STI Flashcards
(10 cards)
Syphilis
A bacterial STI with 3 stages
Stage 1: Painless sore (chancre); disappears in 3–6 weeks but still contagious.
Stage 2: Non-itchy rash on palms, soles, or body; may also cause fever, sore throat.
Stage 3: Can damage organs like brain, heart, liver; may cause paralysis or death.
Treatment: Antibiotics (usually penicillin).
Gonorrhea
A bacterial infection that affects genitals, rectum, and throat.
Painful urination, green/yellow discharge, swelling in genitals; may be asymptomatic.
Treatment: Antibiotics
Chlamydia
A very common bacterial STI that often has no symptoms.
Often no symptoms, but can cause pelvic pain, abnormal discharge, and infertility if untreated.
Treatment: Antibiotics. Retesting may be needed after 3 months.
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
A viral STI with many strains; some cause warts, others cause cancer.
Genital warts, cervical cancer, throat cancer. Most people don’t show symptoms.
Treatment: No cure, but vaccines (like Gardasil) help prevent it. Warts can be removed, and cancer monitored/treated.
Herpes
A viral STI that causes painful sores on mouth or genitals.
What Happens: Itchy blisters or sores that come and go; HSV-1 = cold sores, HSV-2 = genital sores. Still contagious without symptoms.
Treatment: No cure, but antiviral medication (like acyclovir) reduces outbreaks and lowers spread.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
A virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS.
What Happens: Flu-like symptoms at first, then weak immune system over time. Increases risk of other infections and diseases.
Treatment: No cure, but ART (antiretroviral therapy) controls virus and helps people live long lives.
Hepatitis B (HBV
A liver infection caused by a virus, spread through sex or blood.
What Happens: Fatigue, yellow skin (jaundice), dark urine, liver damage. Can become chronic.
Treatment: No cure, but vaccine prevents it. Antiviral meds may help manage chronic HBV.
Trichomoniasis
A common STI caused by a parasite.
What Happens: Smelly, greenish-yellow discharge, itching, burning when peeing. Often no symptoms.
Treatment: Prescription medicine (metronidazole or tinidazole). Treat both partners.
Pubic Lice
Tiny parasites that live in pubic hair and feed on blood.
What Happens: Intense itching, visible lice or eggs (nits), red bumps. Spread through sexual contact or shared clothing/bedding.
Treatment: Special lice-killing shampoo. Wash clothes, bedding, and towels.
Scabies
A skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into skin.
What Happens: Very itchy rash, especially at night; small red bumps and lines. Spread through close physical contact.
Treatment: Prescription cream (like permethrin). Wash clothes, sheets, and items in hot water.
