Human Sexuality December 3, 2012 Chapter 15: Sexually Transmitted Infections

1. Human Sexuality December 3, 2012Chapter 15: Sexually Transmitted Infections

2. viral infections

3. 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!

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. vaginal infections (that may spread to people without vaginas)

11. 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

12. 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

13. ectoparasitic infections

14. 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 re-infect yourself after treatment in this way • Prescription and over the counter medications are available to treat

15. 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

16. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

17. 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 T-helper cells, destroying them • Without T-helper cells, we are susceptible to many other illnesses that would not be problematic for a healthy person

18. 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

19. 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