STDs Flashcards
(35 cards)
what are sexually transmitted infections
Infectious diseases that are spread primarily through intimate sexual contact
Once called venereal disease
are among most common of infectious diseases
20+ STIs identified
Affects all backgrounds and SES levels
most prevalent: teenagers and young adults
why are women more affected by STIs
frequency of asymptomatic infections
women do not seek care until serious problems have developed
how do STIs spread
sexual intercourse
oral–genital contact
hand–genital contact
anal intercourse
direct contact with infected area
infected needles/syringes
mother to baby (pregnancy or birth) or during breastfeeding
what are some signs and symptoms of STIs
different or heavier discharge from vagina
discharge from penis
burning feeling when urinating
sores (genitals/anus)
itching feeling around sex organs/anus
rash
swollen glands in groin
what is chlamydia
Most prevalent sexually transmitted disease
caused by nongonococcal bacterium
often presents no symptoms
affects mostly women
if left untreated, can affect
men: prostate gland, seminal vesicles
women: cervix, fallopian tubes
both: arthritis-like symptoms, damage to heart and blood vessels
what is human papilloma virus (HPV)
Sexually transmitted virus capable of causing precancerous changes in the cervix
causative agent for genital warts
30% of HPV cases progress to precancerous cells
what is genital warts
Caused b human papilomavis
two types
full-blown genital warts
flat warts
treatments for genital warts include podophyllin, cryosurgery, simple excision, laser surgery, creams containing 5-fluorouracil, or interferon injections.
vaccination
what is cystitis
infection of the urinary bladder
what is urethritis
infection of the urethra
what is a yeast infection
A yeast like fungus caused by canidia abicans
found naturally in the vaginal tract, becomes problematic when normal chemical balance is disturbed
what causes a yeast infection
antibiotics, tight clothing, sexual transmission, inks / dyes (found in clothing), perfume (scented pads / tampons, panty liners), condoms, diet (increased acidity), hormonal changes (due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause), weakened immune system, douches or spermicides, sexual intercourse, STIs
what is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
an acute or chronic infection of the peritoneum or lining of the abdominal-pelvic cavity and fallopian tubes
Often results from an untreated STI
symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, and unusual vaginal discharge.
if left untreated, increases risk for infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and recurrent upper genital infections
what is herpes
caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV)
chickenpox
HSV-1
HSV-2
signs
women
men
what is syphillis
caused by a bacterial organism
progresses in stages
Primary stage- a chancre develops that disappears in 3 to 6 weeks
Secondary stage - 1 to 12 months after the chancre disappears, a rash or white patches on the skin appear and last a few weeks or months
what is the latent stage of sypillis
infection can be passed to fetus (congenital syphillis)
heart damage, central nervous system damage, blindness, paralysis, and dementia
what is gonorreha
more than 700,000 cases per year
caused by bacterial pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae
At highest risk are males ages 20 to 24
primarily infects the linings of the urethra, genital tract, pharynx, and rectum
treatment with antibiotics;
if left untreated, can cause sterility
what is crabs
small parasites that are usually transmitted during sexual contact
they lay eggs at the base of pubic hairs
treatment is by washing clothing, furniture, and linens
usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to kill all larval forms
what is HIV
- human immunodeficiency
The HIV kills or damages cells in the bodys immune system
Progressivly destroys the bodys ability to fight infections and certain cancers
what is AIDS
- acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
most advanced stages of HIV infection - HIV causes AIDS
how many people are estimated to be living with aids
37.9 million and has affected 60 million since 1981
why are women underrepresented in clinical trials for HIV treatments
factors for disparities include economic disadvantages, cultural norms, rape, sexual abuse, care-giving burdens, less education, and a passive role in negotiating safe sex
how is HIV spread?
most commonly through unprotected sex with an infected partner
enters the body through: the lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, mouth, or infected blood
in women, it can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy or birth
what happens once HIV is caught
once inside the host, the virus begins to multiply
virus begins to destroy helper T cells
virus changes the genetic structure of the cells it attacks
the body begins to produce antibodies
what are high risk behaviros for HIV
Exchange of body fluids
Injecting drugs
Receiving a blood transfusion prior to 1985
