Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the transmission, symptoms, staging, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)

An infection passed mainly through sexual contact.

Highest STI Risk Demographic

Teenagers and young adults, especially ages $15\text{--}24$, due to inconsistent condom use, limited education, and biological factors.

Pubic Lice

Tiny insects called crabs that live in coarse body hair, spread through close physical or sexual contact, cause pubic itching, and are treated with lice-killing lotion or cream.

Scabies

Tiny mites that burrow into the skin, transmitted by prolonged skin-to-skin contact, causing intense itching and a bumpy rash; treated with prescription medicine that kills mites.

Chlamydia

A bacterial STI transmitted via sexual contact or childbirth, treated with antibiotics; often asymptomatic, but can cause burning or discharge, PID and infertility in women, urethral or epididymal inflammation in men, and eye infections or pneumonia in newborns.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An infection of the upper female reproductive organs that can result from untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea and lead to possible infertility.

Gonorrhea

A bacterial STI spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact; causes discharge, burning, or bleeding, can lead to PID and infertility, and is treated with antibiotics (usually ceftriaxone), though some strains resist antibiotics.

Chancre

A usually painless sore characteristic of primary syphilis.

Primary Syphilis

The first stage of syphilis, marked by the appearance of a usually painless sore called a chancre.

Secondary Syphilis

The second stage of syphilis, characterized by a rash (often on the palms or soles) and possible flu-like symptoms.

Latent Syphilis

A stage of syphilis in which the infection remains in the body but produces no noticeable symptoms.

Tertiary Syphilis

The late stage of syphilis that results in severe damage to internal organs, such as the heart and brain.

Congenital Syphilis

Syphilis passed from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

The virus responsible for herpes infections causing painful blisters or sores; it cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed using antivirals.

HSV-1

A herpes simplex virus type commonly associated with oral cold sores, though it can also cause genital herpes.

HSV-2

A herpes simplex virus type commonly associated with genital herpes that tends to recur more frequently than HSV-1.

Prodromal Symptoms (Herpes)

Sensations of tingling, itching, or burning that occur prior to the appearance of an outbreak.

Asymptomatic Viral Shedding

The release and transmission of herpes simplex virus in the absence of visible sores or active symptoms.

Suppressive Herpes Treatment

The practice of taking antiviral medicine daily to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.

Episodic Herpes Treatment

The practice of taking antiviral medicine specifically when an outbreak begins.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

A virus spread via intimate skin-to-skin sexual contact; most infections clear or become controlled within about $2$ years, but some types cause genital warts and others can cause cancers, including cervical cancer.

Gardasil

A vaccine that protects against several cancer-causing and wart-causing HPV types, most effective when administered prior to HPV exposure.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver that can produce symptoms including fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and sometimes jaundice.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin or eyes, often occurring as a symptom of liver inflammation or viral hepatitis.

CD4 Immune Cells

The specific immune system cells targeted and attacked by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

A virus transmitted via certain body fluids during sex, blood exposure, or childbirth that attacks CD4 immune cells; early symptoms may include fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

The most advanced and severe stage of HIV infection.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

Prescription medicine that prevents HIV from multiplying in the body, enabling individuals living with HIV to live long, healthy lives.

Viral Load

The quantified amount of HIV present in the blood.

Undetectable Viral Load

A level of HIV in the blood that is below the detection threshold of standard medical testing.

$U=U$ (Undetectable = Untransmittable)

The medical consensus stating that sustained undetectable levels of HIV cannot be sexually transmitted.

Pap Smear

A screening test for abnormal cervical cells, typically recommended every $3$ years starting at age $21$, with some options every $5$ years for ages $30\text{--}65$.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Medication taken before potential HIV exposure to prevent HIV transmission.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Emergency HIV prevention medication that must be initiated within $72$ hours after potential exposure and is taken for a course of $28$ days.

Doxy PEP

The administration of doxycycline after sex to lower the risk of acquiring certain bacterial STIs in eligible individuals; it does not protect against viral infections such as HIV or herpes.