UTIs and STIs Key Terms (Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Syphilis)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering UTIs and major sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and syphilis) with causes, signs, transmission, prevention, and treatment.

E. coli

The most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Staphylococcus saprophyticus

A common cause of UTIs, especially in young sexually active women.

Klebsiella

A gram-negative bacterium that can cause UTIs.

Proteus

A bacterium associated with UTIs; can cause stone formation in some cases.

Dysuria

Burning or painful sensation during urination common in UTIs.

Frequency

Increased urge to urinate, a symptom of UTIs.

Urgency

Sudden, strong need to urinate, often seen in UTIs.

Suprapubic pain

Pain above the bladder, a possible sign of a UTI. .

Cloudy urine

Urine that appears cloudy or has an unpleasant odor, common in UTIs.

Pyelonephritis

Kidney infection characterized by fever, flank pain, and nausea/vomiting.

Transmission & Epidemiology (UTIs)

UTIs are not sexually transmitted, but sex can increase risk.

Female predisposition (shorter urethra)

Women are more affected by UTIs due to anatomical differences.

Hydration (prevention)

Increased fluid intake to help prevent UTIs.

Urinating after intercourse (prevention)

A preventive practice to reduce postcoital UTIs.

Proper hygiene (prevention)

Good genital hygiene to help prevent UTIs.

Nitrofurantoin

Antibiotic commonly used to treat uncomplicated UTIs.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

TMP-SMX; an antibiotic used for UTIs when indicated.

Fosfomycin

An antibiotic used as a single-dose treatment for uncomplicated UTIs.

Gonorrhea

Sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Gram-negative diplococcus that causes gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea signs in men

Urethritis with dysuria and purulent discharge.

Gonorrhea signs in women

Cervicitis and risk of PID; infertility with pelvic disease.

Disseminated gonococcal infection

Arthritis-dermatitis syndrome that can occur with gonorrhea.

Vertical transmission (neonatal)

Gonorrhea can be transmitted from mother to newborn (neonatal conjunctivitis).

Prevention (gonorrhea)

Condoms and safe sex practices reduce transmission.

Gonorrhea treatment

Ceftriaxone IM plus doxycycline if chlamydia is not excluded.

Chlamydia

Sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Chlamydia trachomatis

Obligate intracellular bacterium that causes chlamydia.

Often asymptomatic

Chlamydia frequently presents without noticeable symptoms.

Chlamydia in men

Urethritis and epididymitis can occur.

Chlamydia in women

Cervicitis, PID, infertility risk.

Chlamydia in neonates

Can cause conjunctivitis or pneumonia after birth.

Transmission & Epidemiology (Chlamydia)

Sexual contact and vertical transmission at birth; most common bacterial STI in the U.S.

Prevention (Chlamydia)

Condoms and routine screening to detect and prevent infection.

Chlamydia treatment (preferred)

Doxycycline (preferred); azithromycin as alternative in pregnancy.

Trichomoniasis

Sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomonas vaginalis

Protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis.

Trichomoniasis signs in women

Frothy, greenish-yellow discharge with foul odor, vaginal itching/burning; strawberry cervix.

Trichomoniasis signs in men

Often asymptomatic; may have urethritis.

Transmission (trichomoniasis)

Sexual contact; more common in women.

Prevention (trichomoniasis)

Condoms and treating partner(s) to prevent spread.

Metronidazole or tinidazole (treatment)

First-line treatment for trichomoniasis; both partners must be treated.

Syphilis

Sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum (spirochete).

Treponema pallidum

Spirochete bacterium that causes syphilis.

Primary syphilis

Painless chancre at the infection site.

Secondary syphilis

Rash on palms/soles, condyloma lata, and systemic symptoms.

Latent syphilis

Asymptomatic stage of syphilis.

Tertiary syphilis

Gummas, neurosyphilis, and cardiovascular disease.

Congenital syphilis

Stillbirth, bone deformities, and neurologic deficits in newborns.

Transmission (syphilis)

Sexual contact and vertical transmission (transplacental).

Prevention (syphilis)

Safe sex and routine prenatal screening.

Penicillin G (all stages)

First-line antibiotic for syphilis at all stages.

IV penicillin G for neurosyphilis

Penicillin G given intravenously for neurosyphilis management.