sexually transmitted infection (STI)
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 of 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.
syphillis
A serious bacterial sexually transmitted infection that progresses through four distinct stages.
chancre
A painless sore that appears during the first stage of syphillis infection.
HIV
The human immnodeficiency virus, an incurable sexually transmitted infection that can lead to AIDS.
AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency sydrome, an often fatal disease of the immune system caused 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.
What is a sexually transmitted infection?
Any infection that can be spread through sexual intercourse, anal sex, oral sex, and using fingers other body parts, or sex toys that have come into contact with another person's genitals or body fluid
What are 3 risky behaviors that contribute to the current STI epidemic?
ignore risks,multiple partner, not seeking treatment
Explain how practicing abstinence, avoiding drugs, and your choices of friends can help you avoid STIs.
They are mainly transmitted through sexual contact, but a few are also transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person. Avoiding sexual contact is the best way to avoid STIs. The use of drugs from one infected person to another or an unin
What are 3 of the most common STIs in the United States? What kind of pathogen causes each STI?
Trichomoniasis, human papilloma virus, and chlamydia. Protozoan=Trichomoniasis, Viral=Human Papilloma Virus, Bacteria=Chlamydia
Why is pelvic inflammatory disease a serious problem in women?
It can lead to infertility or an ectopic pregnancy.
List the symptoms of hepatitis
fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice
Which stage of syphilis is characterized by the appearance of a chancre?
first
List the symptoms of gonorrhea
Men-burning sensation when urinating, or a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis that usually appears 1 to 14 days after infection. Sometimes men with gonorrhea get painful or swollen testicles.
Women-symptoms, they are often mild and can be mi
List the symptoms of genital herpes
painful blisters that appear around the genitals. Cracked, raw, or red areas around your genitals without pain, itching, or tingling
Itching or tingling around your genitals or your anal region
Small blisters that break open and cause painful sores. These
List the symptoms of syphilis
chancre sores, nonitchy skin rash often appears on the hands and feet, can attack brain and heart.
When should a person seek treatment for STIs?
as soon a possible. Promptly
Which STIs can be treated but not cured?
Genital Herpes, Hepatitis. Syphilis can be treated if found early.
Explain how HIV affects the immune system and how it eventually leads to AIDS
attacks specific cells of the immune system, disabling the body's defenses against other pathogens. When the immune system becomes severely disabled, the infected person has AIDS.
What is meant by an opportunistic infection?
Infections that attack a person with a weakened immune system
Give an example of an opportunistic infection
tuberculosis, fungal infections, and a lung disease called pneumocystic carinii pneumonia
What are four ways that HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person?
Sexual contact, sharing of needles, contact with blood, mother to baby
List 3 ways HIV is not transmitted
casual contact, going to class or eating lunch with an infected person, holding hands or hugging
Which majority of the world accounts for the majority of HIV infections?
Africa and Asia
What are 3 behaviors that can help you avoid HIV infection?
practicing abstinence, avoiding drugs, avoiding contact with others' blood and body fluids.
What does an HIV test involve?
blood is tested for antibodies to HIV. If antibodies are detected, a second test is done to verify the result.
What does HIV-positive mean?
diagnosed as being infected with HIV
What is the main goal of HIV treatment? How is that goal achieved?
keep the persons immune system functioning as close to normal as possible. That is achieved by keeping the persons viral load and keeping the persons T cell count as high as possible.
A reduced ability to have children
infertility
Describe 2 ways to avoid getting a STI
abstinence, don't do drugs or share needles
A serious infection of a female reproductive organs can be caused by chlamydia in
pelvic inflammatory disease
An STI that cannot be treated with antibiotics
Genital Herpes, Hepatitis
How can genital herpes affect a newborn baby?
cause blindness and possibly death
What steps should be taken by a person who suspects that he or she is infected with an STI?
get medical check-ups every 6 months. Individuals that suspect that they may be infected should seek prompt medical attention.
Why should someone who is diagnosed with an STI notify all of his or her sexual partners?
Because they might be infected
The virus that causes AIDS is
HIV
HIV destroys
T cells
Why do people with AIDS fall victim to opportunistic infections?
weakens the immune system
Described 4 ways that HIV is spread
sexual contact, shared needles, Contact with blood, Mother to Baby
One behavior that is not a way to protect yourself from HIV
sharing needles
HIV-Postive people receive treatments to keep
their viral load as low as possible
In what ways can HIV treatment be difficult?
complicated dosage schedules, costs, side effects, which can include liver and kidney damage. If person is not consistent about taking the drugs exactly as prescribed, drug resistance can develop quickly.