SEXUALLY

TRANSMITTED
DISEASES (STD’S)
OVERVIEW
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by sexually
transmitted infections (STIs). They are spread mainly by sexual
contact. STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. A sexually
transmitted infection may pass from person to person in blood,
semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids. Sometimes sexually
transmitted infections are spread in ways other than sexual contact.
For example, STIs can spread to infants during pregnancy or
childbirth. STIs also can spread through blood transfusions or shared
needles.
 CAUSES
Sexually transmitted infections can be caused by:
• Bacteria. Gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia are examples
of STDs that are caused by bacteria.
• Parasites. Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by a parasite.
• Viruses. STDs caused by viruses include human
papillomavirus (HPV), the herpes simplex virus, and the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.
 FACTORS
• Having unprotected sex.
• Having sexual contact with many partners.
• Having a history of STIs.
• Being forced to engage in sexual activity.
• Misuse of alcohol or use of recreational drugs.
• Injecting drugs
• Being young.
 PREVENTION
• Avoid sex or sexual activity
• Stay with one uninfected partner.
• Wait and test.
• Get vaccinated.
• Use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly.
• Don't drink alcohol excessively or use illegal drugs.
• Talk to your partner.
• Think about male circumcision.
• Think about using preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
 CURE
Effective treatment/CURE is currently available for several STDs.
• Three bacterial (chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis) and one parasitic
STDs (trichomoniasis) are generally curable with existing single-dose
regimens of antibiotics.
• For herpes and HIV, the most effective medications available are antivirals
that can modulate the course of the disease, though they cannot cure the
disease.
• For hepatitis B, antivirals can help fighting the virus and slowing damage to
the liver
Always be protected !
Always be protected !
Always be protected !