Sexually Transmitted Infections
- How HIV is transmitted:
- Exposure to blood, vaginal fluid, semen, breast Milk can transmit HIV.
- Exposure to saliva, sweat will not transmit HIV
- HIV is very difficult for the human body to destroy because the virus reproduces very quickly, mutates easily, and it can hide in other cells of the body.
- HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
- How does HIV work:
- HIV attacks the immune system by reproducing in the T-cells.
- The body cannot make antibodies to fight other infections.
- As the virus mutates, effective medications do not work as well.
- The following Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are curable.
- Examples: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Pubic Lice and Scabies, and possibly Vaginitis or NGU if caused by a bacteria
- Some STI’s are caused by viruses and cannot be cured. These include HPV (Genital Warts), Genital Herpes, HIV, Hepatitis B.
- Many STD’s do not have any signs. Testing is the only way to know if someone is STD free.
- The better you know your sexual partner, the less likely problems will occur. Hook-ups and friends with benefits may be exciting but are risky behaviors.
Birth Control and Abstinence
- Abstinence is defined as no genital contact.
- Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective against pregnancy and close to 100% effective against STI’s.
- Relationships based on abstinence are often based on strong emotional intimacy.
- Relationships based on love are centered around trust and friendship; they take dedication and work. Infatuation-based relationships are based on sex and are marked by insecurity.
- There are 23 forms of birth control. Some are highly effective and others are not.
- There are many factors that determine which is best for an individual, such as cost, STI protection, availability and ease of use.
- If used properly, hormonal birth control like pills are more effective than condoms.
- Male condoms are much more effective used in another form of birth control (Diaphragm, Sponge, Vaginal Spermicide etc.).
- The withdrawal method (pulling out) is a bad form of birth control because of pre-ejaculation (ejaculates sooner than expected) and “broken promises.”
Facts on Reproduction
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Abusive Relationships
- There are many steps women and men can take to prevent dating violence.
- Unhealthy power and control in a relationship can produce many dangerous and harmful results.
- Example of P and C are always watching partner, making all decisions and mind