STDs: The Silent Epidemic — Quizlet Study Guide

What is an epidemic?

An outbreak of an infectious disease that affects a large population.

How many new STD cases are reported each year in the U.S.?

About 13 million.

Do many STD cases go unreported?

Yes.

Are STDs a problem among teenagers?

No, that's a myth; two-thirds of all STD cases occur in adolescents and young adults.

What is the statistic for sexually active teens contracting an STD before graduating high school?

One in four.

What are the two types of STDs?

Bacterial and Viral.

Can bacterial STDs be cured?

Yes, through antibiotics.

Can viral STDs be cured?

No, there is no cure; once you have it, you have it forever.

What is Chlamydia?

A bacterial infection affecting the vagina in females and the urethra in males; the most common STD.

What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?

Whitish-grayish milky discharge, itching, soreness, painful urination; often has no symptoms.

How is Chlamydia contracted?

Through sexual activity, not just intercourse; can be contracted through eyes, mouth, and genital areas.

What are the effects of untreated Chlamydia?

Infertility, sterility, PID, scarring of tubes, miscarriage if pregnant.

How is Chlamydia treated?

Curable by antibiotics.

What is Gonorrhea?

A bacterial infection affecting the vagina in females and the urethra in males.

What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?

Greenish-yellowish frothy discharge, itching, soreness, painful urination; can have no symptoms.

What are the effects of untreated Gonorrhea?

Infertility, sterility, PID, scarring of tubes, miscarriage if pregnant.

How is Gonorrhea treated?

Curable by antibiotics.

What is the relationship between Chlamydia and Gonorrhea?

They usually come together.

How are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea tested?

Culture test.

What is Syphilis?

The oldest STD; occurs in three stages.

What are the symptoms of Stage 1 Syphilis?

Painless chancre sore at the site of infection; lasts 2-6 weeks.

What are the symptoms of Stage 2 Syphilis?

All-over rash, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, fatigue; lasts 2-6 months.

What is the latent stage of Syphilis?

Asymptomatic phase where permanent damage begins; can last 10+ years.

What are the effects of Stage 3 Syphilis?

Incurable; causes blindness, paralysis, insanity, heart failure, and death.

How is Syphilis treated?

Curable by penicillin if treated early.

Who are some famous people who died of Syphilis?

Al Capone, Mozart, Napoleon Bonaparte, Christopher Columbus.

What are viral STDs?

Treatable but incurable; once you have them, you have them forever.

What are the types of Herpes?

HSV1 and HSV2.

What is HSV1?

Oral Herpes; causes cold sores, fever blisters.

How is HSV1 activated?

When health is compromised.

What is HSV2?

Genital Herpes; must be acquired.

What are the symptoms of HSV2?

Tiny painful clusters of blisters; tingling and itching before outbreak.

How is Herpes treated?

No cure; antiviral medications can prevent or shorten outbreaks.

What causes Genital Warts?

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

What are the strains of HPV?

Over 100 strains; about 20 are sexually transmitted.

What do Genital Warts look like?

Cauliflower-like warts in or around the genital area.

How are Genital Warts removed?

Lasered, burned, or frozen off; virus remains in the body.

Can HPV cause cancer?

Yes, it can cause cervical cancer.

What are the types of Hepatitis?

A, B, C, and D.

What does Hepatitis do?

Causes inflammation and destruction of the liver.

How does Hepatitis spread?

Through sex and IV drug use.

How long can Hepatitis live outside the body?

Up to 72 hours in blood.

When was Hepatitis B immunization introduced?

Since the 1990s.