancers. Regular screening is the best protection against cervical cancer, even after vaccination.


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The information in this post is from the BC Centre for Disease Control, and the BC Cancer Agency. I do not claim to own any of this information, nor am I trying to profit from it.

STI Information [previous stickies]


This list is included in my rant, and is taken from this website: http://www.bestd.org/stdsymptomlist.htm


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The following is a list of common STD's:

Syphilis:

Symptoms Primary Stage
The time between infection with syphilis and the start of the first symptom can range from 10-90 days (average 21 days). The primary stage of syphilis is usually marked by the appearance of a single sore (called a chancre), but there may be multiple sores. The chancre is usually firm, round, small, and painless. It appears at the spot where syphilis entered the body. The chancre lasts 3-6 weeks, and it will heal on its own. If adequate treatment is not administered, the infection progresses to the secondary stage.

Secondary Stage
The second stage starts when one or more areas of the skin break into a rash that usually does not itch. Rashes can appear as the chancre is fading or can be delayed for weeks. The rash often appears as rough, red or reddish brown spots both on the palms of the hands and on the bottoms of the feet. The rash also may also appear on other parts of the body with different characteristics, some of which resemble other diseases. Sometimes the rashes are so faint that they are not noticed. Even without treatment, rashes clear up on their own. In addition to rashes, second-stage symptoms can include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and tiredness. A person can easily pass the disease to sex partners when primary or secondary stage signs or symptoms are present.

Late Syphilis
The latent (hidden) stage of syphilis begins when the secondary symptoms disappear. Without treatment, the infected person still has syphilis even though there are no signs or symptoms. It remains in the body, and it may begin to damage the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. This internal damage may show up many years later in the late or tertiary stage of syphilis. Late stage signs and symptoms include not being able to coordinate muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness and dementia. This damage may be serious enough to cause death.

How did you get it?
- Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore.

- Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, v****a, a**s, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth.

- Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, a**l, or oral sex. Pregnant women with the disease can pass it to the babies they are carrying.

- Syphilis cannot be spread by toilet seats, door knobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.

How do you get rid of it?
- Special tests detect syphilis in stages 1, 2 or 3.

- A single dose of penicillin, an antibiotic, will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than a year. Larger doses are needed to cure someone who has had it for longer than a year.

- For people who are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics are available to treat syphilis. There are no home remedies or over-the-counter drugs that will cure syphilis. Penicillin treatment will kill the syphilis bacterium and prevent further damage, but it will not repair any damage already done.

- Persons who receive syphilis treatment must abstain from sexual contact with new partners until the syphilis sores are completely healed. Persons with syphilis must notify their sex partners so that they also can be tested, and, if necessary, receive treatment.

How can you protect yourself?
- Two people who know that they are not infected and who have sex only with each other cannot contract syphilis. When someone's syphilis status is unknown, a good defense against becoming infected during sex is to use a latex condom before beginning sex and to keep it on until the p***s is withdrawn. However, condoms do not provide complete protection because syphilis sores can sometimes be on areas not covered by a condom. This is equally important for other STDs, including HIV, as well.

- Only lab tests can confirm whether someone has syphilis. Because syphilis sores can be hidden in the v****a, rectum, or mouth, it may not be obvious that a sex partner has syphilis. Washing the genitals, urinating, or douching after sex does not prevent STDs, including syphilis. Any unusual discharge, sore, or rash, especially in the groin area, should be a signal to stop having sex and to see a doctor at once.

Is it dangerous?
- Untreated, it doesn't go away, but rather hides in your body. In the first stage, there may be no symptoms, or a sore can be so small that you either don't notice it or mistake it for something else.

- Any sore around the mouth or genitals must be treated seriously!

Without treatment... - First and second stage symptoms may vanish, but in time when the third stage presents itself, side effects are as serious as blindness, senility, or even death if treatment is not provided.

REMEMBER: Will syphilis recur?

Having had syphilis does not protect a person from getting it again. Antibodies are produced as a person reacts to the disease, and, after treatment, these antibodies may offer partial protection from getting infected again, if exposed right away. Even though there may be a short period of protection, the antibody levels naturally decrease in the blood, and people become susceptible to syphilis infection again if they are sexually exposed to syphilis sores.

