Sexually transmitted infections Flashcards
Chlamydia
Thin, usually clear discharge and mild discomfort on urination
50% men and 75% women however, are asymptomatic
Urine sample or cell sample from vagina
Infection, so curable with antibiotics
Gonorrhea
Thick green or yellow discharge from vagina or penis, pain when urinating and, in women, bleeding between periods
1 in 10 men and almost half of women are asymptomatic
Sample of discharge, urine test, cervical discharge, pelvic exam, or a swab from throat or rectum
Infection, so curable with (large dose of) antibiotics –> Concern for resistance
Primary stage syphilis (2-8 weeks)
Small, painless sore or ulcer, resembling a crater (most people only 1)
Typically on penis, vagina, or around the anus, but sometimes in the mouth or on the lips, fingers or buttocks
And swollen glands in neck, groin or armpits
Secondary syphilis (few months after ulcer)
Blotchy red rash can appear anywhere on the body, but often on palms of the hands or soles of feet (does not itch or hurt)
Small skin growths (similar to genital warts) - on the vulva or around the anus
White patches in the mouth
Flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headaches, joint pains, and fever
Swollen glands
Occasionally patchy hair loss
Tertiary or late syphilis
Can spread to parts of the body such as the brain or nerves and cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems
Such as: meningitis, strokes, demential symptoms, loss of coordination, numbness, vision problems or blindness, heart problems
Still treatable at this stage, but it’s sometimes not possible to reverse any damage that’s already been done
Syphilis diagnosis and treatment
Physical examination of genitals or other parts of body, blood test, swab test form any sore
Antibiotics can treat it
Genital herpes
Condoms do not provide full protection –> through sexual intercourse and oral sex
- Small, painful bumps or blisters around genitals, anus, thighs or buttocks
- Tingling, burning or itching around genitals
- Painful urination and, in women, unusual vaginal discharge
No cure, drugs prevent or reduce recurring symptoms and cream for the pain
HIV
Invades a group of white blood cells called T-helper cells, which are cells critical to the body’s immune response in fighting off infections
When HIV reproduces, it destroys the infected T-cells in the process
Spread through sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal), contaminated blood, contaminated hypodermic needles, infected woman to her baby
HIV and AIDS stages
Stage 0: Initial infection and development of antibodies over 2-8 weeks; T-cell count remains around 1000
Stage 1: T-cell count drops but still over 500, may have no outward symptoms
Stage 2: T-cell count between 200 and 499
Stage 3: AIDS; T-cell count below 200
HIV and AIDS diagnosis and treatment
- ELISA: Blood test that detects presence of antibodies for HIV (but substantial number of false positives)
- Western blot or immunoblot method
- Home Access HIV-1 Test System: Finger prick
No cure, but now a manageable long-term disease
Viral hepatitis
Many adults infected with hepatitis B are asymptomatic
Abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue, jaundice
Blood tests, liver ultrasound, liver biopsy
Antiviral treatment and vaccine in developed
ZIKA virus
Can be spread in bodily fluids; safe sex for at least 6 months after infection is adviced
Trichomoniasis
A form of vaginitis, transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, red blotches on wall of vagina and cervix
- Discharge from penis
Physical examination, swab test, urine sample for men
Antibiotics taken orally can treat it
Pubic lice
Itching in affected areas especially at night, inflammation and irritation caused by scratching, blue spots or small spots of blood on skin (lice bites)
Nix and Rid for treatment available without prescription
Scabies
Very infectious, but usually not that serious, but really needs treatment for everyone in household
Use of cream or lotion that you can apply over whole body
