Overview: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
The U.S. has the **highest STI rates** among developed countries, with **20 million new cases per year**. Many infections are asymptomatic but can lead to serious long-term effects such as **infertility**, **chronic pain**, or **cancer**. This lesson outlines types of STIs, disparities in infection rates, and public health responses.
Disparities and Public Health Concerns
- STIs disproportionately affect **Black Americans**, **young people**, and those with **limited access to healthcare**.
- CDC (2011): African Americans account for **46% of gonorrhea** and **47% of chlamydia** cases despite being only 13% of the population.
- High rates linked to **poverty**, **low education**, and **limited sex ed**.
Common STIs by Category
Insect-borne:- Pubic Lice (“crabs”): Itchy, visible lice treated with insecticides.
- Scabies: Mites that burrow under the skin; cause rash and severe itching.
- Chlamydia: Often asymptomatic; can cause **PID** and infertility if untreated. Treated with **azithromycin**.
- Gonorrhea: May affect genital, rectal, or throat areas. Increasing resistance to antibiotics is a concern.
- Syphilis: Progresses through **primary**, **secondary**, **latent**, and **tertiary** stages. Can lead to neurological damage or death if untreated.
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2): Causes painful sores. No cure; managed with antivirals (e.g., **valacyclovir**).
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Most common STI. High-risk strains cause **cervical**, **anal**, and **throat cancers**. Preventable with **Gardasil** vaccine.
- Hepatitis B: Liver infection spread sexually or through needles; vaccine-preventable.
- HIV/AIDS: Retrovirus that attacks the immune system. Now managed with **ART (antiretroviral therapy)**.
HIV and AIDS
- HIV leads to **AIDS** when immune cell count drops below a threshold or opportunistic infections occur.
- Prevention: Condoms, **PrEP** (e.g., Truvada), clean needle programs.
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): Reduces HIV transmission by over **90%** when taken consistently.
- **CDC (2014)**: HIV infections have declined due to education, testing, and access to care.
STI Prevention and Education
- Condom use**, mutual monogamy**, and **vaccination** are key tools.
- Barriers include **lack of comprehensive sex education** and **healthcare stigma**.
- Early detection via **routine STI screenings** is critical, especially in high-risk groups.
