sexually transmitted infection
an infection caused by any pathogen that spreads from one person to another during sexual contact
trichomoniasis
a sexually transmitted infection caused by a protozoan that infects the urinary tract or vagina
urethritis
inflammation of the lining on the urethra
vaginitis
a vaginal infection or irritation
human papilloma virus
a very common viral sexually transmitted infection
chlamydia
a very common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria
pelvic inflammatory disease
a serious infection of the female reproductive organs that can lead to infertility or an ectopic pregnancy
gonorrhea
a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that infects the urinary tract of males and females and the reproductive organs of females
genital herpes
a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus
syphilis
a serious bacterial sexually transmitted infection that progresses through three distinct stages
chancre
a painless sore that appears during the first stage of syphilis
HIV
an incurable sexually transmitted infection that can lead to AIDS
AIDS
an often fatal disease of the immune system cause by HIV infection
asymptomatic stage
the stage of HIV infection in which the infected person shows no symptoms
opportunistic infection
an infection that attacks a person with a weakened immune system
universal precautions
actions taken by healthcare providers that reduce their risk of coming into contact with blood and body fluids
HIV positive
a person who is diagnosed as being infected with HIV
viral load
the number of virus particles circulating in the body