Page 238 - (DK) Help Your Kids with Growing Up: A No-Nonsense Guide to Puberty and Adolescence

236 SEX

Viral STIs SEE ALSO
‹
‹ 224–225 Sex
230–231 Safer sex
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually ‹ 232–233 Contraception
transmitted diseases (STDs), can be spread by vaginal, oral, or anal ‹ 234–235 Bacterial and parasitic STIs
sex. STIs can have a variety of causes, among them viral infections.

Viral STIs
A virus is a microorganism that multiplies inside the cells of other living organisms, and
can cause serious harm. Unlike bacteria and parasites, viruses can’t survive away from a
host cell. They need host cells inside which they multiply. Viruses can enter the body from
the environment or through contact with other people.

Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment

Genital Genital herpes is caused by Small, painful blisters, or sores A doctor or There is no cure for genital
herpes the herpes simplex virus (HSV), usually develop, which may nurse will herpes, but the symptoms
which can be spread by skin cause itching or tingling, or diagnose genital can usually be controlled
contact. HSV remains dormant make it painful to urinate. herpes based on using anti-viral medicines.
(inactive) most of the time. visible symptoms.
Some triggers, such as illness,
stress, or alcohol, reactivate
the virus, causing blisters to
develop. It is highly contagious,
especially when a person
has sores.

Hepatitis B This is an infection of the Symptoms can include painful Hepatitis B can There is a vaccine for
liver caused by a virus spread sores around the genital and be serious, so it’s hepatitis B for those most
through bodily fluids. Most anal area, nose, and mouth important to get at risk. Treatment varies
often spread by unprotected (cold sores). medical advice based on how long it’s
sex, hepatitis B can also be if there is a been since the person was
spread by blood and bodily possibility of first exposed to the virus.
fluids; for example, by a mother infection. Hepatitis After six months, the
to her newborn baby, injecting B is diagnosed infection is incurable,
drugs, unclean tattoo or body with a blood test. but medicines are
piercing equipment, or sharing available to keep the virus
infected toothbrushes or razors.
under control and reduce
the risk of liver damage.

HPV (genital It is spread by Small, fleshy growths, bumps, Diagnosed It’s treated with creams
warts) skin-to-skin contact. or skin changes can appear on or with a simple or by freezing the warts
around the genital or anal area. examination by a (cryotherapy). Vaccinations
It can lead to cancerous growths. doctor or nurse, are offered to females
Usually HPV is painless, but it possibly using a aged 12–13 against HPV
may cause itching, redness, or, magnifying lens. because it is the main
occasionally, bleeding. cause of cancer of the
cervix (neck of the womb).

236-237_299754_HYKWGU_Viral_STIs.indd 236 24/03/2017 17:20