- To protect yourself from contracting syphilis, always use a condom

- If you spot any type of sore on your genitals or mouth, be sure to get it checked out. Advanced stages have serious side effects.
________________________

Chlamydia:

Symptoms
- Symptoms appear 7-21 days after having sex.

- Most women and some men have no symptoms.

WOMEN:

- Discharge from the v****a

- Bleeding from the v****a between periods

- Burning or pain when you urinate (pee)

- Pain in the abdomen (stomach) sometimes with fever and nausea

MEN:

- Watery, white drip from the p***s

- Burning or pain when you urinate (pee)

How did you get it?
- Spread through vaginal, oral and a**l sex with a person who is infected.

- It is also possible for it to be carried from the hands to the eyes.

How do you get rid of it?
- Chlamydia can be cured with simple antibiotic therapy.

Is it dangerous?
- In men, it can lead to arthritis and inflammation of the testicles.

- In women, it causes infection of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) which can spread, causing scar tissue in tubes and painful pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Causes sterility if not treated and possibly entopic pregnancy - which can be fatal if not detected. If passed from mother to infant during birth, it can cause the infant eye infections and pneumonia.

Without treatment...
- You can spread it to your sexual partners.

- Reproductive organs can be damaged, in both men and women; and sterility could result

- Mothers can pass it to their babies during childbirth.

REMEMBER: - 75% of infections in women, and 25% in men show no symptoms.

- If you are sexually active, have regular checkups.

- The treatments for gonorrhea and syphilis often won't cure Chlamydia.
____________________________

NGU

Symptoms
- Symptoms show up 1-3 weeks after having sex

- Both men and women are affected by NGU

- Most women and some men have no symptoms

- Yellow or white drip from the p***s

- Discharge or burning in the v****a

- Burning or pain when you urinate

How did you get it?
- Spread through vaginal, oral and a**l sex with a person who is infected with NGU.

Without treatment...
- You can spread it to your sexual partners.

- Reproductive organs can be damaged, in both men and women; and sterility could result

- Mothers can pass it to their babies during childbirth.
_______________________________

Gonorrhea

Symptoms
- Symptoms show up 2-21 days after having sex

- Most women and some men have symptoms

WOMEN:

- Thick yellow or white discharge from the v****a

- Burning or pain when you urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement

- More pain than usual during periods

- Cramps and pain in the lower abdomen (belly)

MEN:

- Thick yellow or white drip from the p***s

- Burning or pain when you urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement

How did you get it?
- Spread during vaginal, a**l or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea

- In heavy petting, if the genitals touch, even without going all the way, you can be infected

How do you get rid of it?
- Medical professionals will prescribe proper antibiotics. Take all the prescribed dose.

- Chlamydia is often present with gonorrhea so both conditions should be treated at the same time

- Your sex partner(s) should be treated when you are to avoid re-infection.

Is it dangerous?
- Won't go away be itself, even if the symptoms disappear.

- Untreated, it can cause PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) in women, chronic prostate infection with painful urination and painful ejaculation in men.

- Sterility and arthritis in both sexes.

- Blindness if eyes are infected.

- Pregnant women can infect unborn babies.

REMEMBER: - Even if you are cured the first time, you can get gonorrhea over and over if you don't take precautions.

- Use a condom when you have sex or insist that your lover wear one.
________________________________

Herpes

Symptoms
- Symptoms show up 2-30 days after having sex AND some people have no symptoms at all

- Flu-like feelings

- Small, painful blisters on the sex organs or mouth

- Itching or burning before the blisters appear

- Blisters last 1-3 weeks, and go away - but you still have herpes.

- You should be tested since they have the potential to come back.

How did you get it?
- Spread during sexual intercourse, oral sex or a**l sex with someone you has herpes.

- Highly contagious if there are open sores. It can spread as sores are forming or after they heal. Moves from one part of the body to another when you touch and infected areas.

How do you get rid of it?
- There is no cure.

- Treatments are available to ease pain and shorten attacks.

- Herpes may seem to go away after treatment, but that doesn't mean that you're rid of it.

- Too much sun seems to cause attacks.

- Avoid sex and tight clothes during an attack.

Is it dangerous?
- Highly infectious

- Sores are painful

- Virus remains in the body.

- Women with herpes must have Pap smears twice yearly, because of a suspected link between herpes and cervical cancer.

- A mother can give herpes to her child during childbirth.

REMEMBER: - You have to live with it until a cure is found

- Have sex only between attacks and always use a condom during sex

- You can get a second herpes infection on top of the one you already have.
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Hepatitis

Symptoms
- Symptoms may appear within one month after contact.

- In some cases, a hepatitis infection causes: muscle ache, fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, headache and/or dizziness.

- In other cases: dark urine, light stool color, yellow eyes and skin (known as jaundice) and/or tenderness in the area of the liver.

How did you get it?
- Type B and type C are spread by mouth/mouth, mouth/genital or other sexual contact or contaminated needles in drug use, tattooing or ear piercing

- Type A can be spread in foreplay during sex or oral/genital and oral/a**l sex. It can also be spread through contaminated food or water.

How do you get rid of it?
- Blood diagnosis by a doctor or clinic is very important

- Get bed rest until symptoms disappear

- It may take weeks or months to recover fully

- No alcohol during convalescence

- Use a birth control other than the pill until your doctor says you're cured.

- No medication (even over-the-counter drugs) with your doctor's approval

Is it dangerous?
- Highly infectious in early stages

- It can make you very sick because it can affect your liver and all body functions

- Untreated, it may develop into serious liver disease or cancer

- A baby born to a women with Type B may develop it and become a chronic carrier

REMEMBER: - There are safe, effective vaccines that protect against Hepatitis A and B.
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HIV/AIDS

Symptoms
- Symptoms may appear several months to several years after contact with the HIV virus.

- Flu-like feelings that won't go away

- Unexplained weight loss

- Diarrhea

- Swollen lymph glands

- Night sweats

- White spots in the mouth

Although you may have no symptoms:

- A positive antibody test means a person has HIV antibodies and is considered "HIV positive"

- You may not feel sick, but are a carrier of the virus & need to get counseling

Full-blown AIDS:

- The immune system shuts down & the victim catches another disease which the body can not fight off.

- Seek medical attention immediately.

How did you get it?
- Spread during vaginal, a**l and possibly oral sex with someone who has AIDS or is HIV+

- Contracted by contact with

- Spread by sharing needles (IV drug use) with an infected person.

Is it dangerous?
- Very! Most of those in the U.S. estimated to carry HIV could develop full-blown AIDS within ten years unless new treatments are developed and prescribed.

- Don't ignore unexplained cough, fever, rash or headache.

Without treatment...
- Early diagnosis and treatment can prolong and improve quality of life.

REMEMBER: - Over one million Americans are estimated to be infected with HIV, many are undiagnosed.
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Genital Warts/HPV

Symptoms
- Symptoms show up 1-6 months after having sex

- Small, bumpy warts on the sex organs and/or a**s appear, and seem to not to go away

- Itching or burning around the affected sex organs or a**s/rectum

- The warts themselves are painless, but can spread fast

How did you get it?
- Spread during sexual intercourse, oral sex or a**l sex with someone who has genital warts.

How do you get rid of it?
- Warts are treated with a very toxic ointment, burned off with laser or electric needle, or with interferon-injectable treatment.

- For mild infection, health professional will provide an ointment to use over several weeks. If warts come back, treatment must be repeated.

Is it dangerous?
- Women who have been infected with some form of HPV are at high risk for cervical cancer.

Without treatment...
- More warts grow and are harder to get rid of.

- Can lead to pre-cancerous conditions in both men and women.

REMEMBER: - Women can pass genital warts to their babies during birth.
____________________________

Chancroid

Symptoms
- Painful swelling and draining open sores that ooze and pus.

How did you get it?
- Sexual contact or from skin to skin contact with someone who has infected sores.

- Sores may be in other places than the genitals.

- You can get chancroid from a person who has no visible signs of having it.

How do you get rid of it?
- Must be diagnosed and treated by a health professional who will prescribe proper antibiotic for a cure.

- Follow prescribed treatment until the sores go away.

Is it dangerous?
- The primary danger is that the open sores make it easier to pick up HIV and other STD's.

REMEMBER: - Condoms may not offer enough protection against infection because chancroid is caused by direct contact with an open sore that may or may not be on the p***s or v****a.
_________________________

Trichomoniasis

Symptoms
- This infection can possibly be in your body for years with or without symptoms.

WOMEN:

- A greenish yellow vaginal discharge with bad odor

- Frequent painful urination

- Inflammation of the genitals

- Sometimes pain in the lower abdomen

MEN:

- Discharge from the p***s

- Mild discomfort in the p***s

How did you get it?
- Sexual contact

- Also can be spread by damp wash cloths, towels and bathing suits shared with an infected person.

- These parasites can live outside of the body for hours

How do you get rid of it?
- Use condoms when having sex

- Flagyl (by prescription) is a common treatment for this and other parasites

- You and your partner should be treated so you won't re-infect each other

Is it dangerous?
- Aside from the symptoms listed, the drug, prescribed for treatment, Flagyl, may cause dizziness, nausea and headaches. Pregnant women should be careful not to use Flagyl.

REMEMBER: - Parasites multiply in warm, moist places.
_______________________________

Pubic Lice & Scabies

Symptoms
- Noticeable within days of contracting them.

- Sometimes you can see lice in the hairy parts of your body.

- Nits (lice eggs) can attach themselves to hairs

- They can resemble birthmarks or tiny dots on bare skin.

- Severe itching

- Sometimes blood is seen on underwear or skin if lice have burrowed.

- Look for them between fingers, skin folds of elbows, wrists, under arms, v****a, scrotum, a**l region and pubic hair.

How did you get it?
- Most commonly by sexual contact or other close physical contact

- Possibly by infected towels, toilet seats, bedding and clothing

- Very common if you live in crowded conditions and don't keep clean (bathe or shower daily and wear clean clothes)

How do you get rid of it?
- A prescribed cream left on for a specific period of time kills scabies

- Kwell (by prescription), RID or R&C as a cream, lotion or shampoo kills lice

- Treatment is repeated after one week, to kill any un-hatched eggs

- No sex during the treatment, or you risk passing the STD back and forth

- Clothes and bedding must all be washed in hot water, and furniture must be disinfected

- Without contact with a host, they will eventually die and remain dead after they can no longer survive to produce more eggs

Is it dangerous?
- Both pubic lice and scabies are very contagious

- Public lice can move from pubic hair to other hairy areas (under arms, eyelashes) if you scratch and touch those areas

- Public lice and scabies can often pass through people living in the same household

Without treatment...
- These bugs will continue to spread to other areas of your body

- Contamination of bedding, clothes and furniture becomes more extensive

REMEMBER: - The more you scratch, the faster you will spread both pubic lice and scabies around your body

- Sometimes they carry disease

- Sleeping in the same bed with an infected person may spread them

- Choose public restrooms carefully, as they cling to dirty toilet seats
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Added on Oct. 3/05

Taken from: http://mediresource.sympatico.msn.ca/channel_feature_detail.asp?channel_id=16&menu_item_id=2&news_id=101&subject_id=57

STIs, also known as STDs, are spread through body fluids and, sometimes, by skin-to-skin contact with infected areas. Birth control pills do not provide any protection against STIs. They only protect against pregnancy.

If you choose to be sexually active, the best protection against STIs (also known as STDs) is a latex condom. Condoms provide good protection against STIs for vaginal and a**l sex. Female condoms are also available. For oral sex, a dental dam (a flat piece of latex used for dental work) can be used in the mouth as a barrier to bacteria and viruses. Condoms work very well, but they are not 100% effective in preventing STIs. They may break or slip off, and they do not cover the entire genital area. Some STIs may cause sores in genital areas not covered by the condom, and you could still be infected.

Condoms work best if used properly. Here are a few tips:

- Open the package carefully so that you don't tear the condom.
- Store condoms in a cool place (not your wallet or your car).
- Don't use condoms that are past their expiration date - they are more likely to break.
- Don't re-use condoms.
- Use water-based lubricants (like KY Jelly or Astroglide), not oil-based ones (like petroleum jelly). Oil-based lubricants may cause the condom to break.
- Even if someone does not have any visible sores or other symptoms, they may still be infected with an STI that they could pass on to you. Unless you are in a mutually monogamous relationship (neither of you is having sex with anyone else), and you are sure that neither of you has any STIs, be sure to use a condom every time you have sex. No method is 100% effective at preventing infection.

That's why it is important to talk to your sexual partners about STIs.

Additional STI Information From Guild Members


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